GPSC Class 1-2 — exam pattern

GPSC · Graduate · Yearly (usually) · Age 20–35 · checked 2026-10-19

Based on the most recent notification we could find; confirm counts in the official notification for your cycle.

Prelims

OMR · 2 h each · Negative marking: Varies (1/3 typical; none in some states) · 250 questions · 400 marks

Question counts vary by state (BPSC 150 in one paper; TNPSC 200). State-specific GK carries 20–40% of GS.

SectionQuestionsMarksWeightage
Paper I — General Studies150200
50%
Paper II — CSAT (qualifying in most states)100200
50%

Mains

Descriptive · 3 h per paper · Negative marking: None · 1500 marks

SectionQuestionsMarksWeightage
GS papers + Essay + Language (+ Optional in some)—1500
100%

Interview

Interview · — · Negative marking: — · 100 marks

SectionQuestionsMarksWeightage
Interview—100
100%

Subjects in our question bank

Years available: 2018

Frequently asked

How many questions are there in GPSC Class 1-2?
Prelims: 250 questions, 400 marks, 2 h each. Mains: descriptive questions, 1500 marks, 3 h per paper. Interview: descriptive questions, 100 marks, —.
Is there negative marking in GPSC Class 1-2?
Prelims: Varies (1/3 typical; none in some states). Mains: None. Interview: —.
Who can apply for GPSC Class 1-2?
Graduate, age 20–35. Held yearly (usually) by GPSC.