The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the schedule for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. This highly prestigious exam is conducted annually to recruit candidates for various Group A and Group B positions in the Government of India, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and other allied services. Here is a comprehensive guide to the UPSC CSE 2025.
Overview
- Exam Name: UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Level: National
- Job Type: Central Government
- Mode of Examination: Offline (Pen and Paper)
- Official Website: UPSC Official Website
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: February 14, 2025
- Application Start Date: February 14, 2025
- Application End Date: March 6, 2025
- Preliminary Examination Date: June 2, 2025
- Mains Examination Date: September 20, 2025 (tentative)
- Interview Dates: To be announced
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Age Limit:
- Minimum Age: 21 years (as of August 1, 2025)
- Maximum Age: 32 years (for General category)
- Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwD: 10 years
Nationality:
- Must be an Indian citizen for IAS and IPS.
- For other services, eligibility extends to subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, and certain categories of migrants as specified by the UPSC.
Exam Pattern
The UPSC CSE consists of three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination:
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Papers:
- General Studies Paper I: 200 marks
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT): 200 marks (qualifying, minimum 33%)
- Duration: 2 hours per paper
- Negative Marking: Yes, 1/3rd of the marks for each incorrect answer
2. Mains Examination:
- Type: Descriptive (Essay/Subjective)
- Papers:
- Paper A: Indian Language (qualifying)
- Paper B: English (qualifying)
- Papers I-VII: Essays, General Studies, and Optional Subjects (each 250 marks)
- Total Marks: 1750 marks
- Duration: 3 hours per paper
3. Personality Test/Interview:
- Marks: 275 marks
- Objective: Assess suitability for a career in public service through communication skills, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025:
- Visit the UPSC Official Website: UPSC Website.
- Complete Registration: Use the One-Time Registration (OTR) platform.
- Fill Application Form: Provide personal, educational, and other necessary details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and ID proof.
- Pay Application Fee:
- General/OBC: ₹100
- SC/ST/PwD/Female Candidates: Exempted
- Submit Form: Double-check all details and submit the application.
- Print Confirmation: Keep a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
Preparation Strategy
- Understand the Syllabus: The syllabus for both prelims and mains is detailed and extensive. Break it into manageable sections.
- Current Affairs: Regularly follow reputed newspapers like The Hindu and Indian Express, and refer to government publications like Yojana and Kurukshetra.
- Standard Books: Focus on NCERTs and other standard texts such as Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History, and Ramesh Singh for Economics.
- Mock Tests: Practice through mock tests and previous years’ question papers.
- Time Management: Create a realistic and consistent study schedule.
- Optional Subject: Choose an optional subject based on your interest and academic background.
Admit Card and Results
- Admit cards for prelims will be available on the UPSC website three weeks before the exam date.
- Results for each stage will be published on the UPSC website.
Benefits of Clearing UPSC CSE
- Opportunity to serve the nation in esteemed roles such as IAS, IPS, and IFS.
- Attractive salary and perks, including housing, medical facilities, and travel allowances.
- Leadership positions with significant impact on policymaking and implementation.