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UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IPS) — Dates, Pattern & Free Mock Tests
India's premier civil-services exam (IAS, IPS, IFS and more). Three stages: Prelims (objective), Mains (descriptive), and Interview.
Take a free UPSC CSE test →Key dates
Notified2026 cycle fully announced (933 vacancies); Prelims already held, Mains in Aug 2026. 2027 notification expected ~Feb 2027.
Dates as of 27 June 2026. Always confirm on the official site: upsc.gov.in
Exam pattern
Prelims
GS Paper I — 100 Q, 200 marks · CSAT Paper II — 80 Q, 200 marks (qualifying, 33%). −1/3 negative.
Mains
9 descriptive papers: Essay, GS-I–IV, 2 Optional papers (merit) + 2 language papers (qualifying).
Interview
Personality Test — 275 marks.
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Solved previous-year questions with answers and explanations.
Frequently asked
How many attempts and what is the age limit?
General category: 6 attempts up to age 32, with relaxations for reserved categories. Check the official notification for exact eligibility.
Do you cover the optional subjects?
Yes — Sociology, PSIR, Anthropology, Geography and more, with PYQs and answer evaluation.
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