MPSC Civil Services

The Prelims is an objective (MCQ-based) examination and works as a screening test. The marks obtained in this stage are not counted in the final merit.
It consists of two papers.

Paper I is General Studies, which carries 200 marks with 100 questions and a duration of 2 hours.

Paper II is CSAT (Aptitude), which carries 200 marks with 80 questions and a duration of 2 hours.

There is negative marking of one-fourth (1/4th) marks for every wrong answer. SAT is qualifying in nature, and candidates must score a minimum of 33% to pass. Only the marks of Paper I (General Studies) are considered for the cutoff.

The Mains examination is descriptive in nature, and the marks obtained in this stage are counted for the final merit.

It consists of six papers.

Paper I is Marathi (100 marks), and Paper II is English (100 marks). Both are qualifying papers.
Paper III is General Studies I (History and Geography) for 150 marks.
Paper IV is General Studies II (Polity and Social Justice) for 150 marks.
Paper V is General Studies III (Economy and Science & Technology) for 150 marks.
Paper VI is General Studies IV (Ethics and Aptitude) for 150 marks.

The total marks for the Mains examination are 800.

The General Studies papers (Paper III to VI) are merit deciding, so answer writing practice is very important.

The Interview is the final stage of the MPSC exam and carries 100 marks. It is conducted to assess the overall personality of the candidate.

This stage does not test only knowledge but focuses on confidence, communication skills, decision-making ability, and presence of mind.

Questions are generally based on the candidate's background, education, and current affairs. It is more like a formal interaction rather than a strict exam.

A candidate's attitude, honesty, clarity of thought, and leadership qualities are carefully observed.