What are some facts about UPSC exam that very few people know?

While the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is well-known for its prestige and rigorous selection process, there are some lesser-known facts about the exam that may not be widely known. Here are a few:

1. Negative Marking in Preliminary Exam: Many candidates are aware of the negative marking system in the Preliminary Examination (Prelims) for incorrect answers. However, some may not know that negative marking applies only to the objective-type questions in Paper-I (General Studies), not to Paper-II (CSAT).

2. Reservation for Physically Handicapped Candidates: The UPSC exam provides reservation for physically handicapped candidates. Such candidates can avail of concessions in age limit, number of attempts, and other accommodations as per government guidelines.

3. Languages for Mains Examination: While English and Hindi are the two main language options for the Mains Examination, candidates are also allowed to answer the papers in any of the Eighth Schedule languages recognized by the Indian Constitution.

4. Usage of Calculator in Mains Exam: While calculators are not allowed in the Preliminary Examination, candidates are permitted to use scientific calculators in the Mains Examination for specific papers where calculations are required, such as Mathematics or Economics.

5. Interview Marks Disclosure: After the final selection process is complete, UPSC releases the marks obtained by candidates in the interview stage, along with the final result. This level of transparency allows candidates to assess their performance and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

6. UPSC's Annual Report: The UPSC publishes an Annual Report that provides detailed information about the examination process, including the number of applicants, vacancies, selection rates, performance of candidates, and various initiatives undertaken by the commission.

7. Limited Attempts for General Category Candidates: While the number of attempts for UPSC exams varies based on categories, general category candidates can attempt the exam a maximum of six times until they reach the upper age limit, while there are relaxations for candidates belonging to reserved categories.

These are just a few lesser-known facts about the UPSC exam that can be helpful for aspirants and anyone interested in understanding the examination process in more detail.