The government Saturday said marks for English language comprehension skills in the civil services preliminary examinations will not be included for the purpose of gradation.

"The union government has decided that for the civil services (Preliminary) examination, 2014 to be held Aug 24, the section on English language comprehension skills will not count for gradation or merit," an official release said.

The release said candidates should note that they do not have to answer these questions. "They will not be evaluated."

The paper II of the examination is of 200 marks and of two-hour duration.

"The duration of paper II would remain two hours and candidates can utilise the entire time in answering all questions except those in the section containing English language comprehension skills," it said.

Students have been demanding a change in the pattern of Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) paper II and had taken to the streets waging a violent agitation.

Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh had Aug 4 said in parliament that the English section marks will not be included for gradation or merit in the civil service examination.