Every year, lakhs of aspirants rigorously prepare to appear for the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), which continues to rank among the most competitive and sought-after exams in the country.
To begin with, the journey to becoming a civil servant starts with a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria and a thorough awareness of the application process. Therefore, to ensure a smooth start, candidates must meet specific requirements and follow a systematic, step-by-step registration procedure.
In addition, staying well-informed about each stage—from registration to the issuance of the admit card—helps applicants avoid common mistakes and stay ahead in their preparation. By learning these details early on, candidates not only build confidence but also save valuable time during the application phase.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the UPSC Application Process 2025. Specifically, we’ll explain the eligibility conditions, highlight key deadlines, guide you on how to download your admit card, and outline important exam day instructions.
So, if you’re planning to take the first step toward your dream career in civil services, continue reading to ensure a hassle-free and successful application experience.
UPSC Application Process: Key Dates & Updates
Latest Update: The online application process for UPSC CSE 2025 officially began on 22nd January 2025, which was also the day the official notification was released. Furthermore, the last date to apply was 11th February 2025, giving candidates about three weeks to complete the process.
Moreover, UPSC provided candidates with an opportunity to edit their submitted applications through a correction window, which was available from 12th to 18th February 2025.
For your convenience, refer to the table below for a clear timeline of all important events:
UPSC Application form 2025 Dates
| Event | Date |
| UPSC CSE Notification 2025 | 22nd January 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 22nd January 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11th February 2025 |
| Correction Window | 12th to 18th February 2025 |
| UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 | 25th May 2025 |
| UPSC Mains Exam 2025 | 22nd August 2025 (5 Days) |
| Detailed Application Form (DAF I/II) | TBA |
| UPSC Interview | TBA |
UPSC application process: Application Fee
The application fees that the candidates must pay for UPSC 2025 is as follows:
- General category: – The application fees for candidates to pay 100 INR/-
- SC/ST/PwBD/ Females: The application fee that the candidates are liable to pay is 0 INR/- i.e., they are exempted from paying the fee.
| Category | Prelims Fee | Mains Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 100 | Rs. 200 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female (All) | Exempted | Exempted |
Payment Modes:
- Net banking portal of the State Bank of India
- RuPay Credit
- Debit Card
- MasterCard
- Visa
UPSC application process: How to apply
Though the procedure for filling the “UPSC Application Form 2025” has already ended. however, you can refer to the following steps for future UPSC apply online process.
- Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website and click on the “Apply Online” tab available on the homepage. Then, select the link titled “One-Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations of UPSC” to begin the registration process.
- Step 2: Click on “New Registration” and enter your basic information, including your full name, date of birth, mobile number, and either your mother’s or father’s name, along with other required personal details.
- Step 3: Click on submit after filling in your details. If you wish to make any changes to the form, you can click on “Update/ Change here” or simply proceed to click on “I agree” if you have filled in the information correctly.
- Step 4: Once you submit the OTR form, then log in to the portal using your registered mobile number or email ID. Immediately after, you will receive an OTP for verification. Next, enter the OTP, and as a result, the system will prompt you to create a password. From this point onward, you will use this login credential to access the portal and complete your UPSC application form.
- Step 5: Proceed to login the portal. Then, click on Part-1 registration. After reading the instructions to fill the online application form, click on “Yes” to proceed.
- Step 6: Fill in other details for exam application such as educational qualifications, address. Then, continue and click on age relaxation if applicable.
- Step 7: After submitting your OTR form, log in using your registered mobile number or email ID. An OTP will be sent to verify your identity. Once verified, you’ll need to set a password. This login setup will allow you to access the portal and proceed with filling out the UPSC application form.
- Step 8: Next, click on “I agree” to proceed. If you wish to make any change in the details, then click on “Update”. After successful completion, you can print the slip for part 1 registration.
- Step 9: Next, on the Part II registration page, you need to upload essential documents such as your photograph, signature, and photo identity card. After that, select your preferred exam center, and then click on the button that says, “I have read the declaration and agree.”
- Step 10: Once you successfully submit your registration form, a unique Registration Number will be generated. Make sure to note it down or save it securely for future use. You’ll also have the option to view or print your completed application form for your records.
UPSC Admit Card 2025
The UPSC admit card is a mandatory document to be carried to the exam hall. It’s typically released 2–3 weeks before the exam date.
| Event | Date |
| Prelims Exam | 25th May 2025 |
| Prelims Admit Card | TBA |
| Mains Exam | 22nd August 2025 |
| Mains Admit Card | TBA |
Steps to Download Admit Card
- Visit upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in
- Click on “E-Admit Cards for various examinations.”
- Select “Civil Services Examination 2025.”
- Enter Registration ID or Roll Number.
- Download and print the PDF copy of your admit card.
Important: Only hard copies of the admit card are allowed in the exam hall. Soft copies on mobile phones are not accepted.
Image Details for UPSC Application Form 2025
- All fields marked with (*) are mandatory.
- Optional subjects, exam centers, and language preferences cannot be changed after submission.
- Ensure the uploaded documents meet the specifications:
| Document | Format/Size | Dimensions |
| Photo | JPG (20–300 KB) | 350×350 to 1000×1000 pixels |
| Signature | JPG (20–300 KB) | 350×350 to 1000×1000 pixels |
| Photo ID | PDF (20–300 KB) | PDF format |
How to Withdraw UPSC Application (If Needed)
In case you decide not to appear, UPSC offers a facility to withdraw your application:
- Visit the UPSC website and click on the “What’s new” section.
- Go to the “Withdrawal of Application: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination”
- After the new page appears, click on the link for withdrawal
- On the right corner, select the link for “Application Withdrawal”
- Upon reading the instructions carefully, click on the “Yes” button.
- Enter your registration ID and click on continue.
- Fill in your details like Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Fathers Name, Mothers Name, Mobile Number, et’c.
- Finally, click on the option for withdrawal of the application and select on the button for “Agree”.
Once done, your application will be successfully withdrawn and the attempt will not be counted.
Important Instructions to filling the UPSC Application Form
There are a few things that you must be mindful of while filling in the UPSC application form 2025, Here are the following points mentioned below you must take note of:
- Do not leave out the fields with the (*) mark on them as they are mandatory to fill.
- If you want to make any changes, submit a fresh application with updated information before the registration window closes.
- Only the registration- ID of the latest application will be taken into consideration, and previous applications will be canceled.
- There are 2 parts to the online UPSC application form, Part-1 Registration and Part-2 Registration.
- In Part-1 Registration, you are required to fill in your personal details, educational qualification, and address.
- In Part-2 Registration, you must provide your payment details, your choice of Exam Center, photograph, signature, photo id documents, and declarations.
- Note that details like optional subjects, exam center, choice of Indian language for Indian language paper, and medium of examination cannot be changed after form submission.
Exam Day Instructions
- Carry a hard copy of your admit card.
- Reach the center at least 30 minutes early.
- Use only a black ballpoint pen for the Prelims (OMR Sheet).
- No electronic devices are allowed inside.
- Follow all instructions mentioned on the admit card.
In case you’ve misplaced your registration ID, don’t worry—you can easily retrieve it.
- First, visit the UPSC website and choose the “Forget RID” option on the admit card page.
- Next, fill in your details carefully and retrieve your ID.
Moreover, understanding the application and exam process can help you avoid last-minute hassles. Therefore, verify your eligibility before you apply, and regularly check official notifications to stay updated.
Once you’ve successfully registered, shift your focus towards strategic preparation. To get started, explore free UPSC study materials and practice papers to kick-start your journey toward success!
UPSC application process FAQs
What is the last date to apply for UPSC exam 2025?
The last date to apply for the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE) 2025 was February 21, 2025 (6:00 PM), after a second extension.
What is the 7/5/3 rule in UPSC?
The 7-5-3 rule is a strategy for answer writing in the UPSC Mains exam, suggesting candidates aim to answer each question within 7 minutes, structure their answers with 5 key points, and elaborate each point in 3 dimensions. Here’s a breakdown of the 7-5-3 rule:
SEVEN:
Allocate no more than 7 minutes to answer each question, ensuring efficient time management across all questions.
FIVE:
Structure your answer around 5 key points related to the keyword, preferably in bullet form for clarity and precision.
THREE:
Expand on each point from three distinct perspectives, based on the question’s requirements, for example, social, economic, political, and geographical dimensions
What are UPSC exam fees?
For the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE), the application fee is ₹100 for General, EWS, and OBC candidates, while SC/ST, PwBD, and female candidates are exempt from paying the fees.