The exam consists of two stages (a) Preliminary Examination and (b) Main Examination

(a) Preliminary Examination (objective type):

The preliminary examination will be of a test for selection of candidates for the main examination and would comprise the following subjects: 

Note: (i) The papers in all the subjects will be of objective type (Multiple choice type)

(ii) Question papers in Reasoning Ability, General Awareness and Arithmetic will be set both in English and Hindi.

(iii) Part (iv) Language paper will be of qualifying nature and the marks secured by the candidates in this part will not be counted for the preparation of the list of candidates to be called for the main examination. 

(iv) The aggregate marks secured in Part (i), (ii) and (iii) will be taken for preparation of the list of candidates to be called for Main Examination.

(v) The Commission have the discretion to fix minimum qualifying standard in any of the four parts of the Preliminary Examination.

(b) Main Examination (Conventional Type): The Main Examination will consist of the following papers:

Note: (i) The question papers for the Main Examination will be of Conventional (Essay) Type.

(ii) In Paper I, Part (a) of Main Examination will be compulsory for all the candidates. However, this will be of a qualifying nature. The marks secured in this part will not be counted for preparation of the final selection list. The Commission have the discretion to fix a qualifying standard in this part.

(iii) Candidates will have the option to answer Paper I Part (b) (Communication/Writing Skill) and Paper II (Arithmetic) either in Hindi or in English.

(iv) Scripts of Paper I Part (b) (Communication/Writing Skill) and Paper II (Arithmetic) will be evaluated of only those candidates who secure minimum qualifying standard in Part (a) of Paper I of the Main Examination.