Zafar Iqbal
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 on January 22, 2025. Eligible candidates can access the notification and submit their applications through the official website, upsc.gov.in. Here is everything you need to know about the exam, application process, and key dates.
Important Dates to Remember
- Notification Release Date: January 22, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 11, 2025
- Prelims Exam Date: May 25, 2025
- Mains Exam Date: Starting August 22, 2025
Key Highlights of the UPSC CSE 2025
Vacancies
This year, UPSC has announced 979 vacancies, the lowest in three years. These include:
38 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), distributed as:
- 12 for blindness and low vision
- 7 for deaf and hard of hearing
- 10 for locomotor disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, dwarfism)
- 9 for multiple disabilities
Exam Stages
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages:
Preliminary Exam:
- Two objective-type papers (multiple-choice questions)
- Maximum of 400 marks
Mains Exam:
- Descriptive papers
- Scheduled from August 22, 2025, over five days
Interview Round:
- Final selection stage
- Based on performance in Mains and the interview
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2025
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Visit the official website: upsc.gov.in
- Click on the “UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2025” registration link.
- Register using your credentials.
- Log in to your account and fill out the application form.
- Pay the application fee and submit the form.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Note: Candidates must upload a recent photograph taken after January 12, 2025, with their name and the date clearly mentioned.
Examination Structure
Preliminary Exam
The Preliminary Examination comprises two papers:
- Paper 1: General Studies
- Paper 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
Mains Exam
The Mains examination includes descriptive questions focusing on analytical and critical thinking skills.
Comparison of Vacancies Over the Years
| Year | Number of Posts |
| 2025 | 979 |
| 2024 | 1,056 |
| 2023 | 1,105 |
| 2022 | 1,011 |
| 2021 | 712 |
| 2020 | 796 |
Additional Notifications
Along with the Civil Services notification, UPSC has also announced the Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination 2025. The prelims for this will be conducted in conjunction with the Civil Services Prelims.
Essential Tips for Aspirants
- Regularly check the official website for updates on the syllabus, bulletin, and exam pattern.
- Prepare for the objective-type questions in Prelims by practicing mock tests.
- Focus on descriptive writing for the Mains exam.
- Stay informed about current affairs and government policies for interview preparation.
Conclusion
The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025 (CSE) presents a golden opportunity for aspirants aiming to join India’s prestigious civil services. With 979 vacancies and a structured three-stage selection process, thorough preparation is essential. Candidates are advised to adhere to the application deadlines and ensure all requirements, such as recent photographs, are met.
For detailed notifications, visit upsc.gov.in. Best of luck to all aspirants!
