UPSC Prelims 2025 Notification Released – Date, Syllabus, Apply Online

The UPSC Prelims 2025 notification is officially out, marking the beginning of one of the most prestigious and competitive recruitment processes in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, the Civil Services Examination selects candidates for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services.

Lakhs of aspirants appear every year, but only a few hundred make it to the final list. With the UPSC Prelims 2025 scheduled and applications open, it’s time to gear up with the right strategy, complete syllabus understanding, and timely registration.

UPSC Prelims 2025 – Important Dates & Schedule

The official notification for UPSC Prelims 2025 was released on 12 February 2025, and it includes key details such as eligibility, number of vacancies, paper pattern, and timelines.

Apply early to avoid last-minute rush and website server issues.

Who Can Apply – Eligibility for UPSC Prelims 2025

The eligibility for UPSC Prelims 2025 remains the same as previous years:

• Nationality: Indian for IAS & IPS; for other services – subject to eligibility

• Age Limit: 21 to 32 years as of 1 August 2025

  • OBC: +3 years; SC/ST: +5 years; PwBD: +10 years

• Educational Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university

• Number of Attempts:

  • General: 6

  • OBC: 9

  • SC/ST: Unlimited (within age limit)

Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation can also apply provisionally.

UPSC Prelims 2025 – Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The UPSC Prelims 2025 exam consists of two papers, both objective (MCQ) and held on the same day.

Paper I – GS includes topics like:

• Indian Polity & Constitution

• History & Indian National Movement

• Geography (India & World)

• Economic & Social Development

• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, Climate Change

• Current Affairs (last 12–18 months)

Paper II – CSAT includes:

• Comprehension

• Logical Reasoning

• Basic Numeracy (up to Class 10)

• Data Interpretation

CSAT is only qualifying, but failure to clear it disqualifies your GS Paper I from being evaluated.

How to Apply for UPSC Prelims 2025

To apply for UPSC Prelims 2025, follow these steps:

1. Go to https://upsconline.nic.in

2. Click on “Civil Services Examination – 2025”

3. Complete Part 1 Registration (basic details)

4. Proceed to Part 2 Registration (photo, sign, documents, payment)

5. Submit and save the application form and fee receipt

Application Fee:

• General/OBC: ₹100

• SC/ST/Female/PwBD: Exempted (no fee)

Payment can be done online via UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking.

Preparation Strategy for UPSC Prelims 2025

To clear UPSC Prelims 2025, smart planning and disciplined study are essential.

• Start with NCERTs (Class 6–12) for basics

• Read The Hindu or Indian Express daily for current affairs

• Use standard books like Laxmikanth (Polity), Spectrum (Modern History), Ramesh Singh (Economy)

• Practice 50–100 MCQs daily and solve full-length mock tests every week

• Revise monthly current affairs compilations from Vision IAS, ForumIAS, or InsightsIAS

• Focus on time management during tests to avoid guesswork

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FAQs

When is the UPSC Prelims 2025 exam scheduled?

The UPSC Prelims 2025 exam will be held on 26 May 2025 (Sunday), as per the official notification.

Can I apply for UPSC Prelims if I’m in the final year of graduation?

Yes, final year students are eligible to apply. However, proof of graduation must be submitted before the Mains examination.

How many papers are there in the Prelims?

There are two papers – General Studies (Paper I) and CSAT (Paper II). CSAT is qualifying in nature.

Is there negative marking in UPSC Prelims?

Yes. For every incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks are deducted. So avoid blind guessing.

What happens after clearing the Prelims?

Candidates who qualify Prelims will be eligible to appear for the UPSC Mains Exam, followed by the Personality Test (Interview).

Click here to know more.