Understanding the UPSC marks calculation scheme is essential before you set targets. The exam has three independent scoring stages — Prelims (screening), Mains (1750 marks), and Interview (275 marks) — but the final merit list is computed out of only 2025 marks.
| Paper | Questions | Marks/Q | Total | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS Paper 1 | 100 | 2 | 200 | −0.66 per wrong |
| CSAT (Paper 2) | 80 | 2.5 | 200 | −0.83 per wrong |
Important: CSAT is qualifying only — you need 33% (66/200) to clear. Only GS Paper 1 score is used to determine Prelims cut-off. Prelims marks do not count towards final merit.
| Paper | Marks |
|---|---|
| Essay | 250 |
| GS Paper 1 (Heritage, History, Geography) | 250 |
| GS Paper 2 (Polity, Governance, IR) | 250 |
| GS Paper 3 (Economy, S&T, Environment, Security) | 250 |
| GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 |
| Optional Paper 1 | 250 |
| Optional Paper 2 | 250 |
| Mains Total | 1750 |
Language Papers (Paper A — Indian language, Paper B — English) are qualifying only. You must score 25% (75/300) to be evaluated, but their marks don't count in merit.
The Personality Test (Interview) carries 275 marks. Final merit = Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks. Average UPSC interview score is 150–190; toppers often touch 200–210.