The UPSC 2025 exam notification will be released on January 22, 2025, and the Prelims exam is scheduled for May 25, 2025. The UPSC full form stands for The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. It opens entryways to pined for positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central administrations. 

What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is the, to begin with, step in the Civil Services Examination practice. It is a screening test designed to shortlist candidates for the Mains examination. The Prelims includes two objective-type papers:

General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I): 

• This paper tests your knowledge of a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, politics, economy, environment, and current affairs.

General Studies Paper II (CSAT): 

• The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) assesses your comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, and basic numeracy skills.

• Both papers are conducted on the same day, with each paper carrying 200 marks. However, only the marks obtained in GS Paper I are considered for qualifying for the Mains. CSAT is qualifying, and candidates need to score a minimum of 33% to pass.

UPSC 2025 Notification Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the annual calendar for 2025. The official notification for the UPSC 2025 Civil Services Exam will be published on January 22, 2025. Key details about the exam schedule, eligibility criteria, vacancies, application process, syllabus, and other essential aspects will be included in the notification.

Exam Dates for UPSC 2025

The table below outlines the important dates related to the UPSC 2025 examination:

UPSC Posts and Categories

The UPSC Civil Services Exam fills positions across Group A and Group B services. Some key posts include:

• Group A: IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS (Customs & Central Excise), Indian Defence Accounts Service, and more.

• Group B: Section Officer (Armed Forces HQ Civil Service), Civil Services for Union Territories, and related roles.

For a detailed list of posts, candidates can refer to the official notification or related articles.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC 2025

Nationality

• IAS/IPS/IFS Posts: Must be a citizen of India.

• Other Posts: Conditions apply; details can be checked in the official notification.

Age Limit (as of August 1, 2025)

• General/EWS Category: 21-32 years

• OBC Category: 21-35 years

• SC/ST Category: 21-37 years

Number of Attempts

• General/EWS: 6

• OBC: 9

• SC/ST: Unlimited attempts

• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 9 (General/EWS/OBC) or unlimited (SC/ST).

Application Process for UPSC 2025

The application process is divided into two parts:

• Part 1: Personal details such as name, age, and contact information.

• Part 2: Exam center selection, fee payment, and document upload (photo, signature, ID proof).

Application Fee

• General/OBC candidates: ₹100

• Female/SC/ST/PwBD candidates: Exempted.

The fee can be paid via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or cash at SBI branches.

Exam Pattern for UPSC 2025

The UPSC Civil Services Exam consists of three stages:

• Preliminary Exam: Objective type (two papers, GS and CSAT).

• Mains Exam: Descriptive type (nine papers).

• Interview: Personality assessment (275 marks).

Preliminary Exam Pattern

Note: CSAT is qualifying, with a minimum required score of 33%.

Mains Exam Pattern

Total for Mains and Interview: 2025 marks.

Preparation Strategies for UPSC 2025

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.

• Start with NCERT textbooks to build a strong foundation in basics.

• Focus on current affairs through daily newspaper reading and regular updates.

• Practice previous years' question papers to understand question patterns and improve time management.

• Regular revision and note-making are essential for better recall.

• For detailed guidance, aspirants may opt for IAS coaching in major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai.

How to apply for UPSC Prelims 2024 

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria regarding age, educational qualification, and nationality as specified by the UPSC.

• Visit UPSC Website: Go to the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in).

• Registration: Press on the 'Apply Online' interface for UPSC Prelims 2024 registration.

• Part I Registration: Fill out Part I of the application form with personal details like name, date of birth, gender, father's name, mother's name, nationality, etc.

• Part II Registration: Complete Part II by uploading scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified dimensions.

• Fee Payment: Pay the application expense online through the given payment portal. Fees can vary based on category (General/OBC/SC/ST) and gender.

• Submit Application: After completing all sections, submit the application form.

• Download Confirmation: Download and print the affirmation page for your records.

• Admit Card: Keep checking the UPSC website for updates on the release of the admit card, which contains exam details and instructions.

• Exam Preparation: Begin preparing for the exam using recommended study materials and previous years' question papers.

• Exam Day: On the day of the exam, carry your admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center.

• Result Declaration: Check the UPSC website for results and updates regarding the next stages of the examination process.

Syllabus for UPSC Prelims 2024

General Studies Paper I

• Current Affairs: Significant national and international events.

• History of India: Old, medieval, and advanced history.

• Indian National Movement: Key events and personalities.

• Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, and rights issues.

• Economic and Social Improvement: Economic improvement, destitution, inclusion, demographics, and social division initiatives.

• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change: General issues, not subject-specific.

• General Science: Basic concepts and everyday science.

• Geography: Physical, social, and financial geology of India and the world.

General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

• Comprehension: Reading passages and questions.

• Interpersonal Skills and Communication: Analytical and evaluative skills.

• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Puzzles, statements, and arguments.

• Decision Making and Problem Solving: Situational judgment and ethical scenarios.

• General Mental Ability: Basic numeracy (Class X level), data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables), and data sufficiency.

Preparation Tips for UPSC Prelims 2024

• Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and the structure of the exam. This will help you arrange your planning effectively.

• Make a Study Plan: Create a realistic study schedule, allocating time for each subject. Consistency is key, so stick to your goal.

• Read Standard Books: Refer to recommended books like NCERTs for basic concepts. Some important books include:

• History: "India's Struggle for Freedom" by Bipan Chandra

• Polity: "Indian Polity" by M. Laxmikanth

• Geography: NCERT assignment material and "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" by G.C. Leong.

• Economy: "Indian Economy" by Ramesh Singh

• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers daily (like The Hindu or Indian Express) and follow monthly current affairs magazines. Use online sources for regular updates.

• Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year question papers will help you understand the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. It also improves your time management skills.

• Take Mock Tests: Enroll in a good test series to evaluate your preparation. Mock tests help you gauge your performance and identify weak areas.

• Revise Frequently: Standard modification is significant to hold what you have examined. Make brief notes for fast modification before the exam.

• Focus on CSAT: While CSAT is qualifying in nature, do not neglect it. Practice comprehension, logical reasoning, and basic numeracy to secure the required 33%.

Key Dates for UPSC Prelims 2024

• Notification Release: 12 February 2024

• Online Application Start Date: February 2024

• Last Date to Apply: 3  March 2024

• UPSC Prelims Exam Date: 16 June 2024

• Result Declaration: 1 July 2024

List of Important Books that Students can refer to for the 2024 UPSC Prelims:

General Studies Paper I (GS Paper I)

Ancient History:

• "Ancient India" by R.S. Sharma (Old NCERT)

• "A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India" by Upinder Singh

Medieval History:

• "Medieval India" by Satish Chandra (Old NCERT)

• "A History of Medieval India" by Chandra Mauli Mani

Modern History:

• "India's Struggle for Independence" by Bipan Chandra

• "A Brief History of Modern India" by Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum)

Indian Art and Culture:

• "Indian Art and Culture" by Nitin Singhania

Geography

Physical Geography:

• "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" by G.C. Leong

• NCERT Class XI - "Fundamentals of Physical Geography"

Indian Geography:

• NCERT Class XI - "India: Physical Environment"

• NCERT Class XII - "India: People and Economy"

World Geography:

• NCERT Class XII - "Fundamentals of Human Geography"

Polity

• "Introduction to the Constitution of India" by D.D. Basu

• NCERT Class XI - "Indian Constitution at Work"

• "Indian Polity" by M. Laxmikanth

Economy

• "Economic Development & Policies in India" by Jain & Ohri

• NCERT Class XI - "Indian Economic Development"

• "Indian Economy" by Ramesh Singh

Environment

• "Certificate Course on Environment" by ICSE Board

• NCERT Class XII - "Biology" (Relevant Chapters)

• "Environment" by Shankar IAS

Current Affairs

Newspapers:

• The Hindu

• Indian Express

Magazines:

• Yojana

• Kurukshetra

• Pratiyogita Darpan

Yearbooks:

• Manorama Yearbook

• India Yearbook by the Government of India

Monthly Compilation:

• Vision IAS Monthly Current Affairs

• Insights IAS Monthly Compilation

General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

Comprehension and Communication Skills

• "Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal

• "Analytical Reasoning" by M.K. Pandey

Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability

• "A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal

• CSAT Paper II Manual by Arihant Publications

Basic Numeracy

• "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal

• "Fast Track Objective Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma

• Decision Making and Problem Solving

Practice Papers:

• Previous years' CSAT papers

• Mock test series by various coaching institutes

• Additional Resources

Atlas:

• Oxford School Atlas

• Orient BlackSwan School Atlas

NCERT Books:

• Class VI to XII for History, Geography, Polity, and Economics

• Online Resources

Websites and Blogs:

• PIB (Press Information Bureau)

• PRS India

• RBI website for economic updates

YouTube Channels:

• Unacademy

• Byju’s

• Study IQ

UPSC Prelims Results 2024: Key Highlights and Next Steps

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has declared the results of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024. This declaration is a significant minute for thousands of candidates who try to connect the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (Ifs), and other first-class civil services.

Overview of the UPSC Prelims 2024 in a table format:

Result Announcement

• The results were declared on July 5, 2024. Students can inspect their results on the official UPSC site by entering their roll number.

Key Highlights

• Cut-off Marks: The cut-off for the General category was set at 98.5 marks, with different cut-offs for other categories like OBC, SC, ST, and PwD.

• Number of Qualifiers: Approximately 12,000 candidates out of the many who appeared for the exam have qualified for the Mains.

• Next Stage: Those who have qualified will now prepare for the Mains examination, scheduled for September 2024. The Mains is an expressive exam consisting of nine papers.

How to Check UPSC Prelims 2024 Result

• Visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in.

• Press on the interface for “UPSC Prelims Results 2024.”

• Enter your roll number to view your result.

UPSC Prelims Cut-off Marks 2024

The cut-off marks for the UPSC Prelims 2024 have been declared. The cut-off marks are the minimum scores required to qualify for the next stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which is the Mains.

Cut-off Marks for Different Categories

Here are the cut-off marks for various categories:

Next Steps after UPSC Prelims 2024 

Candidates who meet or exceed the cut-off marks in GS Paper I and qualify for the CSAT paper will move on to the UPSC Mains, the next stage of the examination process. The main exam is scheduled for September 2024.

Preparing for the Mains

For those who have qualified, the next phase involves rigorous preparation for the Mains. Here are a few tips:

• Understand the Syllabus: Know the main syllabus thoroughly.

• Practice Answer Writing: Regularly practice writing detailed answers.

• Manage Your Time: Create and stick to a well-planned study schedule.

• Stay Updated: Keep reading newspapers and stay informed about current affairs.

• Revise: Regularly revisit and revise the topics you have studied.

For more detailed information, candidates should visit the official UPSC website:www.upsc.gov.in.

FAQs

1. What is the date of the UPSC Prelims 2024 exam?

The UPSC Prelims 2024 exam was conducted on May 28, 2024.

2. When will the UPSC Prelims 2024 results be announced?

The results for the UPSC Prelims 2024 were announced on July 5, 2024.

3. How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC exam?

• General Category: 6 attempts

• OBC Category: 9 attempts

• SC/ST Category: Endless tries until the age limit

4. Can I operate a calculator in the UPSC Prelims exam?

No, calculators are not allowed in the UPSC Prelims exam.

5. What is the minimum qualifying mark for the CSAT paper?

To qualify, candidates must score at least 33% (66 marks out of 200) on the CSAT paper.