The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification on its official website https://upsc.gov.in/ for various positions, such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A and B services. Aspiring candidates must carefully review the guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application procedures to ensure smooth participation in this prestigious examination. Here is a detailed breakdown of the notification, ensuring clarity for all applicants.
UPSC CSE 2025: Recruitment Notification
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 Notification PDF has been published on 22nd January 2025. Aspirants must qualify through three stages of the selection process for final selection: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview/Personality Test. A direct link to download the Notification PDF and apply online is provided in the given post. Below, we have discussed the vacancy details, eligibility criteria, as well as the selection process for UPSC CSE Recruitment 2025.
Important Events of UPSC CSE 2025
| Event | Date |
| UPSC Annual Calendar 2025 | April 25, 2024 |
| UPSC Notification 2025 | January 22, 2025 |
| Start of Online Application | January 22, 2025 |
| Last Date for Application | February 11, 2025 |
| UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 | May 25, 2025 (as per UPSC Calendar) |
| Admit Card Release | April 2025 (Tentative) |
| Total Posts | Approximately 979 |
The Preliminary Exam of UPSC CSE 2025
| Details | Paper I (General Studies I) | Paper II (General Studies II) |
| Number of Papers | Two (Compulsory) | Two (Compulsory) |
| Total Marks | 200 | 200 |
| Duration | Two Hours | Two Hours |
| Number of Questions | 100 | 80 |
| Type of Questions | Objective/MCQ Type | Objective/MCQ Type |
| Medium of Language | Hindi/English | Hindi/English |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks for each question | One-third of the marks for each question |
General Studies Paper-I Syllabus of UPSC CSE 2025
| Topics | Details |
| Current events of National & International importance | Includes recent happenings and significant developments at national and global levels. |
| History of India & Indian National Movement | Covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history, with emphasis on the freedom struggle. |
| Indian & World Geography | Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World. |
| Indian Polity & Governance | Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. |
| Economic & Social Development | Topics such as Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, and Social Sector Initiatives. |
| General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity & climate change | Focus on concepts not requiring subject specialization. |
| General Science | Basic understanding of scientific concepts and their applications in daily life. |
UPSC CSE 2025 Syllabus for General Studies Paper-II
Also known as Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper comprises 80 questions from the following topics carrying a maximum of 200 marks. Candidates will get another 2 hours to solve the questions.
| Category | Topics Covered |
| General Mathematical Concepts | General Mental Ability, Basic Numeracy, Simplification, Number System, Square Roots, Ratio & Proportion, LCM & HCF, Averages, Surds & Indices. (Class X level) |
| Data Handling & Analysis | Set Theory, Data Interpretation (Graphs, Tables, Charts), Data Sufficiency, Data Comparison, as well as Calculation. (Class X level) |
| Logical Reasoning | Series Completion, Analogies, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Decision Making, Statement & Assumptions. |
| Analytical Reasoning | Arrangements (Linear & Circular), Puzzles, Syllogisms, Statement & Conclusion, Inference-Making. |
| Decision-making and problem-solving | Decision types, process, models, tools, criteria, ethics, evaluation, implementation. |
| Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Word Problems, Series & Patterns, Visual Reasoning, Venn Diagrams, Non-Verbal Series, Logical Operations, Cubes, Dice, and Mathematical Operations. |
| English Comprehension | Grammar, Synonyms/Antonyms, Vocabulary, Idioms & Phrases, Error Spotting, Reading Comprehension, Passage Analysis. |
| Interpersonal Skills | Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening, Empathy, Relationship Management, Clarity in Expression |
UPSC CSE 2025 MAINS EXAM
Since the Civil Services (Main) Examination consists of a Written Examination it assesses candidates in-depth knowledge on the subjects as well as the analytical ability. The written Examination will consist of 9 papers of conventional descriptive type.
| Paper | Marks | Duration | Objective |
| Paper A: Language | 300 | 3 hours | Qualifying paper |
| Paper B: English | 300 | 3 hours | Qualifying paper |
| Paper I: Essay | 250 | 3 hours | Tests essay-writing skills |
| Paper II: General Studies | 250 | 3 hours | Indian Heritage and Culture, Indian History, World History and Geography of the World and Society |
| Paper III: General Studies | 250 | 3 hours | Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations |
| Paper IV: General Studies | 250 | 3 hours | Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management |
| Paper V: General Studies | 250 | 3 hours | Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude |
| Optional Paper I | 250 | 3 hours | Paper for the first optional subject |
| Optional Paper II | 250 | 3 hours | Paper for the second optional subject |
Key Notes:
- Papers A & B (Qualifying Language Papers): These papers are mandatory but do not contribute to the merit rank.
- Paper I (Essay): Essay questions that test your ability to express ideas clearly and coherently including candidates’ analytical abilities.
- General Studies Papers (II to V): These papers cover a wide range of subjects, including governance, social issues, and technology.
- Optional Papers (VI & VII): Candidates can choose their optional subjects based on the subject lists UPSC gives whereas they can also choose one of the Indian Language subject from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution
UPSC CSE 2025 Notification: Important Guidelines for Aspirants
Aspiring candidates must carefully review the guidelines, eligibility criteria, as well as application procedures to ensure smooth participation in this prestigious examination. Here is a detailed breakdown of the notification including the guidelines ensuring clarity for all applicants.
1. Eligibility Confirmation
Candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria as prescribed by the Department of Personnel and Training. Only receiving an e-Admit Card does not confirm eligibility. It will be verified during the Interview/Personality Test stage. Here are the key points to consider:
- Eligibility Checks: The Commission takes up the verification of eligibility conditions of a candidate, concerning original documents, only after the candidate has qualified for the Civil Services (Main) Examination.
- All stages of the exam are provisional until the final verification of documents.
- Final Verification: Candidates may note that the Commission takes up the verification of eligibility conditions of a candidate, concerning original documents, only after the candidate has qualified for the Civil Services (Main) Examination.
2. Application Process of UPSC CSE 2025
The official pdf of UPSC CSE 2025 Notification has streamlined the application process through its One Time Registration (OTR) platform. To clarify this more we have provided a step-by-step guide below:
- Visit the official UPSC website: upsconline.gov.in.
- Complete the OTR process if registering for the first time.
- As per the process registered users can proceed directly to the application form.
- Enter details such as your name, email, phone number, and other personal, educational, and contact information.
- Upload your details including photograph, signature, and any other required documents.
- Pay the application fee via online banking, debit card, or credit card.
- Review your UPSC Application Form 2025 and submit it before the deadline, 11th February 2025.
3. OTR Profile Modifications
- Candidates can modify their OTR profile only once in their lifetime within 7 days after the closure of the application window of their first exam.
- For UPSC CSE 2025, this modification window closes on 18th February 2025.
4. Application Form Modifications
- In case any modification requires, one can make it during the modification window from 12th to 18th February, 2025.
- Note: But candidates can make these changes to the OTR profile separately during the same period. (Only once in a lifetime after the registration at the OTR)
The change in OTR profile (Registration) data shall be available till the expiry of 7 days from the next day after the closure of the application window of his/her first final application for any Examination of the Commission. In the case, that the candidate after registration applies for the first time in this examination, the last date of modification of OTR Profile (Registration) would be 18.02.2025.
5. Document Requirements in UPSC CSE 2025
Candidates must possess details of a valid Photo ID Card. Accepted IDs include:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID (EPIC)
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving License
Important: The details of this Photo ID Card will have to be provided by the candidate while filling up the Online Application Form. While appearing for the Interview / Personality Test, Candidates will need to carry the photo ID necessarily. So, if you are appearing for this exam, please keep it carefully.
6. Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)
A 7-day window will be available post-examination for candidates to raise concerns about questions through the Online QPRep Portal.
| Key Details | Description |
| Access Portal | https://upsconline.gov.in/miscellaneous/QPRep/ |
| Representation Period | From the next day of the exam to the 7th day (6:00 PM) |
| Mode of Representation | Only through the portal (No email/post/hand delivery). |
- Last Date for receipt of applications of UPSC CSE 2025 :11th February 2025 till 6:00 PM.
- Penalty for wrong answers: Candidates should note that there will be a penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers.
7. Examination Day Guidelines as per the UPSC CSE 2025 Notification
As per the guidelines prohibited items are :
- Camera or Bluetooth devices
- Any other equipment or related accessories such as mobile phone either in working or switched off mode used as a communication device.
Important: UPSC is not responsible for the safekeeping of prohibited items. So, it’s better not to bring valuables to the exam venue.
8. Timings and Arrival
- Reach the venue 30 minutes before the scheduled start of the examination.
- No late entry
9. Photograph Guidelines of UPSC CSE 2025
UPSC CSE 2025 Notification mandates that candidates should upload the recent photograph. Candidates should take the photograph within 10 days of the application start date . It should also show their name and the date of the photography. The face should occupy 3/4th of the photo space. Appearance in the photo must match throughout all stages of the examination, including Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. For instance, if a candidate uploads an image with a beard or spectacles, the Same would be true with mustaches, etc. Candidates should maintain the same look during all stages.
General Instructions for UPSC CSE 2025
Aspirants must go through the entire guidelines provided in the UPSC CSE 2025 Notification for the necessary instructions including :
- Application Withdrawal: Candidates cannot withdraw their applications once submitted.
- e-Admit Card: Available only on the UPSC website and not sent by post.
- Representations on Questions: Only accepted via the QPRep portal within the designated timeframe.
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Final Thoughts
The UPSC CSE 2025 is more than merely an examination; it represents a transformative journey of intellectual growth and self-discovery. With expert guidance from SPM IAS Academy, aspirants can skillfully tackle its challenges, meet its rigorous demands, and rise as capable leaders ready to influence India’s governance and future. For those passionate about serving the nation, the academy offers an unparalleled foundation for achieving success.