The MPSC exam pattern for the Preliminary stage consists of two papers, conducted on one day. Both the papers comprise objective type questions with multiple choice of answers. The prelims examination is a qualifying stage to filter candidates for the mains exam. The marks secured at this stage are not counted towards the final merit list, though candidates have to prepare well for this exam as cut-offs are unpredictable and depend on the average score every year. The details of MPSC prelims pattern is given below:
| Civils Exam Pattern – Prelims | |||||
| Paper | Type | No. of questions | MPSC Total Marks | Duration | Negative marks |
| General Studies I | Objective | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | Yes |
| General Studies II (CSAT) | Objective | 80 | 200 | 2 hours | Yes |
| Total MPSC marks for Prelims | 400 (where GS Paper II is qualifying in nature with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%) | ||||
To be noted:
- The preliminary examination is only meant for screening a candidate for the subsequent stages of the exam.
- The marks obtained in the Prelims will not be added up while arriving at the final rank list.
To sit for prelims, one has to fill the application using the MPSC Apply Online portal.
As per the exam pattern of MPSC Mains, all of the papers consist of descriptive answer type questions. It is an exhaustive phase and the total marks in MPSC mains can directly affect your final scores. Thus, the MPSC exam marks for the mains phase are extremely valuable as it acts as a key factor in merit declaration. The details of MPSC syllabus with marks are given below:
| MPSC CSE Exam Pattern – Mains | |||
| Paper | Subject | Duration | IAS Total marks |
| Paper 1 | Marathi | 3 hours | 300 |
| Paper 2 | English | 3 hours | 300 |
| Paper 3 | Essay | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper 4 | General Studies I | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper 5 | General Studies II | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper 6 | General Studies III | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper 7 | General Studies IV | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper 8 | Optional Paper I | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper 9 | Optional Paper II | 3 hours | 250 |
All of the mains papers except for the language papers A and B are of a merit ranking nature. Paper A and B are of qualifying nature and candidates must score at least 25% in each for the marks from their Paper 3 – Paper 9 to be given weightage.
The subjects which are covered by the General Studies Papers in Mains Exam are:
| General Studies I | General Studies II | General Studies III | General Studies IV |
| Indian Heritage and Culture | Polity | Economic Development | Ethics |
| History | Constitution | Science & Technology | Integrity |
| Society | Governance | Internal Security | Aptitude |
| Geography of India & the World | Social Justice | Environment | |
| International relations | Disaster Management |
The Optional subjects for Paper VI and VII of the mains examination have to be any one of the subjects from the following list:
| Agriculture | Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science | Anthropology | Botany | Chemistry |
| Civil Engineering | Commerce and Accountancy | Economics | Electrical Engineering | Geography |
| Geology | History | Law | Management | Mathematics |
| Mechanical Engineering | Medical Science | Philosophy | Physics | Political Science and International Relations |
| Psychology | Public Administration | Sociology | Statistics | Zoology |
| Marathi Literature | ||||
All the papers except the Language papers 1 and 2 & Marathi Literature can be answered in English or Marathi. The optional papers can be answered in English (except Marathi Literature) even if none of the other papers has been answered by the candidate in English.
This is the final stage of the MPSC CSE Exam before the final results are declared. Officially it is called the Interview/Personality Test and counted as a part of the Mains Examination for merit ranking purposes. From a preparation standpoint, it is considered the third stage as preparation strategies for the written and interview stages are different. As per the MPSC RAJYASEVA exam pattern, this consists of an interview by the MPSC board to assess the candidates’ suitability for a civil services career and associated responsibilities. The board consists of competent and unbiased observers who have a record of the candidates’ career. The board would judge the candidates mental and social traits by asking questions of general interest. Some of the qualities that the board looks for are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, a balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
| MPSC Interview Total Marks | 275 |
MPSC Rajyaseva Criteria 2025
Candidates must check the eligibility criteria before applying for the MPSC Rajyaseva recruitment. There are several factors considered by the MPSC when recruiting a candidate. Applicants must have all the relevant documents as needed for the application procedure.
| MPSC Eligibility 2025 | |
| Age | Min: 19 years, Max: 38 years |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Experience | Not mentioned |
MPSC Age Limit
Candidates must meet the required age criteria to apply for this recruitment process. Here’s a table summarizing the MPSC category-wise upper age limits:
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| MPSC Age Limit for General | 19 years | 38 years |
| MPSC Age Limit for OBC | 19 years | 43 years |
| MPSC Age Limit for SC/ST | 19 years | 43 years |
| MPSC Age Limit for Ex-Servicemen (General) | 19 years | 43 years |
| MPSC Age Limit for Ex-Servicemen (OBC/SC/ST) | 19 years | 48 years |
| MPSC Age Limit for Qualified Players | 19 years | 43 years |
| MPSC Age Limit for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 19 years | 45 years |