UPSC 2025 Exam date & Pattern What You Need to Know
UPSC 2025
One of India’s most prominent and difficult examinations, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) draws thousands of applicants annually. Understanding the exam dates, format, application procedure, and necessary materials is critical for anyone planning to take the UPSC 2025 exam.
UPSC 2025 Exam Dates
There are three phases to the UPSC CSE:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims): May 25, 2025 is the day of the preliminary examination, or preliminary. India’s Top Colleges of Today
- Main Exam (Mains) : It will start on August 22, 2025. India’s Top Colleges of Today
- Personality Test (Interview) : Date will be announced after the Mains.
UPSC Exam Pattern
Prelims: Objective (MCQ-based) with two papers.
Prelims Paper 1: General Studies – 100 questions, 200 marks.
Prelims Paper 2 (CSAT): 80 questions, 200 marks (Qualifying only).
Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd deduction for wrong answers).
Mains: Descriptive (Written) with nine papers.
Qualifying Papers: Indian Language & English – 300 marks each.
Merit Papers: Essay, General Studies (4 papers), Optional (2 papers) – 250 marks each.
Mains Exam Duration: 3 hours per paper.
Interview (Personality Test): 275 marks.
Final Selection: Based on Mains + Interview scores.
Also, read about NTPC Exam 2025 update
Steps to Download Admit Card:
- Go to the UPSC’s official website at https://upsc.gov.in.
- On the homepage, select “Admit Cards”.
- Click on “Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025.”The Indian Times.
- Enter your birthdate and registration ID or roll number.The Indian Times.
- To view and download your admission card, enter your information.
Previous Year Question Papers
Practicing previous year question papers is crucial for understanding the exam pattern and the nature of questions. Candidates can access these papers on the official UPSC website.
Accessing Previous Year Papers:
- Visit the UPSC’s previous question papers section: https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/previous-question-papers
- Select the desired examination year and paper to download the PDF
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is the age limit for UPSC 2025?
Answer: Candidates must be between the ages of 21 and 32 as of August 1, 2025. Age limitations do not apply to some groups.
2. How many attempts are allowed to take the UPSC exam?
Answer: Six attempts for candidates in the general category
- OBC candidates: nine attempts
- SC/ST candidates: There is no cap on attempts (up to age restriction).
3. Is there negative marking for the preliminary exam?
Answer: Yes, a third of the points awarded for the question are deducted for an incorrect response.
4. Can I select any elective for the Mains?
Answer: Yes, candidates are free to choose from the list of optional subjects supplied by