The significance of the preliminary examination in the UPSC Civil Services Exam lies in its role as a screening test that filters candidates for the subsequent stages. It consists of two papers: General Studies and CSAT. The preliminary exam tests an aspirant’s breadth of knowledge and understanding of current affairs, history, geography, and polity, thus laying the groundwork for in-depth studies in the Mains. Success in the preliminary stage is crucial, as only those who qualify move forward in the competitive selection process, marking it as a critical first hurdle in the journey to a civil service career.