UPSC IES ISS Exam Pattern 2026, Check Detailed Written Exam Pattern
IES ISS 2026 exam pattern consists of a written examination followed by a personality test. The written exam carries a total of 1000 marks and includes six papers. It consists of two common papers in General English and General Studies, and four subject-specific papers: Economics for IES candidates and Statistics for ISS candidates. Candidates are required to complete each paper/section within 3 hours (2 hours for objective papers). Those who qualify IES ISS 2026 written exam are called for a 200-mark personality test to assess their subject knowledge, analytical ability, and overall personality.
IES ISS Written Exam Pattern 2026
IES ISS Written exam for both services are evaluated on a total of 1000 marks (for each service). The general studies and general English sections are the same for IES and ISS. A detailed IES ISS Exam Pattern is given below:
Indian Economic Service Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General English | 100 | 3 Hours |
| General Studies | 100 | 3 Hours |
| General Economics 1 | 200 | 3 Hours |
| General Economics 2 | 200 | 3 Hours |
| General Economics 3 | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Indian Economics | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 1000 Marks |
Indian Statistical Service Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General English | 100 | 3 Hours |
| General Studies | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Statistics 1 (Objective) | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Statistics 2 (Objective) | 200 | 2 Hours |
| Statistics 3 | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Statistics 4 | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Total Marks | 1000 Marks |
Note: Candidates must note that IES ISS 2026 written exam for Indian Economics Service and Indian Statistical Service are descriptive in nature. However, statistics 1 and statistics 2 papers for ISS are objective in nature.
IES ISS Interview 2026
IES ISS Interview (viva voce) round carries a total of 200 marks and is conducted to assess the candidate’s overall personality, subject knowledge, and communication skills. The final merit list will be prepared based on the combined performance of candidates in both stages — the written exam and the interview — making a total of 1200 marks.
Candidates who qualify IES ISS 2026 written exam and the personality test, must undergo the Document Verification and Medical Examination rounds. Candidates must submit their original certificates such as Class 10 certificate, category certificate (if applicable), ID Proof, other educational certificates, etc during the DV round.
IES ISS Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Ques: Is there negative marking in IES ISS 2026?
Ans: Yes. There is negative marking for objective-type questions. ⅓ of the marks will be deducted for every wrong answer. Descriptive questions do not have negative marking.
Ques: Are the topics the same for IES and ISS exams?
Ans: The topics for IES and ISS services are not the same. However, the topics included in the General English and General Studies sections are the same.
Ques: Does IES ISS exam have a physical test?
Ans: No, IES ISS selection process does not have any physical test. It is conducted in stages of a written exam followed by an interview.
Ques: Does all sections have a duration of 3 hours for IES ISS?
Ans: No, all papers do not have the duration of 3 hours for IES ISS 2026. The objective sections of ISS have a duration of 2 hours.
Ques: What are the topics included in General studies section of IES ISS?
Ans: The topics included in General studies section of IES ISS 2026 are Current events, Indian Polity, History of India, Geography, etc.
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