UPSC CSE 2025: Your Ultimate Opportunity Guide
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Union Public Service Commission, Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) is a highly coveted and competitive examination that selects candidates for many different posts in the Indian Civil Services. UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test/Interview. The exam is known for its rigorous evaluation process and is considered one of the toughest examinations in India. It attracts thousands of candidates every year who aspire to become administrators, police officers, foreign service officers, and other high-ranking officials in the Indian bureaucracy.
Latest Updates from UPSC CSE
- UPSC CSE Prelims exam is to be conducted on 25th May 2025.
- UPSC CSE Correction window opens from 12th- 18th February 2025.
- For more details regarding the Interview process, Candidates can check the official website Union Public Service Commission.
- UPSC Mains exam was conducted on 22nd August 2025.
The UPSC CSE 2025 will offer aspiring candidates a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills across various fields such as history, politics, geography, economics, science, and technology. The UPSC exam date for the preliminary exam is 25th May 2025, which will be an objective type test comprising two papers – General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). Candidates who qualify for the prelims will be eligible for the main exam. The Mains exam consists of nine papers, including an essay paper, two language papers, four General Studies papers, and two optional papers chosen by the candidate. The final stage is the personality test/interview, conducted for candidates who qualify for the Mains examination.
The calendar for UPSC CSE 2025 has been released, and candidates aspiring to appear in the exam should commence their preparation without delay.
UPSC CSE Highlights
Below are the essential highlights of the UPSC CSE 2025 Recruitment examination:
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Stages | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Personality Test/Interview |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 25th May 2025 |
| Main Exam Date | To be notified |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | An Indian citizen or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 |
| Nationality | Indian citizen or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 |
| Number of Vacancies | 1105 |
| Application Process | Online through the UPSC website |
| Exam Pattern | Prelims: Objective type Mains: Subjective type |
| Selection Process | Based on the combined scores of the Prelims, Main Exam, and Personality Test/Interview |
| Exam Syllabus | Includes subjects such as history, polity, geography, economics, science, and technology |
| Admit Card | To be released on the UPSC website before the exam |
| Result | To be announced on the UPSC website after the exam |
| Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in/ |
UPSC CSE 2025 Important Dates
The examination dates for UPSC CSE 2025 have been provided below as announced:
| Events of UPSC CSE Exam 2025 | UPSC CSE Exam Dates |
| UPSC CSE Notification 2025 Release Date | 22nd January 2025 |
| Application Start Date 2025 | 22nd January 2025 |
| Last date to apply for UPSC Exam 2025 | 11th Febuary 2025 |
| UPSC Prelims Admit Card Release Date 2025 | To be notified |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2025 | 25th May 2025 |
| UPSC CSE Prelims Result 2025 | To be notified |
| UPSC Mains Exam Date 2025 | 25th August 2025 |
| UPSC CSE Mains Result 2025 | To be notified |
| UPSC CSE Interview Dates 2025 | To be notified |
| UPSC CSE Result 2025 (Final list of selected candidates) | To be notified |
UPSC CSE Latest Notification 2025
Microsoft-Word-Black_Notice-English-Red-CSE-2025_22.01.2025-Notif-CSP-2025-Engl-220125UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria
Candidates appearing for the UPSC CSE exam must go through the eligibility criteria before moving on to the registration process. A candidate’s eligibility will be measured on four grounds: educational qualifications, age limit, nationality, and number of attempts. The candidate must pass all these criteria in order to appear for the UPSC CSE examination.
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Education Qualification
The UPSC exam does not mandate applicants to hold an extensive educational qualification certificate. Candidates must possess a graduation-level degree from a government-recognized or UGC-approved university, regardless of the branch of study. Applicants in their last year of graduation can also apply for UPSC CSE, provided they receive their graduation results before the final exam. Be sure to check the UPSC CSE last date for application submission.
Age Limit
The age limit for the UPSC 2025 exam must be calculated as of August 1, 2025, and candidates must meet the age criteria specified in the notification.
| Category | Minimum Age for UPSC 2025 | Maximum Age |
| For General Candidate | 21 year | 32 year |
| For OBC candidates | 21 year | 35 year |
| For SC/ST | 21 year | 37 year |
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation for various categories is provided by UPSC, and it is essential for candidates to review the age relaxation details for the exam.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Defense Services Personnel | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers and ECOs/SSCOs | 5 years |
| Hearing problems, deaf, ex-servicemen, low vision, blindness, muscle deformity | 10 years |
Nationality
The candidate must meet one of the following criteria:
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- The candidate must be a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 to settle permanently.
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zaire, or Vietnam to settle permanently in India.
Number of Attempts
- The General Category is provided with 6 attempts in total.
- The EWS and OBC categories are provided with 9 attempts in total.
- The SC/ST category has unlimited attempts till they reach 37 years of age.
UPSC CSE 2025 Vacancies
The Union Public Service Commission has announced 979 UPSC Civil Services vacancies for 2025 for the posts of IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc. The number has increased from the previously notified 816 vacancies. 37 vacancies will be reserved for the Persons with Disabilities category, the breakdown being: Deaf and Hard of Hearing – 05 vacancies, Locomotor Disability – 15 Vacancies, Multiple Disabilities – 10 vacancies, Blindness, and Low Vision – 07.
UPSC CSE 2025 Registration Process
To complete the application process, candidates must visit the official UPSC website and carefully read the instructions provided. The following steps should be followed to successfully fill out the UPSC application form:
Step 1- Filling the Application Form
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- Click on the link ‘ UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 ‘under the active examination section.
- Go to the “Apply Online” page to apply online.
- Start filling in the respective details accurately.
- There will be six modules, keep saving each module after filling in the details.
- If you have entered incorrect information somewhere in the form, you can make changes after the final submission.
Step 2- Payment of Application Fee
- Candidates can make the payment for the UPSC CSE examination through both online and offline channels.
- For online payment, candidates may use Credit/debit cards and net banking. For offline payment download an e-challan and submit the fee in cash at SBI bank branches.
- The Application Form fee for the General and OBC categories is Rs. 100/- while the SC/ST/PWD/Females are exempted from paying any application fees.
- Download the payment slip and save it for future use.
Step 3 – Uploading documents
- Upload scanned copies of all the documents asked in the portal.
- The following list of documents needs to be uploaded by the candidate during the registration process:
- Scanned photograph and signature within the digital dimensions prescribed by UPSC.
- Scanned copies of Valid photo ID
- Personal and Academic documents
- Fee payment details
- Other documents (If applicable)
Step 4 – Selecting the Centre and Signing the Declaration
- After verifying all the necessary documents, select the “Examination Center/City” from the drop-down list for the Prelims.
- Read the declaration before submitting the Application Form for UPSC CSE 2025.
- Click on the “I have read the declaration and agree” button and submit the UPSC CSE 2025 Application Form.
UPSC CSE Application Fees
The application fee for UPSC CSE can be paid through both online and offline channels. Candidates can pay the fees by Credit Card/Debit Card or Net Banking portals or download the e-challan and pay the fee in cash at the nearest SBI Branch within a day. Given below is the fee structure for online applications.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General Category and Other Backward Category | Rs. 100/- |
| Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Persons with Disabilities and Females | Exempted from fees |
UPSC CSE Admit Card 2025
The UPSC exam admit card will be made available for download on the official UPSC portal. On the official website, candidates who have successfully applied for the UPSC CSE exam can download the admit cards using their login credentials. The following steps should be followed to download the UPSC admit card:
- Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
- Step 2: Look for the “Admit Card” under important announcements.
- Step 3: Enter your registration ID and password.
- Step 4: Save and download your UPSC admit card.
Details mentioned on the Admit Card
After downloading the admit card, the candidates must make sure that all the details are correctly mentioned in the admit card. If not, candidates must get them rectified by the latest. The Admit Card will contain:
- Attested Photograph of the Candidate
- Date and Timing of the Examination
- Venue of the Test Centre
- Name of the Candidate
- Candidate’s Roll Number
- Date of Birth of the Candidate
- Father’s Name
- General Instruction for the Examination
UPSC CSE Exam Pattern
Please find below the exam pattern for UPSC CSE. Additionally, you can refer to the Indian Administrative Services Exam Pattern.
Prelims Exam Pattern
- Both Paper 1 and 2 have a system of negative marking, where an incorrect answer leads to a deduction of one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to the corresponding question.
- GS Paper II (CSAT) is considered qualifying, and candidates must obtain a minimum score of 33% to pass it.
The detailed exam pattern is outlined below:
| Paper | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| General Studies Paper I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | 80 | 200 | 2 hours |
Mains Exam Pattern
- Candidates taking the CSE main examination are required to take qualifying papers in Indian Language and English.
- The minimum score required on each paper is 25%.
- Essays, General Studies, and optional papers are included in the merit-based papers.
- The duration for each paper is 3 hours.
- Candidates from Sikkim, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh are exempted from taking the Indian Language paper.
The written exam is comprised of the following papers:
| Paper | Subjects | Marks |
| Paper A | One Indian language to be selected by the candidate. | 300 marks |
| Paper B | English | 300 marks |
| Paper – 1 | Essay | 250 marks |
| Paper – 2 | General Studies – 1 | 250 marks |
| Paper – 3 | General Studies – 2 | 250 marks |
| Paper – 4 | General Studies – 3 | 250 marks |
| Paper – 5 | General Studies – 4 | 250 marks |
| Paper – 6 | Optional Subject – paper 1 | 250 marks |
| Paper – 7 | Optional subject – paper 2 | 250 marks |
Interview Pattern 2025
The Personality test is comprised of the following papers:
| Exam | Marks |
| Personality test | 275 marks |
UPSC CSE Syllabus 2025
The Preliminary examination for the Civil Services comprises of two papers commonly referred to as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). These papers are categorized as general studies and cover a range of topics.
UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus
The UPSC CSE Prelims syllabus is as follows:
| Paper 1 | ● Comprehension ● General mental ability ● Logical reasoning and analytical ability ● Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, etc. — Class X level) ● Data interpretation ● Tables, charts, graphs, data sufficiency, etc. — (Class X level) ● Decision making and problem-solving Interpersonal skills including communication skills |
| Paper 2 | ● Comprehension ● General mental ability ● Logical reasoning and analytical ability ● Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, etc. — Class X level) ● Data interpretation ● Tables, charts, graphs, data sufficiency, etc. — (Class X level) ● Decision-making and problem-solving Interpersonal skills including communication skills |
UPSC CSE Mains Syllabus
The UPSC CSE 2025 Mains syllabus is as follows:
| Paper | Subjects |
| Paper A | One Indian language to be selected by the candidate. |
| Paper B | English |
| Paper – 1 | Essay |
| Paper – 2 | General Studies – 1 (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and geography of the world.) |
| Paper – 3 | General Studies – 2 (Governance, International Relations, Constitution, etc.) |
| Paper – 4 | General Studies – 3 (Environment, Technology, Disaster Management, etc.) |
| Paper – 5 | General Studies – 4 (Aptitude, Integrity, and Ethics.) |
| Paper – 6 | Optional Subject – paper 1 |
| Paper – 7 | Optional subject – paper 2 |
| English | Indian Language |
● Comprehension of Given Passages ● Short Essays ● Usage and Vocabulary ● Precis Writing | ● Comprehension of Given Passages ● Short Essays ● Usage and Vocabulary ● Precis Writing & Translation from the Indian language to English and English to the Indian Language |
| Optional subjects | · Agriculture · Animal husbandry and Veterinary Science · Anthropology · Botany · Chemistry · Civil Engineering · Commerce and Accountancy · Economics · Electrical Engineering · Geography · History · Law · Management · Mathematics · Mechanical Engineering · Medical Science · Philosophy · Political Science · Psychology · Political Administration · Sociology · Statistics & Zoology |
UPSC CSE 2025 Answer Key
After conducting the UPSC Exam 2025, the UPSC will publish the answer key and candidates’ scores on its website. The minimum scores required to qualify for the exam will also be announced after the final results are declared. To access the UPSC Answer Key 2025, candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the UPSC.
- Click on the “Answer Key” option and look for the UPSC CSE 2025 exam.
- Download and save the UPSC Answer Key 2025 for future reference after it appears on your screen.
UPSC CSE 2025 Cut-off
The cut-off marks for the year 2025 have not yet been made available. However, the cut-off marks for the year 2021 are provided below:
| Exam | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PwBD-1 | PwBD-2 | PwBD-3 | PwBD-4 |
| Prelims | 87.54 | 80.14 | 84.85 | 75.41 | 70.71 | 68.02 | 67.33 | 43.09 | 45.80 |
| Mains | 745 | 713 | 707 | 700 | 700 | 668 | 712 | 388 | 560 |
| Final | 953 | 916 | 910 | 886 | 883 | 892 | 932 | 689 | 701 |
UPSC CSE Result 2025
Upon the conclusion of the UPSC Exam 2025, the UPSC will publish the exam results, including candidates’ scores and the minimum scores required to pass the exam in different categories, on its website.
How to download the UPSC CSE 2025 results?
To check the UPSC Result 2025, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- The UPSC CSE result link will be highlighted on the page.
- Click on it. A PDF file of the result will appear on the screen containing all the roll numbers and names of candidates.
- Find your name in the list by using Ctrl + F for either your roll number or name.
- Download the file for future use.
UPSC CSE Personality Test 2025
How to check the UPSC CSE Personality Test Schedule
- Step 1: Visit upsc.gov.in, the UPSC’s official website.
- Step 2: Look for and select the PT schedule link that appears on the homepage.
- Step 3: A PDF file with all the information about the personality test will open.
- Step 4: Review and save the schedule for the interview.
- Step 5: Print and save the page for later use.
UPSC CSE 2025 Salary
In 2025, the UPSC offers a starting basic salary of 55,000 (excluding DA, TA, HRA, etc.) that can go up to 2,50,000. Additionally, the candidates are entitled to various allowances and benefits, listed as follows.
- Dearness Allowance
- Travel Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
- Official residence
- Security
- Official vehicle
- Medical treatment
- Leaves
- Educational facilities
- Post-retirement benefits
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Preparation Tips for UPSC CSE 2025
If you are planning to take the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2025, then be aware that it is one of the most highly competitive exams in India. Achieving success in this exam demands a methodical approach and unwavering commitment. To assist you in preparing for the UPSC CSE 2025, here are a few tips:
- Understand the syllabus: Before you start preparing, make sure you have a good understanding of the UPSC CSE syllabus. The syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of topics, so it’s essential to know what to focus on.
- Make a study plan: Once you understand the syllabus, make a study plan. Break down the syllabus into smaller, manageable sections and allocate time for each. Ensure that you allocate enough time for revision and practice.
- Read newspapers and current affairs: Read newspapers and magazines regularly to stay up-to-date with current events. Focus on issues that are relevant to the UPSC CSE syllabus.
- Refer to NCERT books: NCERT books are a great source of information and are recommended by UPSC. Read the NCERT books for relevant subjects thoroughly to build your foundational knowledge.
- Choose the right study material: To perform well in the exam, it is crucial to select study materials that comprehensively cover the syllabus and are easy to comprehend. A clear comprehension of concepts is imperative for achieving high scores.
- Practice writing: Writing practice is crucial for UPSC CSE. Write answers to previous years’ question papers, and get them evaluated by an experienced mentor. Your answer-writing skills will improve as you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Test yourself: Take mock tests regularly to assess your preparation level. This will also help you manage time better during the actual exam.
Stay motivated: Preparing for UPSC CSE can be overwhelming, so it’s important to stay motivated. Surround yourself with positive people, take breaks when needed, and remember why you started preparing for the exam in the first place
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1.What is UPSC CSE 2025?
Ans. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India administers the Civil Services Examination (CSE), a highly competitive national-level test that will be held in 2025. The exam is designed to select qualified candidates for a range of civil services, including but not limited to the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Q2. When will UPSC CSE 2025 be conducted?
Ans. The Prelims exam for the UPSC CSE 2025 examination will be conducted on 25th May 2025.
Q3. Are there any eligibility criteria for UPSC CSE 2025?
Ans. The eligibility criteria for the position are as follows:
The applicant should hold Indian citizenship.
The applicant should possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
The applicant’s age should fall between 21 to 32 years as of August 1, 2023. However, the government provides age relaxation for specific categories as per their norms.
Q4. How can I apply for UPSC CSE 2025?
Ans. The application process for UPSC CSE 2025 is conducted online on the official website of UPSC. Candidates will have to register themselves on the website and fill in the application form with all the necessary details. The application fee can be paid online.
Q5. What is the UPSC CSE exam pattern?
Ans. The UPSC CSE 2025 exam consists of three stages:
Preliminary examination (objective type questions)
Main examination (written exam)
Personality Test (interview)
Q6. What is the syllabus for UPSC CSE 2025?
Ans. The syllabus for UPSC CSE 2024 includes topics like Indian Polity and Governance, Indian Economy, Indian History and Culture, Geography of India, Environment and Ecology, General Science, etc.
Q7. How does the UPSC CSE 2025 selection process work?
Ans. The selection process for UPSC CSE includes three stages – Preliminary examination, Main examination, and Personality Test. To qualify for the main examination, candidates must pass the preliminary examination. Candidates who qualify in the main examination will be called for the Personality Test (interview). The final selection will be based on the candidate’s performance in all three stages.
Q8. How can I prepare for UPSC CSE 2025?
Ans. To prepare for UPSC CSE 2025, candidates should follow a structured study plan, refer to standard textbooks and study materials, solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests, current affairs, and practice answer writing. Coaching institutes can also be helpful, but they are not mandatory.
Q9. What is the 7/5/3 rule in UPSC?
Ans. SEVEN – Candidates’ should aim to answer questions within 7 minutes per question. FIVE – Write 5 points in their answers related to the keyword. It would be better to break down the answer into bulleted points. THREE – Elaborate each point in 3 dimensions as per the requirements listed in the question.