Table of Contents
- UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria
- UPSC CSE Reservation Policies
- UPSC CSE Exam Important Dates
- UPSC CSE Selection Process
- UPSC CSE Application Process
- UPSC CSE Exam Procedure
- UPSC CSE Preliminary Subjects
- UPSC CSE Mains Subjects
- UPSC CSE Optional Paper Subjects
- UPSC CSE Test Centres
- UPSC CSE Books
- UPSC CSE Previous Year Question Papers
- UPSC CSE Mock Test Practice Apps
- UPSC CSE Preparation Strategies
- UPSC CSE Online Practice
- UPSC CSE Youtube Channels
- UPSC CSE Coaching Centres in India
- UPSC CSE Year Wise Trend Analysis
- UPSC CSE Success Stories
- UPSC CSE Interview Preparation
- UPSC CSE Cut Off
- UPSC CSE Scorecard Analysis
- UPSC CSE FAQs
UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria
Category |
Eligibility |
UPSC CSE Nationality Eligibility |
|
UPSC CSE Educational Qualification |
|
UPSC CSE Age Limit |
|
UPSC CSE Number of Attempts |
|
UPSC CSE Reservation Policies
Category |
UPSC Reservation Quota |
Schedule Caste |
15% |
Schedule Tribes |
7.50% |
Other Backward Classes |
25% |
Economically Weaker Section |
10% |
Persons With Benchmark Disabilities |
4% |
UPSC CSE Exam Important Dates
Events |
Dates |
UPSC CSE Registration Start |
22/01/2025 |
UPSC CSE Registration End |
18/02/2025 |
UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam |
25/05/2025 |
UPSC CSE Main Exam |
22/08/2025 |
UPSC CSE Interview |
To be announced |
**dates might change**
UPSC CSE Selection Process
Stage Name |
Nature |
Total Marks |
Purpose |
UPSC Preliminary Examination |
Qualifying in nature |
400 |
Selected candidates are to appear for UPSC Main Examination |
UPSC Main Examination |
Marks included in the merit list |
1750 |
Descriptive in nature. Consists of 9 subjective exams: - 1 Essay, 4 General Studies, 2 Optional and 2 compulsory language papers |
UPSC Personality Test |
Scores considered for merit list |
275 |
Evaluation of leadership skills, communication skills, spontaneous decision making etc. |
UPSC CSE Application Process
The online application form has two parts - Part 1 and Part 2, and the steps involved in filling the application form are as follows:
UPSC Part 1 Registration Process:
- Visit the official website https://upsconline.nic.in or https://upsc.gov.in.
- Click the Apply Online Link on the right-side panel on the home page.
- Click on the Online Application for Various Examinations, then click on Online Application for various UPSC examinations.
- Click on the Part I registration link. Important instructions for completing the online application form will then be displayed on the screen.
- After reading the instructions, click ‘Yes.’ Then, candidates are asked to fill in personal details such as Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Father’s Name, Nationality, Address, etc., in registration.
- After filling out the personal details, fill out the educational qualification and contact details.
- As a next step, candidates have to fill in photo identity details, the number of attempts, marks obtained at graduation level, and the centre for the prelims exam details.
- After these details are filled in, the candidates can preview the details and edit the application at this stage if needed. Candidates are not allowed to edit the application after the final submission.
- After previewing, click submit. After completing Part I registration, the candidate will receive the registration ID. The RID is the Registration ID generated by the system when the applicant completes Part I registration of his application. Candidates should note down the RID for future reference.
UPSC Part 2 Registration Process:
- Use the registration ID you received after completing Part I and proceed to fill out Part II of the application.
- Log on again using the RID and date of birth details to continue Part-II registration.
- In this part, the candidates have to pay the application fees using an online or offline mode or pay by Cash through an SBI Challan.
- Select the prelims exam centre.
- Candidates have to upload all the required documents.
- Photograph in JPG format - 20 KB to 300 KB
- Signature in JPG format - 20 KB to 300 KB
- Photo ID in PDF format - 20 KB to 300 KB
- Click Upload after uploading all the documents in the prescribed size format.
- A final declaration appears on the screen after step 6; check the box and apply.
- After the final submission, a confirmation message for completion of the application is received on the registered mobile number and email address. This way, the candidates can ensure they have completed and applied.
UPSC CSE Exam Procedure
1.UPSC CSE Preliminary Examination:
Particular |
Detail |
Mode of Exam |
Offline OMR Based |
Language of Exam |
Hindi & English |
Types of Questions |
MCQ type |
Total Papers |
Two |
Paper I General Studies |
100 Questions |
Paper II CSAT |
80 Questions |
Shift |
GS: 9:30 am to 11:30 am |
Total Marks |
400 Marks |
Negative Marking |
GS: 0.66 Marks |
Passing Marks |
GS: UPSC Cut off |
Time Allotted |
2 Hours/Paper |
2.UPSC CSE Mains Examination:
Paper |
Name of Paper |
Time Duration |
Maximum Marks |
Qualifying Papers |
|||
Paper A |
Indian Language |
3 Hours |
300 |
Paper B |
English |
3 Hours |
300 |
Merit Papers |
|||
Paper I |
Essay |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper II |
General Studies-I |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper III |
General Studies -II |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper IV |
General Studies -III |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper V |
General Studies -IV |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper VI |
Optional Paper 1 |
3 Hours |
250 |
Paper VII |
Optional Paper 2 |
3 Hours |
250 |
Total |
1750 Marks |
3.UPSC CSE Personality Test:
Particular |
Details |
Reporting Time |
Forenoon Session: 9:00 am |
Dress Code |
Formals |
Duration |
20 to 30 minutes |
Total Marks |
275 |
Candidates Called |
Twice the number of vacancies |
Venue |
Union Public Service Commission Officer, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069 |
UPSC CSE Preliminary Subjects
- UPSC Preliminary Subjects for Paper 1 (General Studies):
- Current affairs of national and international importance
- Environment, Ecology, and Biodiversity
- Ancient, Medieval and Modern History of India
- Art and Culture
- Indian polity and governance
- General science and technology
- Indian and world geography
- Economic and social development
- Social Issues
- UPSC Preliminary Subjects for Paper 2 (Civil Services Aptitude Test):
- English language comprehension skills
- General mental ability to solve problems
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Basic numerical problems
- Data interpretation
UPSC CSE Mains Subjects
- UPSC Essay Paper Important Topics:
The UPSC does not have a specific syllabus for the essay paper in the UPSC Mains examination. Generally the essay topics come from the following areas:
- Literacy
- Gender Equality
- Environment/Urbanisation
- Economic Growth
- Technology
- Religion
- Federalism/Decentralisation
- Health
- Poverty
- Judiciary
- Culture
- Agriculture
- Democracy
- Economics
- UPSC Mains Syllabus for General Studies 1 (GS 1)
- Culture of India
- Modern Indian History
- World History
- Society
- Geography
- UPSC Syllabus for Mains paper: General studies 2 (GS 2)
- Polity and Indian Constitution
- Social Justice
- Governance
- International Relations
- UPSC Syllabus for Mains paper: General studies 3 (GS 3)
- Economy
- Agriculture
- Science & Technology
- Environment
- Security
- UPSC Syllabus for Mains paper: General studies 4 (GS 4)
- Human Interface & Ethics
- Attitude
- Aptitude
- Emotional Intelligence
- Contributions of Philosophers and Thinkers
- Ethics in Public Administration and Civil/public service values
- Probity in Governance
- Concept of public service
6.UPSC Syllabus for Language Papers: (Any Indian Language & English)
Assamese |
Bengali |
Gujarati |
Hindi |
Kannada |
Kashmiri |
Konkani |
Malayalam |
Manipuri |
Marathi |
Nepali |
Odiya |
Punjabi |
Sanskrit |
Sindhi |
Tamil |
Telugu |
Urdu |
Bodo |
Dogri |
Maithili |
Santhali |
- |
UPSC CSE Optional Paper Subjects
- UPSC Mains Syllabus for Optional subject (2 papers – Paper 1 and paper 2)
Agriculture |
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science |
Anthropology |
Botany |
Chemistry |
Civil Engineering |
Commerce and Accountancy |
Economics |
Electrical Engineering |
Geography |
Geology |
History |
Political Science and International Relations |
Physics |
Sociology |
Psychology |
Public Administration |
Philosophy |
Law |
Mathematics |
Management |
Medical Science |
Statistics |
Mechanical Engineering |
Zoology
|
UPSC CSE Test Centres
UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam Centres:
Agartala |
Gurgaon |
Portblair |
Agra |
Gwalior |
Prayagraj (Allahabad) |
Ahmedabad |
Hyderabad |
Puducherry |
Aizawl |
Imphal |
Pune |
Ajmer |
Indore |
Raipur |
Aligarh |
Itanagar |
Rajkot |
Almora (Uttarakhand) |
Jabalpur |
Ranchi |
Ananthapuru |
Jaipur |
Sambalpur |
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad, Maharashtra) |
Jammu |
Shillong |
Bareilly |
Jodhpur |
Shimla |
Bengaluru |
Jorhat |
Siliguri |
Bhopal |
Kargil |
Srinagar |
Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) |
Kochi |
Srinagar (Uttarakhand) |
Chandigarh |
Kohima |
Surat |
Chennai |
Kolkata |
Thane |
Coimbatore |
Kozhikode (Calicut) |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Cuttack |
Leh |
Tiruchirapalli |
Dehradun |
Lucknow |
Tirupati |
Delhi |
Ludhiana |
Udaipur |
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) |
Madurai |
Varanasi |
Dharwar |
Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) |
Vellore |
Dispur |
Mumbai |
Vijayawada |
Faridabad |
Mysuru |
Vishakhapatnam |
Gangtok |
Nagpur |
Warangal |
Gautam Buddh Nagar |
Nasik |
- |
Gaya |
Navi Mumbai |
|
Ghaziabad |
Panaji (Goa) |
|
Gorakhpur |
Patna |
UPSC CSE Mains Exam Centre:
Ahmedabad |
Dehradun |
Mumbai |
Aizawl |
Delhi |
Patna |
Allahabad |
Dispur (Guwahati) |
Raipur |
Bengaluru |
Hyderabad |
Ranchi |
Bhopal |
Jaipur |
Shillong |
Chandigarh |
Jammu |
Shimla |
Chennai |
Kolkata |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Cuttack |
Lucknow |
Vijayawada |
UPSC CSE Books
NCERT Books for UPSC Preparation:
History |
|
- |
|
Geography |
|
Political Science |
|
- |
|
Economics |
|
- |
|
Sociology |
|
Arts |
|
|
|
Science |
|
- |
|
Chemistry |
|
Physics |
|
Biology |
|
Other Books for UPSC Preparation:
A Brief History of Modern India (2018-2019) Book by Rajiv Ahir |
|
- |
UPSC CSE Previous Year Question Papers
UPSC CSE Question Paper 2024 |
|
- |
|
UPSC CSE Question Paper 2023 |
|
- |
|
UPSC CSE Question Paper 2022 |
|
- |
|
UPSC CSE Question Paper 2021 |
|
- |
|
UPSC CSE Question Paper 2020 |
|
- |
|
UPSC CSE Question Paper 2019 |
|
- |
UPSC CSE Mock Test Practice Apps
- Unacademy
- ClearIAS
- CivilsDaily
- Mrunal TestSeries
- Vision IAS
- Byju's
- Insightsonindia
- Testbook
- Physics wala
UPSC CSE Preparation Strategies
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Exam Pattern: 2 papers of Prelims Exam, 9 Exams for Mains and Interview.
- Types of questions: Objective in prelims and Descriptive in Mains.
- Create a Study Plan
- Allocate specific times for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
- Include regular breaks to avoid burnout.
- Use Quality Study Material
- Refer to NCERT book
- Use online resources and apps like BYJU'S, Unacademy, and Khan Academy.
- Practice with previous years’ UPSC papers and mock tests.
- Refer to standard books
- Use online resources and apps like BYJU'S, Unacademy, and Physics Wala, IASBABA.
- Practice with previous years’ UPSC papers and mock tests.
- Join Coaching Classes (if needed)
- Consider joining reputed coaching institutes.
- Regular Practice and Mock Tests
- Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Analyse your performance in each mock test to identify areas of improvement.
- Practise sectional tests to strengthen specific areas.
- Time Management
- Practice managing time effectively during your study sessions and mock tests.
- Focus on speed and accuracy.
- Develop strategies for time allocation in each section during the exam.
- Work on Weak Areas
- Identify and focus on your weak areas.
- Seek help from mentors, teachers, or peers if you find certain topics challenging.
- Stay Updated
- Keep yourself updated with current affairs.
- Read newspapers, magazines, and online articles regularly.
- Online courses:
- Byju's UPSC preparation course
- Unacademy UPSC preparation classes
- Physics Wala UPSC preparation course
- Best Coaching Centres in India for UPSC
- Byju's
- Unacademy
- Dristi IAS
- IASbaba
- Clear IAS
- Vajiram and Ravi
UPSC CSE Online Practice
The following are the online website which give online mock test, coaching and materials for UPSC preparation:
- Byju's
- Unacademy
- Dristi IAS
- IASbaba
- Clear IAS
- Vajiram and Ravi
UPSC CSE Youtube Channels
The following are the best Youtube Channels for UPSC preparations:
UPSC CSE Coaching Centres in India
The Following are the best coaching centres for UPSC in India:
- Byju's
- Unacademy
- Dristi IAS
- IASbaba
- Clear IAS
- Vajiram and Ravi
UPSC CSE Year Wise Trend Analysis
Year Wise Trend Analysis of Candidates Appearing for UPSC |
||||
Year |
Total Applied |
Qualified for Mains |
Qualified for Interview |
Finally Selected Candidates |
2007 |
3,33,680 |
9,158 |
1,883 |
553 |
2008 |
3,25,433 |
11,669 |
2,136 |
734 |
2009 |
4,09,110 |
11,894 |
2,431 |
881 |
2010 |
5,47,698 |
12,271 |
2,589 |
989 |
2014 |
9,47,428 |
16,706 |
3,308 |
1,122 |
2015 |
9,45,908 |
15,008 |
2,797 |
1,236 |
2016 |
11,28,262 |
15,382 |
2,961 |
1,078 |
2017 |
9,69,065 |
13,300 |
2,564 |
1,056 |
2018 |
10,65,552 |
10,419 |
1,992 |
759 |
2019 |
11,35,261 |
11,845 |
2,034 |
829 |
2020 |
1057948 |
10,564 |
2,053 |
796 |
2021 |
1093948 |
10,000 |
1,800 |
761 |
2022 |
11,35,697 |
13,090 |
2,529 |
933 |
2023 |
13,00,000 |
14624 |
2916 |
1016 |
UPSC CSE Success Stories
IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma had earned a third division in his ninth and tenth standard and had failed his 12th standard. He was so driven to crack UPSC that he passed the 12th standard for the second time, and since his financial condition wasn’t good, he worked as a tempo driver and a librarian to support his UPSC preparations. Despite setbacks, IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma cracked UPSC in his fourth attempt and achieved an All India Rank of 121. IPS Manoj Kumar Sharma has garnered nicknames like Singham and Simba due to his powerful nature at work. He is currently the Additional Commissioner of Mumbai Police. This story also inspires a movie; the name of the film is 12th Fail by Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
UPSC CSE Interview Preparation
- Understand the Interview Format:
- The UPSC interview will analyse your personality, leadership skills, and analytical abilities.
- It is not a retest of your knowledge; the interview panel has reviewed your written exam results.
- The interview typically lasts 20-30 minutes, and you will be asked questions about your background, hobbies, current events, and DAF.
- Review Your DAF Thoroughly:
- The DAF is an important document that informs the interview panel about your school history, employment experience, hobbies, and more.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your DAF, so read it thoroughly.
- Current Affairs and General Knowledge:
- Keep up with current events, particularly those relating to your optional subject and home state.
- Read newspapers and magazines and watch news shows regularly.
- Develop Clear Communication Skills:
- Practise speaking fluently and clearly.
- Pay attention to your body language and keep eye contact with the panel.
- Answer enquiries politely and respectfully.
- Interview Etiquette:
- Dress adequately in formal clothing.
- Be on time; arrive at the place well in advance.
- Please greet the panel pleasantly and wait for them to welcome you to sit.
- Maintain a pleasant attitude during the interview.
- Prepare for Common Questions:
- Prepare to answer questions about your abilities, shortcomings, accomplishments, failures, and motivations for joining the civil service.
- Prepare a well-thought-out response to the query, "Tell me about yourself."
- Optional Subject Knowledge:
- Brush your knowledge of your optional subject and be prepared for questions in that area.
- Stay Calm and Composed:
- It's expected to be worried before an interview, but try to remain composed.
- If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and pay close attention to the panellists' questions.
- Be yourself. The interview panel is interested in getting to know you as an individual, so be honest and trustworthy with yourself.
UPSC CSE Cut Off
UPSC CSE Prelims Cut Off |
|||||
Category |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
General |
75.41 |
88.22 |
87.54 |
92.51 |
98 |
OBC |
74.75 |
87.54 |
89.12 |
89.12 |
95.34 |
ST |
47.82 |
69.35 |
70.71 |
68.71 |
77.34 |
SC |
59.25 |
74.08 |
75.41 |
74.84 |
82 |
PWD 1 |
40.4 |
49.84 |
68.02 |
70.06 |
53.34 |
PWD 2 |
47.13 |
58.59 |
67.33 |
63.94 |
44.66 |
PWD 3 |
40.4 |
40.4 |
43.09 |
40.82 |
61.34 |
PWD 4 |
33.68 |
41.76 |
45.8 |
42.86 |
61.34 |
EWS |
68.02 |
82.83 |
80.14 |
77.55 |
90 |
UPSC CSE Mains Cut Off |
|||||
Category |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
General |
741 |
748 |
745 |
736 |
751 |
OBC |
712 |
714 |
707 |
698 |
718 |
ST |
692 |
706 |
700 |
682 |
699 |
SC |
694 |
699 |
700 |
680 |
706 |
PWD 1 |
673 |
677 |
688 |
648 |
663 |
PWD 2 |
718 |
706 |
712 |
699 |
698 |
PWD 3 |
396 |
351 |
388 |
425 |
374 |
PWD 4 |
445 |
419 |
560 |
300 |
561 |
EWS |
706 |
715 |
713 |
687 |
696 |
UPSC CSE Scorecard Analysis
UPSC CSE FAQs
- What is the UPSC qualification?
The minimum qualification for UPSC is graduation from a recognised institute.
- Which subject is best for IAS preparation in class 11th?
History, political science, economics, geography, sociology, and public administration are the best subjects for IAS preparation in Class 11.
- How many attempts for UPSC?
6 attempts are allowed for the General/EWS category, 9 for the OBC/PwBD category, and unlimited attempts for SC/ST.
- What are the nine papers in UPSC Mains?
The nine papers in UPSC Mains are two qualifying Language Papers, along with Essay, General Studies (GS) Paper 1, GS Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations), GS Paper 3 (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management), GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude), and Optional Subject Papers 1 and 2.
- Does UPSC have maths?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Mains Exam comprises Mathematics as one of the Optional Subjects, with two papers (Paper I and Paper II).
- Is UPSC difficult?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely considered one of the toughest competitive exams in India and globally.
- What rank is required for IAS?
General Category: Aspirants must secure a rank within the top 75-80 for IAS.
- Which is the highest post in UPSC?
The Cabinet Secretary is the highest civil official in India's government and holds the top IAS position.
- What is the lowest rank in the IAS?
Junior Scale (Sub-Divisional Magistrate/Assistant Collector) is the entry-level rank in the IAS.
- How many IAS are selected every year?
Around 180 candidates are selected to join the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) through the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
- What is the complete form of CSAT?
CSAT stands for Civil Services Aptitude Test