Official UPSC Exam Schedule 2025: Prelims, Mains & Other Key Dates

upsc exam date 2025 is now released – find official schedule, prelims and mains dates, application deadlines, and important exam day guidelines here.

The UPSC Exam Date 2025 has been officially released, and with it comes a fresh wave of opportunity for lakhs of civil service aspirants across India. If you’re preparing to apply for one of the most prestigious government exams in the country, this comprehensive guide is for you. From eligibility to syllabus and step-by-step application instructions, you’ll find everything you need to know about the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 in one place.

What is the UPSC Civil Services Examination?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually to recruit candidates for India’s premier administrative positions. Successful candidates are appointed to services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and various other Group A and B services.

UPSC is an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting recruitment to various central government posts. Known for its rigorous standards and transparent selection process, the UPSC CSE is widely regarded as one of the toughest exams in the country.

Eligibility for UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025

To apply for the UPSC CSE 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Nationality

For IAS and IPS: Must be a citizen of India.

For other services: Must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or a person of Indian origin who migrated from certain countries with the intention of permanent settlement.

Age Limit

Minimum: 21 years as of August 1, 2025

Maximum: 32 years (for General category)

Relaxation: Up to 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and other relaxations as per rules.

Educational Qualification

A candidate must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.

Final year students who will receive their degree before the mains exam may also apply for prelims.

Number of Attempts

General: 6 attempts

OBC: 9 attempts

SC/ST: Unlimited (until age limit)

UPSC Exam Date 2025 – Important Dates to Remember

Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the crucial dates related to UPSC Exam 2025:

Notification Release Date: February 12, 2025

Application Start Date: February 12, 2025

Application End Date: March 4, 2025

Admit Card Release: May 2025 (tentative)

Prelims Exam Date: May 25, 2025

Prelims Result: July 2025

Mains Exam Date: September 20, 2025

Mains Result: December 2025

Interview (Personality Test): January–March 2026

Final Result: April 2026

UPSC Exam Pattern 2025

Understanding the exam structure is key to effective preparation. The UPSC CSE consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)

Paper I – General Studies (GS): 200 marks

Paper II – CSAT (Aptitude Test): 200 marks

Duration: 2 hours each

Paper II is qualifying (33% marks required)

Marks in prelims are not counted in the final merit

2. Main Examination (Descriptive Type)

Total Papers: 9

Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying) – 300 marks

Paper B: English (Qualifying) – 300 marks

Paper I–VII: Essay, General Studies I–IV, Optional Subject Papers I & II – 250 marks each

Total Marks (for merit): 1750

3. Personality Test / Interview

Marks: 275

The final merit is prepared out of 2025 marks (1750 + 275)

UPSC 2025 Syllabus Highlights

Here’s a quick look at what to expect:

Prelims

Paper I: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Tech, Current Affairs

Paper II (CSAT): Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Basic Math

Mains

GS Papers:

GS I: Indian Heritage, History, Geography, Society

GS II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice

GS III: Economy, Agriculture, Science, Security, Environment

GS IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

Essay: Two essays on diverse topics

Optional Subject: Two papers on one optional subject chosen by the candidate

How to Apply for UPSC Exam 2025 – Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to apply online for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025:

Visit the official UPSC application portal

Click on “Apply Online for Civil Services Exam 2025”

Complete Part I Registration: Enter basic details, choose preferences, and submit

Note your Registration ID for Part II

Complete Part II Registration: Upload photograph and signature, choose exam center, and make the payment

Review and Submit the application

Download a copy of the submitted form for your records

Ensure all details are accurate. Incomplete or incorrect applications are liable to be rejected.

Preparation Tips for UPSC Exam 2025

Cracking the UPSC exam requires a strategic approach and consistent effort. Here are some tips:

Start Early: Begin at least 10–12 months before the exam

Follow the Syllabus Closely: Never study outside the official syllabus

NCERT First, Then Standard Books: Build strong fundamentals before diving into advanced material

Daily Current Affairs: Make reading newspapers and monthly magazines a habit

Practice Mock Tests: Especially for Prelims – practice enhances speed and accuracy

Answer Writing: Start practicing mains answer writing at least 6 months before the exam

Stay Consistent: Make a realistic timetable and stick to it

Revise Regularly: Make weekly and monthly revision cycles a part of your plan

Final Thoughts

The UPSC Exam Date 2025 marks the beginning of another competitive cycle, and every serious aspirant should treat it as an opportunity to shape their future. Whether you're a first-timer or a repeater, staying informed and structured in your approach can make all the difference. Remember, success in this exam is not just about hard work, but also about working smart.

FAQ for upsc exam date 2025

1. When will the UPSC Exam 2025 notification be released?

The official notification for UPSC Exam 2025 is scheduled to be released on February 12, 2025. It will include all details about eligibility, application process, exam dates, and syllabus.

2. What is the UPSC Prelims 2025 exam date?

The UPSC Prelims 2025 will be held on May 25, 2025, as per the official calendar released by the commission.

3. What is the last date to apply for the UPSC 2025 exam?

The last date to apply online for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 is March 4, 2025. Candidates are advised not to wait till the last day to submit their applications.

4. When will the admit card for UPSC Prelims 2025 be available?

The admit card for the Prelims exam is expected to be released in the first or second week of May 2025, approximately two weeks before the exam date.

5. What is the UPSC Mains 2025 exam date?

The UPSC Mains Examination 2025 is scheduled to begin from September 20, 2025 and will continue over several days depending on the paper schedule.

6. Is there any change in the UPSC exam pattern for 2025?

No major changes have been announced in the UPSC Exam Pattern 2025. It will follow the same three-stage format: Prelims (objective), Mains (written), and Personality Test (interview).

7. How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC CSE 2025?

The number of attempts remains the same:

General category: 6 attempts

OBC: 9 attempts

SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (up to age limit)

8. Can final-year graduation students apply for UPSC 2025?

Yes, final-year students can apply for the UPSC Prelims 2025, provided they can produce proof of graduation before the Mains Examination.

9. How can I apply for the UPSC 2025 exam?

You can apply online through the official UPSC portal. The application process involves Part I and Part II registration, uploading documents, selecting the exam center, and paying the fee.

10. Where can I find the official UPSC 2025 exam schedule?

The complete UPSC 2025 exam calendar, including Prelims and Mains dates, is published in the official notification released by UPSC on its portal in February 2025.