Home / Exams / UPSC / CSE

UPSC CSE / IAS 2025

Civil Services Examination β€” IAS Β· IPS Β· IFS Β· IRS Β· 20+ Allied Services Β· India's toughest exam
Graduation Required ~1,100 Vacancies / Year Age: 21–32 (General) 1M+ Compete Β· 1,100 Selected 3-Stage Β· 2,300 Marks Total
1M+
Applicants Each Year
~1,100
Final Selections
2,025
Mains Written Marks
β‚Ή56,100
IAS Starting Pay

Eligibility

EducationAny Graduation
Age β€” General21–32 years
Age β€” OBC21–35 years (+3)
Age β€” SC/ST21–37 years (+5)
Age β€” PwBD21–42 years (+10)
Attempts β€” General6 attempts
Attempts β€” OBC9 attempts
Attempts β€” SC/STUnlimited (till age)

Exam Pattern

Prelims GS I200 marks Β· 100 Qs Β· 2hr
Prelims CSAT200 marks Β· 80 Qs Β· qualifying
Mains Papers9 papers total
Mains Counted1,750 marks (7 papers)
Interview275 marks
Grand Total2,025 marks
Negative Markingβ…“ mark (Prelims only)
MediumEnglish or Hindi

Application

General / OBC / EWSβ‚Ή100
SC / STNil
Female (all categories)Nil
PwBDNil
Ex-ServicemenNil
Portalupsconline.nic.in

Pay Scales (7th CPC)

IAS (Level 10)β‚Ή56,100/month
Senior Time Scaleβ‚Ή67,700/month
Junior Admn Gradeβ‚Ή78,800/month
Selection Gradeβ‚Ή1,18,500/month
Joint Secretaryβ‚Ή1,44,200/month
Additional Secretaryβ‚Ή1,82,200/month
Secretary (Level 17)β‚Ή2,25,000/month
Cabinet Secretaryβ‚Ή2,50,000/month
Reality check: Over 10 lakh candidates apply each year. ~15,000 clear Prelims, ~2,500 clear Mains, ~1,100 are finally selected. The average successful candidate makes 2–3 attempts over 3–5 years. This is not a sprint β€” plan for the long game.
3-Stage Selection Pipeline
1

Prelims β€” Objective

GS Paper I (100 Qs, 200 marks) + CSAT Paper II (qualifying, 33%). Shortlists ~15Γ— vacancy for Mains. One chance per year β€” missed Prelims = missed year.

~15,000 qualify
2

Mains β€” Descriptive

9 papers over 5 days: Essay, GS I–IV, Optional I–II, Language A & B (qualifying). 1,750 marks count toward final merit. Answer writing quality decides rank.

~2,500 qualify
3

Interview / Personality Test

275 marks. UPSC board tests mental alertness, balance of judgement, depth of interest, social cohesion, leadership and integrity. DAF is the primary source of questions.

~1,100 selected
Services You Can Get (23 Central Services)
IASIndian Administrative Service
IPSIndian Police Service
IFSIndian Foreign Service
IRS (IT)Indian Revenue Service β€” Income Tax
IRS (C&CE)Indian Revenue Service β€” Customs
IPoSIndian Postal Service
IRTSIndian Railway Traffic Service
IRASIndian Railway Accounts Service
IDASIndian Defence Accounts Service
IOFSIndian Ordnance Factories Service
ICLSIndian Corporate Law Service
ISSIndian Statistical Service
ICASIndian Civil Accounts Service
IAASIndian Audit & Accounts Service
ITSIndian Trade Service
IPESIndian P&T Accounts Service

Stage 1 β€” Prelims: GS Paper I (200 Marks Β· 100 Qs Β· 2 Hours Β· Merit)

Objective MCQ Β· βˆ’β…“ negative markingβ–Ό

History of India & Indian National Movement

  • Ancient India: Indus Valley, Vedic Age, Mauryas, Guptas, Harsha
  • Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara, Mughals, Marathas
  • Modern History: 1757–1947, British policies and reforms
  • Freedom Struggle: INC, Gandhi's movements, Bhagat Singh, INA
  • Social & Religious Reform movements (19th–20th century)
  • Post-Independence India: Constitution, states reorganisation

Indian & World Geography

  • Physical Geography: Landforms, drainage, soils, climate
  • India's rivers: Himalayan (Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus) & Peninsular
  • Natural vegetation, wildlife habitats, biosphere reserves
  • Economic Geography: Agriculture, minerals, industries, transport
  • World Geography: Continents, oceans, winds, ocean currents
  • Environmental Geography: Deserts, grasslands, tundra, wetlands

Indian Polity & Governance

  • Constitution: Historical background, Preamble, key features
  • Fundamental Rights (Art. 12–35) & Fundamental Duties
  • DPSP (Art. 36–51): Socialistic, Gandhian, Liberal principles
  • Parliament: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, legislative process
  • President, PM, Council of Ministers, Governor, CM
  • Judiciary: Supreme Court, High Courts, writs, PIL
  • Constitutional bodies: CAG, Election Commission, UPSC
  • Panchayati Raj: 73rd & 74th Amendments

Economic & Social Development

  • Economic growth: GDP, GNP, NNP, per capita income
  • Poverty & inequality: BPL, Gini coefficient, HDI
  • Planning: Five Year Plans, NITI Aayog, Vision 2047
  • Banking & Finance: RBI, monetary policy, NBFC
  • Union Budget: Revenue, capital accounts, fiscal deficit
  • Welfare schemes: PM-KISAN, MGNREGA, PM-Awas, Ayushman Bharat
  • Social sector: Education, health, gender, demographic dividend

Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity

  • Ecology fundamentals: food chains, ecosystems, energy flow
  • Biodiversity: hotspots, endemic species, threat categories (IUCN)
  • Climate change: greenhouse gases, global warming, IPCC reports
  • International conventions: Ramsar, CITES, CBD, Paris Agreement
  • Environmental laws: EPA 1986, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Forest Act
  • Pollution: air, water, soil, noise β€” standards and indices
  • Disaster management: NDRF, SDRF, Sendai Framework 2015–2030

General Science & Technology

  • Physics: Optics, electricity, magnetism, nuclear basics
  • Chemistry: Periodic table, acids/bases, polymers, alloys
  • Biology: Cell, genetics, human systems, diseases, vaccines
  • Space: ISRO missions (Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Gaganyaan)
  • Defence tech: DRDO, missiles (Agni, BrahMos, Akash)
  • Emerging tech: AI/ML, quantum computing, blockchain, 5G
  • Biotechnology: GM crops, mRNA vaccines, CRISPR, gene therapy

Current Events (National & International)

  • India's internal affairs: governance, schemes, appointments
  • India's foreign policy: neighbours, major powers, multilateral
  • International organisations: UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank, G20, SCO
  • Awards & prizes: Nobel, Bharat Ratna, Padma, Pulitzer
  • Sports: Olympics, Commonwealth, Asian Games, cricket
  • Important committees, commissions and reports (last 12 months)

Stage 1 β€” Prelims: CSAT Paper II (200 Marks Β· 80 Qs Β· 2 Hours Β· Qualifying)

Minimum 33% (53/160 weighted) required to qualifyβ–Ό

Comprehension

  • Reading passages (200–400 words)
  • Inferential and analytical questions
  • Vocabulary in context
  • Author's tone and main argument

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

  • Effective communication principles
  • Interpersonal dynamics
  • Decision-making in workplace scenarios

Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability

  • Syllogisms & Venn diagrams
  • Statement and assumptions / conclusions
  • Analogies, classifications, series
  • Critical reasoning, arguments

Decision Making & Problem Solving

  • Situational judgement questions
  • Ethical decision scenarios (civil servant context)
  • Problem identification and resolution

General Mental Ability

  • Direction sense, blood relations
  • Seating arrangements, puzzles
  • Coding-decoding, ranking

Basic Numeracy (Class X Level)

  • Number system, HCF/LCM
  • Percentage, profit & loss, SI/CI
  • Ratio, time & work, speed & distance
  • Algebra basics, mensuration

Data Interpretation

  • Tables, bar charts, pie charts, line graphs
  • Mixed DI (two chart types combined)
  • Percentage change, averages, ratios from data

English Comprehension (Class X Level)

  • Reading comprehension passages
  • Grammar: error spotting, fill in the blank
  • Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution

Stage 2 β€” Mains: 9 Papers (1,750 Marks Counted + 550 Qualifying)

Descriptive Β· English or Hindi mediumβ–Ό

Essay β€” Paper I (250 Marks)

  • Two essays: Section A (philosophical/abstract) + Section B (current affairs)
  • 1,000–1,200 words each, 3 hours
  • Assessed on: structure, arguments, factual content, language
  • High scorer: use data, case studies, varied perspectives

GS Paper I β€” Heritage, History, Society (250 Marks)

  • Indian culture from ancient to modern (art, literature, architecture)
  • Modern Indian history: significant events, personalities, issues
  • World History: 18th–20th century (industrialisation, world wars, colonialism)
  • Indian society: salient features, diversity, globalisation effects
  • Role and status of women: empowerment, social reforms
  • Physical & Human Geography: distribution of resources, disasters

GS Paper II β€” Polity, Governance, IR (250 Marks)

  • Constitution, political system, Parliament, federal structure
  • Powers and functions of Executive, Legislature, Judiciary
  • Government ministries, departments, regulatory bodies, NGOs
  • Welfare schemes, social sector issues (health, education)
  • Governance: transparency, accountability, e-governance, RTI
  • India's foreign policy: bilateral and multilateral relations
  • International organisations: UN, WTO, IMF, SAARC, ASEAN, SCO, QUAD
  • India and its neighbourhood: China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh

GS Paper III β€” Economy, Tech, Security (250 Marks)

  • Indian economy: planning, mobilisation, growth, development
  • Agriculture: issues, technology, land reforms, food security, MSP
  • Industry: infrastructure, investment models, public-private partnership
  • Science & Technology: indigenisation, developments, IPR, space, defence
  • Environment: conservation, environmental impact assessment
  • Disaster management: types, vulnerability, risk reduction, NDMA
  • Internal security: role of media, social media, extremism, border security

GS Paper IV β€” Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude (250 Marks)

  • Ethics and human interface: essence, determinants, consequences
  • Attitude: content, structure, function; moral and political attitudes
  • Aptitude & foundational values for civil servants
  • Emotional Intelligence: concepts, utilities, applications in administration
  • Contributions of moral thinkers: Plato, Kant, Mill, Gandhi, Ambedkar
  • Public/civil service values: integrity, impartiality, dedication, empathy
  • Probity in governance, corruption, codes of conduct, citizen's charter
  • Case studies on the above themes (carries ~40% weightage in GS IV)

Optional Papers I & II (500 Marks Total)

  • Choose 1 subject from 26 optional subjects
  • Popular: Political Science & IR, Sociology, Geography, History
  • Also popular: Public Administration, Anthropology, Philosophy
  • Science optionals: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology
  • Paper I: Foundation concepts (250 marks, 3 hours)
  • Paper II: Application, current issues, India-specific (250 marks, 3 hours)
  • Choose optional based on: interest, graduation subject, PYQ scoring

Language Papers (Qualifying β€” 600 Marks, Not Counted)

  • Paper A: Modern Indian Language (any 8th Schedule language) β€” 300 marks, qualify at 25%
  • Paper B: English β€” 300 marks, qualify at 25%
  • PwBD candidates with visual impairment β€” Paper A exempted
  • These marks NOT added to merit list β€” only qualifying in nature

Stage 3 β€” Interview / Personality Test (275 Marks)

Free overview Β· Premium deep-dive availableβ–Ό

What the Board Tests

  • Mental alertness and clarity of thought
  • Critical powers of assimilation
  • Clear and logical exposition of ideas
  • Balance of judgement in difficult situations
  • Variety and depth of interest
  • Ability for social cohesion and leadership
  • Intellectual and moral integrity

DAF (Detailed Application Form) is Primary Source

  • Every entry in your DAF can be questioned
  • Hobbies: Must be genuine β€” boards test depth
  • Home state & district: Know local issues, geography, economy
  • Optional subject: 3–5 conceptual questions guaranteed
  • Academic background: Your graduation subject topics
  • Work experience: Policy impact, departmental challenges

Key Preparation Points

  • Duration: 25–45 minutes typically
  • Board members: Chairman + 4 members (subject, admin, HR, current affairs)
  • Average score: 140–170 out of 275
  • Top scorers: 200+ out of 275
  • Honest answer beats a bluffed answer every time
  • "I don't know" is acceptable β€” wrong answer is not

Premium Interview Prep (Unlock)

  • Board-wise question patterns (2018–2024)
  • DAF strategy guide: 3 potential questions per entry
  • 200+ practice interview questions with model answers
  • Mock interview frameworks and evaluation rubrics
πŸ”’
Interview Deep-Dive (Premium) β€” Board-wise patterns, DAF strategy, 200+ practice questions with model answers
Unlock Premium β†’
Progress: 0 / 0 tasks completed
This is a 12-month roadmap for a first-time serious attempt. Each phase builds on the previous. Do NOT skip the NCERT phase β€” it is the foundation that separates rank-holders from repeat candidates. Track your progress using the checkboxes below β€” saved automatically in your browser.
Phase 1 β€” NCERT Foundation (Months 1–3)

Month 1 β€” History NCERTs + Start The Hindu Daily

30 daysβ–Ό

Month 2 β€” Geography & Economics NCERTs

30 daysβ–Ό

Month 3 β€” Polity, Science & Environment NCERTs

30 daysβ–Ό
Phase 2 β€” Standard Books (Months 4–6)

Month 4 β€” Laxmikanth (Polity) + Spectrum (Modern History)

30 daysβ–Ό

Month 5 β€” G.C. Leong (Geography) + Ramesh Singh (Economy) + Atlas

30 daysβ–Ό

Month 6 β€” Shankar Environment + Lexicon Ethics + Science Revision

30 daysβ–Ό
Phase 3 β€” Prelims Focus (Months 7–8)

Month 7 β€” PYQ Analysis & Topic-wise Revision

30 daysβ–Ό

Month 8 β€” Intensive Mock Tests + Final Prelims Push

30 daysβ–Ό
Phase 4 β€” Mains Answer Writing (Months 9–10)

Month 9 β€” GS I & II Answer Writing + Essay Practice

30 daysβ–Ό

Month 10 β€” GS III, GS IV, Optional Subject + Case Studies

30 daysβ–Ό
Phase 5 β€” Final Mocks + Interview Prep (Months 11–12)

Month 11 β€” Full Mains Mock Sets + DAF Preparation

30 daysβ–Ό

Month 12 β€” Flash Card Revision + Interview Preparation

30 daysβ–Ό
700+ UPSC-quality questions across 35 topics with detailed explanations. Select a subject below, then pick a specific topic to practice.
Deep Study Notes β€” Concept summaries, key facts, PYQ connections, Mains angles, and curated video resources for every major UPSC topic. The fastest way to build conceptual clarity.
πŸ”’

Previous Year Question Papers β€” Premium

The most powerful Prelims preparation tool: 10 years of actual UPSC questions, analysed, explained and organised topic-wise. Access 2,000+ official questions with detailed solutions.

What's included in Premium PYQ Pack:

  • Prelims GS Paper I β€” 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (100 Qs each with solutions)
  • Prelims GS Paper I β€” 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (100 Qs each)
  • CSAT Paper II β€” 2014 to 2024 (80 Qs each, fully solved)
  • Mains GS I PYQs β€” 2014 to 2024 with model answers (10 years)
  • Mains GS II PYQs β€” 2014 to 2024 with model answers
  • Mains GS III PYQs β€” 2014 to 2024 with model answers
  • Mains GS IV PYQs β€” 2014 to 2024 with model answers + case study solutions
  • Essay PYQs β€” 2014 to 2024 with top-scorer sample essays
  • Topic-wise PYQ analysis: which sub-topics repeat most across 10 years
  • Optional subject PYQ guides β€” top 10 popular optionals covered
Unlock Premium Plan β†’

Plans from β‚Ή100/month Β· Cancel anytime Β· Instant access

UPSC CSE Annual Cycle β€” The exam runs on a predictable yearly calendar. Missing the notification means missing a full year. Set alerts on CrackAnyExam.in to never miss a date.
Typical Annual Timeline

Notification Released

Official advertisement on upsc.gov.in β€” vacancies, eligibility, dates

February

Online Application Window

Apply at upsconline.nic.in β€” forms, fee payment, centre selection

February – March

Admit Card Released

Download from UPSC website β€” check name, photo, centre carefully

May (2–3 weeks before Prelims)

Prelims Examination

GS Paper I (morning) + CSAT Paper II (afternoon) β€” single Sunday

June

Prelims Result

Qualified candidates get Mains application form (DAF-I)

August

Mains Examination

9 papers over 5 consecutive days (Essay, GS I–IV, Optional I–II, Language)

September

Mains Result

Qualified candidates get Interview call + DAF-II submission

April (next year)

Interview / Personality Test

UPSC Bhavan, Dholpur House, New Delhi β€” scheduled board-wise

May – June (next year)

Final Result & Rank List

Published on upsc.gov.in β€” rank + service allocation follows

July (next year)
Past 3 Years β€” Actual Dates

CSE 2024 Notification

Released on upsc.gov.in

14 Feb 2024

CSE 2024 Prelims

GS Paper I + CSAT Paper II across India

26 May 2024

CSE 2024 Prelims Result

Qualified list published

01 Aug 2024

CSE 2024 Mains

9-paper written examination

20 Sep 2024

CSE 2024 Mains Result

Interview shortlist published

Mar 2025

CSE 2024 Interview

Personality tests at UPSC Bhavan

Apr – Jun 2025

CSE 2024 Final Result

Rank list & service allocation

Jul 2025 (Expected)

CSE 2025 Notification

Check upsc.gov.in β€” expected Feb 2025 cycle

~Feb 2025

CSE 2025 Prelims

Expected June 2025

~Jun 2025

CSE 2023 Notification

01 Feb 2023

CSE 2023 Prelims

28 May 2023

CSE 2023 Final Result

Aditya Srivastava AIR 1 β€” Lucknow

16 Apr 2024

CSE 2022 Prelims

05 Jun 2022

CSE 2022 Final Result

Ishita Kishore AIR 1 β€” Delhi

23 May 2023

Never miss a UPSC CSE date. Register on CrackAnyExam.in β€” get instant email & SMS alerts for every notification, admit card release, result and interview schedule.

Get Free Alerts β†’