The UPSC uses a two-stage examination format for the civil services preliminary exam. The preliminary consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (also known as CSAT), which includes questions on comprehension, logical reasoning, and basic numeracy. These papers are designed to assess candidates' awareness of current events and fundamental skills necessary for public services. The marks obtained in the Prelims are only qualifying, meaning candidates must clear this stage to proceed to the more comprehensive Mains examination.