INSTITUTE FOR CIVIL SERVICES EXAM
upsc cIVIL SERVICES EXAM
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is established under Part XIV of the Constitution of India, deals with the Public Service Commissions. UPSC as an independent body responsible for recruiting personnel for various civil services of the Union and conducting examinations like the Civil Services Exam. The UPSC ensures fair and merit-based selection to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the Indian administrative system.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is indeed one of the most challenging and prestigious exams in India. It opens doors to a wide array of esteemed services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and more, giving candidates the chance to shape policies and contribute significantly to nation-building.
The exam tests not just knowledge but also analytical abilities, decision-making skills, and mental resilience. Many aspirants invest years of hard work, strategic preparation, and perseverance to clear this exam.
STRUCTURE OF EXAM
It consists of three successive stages:
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Preliminary Exam (Objective Type): It comprises two papers of the objective type with multiple choices:
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Paper I - General studies: 200 marks/100Q
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Paper II is CSAT (Aptitude Test): 200 marks/80Q Qualifying nature only (minimum 33% needed to qualify).
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This exam is meant to act as a screening test only & the marks obtained in it aren’t counted for determining the final order of merit.
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Main Exam (Written): It consists of nine papers (two of which are of qualifying nature) accounting for 1750 marks.
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Essay Paper
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General Studies 1 - 250 Marks
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General Studies 2 - 250 Marks
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General Studies 3 - 250 Marks
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General Studies 4 - 250 Marks
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Optional Paper 1 - 250 Marks
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Optional Paper 2 - 250 Marks
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Qualifying Paper 1 - 300 Marks
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Qualifying Paper 2 - 300 Marks
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Candidates must score 25% in qualifying papers otherwise, their copies for merit papers will not be evaluated. UPSC wants candidates who can think clearly, write effectively, and demonstrate intellectual maturity rather than just rote learning.
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Interview/Personality Test: It accounts for 275 marks.
Interview panel wants to see if you have the right temperament, personality, and presence of mind to handle the responsibilities of a civil servant.
This brings the grand total to 2025 marks.
NOTIFICATION 2025
Every year, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the official notification for the Civil Services Examination, usually in the month of February. This notification serves as an important announcement for aspirants, providing detailed information about the exam schedule, eligibility criteria, application process, syllabus, and other essential guidelines. The timely release of this notification marks the beginning of the preparation journey for lakhs of candidates aiming to join prestigious services like IAS, IPS, and IFS. Staying updated with the notification is crucial, as it helps candidates plan their preparation effectively and ensures they don’t miss important deadlines.
ANNUAL CALENDER 2025