JKPSC Exam Pattern 2026, Check Prelims & Mains Marking Scheme
JKPSC Exam Pattern 2026 is designed by Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) to select candidates for various administrative posts through the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE). The exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview (Personality Test). Understanding the exam pattern is very important for candidates, as it helps them prepare strategically for each stage. While the Prelims Exam acts as a screening test, the Mains and Interview stages are considered for the final merit.
JKPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
JKPSC CCE 2026 Prelims Exam Pattern will consist of two compulsory papers of 200 marks each: Paper 1 (General Studies 1) and Paper 2 (General Studies 2 CSAT). Both papers will be of an objective type (multiple choice questions) and will be set in the English language.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Papers | 2 (General Studies I & General Studies II – CSAT) |
| Marks per Paper | 200 marks each |
| Duration | 2 hours each |
| Language of Question Paper | English |
| Nature of Papers | Objective type (MCQs) |
| Qualifying Criteria | Paper 2 (CSAT) – Minimum 33% marks required |
| Marks Counted for Merit | Not counted; used only for screening to the Mains |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd of the marks is deducted for each wrong answer |
| Multiple Answers Marked | Treated as wrong, even if one answer is correct |
JKPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2026
JKPSC CCE 2026 Mains Exam Pattern will be a written exam consisting of nine papers, out of which seven papers will be counted for merit ranking. The other two papers (qualifying in nature) must be cleared to be considered for evaluation of the merit papers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type of Papers | All papers will be descriptive/essay type |
| Language of Examination | English only, except for language papers |
| Qualifying Papers | Paper A: Compulsory Indian Language (300 marks) Paper B: English (300 marks) |
| Qualifying Criteria | At least 25% marks in each qualifying paper |
| Minimum Marks in Merit Papers | At least 10% marks in each paper counted for merit |
| Marks of Qualifying Papers | Not added to the final merit |
| Papers Counted for Merit | 7 papers (Essay, 4 GS papers, 2 Optional subject papers) |
| Total Marks (for Merit Ranking) | 1750 marks |
JKPSC Mains Exam Structure 2026
The table given below shows JKPSC CCE 2026 Mains Exam Structure:
| Paper | Subject/Type | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language | 300 | Qualifying (25% min.) |
| Paper B | English | 300 | Qualifying (25% min.) |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper V | General Studies IV | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper I | 250 | Counted for Merit |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper II | 250 | Counted for Merit |
Total Marks (for Merit Ranking): 1750
JKPSC Marking Scheme 2026
JKPSC Combined Competitive Exam (CCE) follows a clear marking system at every stage of the selection process. Candidates should understand how marks are awarded and deducted to prepare effectively.
JKPSC Prelims Exam Marking Scheme 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks per Paper | 200 marks each (Paper I & Paper II) |
| Paper I (General Studies I) | Marks counted for screening candidates for the Mains |
| Paper II (CSAT) | Qualifying in nature; minimum 33% marks required |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for wrong answers |
| Multiple Answers Marked | Treated as wrong, even if one answer is correct |
JKPSC Mains Exam Marking Scheme 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Papers | 9 |
| Qualifying Papers | 2 (Indian Language & English) |
| Qualifying Criteria | Minimum 25% marks in each qualifying paper |
| Merit Papers | 7 (Essay, 4 General Studies papers, 2 Optional subject papers) |
| Minimum Marks in Merit Papers | At least 10% marks in each merit paper |
| Marks Counted for Merit | 7 papers only |
| Total Marks Considered for Merit | 1750 marks |
JKPSC Interview/Personality Test Marking Scheme 2026
- Candidates who qualify the Mains are called for the Interview/Personality Test.
- The interview carries 275 marks.
- Marks from the Interview are added to the Mains marks to prepare the final merit list.
JKPSC Final Merit Calculation:
- Mains Written Exam (1750 marks) + Interview (275 marks) = 2026 marks
- The final selection is based on this combined score.
JKPSC Exam Pattern 2026 is structured as per the selection process. It highlights the marking scheme, qualifying papers, and subject weightage, making preparation more focused. The exam pattern includes three stages: Prelims (objective-type, 400 marks), Mains (descriptive written exam of 1750 marks), and Interview/Personality Test of 250 marks. Understanding the marks distribution and paper structure helps candidates prioritise subjects and prepare accordingly.
JKPSC Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Ques: Is CSAT paper compulsory in JKPSC exam pattern 2026?
Ans: Yes, CSAT paper is compulsory in JKPSC Prelims exam. However, it is only qualifying in nature, and candidates need to score at least 33% marks.
Ques: What type of questions are asked in JKPSC exam pattern 2026?
Ans: JKPSC Prelims exam has objective multiple-choice questions, while the Mains exam has descriptive or essay-type questions.
Ques: How is JKPSC final merit list prepared in 2026?
Ans: JKPSC final merit list is prepared based on marks scored in the Mains (1750 marks) and Interview (275 marks). Prelims marks are not counted.
Ques: What is the role of language papers in JKPSC Mains exam pattern 2026?
Ans: In JKPSC Mains exam 2026, the Indian Language paper and the English paper are qualifying in nature. Candidates must score 25% marks in each, but these marks are not added to the merit.
Ques: Is there any sectional cut-off in JKPSC exam pattern 2026?
Ans: Yes, in JKPSC Mains exam, candidates must secure at least 10% marks in each merit paper to qualify for the final merit list.
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