UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2024: First Session Underway, Second Shift To Begin At 2pm
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is conducting the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024 today, with candidates appearing at various centers nationwide. The first session began at 9am, and the second session is scheduled to start at 2pm.
Delays Due to Lok Sabha Elections
Originally scheduled for May 26, the examination was postponed due to the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. This exam is the first stage in selecting candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other prestigious services.
Travel Arrangements for Candidates
To ensure smooth travel for the large number of examinees, state transport departments have implemented several measures:
- Delhi Metro Rail: Services started at 6am.
- Namo Bharat Train: Services are available from 6am to 10pm.
- Kolkata Metro: Increased trips on the Dakshineswar-New Garia corridor (Blue Line) to 138 trips (69 in each direction).
Essential Guidelines for Examinees
Candidates must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Pen Requirements: Use a black ballpoint pen to fill in the answer key.
- Prohibited Items: Bags, mobile phones, cameras, electronic watches, and Bluetooth/IT devices are not allowed in examination halls.
- E-Admit Card: Must be presented at the exam venue along with the listed photo ID. Discrepancies in the e-Admit Card should be reported to the commission via email at uscsp-upsc@nic.in immediately.
- No IT Gadgets: Mobile phones, smart/digital watches, books, and bags should not be brought to the examination hall.
Examination Structure
Preliminary Examination
- Papers: Two objective-type (multiple-choice) papers.
- Total Marks: 400.
- Purpose: Serves as a screening test; marks do not count towards the final merit list.
Qualification Criteria
- General Studies Paper-II: Minimum qualifying mark of 33%.
- General Studies Paper-I: Total qualifying marks determined by the Commission.
- Negative Marking: One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to each question will be deducted for incorrect answers. Multiple answers will also be penalized.
Main Examination
- Components: Written Examination and Interview/Personality Test.
- Written Exam: Nine conventional essay-type papers, with two qualifying papers.
- Ranking: Marks from all compulsory papers and the Interview/Personality Test will be counted for final ranking.
The UPSC CSE Mains 2024 exams are scheduled to be held for five days starting September 20.
