The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is all set to conduct the Civil Services Examination (CSE) for the year 2025. If you’re planning to appear for the IAS, IPS, or IFS exams, understanding the schedule and syllabus for UPSC Prelims 2025 is your first milestone. With thousands of aspirants competing for a few hundred seats, early planning and the right strategy are crucial for success.
This guide covers everything from the exam pattern and eligibility to preparation tips and resource planning — tailored to help you clear Prelims with confidence.
UPSC Prelims 2025: Important Dates
While the official notification is expected in February 2025, based on UPSC’s usual timeline, here are the expected key dates:
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Notification Release: February 2025
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Online Application Window: February to March 2025
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Admit Card Release: May 2025
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Prelims Exam Date: May/June 2025 (Tentative)
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Result Declaration: July 2025
Candidates who clear Prelims become eligible for the Mains exam, scheduled approximately 3 months after the Prelims result.
Exam Structure: What to Expect in Prelims
The UPSC Prelims 2025 consists of two papers:
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General Studies Paper I
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Current affairs
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Indian history and national movement
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Geography
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Indian polity and governance
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Economic and social development
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Environment and general science
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Total marks: 200 (100 questions)
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Cutoff qualifying nature
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General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
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Logical reasoning
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Reading comprehension
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Data interpretation
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Mathematics (Class X level)
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Total marks: 200 (80 questions)
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Qualifying in nature – Minimum 33% marks required
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Each paper is of 2 hours duration and is conducted in objective (MCQ) format. Both are held on the same day, in two sessions.
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Prelims 2025
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Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
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Age Limit: 21–32 years (as of August 1, 2025)
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OBC: +3 years | SC/ST: +5 years | PwD: +10 years
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Number of Attempts:
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General: 6 | OBC: 9 | SC/ST: Unlimited (within age)
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Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility norms before applying online via upsc.gov.in.
UPSC Prelims 2025 Syllabus Breakdown
While the syllabus seems broad, UPSC generally tests your conceptual clarity and analytical ability. Focus areas include:
Paper I: General Studies
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Current events (national & 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, Rights, Panchayati Raj
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Economic Development – Poverty, Inclusion, Budgeting, Schemes
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Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
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General Science – Basics from NCERT and recent science news
Paper II: CSAT
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Comprehension passages
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Logical and analytical reasoning
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Basic numeracy and statistics
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Decision-making and problem-solving
Practice is essential for CSAT, especially for those from non-math backgrounds.
Top Preparation Tips for UPSC Prelims 2025
To stand out in a sea of aspirants, follow this proven strategy:
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Start Early: Ideally by August–September 2024
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NCERT First: Class 6–12 NCERTs for History, Geography, Science, Economics, and Polity
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Read Newspapers: The Hindu or Indian Express daily
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Standard Books:
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Polity – Laxmikanth
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History – Spectrum Modern India
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Economy – Sriram IAS or Ramesh Singh
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Geography – NCERT + G.C. Leong
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Environment – Shankar IAS Book
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Mock Tests: Attempt 40–50 full-length mocks before the exam
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Revision: Make concise notes and revise regularly
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CSAT Practice: Solve previous year papers and time-bound mock questions
FAQs
When is the UPSC Prelims 2025 exam scheduled?
The exam is tentatively scheduled for May or June 2025, with the official notification expected in February 2025.
How many papers are there in UPSC Prelims?
There are two papers — General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Paper II), both held on the same day.
Is CSAT only qualifying?
Yes, you must score a minimum of 33% in CSAT to qualify, but your final Prelims selection is based on General Studies Paper I marks.
How should I begin preparation for Prelims?
Start with NCERTs, build your basics, follow a newspaper daily, and then move on to standard books and practice tests.
Can I appear for Prelims without graduation?
No. A bachelor’s degree is mandatory to apply for UPSC Civil Services.
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