The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 on January 22, 2025. This year, a total of 979 vacancies have been announced across various services. The detailed information regarding the application process, syllabus, and exam pattern can be found on the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in.
In a significant change from previous years, UPSC has released the notification earlier in January instead of the usual February timeline. The application process has also commenced today and will continue until February 11, 2025. Candidates can apply for the exam through the UPSC online portal.
Key Highlights
- Notification Release Date: January 22, 2025
- Total Vacancies: 979 (down from 1,056 last year)
- Application Deadline: February 11, 2025
- CSE Prelims Exam Date: May 25, 2025
- Main Exam Date: August 22, 2025 (for five days)
The official UPSC CSE notification contains essential details about the recruitment process, including eligibility criteria, exam structure, and application procedure.
UPSC CSE 2025: Vacancy Breakdown
This year, UPSC will fill 979 vacancies for the Civil Services Examination (CSE), marking a reduction of 77 posts compared to the previous year. Additionally, 150 vacancies have been announced for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) examination.
Vacancy Breakdown for CSE 2025
| Category | Total Vacancies | Reserved for PwBD |
|---|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 979 | 38 |
| Blindness and Low Vision | 12 | - |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 7 | - |
| Locomotor Disabilities (including cerebral palsy, leprosy-cured, dwarfism, acid attack survivors, and muscular dystrophy) | 10 | - |
| Multiple Disabilities (combining categories a to c, including deaf-blindness) | 9 | - |
Note: The number of vacancies may change based on confirmations from the Cadre Controlling Authorities.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CSE 2025
Before applying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria specified by the Commission. Below are the key eligibility details.
1. Educational Qualifications
- Essential: Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualification.
- Final-year students and those awaiting results can apply for the UPSC Prelims, but they must submit proof of passing before applying for the Mains.
- Candidates with professional/technical qualifications recognized by the government as equivalent to a degree are eligible.
- Medical students who have completed the final year of MBBS but are yet to finish their internship can also apply but must submit a course completion certificate with their Mains application.
2. Age Limit and Number of Attempts
- General Category: 6 attempts, age limit: 32 years
- OBC Category: 9 attempts, age limit: 35 years
- SC/ST Category: No limit on attempts, age limit: 37 years
- PwBD Category: 9 attempts, age limit: 42 years
- EWS Category: 6 attempts, age limit: 32 years
3. Nationality
- For IAS, IPS, and IFS: Must be an Indian citizen.
- For other services: Must be an Indian citizen, or a citizen of Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962. Additionally, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) from certain countries intending to settle permanently in India are eligible.
UPSC CSE 2025: Selection Process
The selection for the UPSC CSE is carried out in three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Personality Test. Here is a detailed breakdown of the selection process:
1. Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers:
- General Studies Paper I: 200 marks
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT): 200 marks
Candidates must secure a minimum of 33% marks in Paper II to qualify for the Main Exam. The Prelims exam acts as a screening tool, and the marks obtained are not counted in the final ranking.
2. Main Examination
The Main Examination is a written exam with descriptive-type papers. It includes:
- Essay: 250 marks
- General Studies Papers (I-IV): 1000 marks
- Optional Subject Papers: 500 marks
The Mains exam is crucial as it determines the final ranking of candidates.
3. Personality Test
Candidates who clear the Mains exam will be called for the Personality Test (Interview), which carries 275 marks. The final selection is based on the cumulative marks obtained in the Mains and the Interview.
How to Apply for UPSC CSE 2025
Candidates can apply for the UPSC CSE 2025 by following the steps below:
- Visit the Official UPSC Website: Go to upsc.gov.in.
- Register on the Portal: Click on the "Civil Services Prelims Exam 2025" link, and create a registration account by providing personal details.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in the required fields including educational qualifications, exam preferences, etc.
- Pay the Application Fee: The fee can be paid via debit/credit cards or net banking.
- Submit the Form: After reviewing the form, click "Submit." Download a copy of the completed form.
- Print for Future Reference: Print the filled application form for future reference and communication with UPSC.
Important Dates:
- Application Start Date: January 22, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 11, 2025
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 is a prestigious opportunity for aspirants aiming for top government positions in India. With 979 vacancies available, the competition will be fierce, but careful preparation and attention to detail can help candidates succeed. Make sure to review all the details and submit your application before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues. Stay updated with any changes and notifications on the official UPSC website.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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