UPSC Civil Services 2025
The most prestigious exam in India โ become an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer
Conducted by: UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
๐ง Turn your UPSC CSE books & PDFs into smart notes โ build a daily study habit and grow day by day.
Start FreeWhat is UPSC CSE?
The Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) is the most prestigious competitive exam in India, conducted to recruit officers for All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFS) and Central Services. The exam is a year-long process with three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test (Interview). UPSC CSE demands broad knowledge across History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs. Approximately 10 lakh candidates apply but only around 1,000 are finally selected.
Eligibility Criteria
| Education | Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final year students can also apply for Prelims. |
| Age Limit | 21โ32 years. Upper age relaxation: OBC +3 years, SC/ST +5 years, PwD +10 years. |
| Attempts | General: 6 attempts; OBC: 9 attempts; SC/ST: unlimited till age limit. |
Exam Pattern
Selection Stages
- 1Preliminary (Objective)
- 2Mains (Descriptive)
- 3Personality Test (Interview)
Total Marks
2025 marks (Mains 1750 + Interview 275)
Duration
Prelims: 4 hours total | Mains: 9 papers over ~5 days | Interview: ~30 min
Mode
Prelims: Online/Offline | Mains: Offline (Pen & Paper)
Negative Marking
Yes โ incorrect answers carry a penalty
UPSC CSE Syllabus
General Studies 1
- Indian Heritage & Culture
- History of India & the World
- Indian & World Geography
- Post-independence Consolidation
- Social Issues in Indian Society
- World Geography & Physical Geography
General Studies 2
- Indian Constitution & Polity
- Governance, Social Justice
- International Relations
- Government Schemes & Policies
- Role of Civil Services in Democracy
General Studies 3
- Indian Economy & Economic Development
- Agriculture & Food Processing
- Science & Technology, Innovations
- Environment & Ecology
- Internal Security & Disaster Management
General Studies 4
- Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
- Attitude, Emotional Intelligence
- Public Administration Ethics
- Case Studies on Ethical Governance
Essay Paper
- Two essays from diverse topics (Society, Ethics, Philosophy)
- Economic and social dimensions
- Philosophical and abstract topics
Key Facts About UPSC CSE
- ~10 lakh candidates apply; only ~1,000 are finally selected
- Process spans an entire year from Prelims to final selection
- CSAT Paper 2 in Prelims is qualifying only (33% cutoff)
- Optional subject contributes 500 marks to Mains total
- Interview carries 275 marks โ crucial differentiator
- NCERT books for classes 6โ12 form the foundation for GS preparation
Build Your Foundation with NCERT
Most competitive exams are based on NCERT textbooks. The following NCERT subjects form the core foundation for UPSC Civil Services 2025 preparation:
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