UPSC CSE Exam 2025: Notification, Important Dates, Vacancies, Syllabus and more

UPSC has recently released a notification regarding the exam dates of UPSC CSE 2025 on 22nd January 2025. UPSC conducts an all-India competitive exam for the recruitment of potential candidates under various categories such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) etc. 

 According to the official UPSC CSE 2025 notification, a total of 1129 vacancies have been released,  out of which 979 vacancies are for UPSC CSE 2025 and the rest 150 vacancies are for Indian Forest Service (IFS).

Further details regarding important exam dates, syllabus, preparation tips and strategies, exam fees etc. are provided below:

Important Dates 

How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2025: 

• Go to the official website of UPSC i.e. www.upsc.gov.in. 

• Click on the UPSC OTR registration 

• Fill in the required details like name, mail Id, contact number and other personal details. 

• Upload photograph, signature and other required documents.

• Pay the application fees either through online banking/UPI or credit/debit card 

• Review UPSC application 2025 before final submission. 
  

Eligibility Criteria: 

A candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university in order to appear for the UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Exam.

Age limit/Relaxation: 

According to UPSC CSE 2025 notification, the age of the aspirant must be between 21 and 32 years as of 1st August, 2025. The age relaxation for various social categories is provided below: 

Exam Pattern: 

Following tables show the exam pattern for both the UPSC CSE prelims and UPSC CSE Mains exams: 

UPSC CSE Prelims 2025:

UPSC CSE Prelims is of 400 marks. This paper is qualifying in nature. 

UPSC CSE Mains 2025:

All papers are descriptive in nature. This paper is of 1750 marks.  

UPSC CSE 2025 ADMIT CARD: 

Based on previous trends,  the UPSC CSE Prelims admit card  is expected to be released 2-3 weeks before the respective exams. Admit cards will be made available on the official website of UPSC i.e. www.upsc.gov.in. 

Declaration of Results:

UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 and UPSC CSE Mains 2025 results will be declared 15-20 days and 1-3 months after the conduct of the respective exams. 

UPSC CSE Syllabus 

  Paper 1 (General Studies): 

• Current events of national and international importance.

• History of India and Indian National Movement.

• Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

• Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

• Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.

• General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialisation.

• General Science

Paper 2 (CSAT): 

• Comprehension

• Interpersonal skills including communication skills

• Logical reasoning and analytical ability

• Decision-making and problem solving

• General mental ability

• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)

UPSC Mains Syllabus : 

Paper A:

Students need to select one Indian  language from the list of languages as given in the eighth schedule of the constitution as an optional paper.  

Following is the pattern of the paper: 

• Comprehension of given passages

• Precise Writing

• Usage and Vocabulary

• Short Essay

• Translation from English to the Indian language and vice versa. 

Paper B:

Students will be tested on their English language skills like grammar, comprehension, vocabulary etc. The pattern of the exam is broadly as follows: 

• Comprehension of given passages

• Precise Writing

• Usage and Vocabulary

• Short Essay

Note: Paper A and B are qualifying in nature and the marks obtained in this paper will not be included in the final calculation of merit. A student must obtain at least 25% to qualify for the remaining papers. 

Paper I - Essay: 

Students will be required to write two  essays on a range of topics on abstract, current affairs, philosophical and social themes. 

Paper II- General Studies I
(Indian Heritage & Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) :

• Indian Culture: Art forms, literature, architecture from ancient to modern times
  
  

• Modern Indian History: From mid-18th century to present, significant personalities and events
  
  

• Freedom Struggle: Various stages, important contributors
  
  

• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization
  
  

• World History: Events from the 18th century (Industrial Revolution, World Wars, colonization, decolonization)
  
  

• Indian Society: Diversity, role of women, population issues, poverty, urbanization, communalism, regionalism, secularism
  
  

• Geography: Physical geography, natural resources, location of industries, geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.)

Paper III- General Studies II

(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations):
1. Indian Constitution and Polity:

• Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure of the Constitution.

• Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States; issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; devolution of powers and finances up to local levels; challenges therein.

• Separation of powers among various organs; dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

• Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.

• Parliament and State Legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges, and issues arising out of these.

• Structure, organization, and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the polity.

• Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

• Appointment to various Constitutional posts; powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

• Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies.
  
  

2.  Governance:

• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors; issues arising out of their design and implementation.

• Development processes and the development industry—the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States; performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

• Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

• Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

• Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability; e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability, and institutional and other measures.

• Role of civil services in a democracy.
  
  

3. Social Justice:

• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States; performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

• Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

• Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
  
  

4. International Relations:

• India and its neighborhood—relations.
  Bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

• Important International institutions, agencies, and fora—their structure, mandate.
  
  

Paper IV- General Studies III
(Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment Security, Disaster Management)

• Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

• Government Budgeting.

• Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

• Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System-objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

•  Food processing and related industries in India- scope' and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

• Land reforms in India.

• Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

• Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways

• Investment Models

• Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

•  Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

• Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

• Disaster and disaster management.

• Relation between development and spread of extremism.

Paper V-General Studies IV(Ethics, Integrity and aptitude)

1. Ethics and Human Interface:
   
   

• Essence of Ethics: Understanding the core principles and concepts of ethics.

• Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Interaction: Exploring factors that influence ethical behavior and its outcomes in societal interactions.

• Dimensions of Ethics: Examining various facets such as personal, professional, and societal ethics.

• Ethics in Public and Private Relationships: Differentiating ethical considerations in personal life and public service.

• Human Values: Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators; role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating moral and ethical values.
  
  

2. Attitude:
   
   

• Content, Structure, and Function of Attitude: Understanding what constitutes attitude and its components.

• Influence of Attitude on Thought and Behavior: How attitudes shape perceptions and actions.

• Relation of Attitude to Thought and Behavior: Interconnection between attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

• Moral and Political Attitudes: Exploring ethical standpoints and political ideologies.

• Social Influence and Persuasion: Mechanisms through which attitudes are formed and changed.
  
  

3. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service:
   
   

• Integrity: Upholding honesty and strong moral principles.

• Impartiality and Non-partisanship: Fairness and neutrality in public service.

• Objectivity: Basing decisions on unbiased evidence.

• Dedication to Public Service: Commitment to serving the public good.

• Empathy, Tolerance, and Compassion: Sensitivity towards the needs and feelings of others, especially the weaker sections of society.
  
  

4. Emotional Intelligence:
   
   

• Concepts of Emotional Intelligence (EI): Understanding and managing one's own emotions and the emotions of others.

• Utility and Application of EI in Administration and Governance: Applying EI principles to enhance leadership and decision-making in public administration.
  
  

5. Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers:
   
   

• Contributions from India and the World: Insights from renowned ethical thinkers and philosophers that have shaped moral and ethical discourse.
  
  

6. Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration:
   
   

• Status and Associated Problems: Current state and challenges of ethics in public service.

• Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions: Common ethical challenges faced by public servants and private sector professionals.

• Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance: Frameworks guiding ethical behavior in public administration.

• Accountability and Ethical Governance: Mechanisms to ensure responsible conduct and transparency.

• Strengthening of Ethical and Moral Values in Governance: Strategies to promote integrity in public service.

• Ethical Issues in International Relations and Funding: Navigating moral considerations in global interactions and financial dealings.

• Corporate Governance: Ethical management and administration in corporate entities.
  
  

7. Probity in Governance:
   
   

• Concept of Public Service: Understanding the role and responsibilities of public servants.

• Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity: Theoretical underpinnings of ethical governance.

• Information Sharing and Transparency in Government: Promoting openness and accessibility of information.

• Right to Information (RTI): Empowering citizens through access to governmental information.

• Codes of Ethics and Conduct: Established guidelines for ethical behavior in public service.

• Citizen’s Charters: Commitments of public organizations towards service delivery standards.

• Work Culture: Ethical environment and practices within public institutions.

• Quality of Service Delivery: Ensuring efficient and ethical provision of public services.

• Utilization of Public Funds: Ethical management and allocation of public resources.

• Challenges of Corruption: Identifying and addressing corrupt practices in governance.
  
  

8. Case Studies:
   
   

• Application of the above concepts in real-life scenarios to test problem-solving and decision-making abilities in complex and ambiguous situations.

Paper VI & VII Paper: 

Candidates need to select any one subject from the following list of forty-eight subjects for paper VI and VII for UPSC Mains paper: 

1. Agriculture   

2. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science

3. Anthropology

4. Botany

5. Chemistry

6. Civil Engineering

7. Commerce & Accountancy

8. Economics

9. Electrical Engineering

10. Geography

11. Geology

12. History

13. Law

14. Management

15. Mathematics

16. Mechanical Engineering

17. Medical Science

18. Philosophy

19. Physics

20. Political Science & International Relations

21. Psychology

22. Public Administration

23. Sociology

24. Statistics

25. Zoology, or 

Literatures of any one of the following subjects: 

Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.

UPSC CSE 2025 Exam Preparation Tips and Strategies:

Preparing for the toughest exam in India can be challenging and quite an uphill task. Following tips and strategies will help candidates navigate through the tough waters of UPSC CSE Exam: 

• Understand the UPSC Exam Structure:
  Familiarizing yourself with this structure helps in strategizing your preparation effectively and streamline your preparation.
  
  

• Thoroughly Review the Official UPSC Syllabus:
  The syllabus is the foundation of your preparation. Regularly referring to the official syllabus ensures focused study and prevents deviation into irrelevant topics.
  
  

• Analyze Previous Years’ Question Papers (PYQs):
  Reviewing PYQs helps identify important topics and understand the pattern of questions. It provides insight into the depth and nature of questions, aiding in targeted preparation.
  
  

• Select Standard and Limited Study Materials:
  Choose authoritative books and resources for each subject to build a strong foundation. NCERT textbooks are recommended for their clarity and comprehensiveness.
  
  

• Prioritize NCERT Books:
  NCERTs offer clear explanations and are essential for subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Science. They help in building a solid base before moving on to advanced materials.
  
  

• Stay Updated with Daily Newspapers:
  Reading newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express is crucial for current affairs.Focus on editorials, government policies, international relations, and socio-economic issues. Disha Publication offers a comprehensive guide to current affairs for UPSC in their Yearly Current Affairs for Competitive Exams.
  
  

• Develop Concise and Organized Notes:
  Create structured notes for each topic, incorporating bullet points, flowcharts, and diagrams. Well-organized notes facilitate quick revisions and better retention.
  
  

• Incorporate Visual Aids in Notes:
  Using diagrams, mind maps, and flowcharts can simplify complex information and enhance memory.Visual aids make revision more engaging and effective.
  
  

• Create a Realistic and Structured Study Plan:
  Design a timetable that covers all subjects, allocates time for revision, and includes regular breaks. A structured plan helps in systematic coverage of the syllabus and reduces stress.
  
  

• Engage in Regular Practice of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
  Solving MCQs enhances accuracy and speed, crucial for the Prelims exam.Regular practice helps in identifying weak areas and improving them.
  
  

• Participate in Mock Tests and Analyze Performance:
  Mock tests simulate exam conditions, aiding in time management and stress handling. Analyzing performance in these tests helps in understanding mistakes and avoiding them in the actual exam.
  
  

• Practice Answer Writing for Mains Examination:
  Regular answer writing practice develops the ability to articulate thoughts clearly and concisely. It helps in structuring answers effectively and managing time during the exam.
  
  

• Enhance Answer Presentation Skills:
  Use subheadings, bullet points, and relevant examples to make answers more presentable.
  Clear and well-structured answers can fetch better marks.
  
  

• Adopt a Multidimensional Approach to Topics:
  Analyze issues from various perspectives—social, political, economic, and ethical.
  This approach demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of topics.
  
  

• Stay Informed About Government Schemes and Reports:
  Keep abreast of important government initiatives, policies, and reports. This knowledge is crucial for both Prelims and Mains examinations.
  
  

• Prepare for Ethics Paper (GS IV) with Real-Life Examples:
  Incorporate case studies and real-life examples to substantiate answers in the Ethics paper. This adds credibility and depth to your responses.
  
  

• Choose an Optional Subject Wisely:
  Select an optional subject based on your interest, background, and availability of study materials. A genuine interest in the subject can lead to better performance.
  
  

• Regular Revision is Essential:
  Allocate dedicated time for revising each subject multiple times before the exam. Regular revision reinforces knowledge and aids in long-term retention.
  
  

• Maintain a Study Progress Tracker:
  Keep a record of topics covered, pending areas, and performance in tests. Tracking progress helps in staying organized and focused.
  
  

• Limit Study Resources to Avoid Overload:
  Focus on a few quality resources rather than accumulating excessive materials. This approach prevents confusion and enhances depth of understanding.
  
  

• Minimize Distractions During Study Sessions:
  Create a conducive study environment free from interruptions. Limiting distractions improves concentration and productivity.
  
  

• Prioritize Physical and Mental Well-being:
  Engage in regular physical activities, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure adequate sleep. A healthy body and mind are crucial for effective preparation.
  
  

• Stay Motivated and Seek Support When Needed:
  Connect with fellow aspirants, mentors, or support groups for guidance and motivation. Cultivate self-belief as it enhances chances of notching up the desired results in the exam.
  
  

Best UPSC Study Materials: 

Disha publication offers a range of best UPSC reference books for UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains. Packed with PYQs, solution-based mock-tests and chapter-wise explanations of important topics, these UPSC study books provide a comprehensive guide to achieving your desirable ranks and scores. We also bring to you UPSC Books in Hindi, so as to minimize language barrier and facilitate preparation in a smooth and efficient manner.  

 FAQs

1. What is the age limit for the UPSC CSE exam?
The age limit is 21 to 32 years for the general category (with age relaxations for reserved categories).

2. How many attempts are allowed in UPSC CSE?
General category candidates have 6 attempts; OBC – 9 attempts; SC/ST – unlimited (within age limit).

3. What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A candidate must have a graduate degree from a recognized university.

4. Is it necessary to take coaching for UPSC?
No, self-study with the right resources and discipline is enough to clear the exam.

5. Can a candidate write the exam in Hindi or other regional languages?
Yes, UPSC allows writing Mains in English, Hindi, or any language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.