UPSC CSE 2025 – Notification, Syllabus, Eligibility & Exam Pattern

UPSC officially releases CSE notification annually. Read the PDF carefully — it contains crucial information: number of vacancies, important dates, eligibility criteria, examination fee, and instructions for application and document submission.

Important Dates (Example)

• Notification Release: Nov 13, 2025
• Apply Online Window: Nov 14, 2025 – Dec 04, 2025
• Prelims Exam (Expected): May/June 2026
• Mains Exam (Expected): Sep/Oct 2026

Always refer to the official UPSC website for the PDF and latest corrigenda: upsc.gov.in.

Educational Qualification

A candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Final-year students may apply if they can produce proof of passing the degree by the time specified by UPSC (usually at the time of Mains/Document Verification).

Age Limits & Attempts (General guidelines)

Minimum age: 21 years. Maximum age: varies by category. Typical attempt structure:

• General (UR): Up to 6 attempts (till 32 years) — standard guideline, but always verify in notification.
• OBC: 9 attempts (till 35 years).
• SC/ST: Unlimited attempts until 37 years (as per existing rules) — check latest notification for updates.
• Physically Handicapped: Age relaxation applies as per rules.

Exact age cut-off date is the date mentioned in notification (commonly 1st August of the exam year or as specified). Use the official PDF to calculate eligibility precisely.

Preliminary Examination (Screening)

Prelims consist of two papers (objective type) — GS Paper I (General Studies) and CSAT (General Aptitude). CSAT is qualifying in nature — candidates need minimum qualifying marks to be considered for Mains.

Mains Examination

Mains is descriptive and consists of nine papers — Essay, GS I–IV, Optional Paper I & II (two papers), and two qualifying language papers (one English, one Indian language).

Personality Test (Interview)

Interview carries 275 marks and assesses candidate’s personality traits, clarity of thought, integrity, social awareness and suitability for public service.

Prelims — General Studies Paper I (Syllabus Summary)

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India — Modern Indian history and freedom struggle
• Indian and World Geography — physical, social, economic geography
• Indian Polity and Governance — constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj
• Economic and Social Development — sustainable development, poverty, inclusion
• General issues on environmental ecology, biodiversity and climate change
• General Science — basics and applications

CSAT (Paper II) — Qualifying

• Comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Basic numeracy, data interpretation and graphs (up to class X level)

CSAT is qualifying in nature (usually requires 33% marks). Focus on speed and accuracy for Prelims MCQs.

Essay

Ability to write a structured essay on multiple topics — clarity, coherence, and balanced arguments are evaluated.

General Studies Papers I–IV

• GS I: Indian heritage, history, culture, and geography
• GS II: Governance, constitution, polity, social justice and international relations
• GS III: Technology, economic development, biodiversity, security and disaster management
• GS IV: Ethics, integrity and aptitude — case studies and moral dilemmas

Optional Subject

Choose one optional subject (two papers) from UPSC’s list of subjects. Choose based on background, scoring trends and availability of good resources/mentors.

Language Papers (Qualifying)

One Indian language paper and one English paper — qualifying; minimum marks required as per notification.

Popular optional subjects: Public Administration, Geography, Sociology, History, Anthropology, Political Science & International Relations, Philosophy, Economics, Mathematics, Law, Medical Science, Engineering subjects, Literature papers (various languages).

Choosing tips: pick a subject you enjoy, have background in, or where overlap with General Studies exists (e.g., Public Administration & Governance). Evaluate availability of good teachers and quality study material.

UPSC releases vacancy numbers annually. Vacancy count determines final allotments and cutoffs. Below are indicative previous cutoffs for target setting.

These are indicative scoring ranges to set preparation targets. Real cutoffs vary each year; aim consistently high across Mains + Interview to secure service preference.

1. Visit the UPSC Online website (https://upsconline.nic.in/).
2. Complete Part I registration (basic details) and get registration ID.
3. Complete Part II — detailed application, choose centre, language options, optional subject code.
4. Upload photo & signature per the size & format; verify and pay exam fee (if applicable).
5. Submit & take printout of confirmation page for records.

Keep scanned documents and IDs handy before starting. Payment receipts and confirmation copies are essential for future correspondence.

Detailed Application Form (DAF)

After Mains results, shortlisted candidates must fill DAF online. DAF captures detailed personal, educational, employment, hobbies and optional subject details which the interview board may probe.

Personality Test (Interview)

Interview assesses clarity of thought, social awareness, ethical grounding, leadership potential and suitability for public service. Practice articulation, current affairs depth, and honest personal reflections.

Tip: Prepare a crisp personal profile (achievements, challenges, volunteers, internships) and reasoned opinions on governance issues — boards value maturity and balance over rehearsed answers.

A consistent 9–12 month plan focusing on conceptual clarity, regular current affairs, and timed practice helps most aspirants. Combine prelims-oriented practice with deeper Mains answer writing from early stages.

Recommended Books & Online Resources

• NCERTs (6–12) — History, Geography, Polity, Science basics
• M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity
• Bipan Chandra — Modern India
• Ramesh Singh / Indian Economy texts
• Shankar IAS, Vision IAS, Insights IAS test series for mocks
• Pib, PRS, The Hindu/Indian Express for current affairs