Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university and be between 21 to 32 years of age (with relaxation for certain categories).
How many attempts can I give for the UPSC exam?
General category candidates can attempt the UPSC exam 6 times, while OBC candidates get 9 attempts and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts until the age limit.
What are the stages of the UPSC exam?
The UPSC exam consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Personality Test (Interview).
What is the difference between UPSC Prelims and Mains?
Prelims are objective-based, while Mains are descriptive and include both general studies and optional subjects.
What subjects can I choose for the UPSC Mains?
You can choose from a wide range of subjects, including Political Science, History, Geography, Sociology, and more, depending on your interest.
Online BA/MA For UPSC Aspirants Exam Pattern
Explore Online BA/MA for UPSC Aspirants exam pattern understand how these programs offer structured learning, flexibility, and support for success in the UPSC exam.
Shruti Kumari1 Apr, 2025
Share
Online BA/MA For UPSC Aspirants Exam Pattern: The UPSC exam is rigorous, testing aspirants on a wide range of subjects and skills. While preparing for the UPSC exam, many aspirants opt for academic programs like Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Master of Arts (MA) to build a strong academic foundation. As UPSC requires an in-depth understanding of various subjects like History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics, a well-structured BA/MA curriculum can be beneficial. Here we will explore the exam pattern of both the online BA/MA for UPSC aspirants courses typically pursued by UPSC aspirants, and the UPSC exam itself. Understanding the patterns of both will help aspirants choose the right academic path, ultimately improving their chances of success in the UPSC exam.
Online BA/MA For UPSC Aspirants Exam Pattern
An online BA/MA program designed for UPSC aspirants typically mirrors the subjects that are part of the UPSC syllabus. These online courses combine theoretical learning with UPSC-centric subject matter, offering flexibility for candidates who need to balance their preparation with other commitments.
BA/MA Exam Pattern: Structure and Subjects
In an online BA/MA program tailored for UPSC preparation, the pattern of the curriculum is designed to help students cover the required areas of study and gain deep insights into subjects that overlap with the UPSC syllabus.
Duration of the Program:
BA: Typically a 3-year undergraduate course.
MA: Typically a 2-year postgraduate course.
Subjects: The syllabus of both BA and MA programs usually covers core subjects that are important for the UPSC exam. The common subjects in these courses are:
Political Science & International Relations: This subject aligns directly with the UPSC syllabus for General Studies and the Optional Paper.
History: This is essential for General Studies Paper I and is also a popular optional subject in UPSC.
Geography: Crucial for both General Studies Paper I and as an optional subject.
Economics: Integral to General Studies Paper III and also a common optional subject.
Public Administration: Often used as an optional subject in UPSC.
Assessment Format:
Online BA/MA exams typically include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), long-answer questions, essays, and discussions.
The emphasis is on developing critical thinking, analytical ability, and comprehensive writing, which are essential for UPSC Mains and Interview.
Degree
Duration
Key Subjects for UPSC
Assessment Type
BA
3 Years
Political Science, History, Geography, Economics, Public Administration
MCQs, Essays, Long-answer questions
MA
2 Years
Advanced Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration
Essays, Research Papers, Discussions
The UPSC Exam Pattern
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is held in three stages:
Preliminary Examination: The first stage of the UPSC exam is the Prelims, which consists of objective-type questions.
Mains Examination: The second stage is a written examination with descriptive-type questions.
Personality Test (Interview): The final stage is the interview, where candidates are assessed on their personality, decision-making skills, and suitability for a career in civil services.
1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper II.
General Studies Paper I: This paper tests general knowledge on subjects like Current Affairs, History, Geography, Economy, Polity, Environment, and Science.
CSAT Paper II: This paper assesses candidates’ ability in areas such as reasoning, quantitative aptitude, logical ability, and decision-making.
Paper
Type
Marks
Duration
General Studies Paper I
Objective
200
2 hours
CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
Objective
200
2 hours
Note: CSAT Paper II is qualifying in nature, requiring a minimum of 33% to qualify.
2. Mains Examination (Descriptive Type)
The Mains Examination is more comprehensive and consists of nine papers. Out of these, seven papers are counted for merit.
General Studies Papers: These are designed to assess general knowledge and critical thinking across a range of topics including governance, social justice, security, ethics, and international relations.
Optional Papers: Candidates can choose one optional subject (e.g., Geography, Political Science, History, Sociology) for Paper V-VIII.
Paper
Type
Marks
Paper A (Compulsory)
Indian Language
300
Paper B (Compulsory)
English
300
Paper I (General Studies I)
Indian Heritage, History, Geography
250
Paper II (General Studies II)
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
The final stage of the UPSC exam is the Personality Test or Interview, where candidates are asked questions by a board of experienced officers. This stage tests the candidate’s mental clarity, decision-making ability, and overall personality traits.
Stage
Marks
Personality Test (Interview)
275
Role of Online BA/MA for UPSC Aspirants
Pursuing an online BA/MA course can complement a candidate’s UPSC preparation by offering structured learning and specialized knowledge in subjects relevant to the exam. The following are some ways online BA/MA courses contribute to successful UPSC preparation:
1. Focused Subject Knowledge
Online BA/MA programs are designed with subjects such as Political Science, History, and Geography, which are crucial for both the Preliminary and Mains Examinations. These programs focus on the in-depth understanding of these subjects, which is necessary for answering both objective and descriptive questions.
2. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Online courses incorporate assignments, discussions, and tests that push students to think critically, analyze information, and improve their problem-solving skills. Such abilities are essential for the Mains Examination, where candidates are required to present well-reasoned and well-structured answers.
3. Improvement in Writing Skills
The Mains Examination demands excellent writing skills for answering lengthy, essay-type questions. Many online programs offer courses in developing effective writing techniques, helping students practice and improve their answer-writing abilities.
