Contents
UPSC Principal Exam Pattern
The UPSC Principal exam pattern consists of two steps through which the commission determines the ability of a candidate:
- Interview
- Written test (if required)
Let us give you a detailed insight into the exam pattern.
| Subject | No. Of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| English | 50 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 50 | 50 |
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Important highlights
- The duration of exams will be 3 hours.
- Each question will have 1 mark.
- On every wrong answer given, there will be negative marking of 1/4.
Interview
Based on the details provided during the form-filling, the candidate can be called for an interview.
- The maximum marks in interview are 100.
- The candidate has to carry a print out of the online application along with the certificates/degrees he/she claimed to have while filling the form.
- The commission notifies the shortlisted individuals with the detail of interview via email. In this case, aspirants are advised to provide their legit email address wherever asked during the application process.
- The minimum marks to be obtained in an interview (based on the category) are: Gen – 50, OBC – 45, SC/ST – 40.
Important Note:
If the number of applications surpasses the desired range, the commission will shortlist the candidates according to the following criteria:
- A candidate with desired qualification (DQ) will be preferred.
- Higher qualification could be considered over the minimum qualification as described in the advertisement.
- Candidates with higher experience will have better luck than those with comparatively less experience.
- Recruitment test.
Detail Syllabus
Now that you have gotten the idea of the exam pattern, take a look at the syllabus for your better understanding.
General English
- Direct and Indirect speech
- Error spotting
- Homophones/Homonyms
- Synonym & Antonyms
- Proposition
- One Word Substitutions
- Ideoms and Phrases
- Article Rules
- Precise Writing
- Cloze Test
- Tenses
Mathematics
- Average
- Number system
- Time & Distance
- Ratio and Proportion
- Interest
- Discount
- Profit & Loss
- Mensuration
- Desimals
- Fundamental Arithmetical Operations
- Fractions
Reasoning
- Blood Relation
- Judgement
- Analogy
- Series Problems
- Statement and Assumptions
- Statement and Conclutions
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Relationship Concepts
- Problem Solving
- Directions
- Coding-Decoding
Quantitative Aptitude
- Percentages
- Fundamental of Arithmetical Operations
- Time and Work
- Decimals and Fractions
- Number Systems
- The Relation Between The Numbers
- Profit & Loss
- Computation of Whole Numbers
- Interest
- Discount
- Averages
- Percentages
- Ratio and Proportion
FAQs
Union Public Service Commission
Yes, there be a negative marking of 1/4 for each wrong answer given by the aspirant.
The final merit will be prepared based on the marks obtained in the interview and recruitment test.
Generally, the candidate is required to have at least a Bachelor’s degree. However, Master’s and Doctorate degree holders will have an upper hand in case the number of applications is large.
The candidate has to go through an Interview and recruitment test. The final merit is prepared on the basis of marks scored in these stages.