FAQs for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025
1. What is the Civil Services Examination (CSE)?
The CSE is a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for prestigious posts like IAS, IFS, IPS, and other Central Services.
2. What is the timeline for CSE 2025?
- Notification Release Date: January 22, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: February 11, 2025 (till 6:00 PM)
- Preliminary Exam Date: May 25, 2025
- Preliminary Results: Expected in June/July 2025
3. How do I apply for CSE 2025?
- Register on the One-Time Registration (OTR) platform on UPSC’s official website (upsconline.nic.in).
- Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature) as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee either online or offline.
- Submit the application before the deadline (February 11, 2025).
4. What are the eligibility criteria?
- Nationality:
- Indian citizenship is mandatory for IAS and IPS.
- Nationals of Nepal, Bhutan, or other categories are eligible for certain other services.
- Age Limit:
- Must be between 21 and 32 years as of August 1, 2025.
- Age relaxations:
- SC/ST: 5 years (up to 37 years).
- OBC: 3 years (up to 35 years).
- PwBD: 10 years (up to 42 years for General, 45 for OBC, and 47 for SC/ST).
- Educational Qualification:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Final-year students are eligible but must provide proof of passing before the Personality Test.
- Number of Attempts:
- General/EWS: 6 attempts.
- OBC: 9 attempts.
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (until the upper age limit).
- PwBD: 9 attempts for General/EWS/OBC and unlimited for SC/ST.
5. What is the structure of the CSE?
- Preliminary Examination:
- Two objective-type papers (General Studies-I and CSAT), each carrying 200 marks.
- CSAT is qualifying in nature (minimum 33% marks required).
- Main Examination:
- Nine papers (seven merit-ranking and two qualifying in nature).
- Includes Essay, General Studies-I to IV, and two papers for an optional subject.
- Personality Test (Interview):
- Conducted for candidates who qualify the Mains.
- Carries 275 marks.
6. What is the fee structure for CSE 2025?
- Preliminary Examination Fee: ₹100
- Exemptions for SC/ST, PwBD, and female candidates.
- Main Examination Fee: ₹200 (payable after Prelims results).
7. What are the important instructions for photographs?
- The photograph must be recent (not older than 10 days from the start of the online application process).
- The name of the candidate and the date of the photograph must be printed on it.
8. Is there negative marking in the examination?
- Yes, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer in the Preliminary Examination.
- No negative marking for unanswered questions.
9. Can I modify my application after submission?
- Yes, corrections are allowed during specified correction windows:
- Application corrections: February 12–18, 2025.
- One-Time Registration (OTR) corrections: Allowed once in a lifetime, within 7 days after the application closure.
10. How are service and cadre preferences submitted?
- Service Preferences:
- Must be submitted online within 10 days of Prelims results, along with the ₹200 Mains application fee.
- No changes are allowed after submission.
- Cadre Preferences (IAS/IPS):
- Submitted post-Prelims results.
- Updates allowed during a 15-day window after Mains results.
11. What are the new provisions for non-recommended candidates?
Candidates who qualify for the Personality Test but are not recommended will have their biodata shared with registered organizations for potential employment opportunities. This includes educational qualifications, percentile, and contact details (personal data like address is excluded).
12. What are the changes to the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS)?
The IRMS is now divided into three streams:
- Traffic
- Personnel
- Accounts
Candidates need to indicate their preferences for these streams during the application process.
13. What are the provisions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)?
- Reservation: Provided as per the RPwD Act, 2016.
- Facilities:
- Scribes and compensatory time during exams.
- Assistive devices for eligible candidates.
- Specific services identified as suitable for PwBD based on the nature of their disabilities.
14. What certificates are required during the application process?
- Prelims Application:
- Only basic details and valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) are needed.
- Mains Application:
- Proof of graduation (degree certificate or final mark sheet).
- Caste certificate (if applicable).
- Disability certificate for PwBD candidates (if applicable).
15. What is the penalty for misconduct or unfair means?
Candidates engaging in malpractices like impersonation, using prohibited devices, or providing false information will face strict penalties, including:
- Disqualification from the current exam.
- A ban from future UPSC exams.
16. How can I contact UPSC for assistance?
- Facilitation Counter: UPSC Office, Gate C.
- Phone: 011-23385271, 011-23381125, 011-23098543
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (working days).
Service preference rankings filled accordingly:
S. No. | Service Name | Preference |
---|---|---|
1 | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | 1 |
2 | Indian Police Service (IPS) | 2 |
3 | Indian Foreign Service (IFS) | 3 |
4 | Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) | 4 |
5 | Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) | 5 |
6 | Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ | 6 |
7 | Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ | 7 |
8 | Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’ | 8 |
9 | Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’ | 9 |
10 | Indian Railway Management Service (Traffic), Group ‘A’ | 10 |
11 | Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’ | 11 |
12 | Indian Corporate Law Service, Group ‘A’ | 12 |
13 | Indian Information Service, Group ‘A’ | 13 |
14 | Indian Trade Service, Group ‘A’ (Grade III) | 14 |
15 | Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service, Group ‘A’ | 15 |
16 | Indian Railway Protection Force Service, Group ‘A’ | 16 |
17 | Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service (DANICS), Group ‘B’ | 17 |
18 | Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS), Group ‘B’ | 18 |
19 | Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’ | 19 |
20 | Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS), Group ‘B’ | 20 |
21 | Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade) | 21 |
Key Observations:
- Top Tier Services (1-6): Highly preferred due to administrative importance and career growth.
- Middle Tier Services (7-16): Includes services like Defence Accounts, Postal, and Railways with a mix of desk and field roles.
- Group B Services (17-21): Lower preference, but provide opportunities in governance and administration at regional levels.
Top Tier
1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
2. Indian Police Service (IPS)
3. Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
4. Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes)
5. Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax)
6. Indian Audit and Accounts Service
Middle Tier
7. Indian Railway Management Service
8. Indian Civil Accounts Service
9. Indian Defence Accounts Service
10. Indian Corporate Law Service
11. Indian Defence Estates Service
12. Indian Postal Service
Lower Tier
13. Indian Trade Service
14. Indian Information Service
15. Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service
16. Indian Railway Protection Force Service
17. DANICS
18. DANIPS
19. PONDICS
20. PONDIPS
21. Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
It is important to recognize that securing a place in the final list of the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a remarkable achievement in itself. All services, regardless of their ranking or classification, play crucial roles in the governance and development of our nation.
Each service offers unique opportunities to serve the country and make a significant impact.The classification and preference order discussed here are meant solely for informational purposes and to aid in decision-making. They do not reflect the inherent value or importance of any particular service. Every civil servant, irrespective of their allocated service, has the potential to contribute meaningfully to public service and national progress. Candidates are encouraged to consider their personal strengths, interests, and long-term career goals when determining their service preferences.