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Drishti IAS: Your Gateway to Success in Competitive Exams.

IAS Civil Services Examination Overview

• Purpose: To recruit candidates for various civil services in India (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.).

Examination Structure

1. Preliminary Exam:

   • Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions).
   • Papers:
     • General Studies Paper I: Current affairs, history, geography, etc.
     • General Studies Paper II (CSAT): Qualifying paper focusing on aptitude.
   • Objective: Qualify candidates for the Main Exam.

2. Main Exam:

   • Type: Written examination.
   • Total Papers: Nine papers.
     • Compulsory: Indian Language, English, Essay, and four General Studies.
     • Optional Subject: One subject chosen by the candidate (two papers).
   • Objective: In-depth assessment of knowledge and writing skills.