UPSC CSE 2025: Prelims on May 25, Mains from August 22; 979 Vacancies Announced
UPSC CSE 2025 schedule is out with the Prelims set for May 25 and Mains from August 22. The commission has announced 979 vacancies across IAS, IPS, IFS and other services.
Key Highlights:
UPSC CSE 2025 – the country’s most prestigious examination for recruitment into top government services including IAS, IPS, and IFS – has officially begun its schedule. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Preliminary exam on May 25, 2025, followed by the Main examination starting August 22, 2025.
A total of 979 vacancies have been announced for recruitment into Group A and Group B Central Services, making this one of the most competitive editions in recent years.
🗓️ UPSC CSE 2025 Exam Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | January 22, 2025 |
| Applications Closed | February 21, 2025 |
| Prelims Exam | May 25, 2025 |
| Mains Exam | August 22, 2025 |
| Interview (Tentative) | December 2025 – January 2026 |
Candidates were required to complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) through upsconline.nic.in to be eligible for application.
UPSC CSE 2025 Vacancies and Services Covered
This year, UPSC has announced 979 vacancies under the Civil Services category, distributed among top services:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service
- Indian Revenue Service
- Indian Defence Accounts Service
- Indian Railway Traffic Service
…and other Group A & Group B services.
UPSC CSE 2025: Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian for IAS and IPS; others as per service rules
- Age Limit: 21–32 years (as on August 1, 2025)
- OBC: +3 years | SC/ST: +5 years | PwD: +10 years
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
- Number of Attempts:
- General: 6
- OBC: 9
- SC/ST: Unlimited (up to age limit)
📘 UPSC CSE 2025 Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
- Paper I (GS): 100 questions – 200 marks
- Paper II (CSAT): 80 questions – 200 marks (qualifying)
- Duration: 2 hours each
Main Examination
- Total Papers: 9 (2 qualifying + 7 merit-based)
- Papers Include: Essay, GS I–IV, Optional I & II, Indian Language, English
- Total Marks: 1750
Personality Test (Interview)
- Marks: 275
- Conducted at UPSC Bhavan, New Delhi
📚 UPSC CSE 2025 Syllabus Highlights
Prelims – Paper I
- Current events (national & international)
- Indian polity & governance
- Geography, History & Culture
- Economic & social development
- Environment, biodiversity, climate change
- General science
Prelims – Paper II (CSAT)
- Comprehension
- Logical reasoning
- Analytical ability
- Basic numeracy
Mains
- Ethics & integrity
- Governance & constitution
- International relations
- Technology & economic development
- Optional subject (wide list including Anthropology, PSIR, Sociology, Geography, etc.)
📝 UPSC CSE 2025 Application Process (Completed)
- Mode: Online only
- Fee: ₹100 (General/OBC), Exempted for SC/ST/Female/PwBD
- Platform: upsconline.nic.in
Candidates who successfully submitted the application form can download their Prelims Admit Card in the first week of May 2025.
What This Means for Aspirants
- Freshers: Should focus on mastering basics and revising Prelims mock tests before May 25
- Repeaters: Must analyse previous performance and strengthen weak areas
- Working Professionals: Need a disciplined schedule with weekend revisions
- Optional Subject Takers: Begin Mains answer writing now to stay ahead
How to Take Action Now
- Download UPSC syllabus PDF and categorize topics
- Attempt past 10 years’ Prelims papers
- Join mock test series from reputed institutions
- Subscribe to PIB, Yojana, and The Hindu/Indian Express for current affairs
- Maintain a handwritten notes file for quick revision
UPSC CSE 2025: One Exam, 979 Dreams
With UPSC CSE 2025 now underway, aspirants are entering the most critical phase of preparation. The sheer scale of this examination – coupled with the prestige of services like IAS and IPS – ensures a tough battle ahead. Only consistent practice, strategic time management, and a focused mindset will help crack this challenge.
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