The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary 2025 is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025. This examination serves as the first stage in the selection process for prestigious services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued the admit cards for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary 2025. Candidates who have registered can download their admit cards from the official website, upsc.gov.in, by entering their application number and date of birth.
This year, the UPSC plans to fill 979 vacancies through the Civil Services Examination (CSE), including important positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). In addition, 150 posts will be filled through the Indian Forest Service Examination 2025. The CSE Preliminary exam is scheduled for May 25.
The Civil Services Examination is held annually to recruit candidates for various Group A and Group B services in the Government of India. Besides IAS, IPS, and IFS, selections are also made for services like the Indian Railway Accounts Service, Indian Postal Service, Indian Trade Service, and other related departments. The selection process consists of three stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—with the final merit list prepared based on candidates’ performance across all stages.
Exam Date & Timings
Exam Date: May 25, 2025 (Sunday)
Paper I (General Studies): 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Paper II (CSAT): 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Syllabus Overview
Paper I: General Studies (GS)
- Indian History & National Movement
- Indian & World Geography
- Indian Polity & Governance
- Economic & Social Development
- Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change
- General Science
- Current Affairs
Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal Skills & Communication
- Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability
- Decision Making & Problem Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy (up to Class X level)
- Data Interpretation
Note: Paper II is qualifying in nature; candidates must secure at least 33% marks.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality:
Indian citizen for IAS and IPS; other services may allow certain other categories.
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit: 21 to 32 years as of August 1, 2025. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories.
Number of Attempts: General category candidates are allowed 6 attempts; OBC – 9; SC/ST – unlimited (within age limit)
Admit Card Details
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Download Link: https://upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/
Credentials Required: Registration ID or Roll Number and Date of Birth
Important: Carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination center.
Preparation Tips
Focus on Revision: Prioritize revising key topics and practicing previous years’ papers.
Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to build exam temperament and time management skills.
Avoid New Topics: Refrain from starting new topics close to the exam date.
CSAT Practice: Do not neglect CSAT; ensure consistent practice to meet the qualifying criteria.
Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs from reliable sources.