Prelims and Mains — Meaning, Definition & Examples (Sarkari Exam 2026)
Category: Selection
Short definition: Two-stage selection structure used by UPSC, IBPS, SBI, RBI and most banking/civil services exams — where Prelims is a qualifying objective screening exam and Mains is the merit-deciding stage (objective and/or descriptive).
What is Prelims and Mains? (Detailed Explanation)
Prelims (Preliminary Examination) is the first filter. It is computer-based and objective, designed only to shortlist candidates for Mains. The Prelims marks are NOT counted in final merit in UPSC CSE; they are weighted in Banking exams (different boards have different rules). The shortlist ratio is typically 12–20× of vacancies.
Mains is the substantive exam. In UPSC CSE, Mains has 9 descriptive papers (English, Indian Language, Essay, 4 GS, 2 Optional) totalling 1750 marks plus an Interview of 275 marks. In IBPS PO Mains, it is objective + descriptive (English Letter Writing & Essay) = 200 + 25 marks. In SBI PO Mains, similar pattern.
Final selection is decided by combining Mains and Interview/Personality Test marks. Prelims merely serves as the entry ticket. Even toppers in Prelims must clear Mains afresh — no carry-forward of Prelims advantage. This is fundamentally different from the SSC tier system where Tier-2 marks alone decide merit.
Live examples from Sarkari Exam notifications
- UPSC CSE Prelims 400 marks (qualifying)
- IBPS PO Prelims 100 marks (qualifying)
- SBI PO Prelims 100 marks (qualifying)
Frequently Asked Questions about Prelims and Mains
Q1. How is Prelims marks weight different in UPSC vs Banking?
UPSC: Prelims = qualifying only (0% weight in final merit). IBPS PO: Prelims = qualifying only too. SBI PO: same. So in all major exams using Prelims-Mains, Prelims is purely a screening filter.
Q2. Is there negative marking in both Prelims and Mains?
In objective papers — yes, typically -0.25 or -0.33 per wrong answer. UPSC Prelims has -1/3 negative marking. IBPS Prelims has -0.25. Mains descriptive papers obviously have no negative marking.
Q3. How many attempts can I make at Prelims?
UPSC CSE: 6 for General, 9 for OBC, unlimited (up to age 37) for SC/ST. Banking exams have no attempt limit, only age limit.
Related Sarkari terms you should know
- Tier System (in SSC and other exams) — Multi-stage selection format used by SSC and similar boards where candidates progress through sequen…
- Interview / Personality Test Marks — The marks awarded to a candidate during the Interview/Personality Test stage of a Sarkari exam, cont…
Where to learn more
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