What is the Pattern of the Compulsory English and Indian Language Papers in the IAS Main Exam?

The aim of the compulsory English and Indian Language papers is to test the candidate's ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express his ideas clearly and correctly in English/Indian language concerned.

The pattern of questions to be asked in the UPSC Civil Services Main exam would be broadly as follows:

•    Comprehension of given passages
•    Precis Writing
•    Usage and Vocabulary
•    Short Essay


Indian Languages:

•    Comprehension of given passages.
•    Precis Writing
•    Usage and Vocabulary.
•    Short Essay
•    Translation from English to the Indian language and vice-versa.

The Papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.

The candidates will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the respective Indian language (except where translation is involved).