UPSC examinations assess a candidate's general awareness through a combination of objective and descriptive questions that cover a wide range of topics including current affairs, history, geography, and socio-economic issues. The Preliminary exam consists of multiple-choice questions designed to gauge candidates' grasp of important national and international events, while the Main exam requires essay-type answers that reflect analytical skills and comprehensive understanding. This multifaceted approach enables the evaluation of a candidate's knowledge breadth, critical thinking abilities, and aptitude for civil service duties.