Introduction
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is the gateway to top administrative services like the IAS, IPS, IFS and more. It is held in three stages – Preliminary, Mains and Interview – and tests a candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability and personality. Here’s everything you need to know for the 2025 cycle.
Exam Pattern
- Prelims: There are two objective papers. The General Studies paper has 100 questions carrying 2 marks each with a penalty of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer. The CSAT paper has 80 questions carrying 2.5 marks each with negative marking. Each paper is two hours long. Marks from the Prelims are used only for screening and aren’t counted in the final merit list.
- Mains: Nine descriptive papers conducted over several days. Two language papers (Paper A & B) are qualifying papers of 300 marks each, while the Essay paper, four General Studies papers and two optional subject papers carry 250 marks each. Candidates get 3 hours for each paper. Scores from these papers count towards the final merit.
- Interview: Candidates who clear the mains appear for a personality test worth 275 marks. The final ranking is based on the total of 2025 marks
Eligibility
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of India
- Age limit: For 2025 you must be between 21 and 32 years old. OBC candidates get a relaxation to 35 years and SC/ST to 37 years.
- Educational qualification: A graduate degree from a recognised university is required. Final-year students may apply but must present proof of graduation for the main exam
- Number of attempts: General category – 6 attempts; OBC – 9 attempts; SC/ST – unlimited attempts within the age limit
Preparation Tips
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
- Study NCERTs and standard reference books for each subject.
- Practise previous years’ question papers and take regular mock tests to gauge your preparation.
- Read newspapers and follow current affairs daily.
- Create a balanced study schedule with time for revision.
- Analyse mock test results to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Take care of your health with proper sleep and exercise.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
FAQs
How many attempts are allowed? General category candidates get 6 attempts; OBC candidates 9; SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts within the age limit
When will UPSC 2025 Prelims and Mains be held? According to the UPSC calendar, the Prelims is scheduled for 25 May 2025 and the Mains will start on 22 August 2025
What is the minimum qualification? You must hold a graduate degree from a recognised university
Is there negative marking in the Prelims? Yes. One‑third of the mark assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer.
Conclusion
The Civil Services Examination demands dedication and a clear strategy. Use mock tests to refine your skills, stay updated on current affairs and keep revising. For full‑length mock tests and practice quizzes, explore the resources at StartExam.in. Good luck!Introduction
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is the gateway to top administrative services like the IAS, IPS, IFS and more. It is held in three stages – Preliminary, Mains and Interview – and tests a candidate’s knowledge, analytical ability and personality. Here’s everything you need to know for the 2025 cycle.
Exam Pattern
- Prelims: There are two objective papers. The General Studies paper has 100 questions carrying 2 marks each with a penalty of 1/3 mark for each wrong answer. The CSAT paper has 80 questions carrying 2.5 marks each with negative marking. Each paper is two hours long. Marks from the Prelims are used only for screening and aren’t counted in the final merit list.
- Mains: Nine descriptive papers conducted over several days. Two language papers (Paper A & B) are qualifying papers of 300 marks each, while the Essay paper, four General Studies papers and two optional subject papers carry 250 marks each. Candidates get 3 hours for each paper. Scores from these papers count towards the final merit.
- Interview: Candidates who clear the mains appear for a personality test worth 275 marks. The final ranking is based on the total of 2025 marks
Eligibility
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of India.
- Age limit: For 2025 you must be between 21 and 32 years old. OBC candidates get a relaxation to 35 years and SC/ST to 37 years.
- Educational qualification: A graduate degree from a recognised university is required. Final-year students may apply but must present proof of graduation for the main exam.
- Number of attempts: General category – 6 attempts; OBC – 9 attempts; SC/ST – unlimited attempts within the age limit.
Preparation Tips
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
- Study NCERTs and standard reference books for each subject.
- Practise previous years’ question papers and take regular mock tests to gauge your preparation.
- Read newspapers and follow current affairs daily.
- Create a balanced study schedule with time for revision.
- Analyse mock test results to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Take care of your health with proper sleep and exercise.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
FAQs
How many attempts are allowed? General category candidates get 6 attempts; OBC candidates 9; SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts within the age limit
When will UPSC 2025 Prelims and Mains be held? According to the UPSC calendar, the Prelims is scheduled for 25 May 2025 and the Mains will start on 22 August 2025
What is the minimum qualification? You must hold a graduate degree from a recognised university.
Is there negative marking in the Prelims? Yes. One‑third of the mark assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer.
Conclusion
The Civil Services Examination demands dedication and a clear strategy. Use mock tests to refine your skills, stay updated on current affairs and keep revising. For full‑length mock tests and practice quizzes, explore the resources at StartExam.in. Good luck!