Important Update: Union Public Service Commission has released the official notification for Civil Services Examination 2025. The application process is scheduled to start from 14 February 2025.
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 |
| Category | Syllabus & Pattern |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CSE 2025 Exam Overview
The Civil Services Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annually for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services. The examination is conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) – Qualifying in nature
- Main Examination (Written and Essay Type) – Merit determining
- Personality Test (Interview) – Final selection
UPSC CSE 2025 Exam Pattern
UPSC Preliminary Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) | 200 | 2 hours |
Note: Paper-II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature with a minimum required score of 33%. Only Paper-I marks are considered for ranking in the Preliminary Examination.
UPSC Main Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | General Studies I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography) | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice) | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security) | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 | 3 hours |
| Sub Total (Written Test) | 1750 | ||
| Personality Test (Interview) | 275 | ||
| Grand Total | 2025 | ||
Note: Paper-A and Paper-B (Language Papers) are qualifying in nature and their marks are not counted in the final ranking.
UPSC Preliminary Examination Syllabus 2025
Paper-I: General Studies (200 Marks)
- 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 specialization
- General Science
Paper-II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (200 Marks) – Qualifying
- 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)
- English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X level)
UPSC Main Examination Syllabus 2025
Paper-A: Indian Language (Qualifying – 300 Marks)
Candidates can choose any Indian language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The paper tests the candidate’s ability to understand the language and express thoughts clearly and correctly.
Paper-B: English (Qualifying – 300 Marks)
This paper is designed to test the candidate’s ability to understand English and express thoughts clearly and correctly.
Paper-I: Essay (250 Marks)
Candidates will be required to write essays on multiple topics. The choice of subjects will be given, allowing candidates to choose topics they are familiar with. This paper tests the candidate’s ability to express ideas clearly, organize thoughts, present arguments coherently, and write concisely.
Paper-II: General Studies-I (250 Marks)
Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
- Indian Culture: Art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times
- Modern Indian History: Significant events, personalities, and issues from the mid-18th century
- Freedom Struggle: Various stages and contributions from different parts of the country
- Post-Independence Consolidation: Reorganization of states
- History of the World: Events from 18th century such as Industrial Revolution, World Wars, colonization, decolonization, and Cold War
- Indian Society: Diversity, communalism, regionalism, secularism
- Role of Women: Women’s organizations, population and associated issues, poverty and development issues
- Urbanization: Problems and remedies
- Geography: Physical, social, economic geography of India and the world
- Distribution of Key Natural Resources: Water, soils, minerals across the world (including India)
- Factors Responsible for Industrial Location: In India and the world
- Major Natural and Man-made Disasters: Risk reduction measures, disaster management
Paper-III: General Studies-II (250 Marks)
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
- Indian Constitution: Historical underpinnings, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure
- Comparison of Indian Constitution: With other countries
- Separation of Powers: Between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms
- Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges, issues arising
- Executive and Judiciary: Structure, organization, functioning, needs, reform, etc.
- Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies
- Government Policies and Interventions: Development processes and the development industry
- NGOs, SHGs, Pressure Groups: Their role in development
- Welfare Schemes: For vulnerable sections, performance evaluation
- Social Sector Initiatives: Health, education, human resources
- Governance Issues: Transparency, accountability, e-governance
- Role of Civil Services: In a democracy
- India’s Relations with Neighbors: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings
- International Bodies: Structure, mandate, their effect on India
- Diaspora Indians: Their role and contributions
Paper-IV: General Studies-III (250 Marks)
Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
- Indian Economy: Issues of planning, resource mobilization, growth, development, employment
- Inclusive Growth: Government budgeting
- Land Reforms: Since independence
- Liberalization Impact: On economy, changes in industrial policy, financial sector reforms
- Infrastructure: Energy, ports, roads, airports, railways, etc.
- Investment Models
- Science and Technology: Developments and applications in everyday life
- Indigenous Technologies: Developing new technologies, technology missions
- IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology: Awareness in these fields
- Conservation of Resources: Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
- Disaster Management
- Development and Extremism: Linkages between development and spread of extremism
- Security Challenges: Internal security challenges, border management
- Terrorism: Various forces and their funding
- Security Agencies: Role, mandate, and coordination among various agencies
- Cybersecurity: Basics, threats, and responses
- Money-Laundering: Methods and countermeasures
- Border Security: Management of India’s land, maritime, coastal and air borders
- Organized Crime: Nexus with terrorism
Paper-V: General Studies-IV (250 Marks)
Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants, consequences of ethics in human actions
- Dimensions of Ethics: Ethics in private and public relationships
- Human Values: Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators
- Role of Family, Society and Educational Institutions: In inculcating values
- Attitude: Content, structure, function; influence and relation with thought and behavior
- Moral and Political Attitudes: Social influence and persuasion
- Civil Service Aptitude: Emotional intelligence, moral reasoning, ethical dilemmas resolution
- Integrity: Public/Civil service values and ethics, accountability and ethical governance
- Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity
- Information Sharing and Transparency: RTI, codes of ethics, codes of conduct, citizen’s charters, work culture
- Case Studies: On above issues
Paper-VI & VII: Optional Subject (250 Marks each)
Candidates can choose one optional subject from the following list:
| Agriculture | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science | Anthropology | Botany |
| Chemistry | Civil Engineering | Commerce & Accountancy | Economics |
| Electrical Engineering | Geography | Geology | History |
| Law | Management | Mathematics | Mechanical Engineering |
| Medical Science | Philosophy | Physics | Political Science & International Relations |
| Psychology | Public Administration | Sociology | Statistics |
| Zoology | Literature of any one language |
Personality Test (Interview) – 275 Marks
The interview/personality test is conducted to assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in public service. The test is intended to judge the mental caliber of a candidate by evaluating various dimensions such as:
- Mental alertness
- Critical powers of assimilation
- Clear and logical exposition
- Balance of judgment
- Variety and depth of interest
- Ability for social cohesion and leadership
- Intellectual and moral integrity
Popular Optional Subjects and their Selection Strategy
| Optional Subject | Reasons for Popularity | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Public Administration | Overlap with GS Papers, structured syllabus, availability of study material | Candidates from all backgrounds, beginners |
| Geography | Overlap with GS, diagram-based answers can fetch good marks | Candidates with science or engineering background |
| Sociology | Contemporary relevance, overlap with GS-I, relatively smaller syllabus | Candidates with humanities background or urban understanding |
| Political Science | Significant overlap with GS-II, widely available study material | Candidates with humanities background, political awareness |
| History | Rich source material, overlap with GS-I, factual subject | Candidates passionate about history, good memory |
| Mathematics | Objective evaluation, fixed answers, high scoring potential | Candidates with strong mathematics background |
| Economics | Relevance to contemporary issues, overlap with GS-III | Commerce, economics graduates, banking professionals |
Recommended Books for UPSC CSE 2025
Preliminary Examination
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| History |
– NCERT Textbooks (Class VI to XII) – India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra – Indian Art and Culture by Nitin Singhania |
| Geography |
– NCERT Textbooks (Class VI to XII) – Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong – Oxford School Atlas |
| Polity |
– Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth – Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu |
| Economy |
– Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh – Economic Survey (Latest) – The Hindu, Indian Express, Economic Times |
| Science & Technology |
– NCERT Textbooks (Class VI to X) – Science Reporter Magazine |
| Environment & Ecology |
– Environment by Shankar IAS – NCERT Textbooks (Biology) |
| Current Affairs |
– The Hindu, Indian Express, Economic Times – Yojana, Kurukshetra Magazines – Vision IAS Monthly Current Affairs |
| CSAT |
– Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey – Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal |
Main Examination
In addition to the books recommended for Prelims, the following books are recommended for the Main examination:
| Paper | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Essay |
– No specific books, but regular practice of writing essays – Analysis of previous years’ essay topics – Reading editorials from major newspapers |
| GS-I |
– India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha – India’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma – Facets of Indian Culture by Spectrum |
| GS-II |
– India’s Foreign Policy by Rajiv Sikri – Social Problems in India by Ram Ahuja – 2nd ARC Reports (Selected) |
| GS-III |
– Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh – Science & Technology in India by Spectrum – Challenges to Internal Security of India by Ashok Kumar |
| GS-IV |
– Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by G. Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chowdhury – Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude by Chronicle IAS Academy – Ethics in Governance by 2nd ARC |
UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy
Preliminary Examination Preparation
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the UPSC syllabus to understand what to study.
- Start with NCERTs: Begin with NCERT textbooks from Class 6 to 12 for a strong foundation.
- Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers and magazines for current events.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve at least the last 10 years’ question papers.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to improve time management.
- Focus on CSAT: Ensure you can clear the qualifying marks in CSAT.
- Revision: Create short notes and revise regularly.
Main Examination Preparation
- Answer Writing Practice: Start practicing answer writing from day one.
- Optional Subject Selection: Choose an optional subject based on your interest and background.
- Current Affairs Integration: Connect current affairs with the static portion of the syllabus.
- Note Making: Make concise notes for revision.
- Time Management: Practice writing answers within the given time frame.
- Ethics Case Studies: Practice ethical dilemmas and case studies for GS Paper IV.
- Essay Practice: Write at least one essay every week.
Interview Preparation
- Know Your DAF: Thoroughly prepare your Detailed Application Form (DAF).
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with current happenings, especially related to your home state.
- Mock Interviews: Participate in as many mock interviews as possible.
- Body Language: Work on your body language, confidence, and communication skills.
- Opinion Formation: Develop balanced opinions on controversial topics.
Important Dates for UPSC CSE 2025
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 14 February 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 14 February 2025 |
| Online Application End Date | 5 March 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 25 May 2025 |
| Preliminary Result Declaration | Mid-July 2025 (Tentative) |
| Main Examination Date | 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 September 2025 |
| Main Examination Result | December 2025 (Tentative) |
| Interview/Personality Test | January-February 2026 (Tentative) |
| Final Result Declaration | March-April 2026 (Tentative) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2025?
The age limit for General category candidates is 21-32 years. For OBC candidates, the upper age limit is relaxed by 3 years (21-35 years). For SC/ST candidates, the upper age limit is relaxed by 5 years (21-37 years). Different age relaxations apply for other categories as specified in the UPSC notification.
How many attempts are allowed for UPSC CSE?
General category candidates are allowed 6 attempts up to 32 years of age. OBC candidates get 9 attempts up to 35 years. There is no limit on the number of attempts for SC/ST candidates up to 37 years of age.
Which optional subject is considered the best for UPSC CSE?
There is no “best” optional subject as such. The choice of optional subject should be based on your interest, academic background, and the availability of study materials and guidance. Some popular choices include Public Administration, Geography, Sociology, and Political Science.
Is CSAT qualifying or counted in the final merit?
CSAT (Paper-II of Preliminary Examination) is qualifying in nature with a minimum requirement of 33% marks. Only Paper-I marks are considered for the merit list in the Preliminary Examination.
How many candidates are selected for the Main Examination from Prelims?
Usually, UPSC selects candidates for the Main Examination in the ratio of 1:12 to 1:13 of the total vacancies. For instance, if there are 1000 vacancies, approximately 12,000-13,000 candidates qualify for the Main Examination.
Is there any negative marking in UPSC CSE?
Yes, there is negative marking in the Preliminary Examination. For each wrong answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty. There is no negative marking in the Main Examination or Interview.
What is the medium of examination for UPSC CSE?
The Preliminary Examination question papers are set both in Hindi and English. For Main Examination, candidates can write papers in any language included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or in English, except the language papers (Paper-A and Paper-B) which have to be written in the specific language chosen.
Conclusion: UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most prestigious and challenging examinations in India. A thorough understanding of the syllabus, consistent preparation, and strategic approach are key to cracking this examination. We hope this detailed syllabus and preparation guide helps you in your journey towards becoming a civil servant.
Keep visiting Best Sarkari Naukri for more updates on UPSC Civil Services Examination, preparation strategies, previous years’ question papers, and other competitive examinations.