The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025.
Aspirants looking to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other prestigious central services can now apply online.
This article provides a detailed step-by-step guide on the UPSC Civil Services IAS / IFS Pre Online Form 2025, including eligibility criteria, important dates, the application process, and expert preparation tips.
Overview of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025
The UPSC CSE is one of the most competitive exams in India, conducted in three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Objective-type test
- Main Examination (Mains) – Descriptive and essay-based papers
- Personality Test (Interview) – The final selection stage
Candidates must qualify at each stage to advance to the next round.
Important Dates for UPSC CSE 2025
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | To be announced |
| Start Date for Online Application | To be announced |
| Last Date for Application Submission | To be announced |
| UPSC Prelims Exam Date | To be announced |
| UPSC Mains Exam Date | To be announced |
| Interview Dates | To be announced |
Aspirants should regularly visit the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) for updates and notifications.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CSE 2025
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Final-year students can apply, but they must provide proof of degree completion before the Mains exam.
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years (as of August 1, 2025)
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC candidates: 3 years
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years
- PwD candidates: 10 years
Number of Attempts
- General Category: 6 attempts
- OBC Category: 9 attempts
- SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts (until upper age limit is reached)
How to Apply for UPSC IAS / IFS Pre Online Form 2025
Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the Official Website
- Open www.upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the UPSC CSE 2025 Notification
- Read the official notification carefully before proceeding.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Click on “One Time Registration” and provide basic details.
- Fill Out the Application Form
- Enter personal, educational, and communication details.
- Choose the examination center.
- Upload Required Documents
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Valid government-issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
- Pay the Application Fee
- General/OBC Candidates: Rs. 100/-
- SC/ST/PwD/Female Candidates: Exempted
- Submit and Print Confirmation
- Review the form before submission.
- Print the confirmation page for future reference.
Exam Pattern for UPSC CSE 2025
Preliminary Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Studies (GS) | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper 2 | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 hours |
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect answer.
- CSAT Qualifying Marks: 33% required to qualify.
Mains Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper 1 | Essay | 250 |
| Paper 2-5 | General Studies Papers | 1000 |
| Paper 6-7 | Optional Subject Papers | 500 |
| Paper 8-9 | Qualifying Language Papers | 300 |
Interview (Personality Test)
- Total Marks: 275
- Candidates are evaluated on confidence, communication skills, and decision-making abilities.
Preparation Tips for UPSC CSE 2025
1. Understand the Syllabus
- Download the official syllabus from the UPSC website.
- Focus on current affairs, polity, history, geography, economy, and ethics.
2. Follow a Study Plan
- Allocate dedicated time for Prelims, Mains, and optional subjects.
- Maintain a daily study schedule with clear targets.
3. Refer to Standard Books
- Polity: M. Laxmikanth
- History: Spectrum for Modern India
- Geography: NCERT & G.C. Leong
- Economy: Ramesh Singh
4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Read The Hindu or The Indian Express daily.
- Follow PIB, Yojana, and Rajya Sabha TV for government policies.
5. Practice Answer Writing
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
- Join a Mains test series for structured answer writing practice.
6. Attempt Mock Tests
- Enroll in Prelims mock test series.
- Analyze mistakes and work on weak areas.
Conclusion
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 offers a great opportunity for aspiring candidates to join the Indian bureaucracy.
A strategic preparation plan, consistent practice, and staying updated with current affairs are key to success.
Stay updated by visiting the official UPSC website and following reliable sources for preparation.