UPSC CSE 2025 – Exam Pattern and Syllabus (Updated)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year to recruit candidates for prestigious services like the IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and others. UPSC CSE 2025 will follow the existing three-stage selection process: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Personality Test (Interview).
In this article, we’ve provided a comprehensive overview of the latest UPSC 2025 exam pattern and syllabus to help aspirants prepare strategically.
UPSC 2025 Exam Stages Overview
| Stage | Mode | Nature | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Exam | Offline | Objective | Screening for Mains |
| Main Exam | Offline | Descriptive | Shortlisting for Interview |
| Interview | In-person | Personality Test | Final merit list preparation |
Stage 1: UPSC Prelims 2025
The Preliminary Exam is the first stage and consists of two papers, both objective in nature.
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks | Questions | Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS-I) | 2 Hours | 200 | 100 | Merit-based |
| Paper II | CSAT (GS-II) | 2 Hours | 200 | 80 | Qualifying (33%) |
Prelims Syllabus
Paper I – General Studies (GS-I)
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Current events of national and international importance
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History of India and Indian National Movement
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Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic
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Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Public Policy, Rights Issues
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Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion
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Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change
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General Science
Paper II – CSAT (GS-II) (Qualifying only)
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Comprehension
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Interpersonal skills and communication
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Logical reasoning and analytical ability
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Decision-making and problem-solving
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General mental ability
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Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level)
Note: Paper II is qualifying in nature. Candidates must score a minimum of 33% to be eligible for Mains.
Stage 2: UPSC Mains 2025
Candidates who clear the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Mains exam. This stage is descriptive in nature and assesses a candidate’s intellectual depth, critical thinking, and articulation.
Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 | Descriptive |
| B | English (Qualifying) | 300 | Descriptive |
| I | Essay | 250 | Descriptive |
| II | General Studies I (History, Geography, etc.) | 250 | Descriptive |
| III | General Studies II (Polity, IR, Governance) | 250 | Descriptive |
| IV | General Studies III (Economy, S&T, Security) | 250 | Descriptive |
| V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity) | 250 | Descriptive |
| VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 | Descriptive |
| VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 | Descriptive |
- Total (Merit Counted): 1750 Marks
- Qualifying Papers (A & B): Must score at least 25% in each to be evaluated further.
Mains Syllabus Overview
Essay Paper:
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Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. Clarity of thought and structured arguments are key.
General Studies Paper I:
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Indian Heritage and Culture
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History and Geography of the World and Society
General Studies Paper II:
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Indian Constitution
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Governance and Polity
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Social Justice
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International Relations
General Studies Paper III:
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Indian Economy
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Agriculture
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Science and Technology
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Disaster Management
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Environment
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Security Issues
General Studies Paper IV:
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Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
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Case Studies on Moral Dilemmas
Optional Subjects (Paper VI & VII): Candidates choose one optional subject from a list provided by UPSC. Each subject has two papers of 250 marks each.
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who qualify in the Mains Examination are called for the Interview round.
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Maximum Marks: 275
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Total Marks for Merit: 2025 (1750 + 275)
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The interview assesses personality, communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for a career in civil services.
What’s New in UPSC 2025?
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The core structure remains the same as previous years.
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However, UPSC has increased the focus on areas like Artificial Intelligence, cyber governance, climate change, disaster resilience, and mental health awareness.
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Expect more interdisciplinary questions in both Prelims and Mains.
Final Notes for Aspirants
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Prelims marks are not counted for the final ranking but are essential to qualify for Mains.
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Mains + Interview marks determine the final merit list.
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Consistency in current affairs preparation, answer writing, and optional subject performance is key to success.
Prepare with The Prayas India
At Prayas India, we offer expert-led UPSC coaching, detailed mentorship, current affairs analysis, and comprehensive support for all three stages of the UPSC exam. Join us and take the next step toward your dream of becoming a civil servant.