UPSC CSE 2025 selection process involves 3 stages with rigorous evaluations for recruitment into services like IAS, IPS, and IFS.
theIAShub | 06 Mar, 2025 | 824 | 0
UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination annually to recruit officers for various administrative services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other allied services.
UPSC selection process is rigorous and highly competitive, consisting of multiple stages designed to evaluate candidates comprehensively across various parameters.
UPSC Selection Process refers to the multi-stage procedure used to select candidates for various prestigious civil services in India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other allied services. The process is designed to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, and personality to ensure they are fit for the high responsibilities associated with these positions.
To appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates must fulfill certain eligibility criteria, which include age limits, educational qualifications, and nationality.
The UPSC selection process for the Civil Services Examination is divided into three major stages:
UPSC Prelims 2025 is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE), designed to assess a candidate’s general knowledge and aptitude. It consists of two objective-type papers:
Here’s a table summarizing the UPSC Prelims Selection Process 2025:
| Stage | Description | Negative Marking | No. of Questions | Marks | Qualifying Criteria |
| GS Paper I | Tests knowledge of current events, history, geography, polity, economy, etc. | ⅓ of the marks for each wrong answer | 100 questions (2 marks each) | 200 marks | No fixed cutoff. |
| Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II | Tests logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making and basic numeracy. | ⅓ of the marks for each wrong answer | 80 questions 2.5 (marks each) | 200 marks | Minimum 33% to qualify. |
| Total Marks | 400 marks | Prelims marks are not counted for final selection. |
UPSC Mains 2025 is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination, designed to assess a candidate’s in-depth knowledge of their chosen subjects, analytical abilities, and writing skills. The Mains consists of 9 papers, and it is a descriptive (written) exam.
Here’s a table summarizing the UPSC Prelims Selection Process 2025:
| Stage | Description | Marks | No. of Paper | Qualifying Criteria |
| Qualifying Papers | Indian Language Papers, English Paper | 300 marks each | 2 Papers | Qualifying; Marks do not count for final ranking. Candidates must score 25% in each. |
| General Studies Papers | GS I- Indian Heritage, History, Culture, Geography of the World and Society.
GS II- Governance, Polity, Social Justice, International Relations. GS III- Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security, Disaster Management. GS IV- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude |
250 marks each | 4 Papers | Marks count for final ranking. |
| Optional Papers | Optional Paper-I & II: In-depth knowledge of a subject chosen by the candidate (e.g., Geography, Sociology, Political Science). | 250 marks each | 2 Papers | Marks count for final ranking. |
| Essay Papers | Writing structured and insightful essays on general topics to test analytical and communication skills. | 250 marks each | 1 Paper | Marks count for final ranking. |
Key Points:
UPSC Interview 2025, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. Candidates who qualify the UPSC Mains are called for this stage, which evaluates their personal attributes, such as communication skills, leadership potential, and overall suitability for a career in public service.
The interview is not a technical exam but rather a personal assessment, where a panel of senior officers from UPSC assesses various aspects of the candidate’s personality, such as:
The Interview lasts around 20-30 minutes, and the board may ask questions on topics ranging from the candidate’s background, education, hobbies, and current national and international issues. The focus is not only on factual knowledge but also on the candidate’s temperament, clarity of thought, and communication skills.
Marks obtained in the Interview are added to the Mains exam score to determine the final ranking. The Personality Test carries 275 marks, and candidates’ performance in this stage can significantly impact their overall ranking, especially in cases where candidates are closely ranked in the Mains.
| Stage | Description | Mode |
| UPSC Prelims | A screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam. It consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies (GS) & CSAT (Aptitude). | Objective (MCQs) |
| UPSC Mains | A written exam with nine papers, including four General Studies Papers, Essay, and two papers from the subject chosen by the candidate. Two language papers are qualifying. | Descriptive (Written) |
| UPSC Interview | A face-to-face interview to assess candidates’ suitability for civil services, evaluating personality, decision-making ability, and leadership skills. | Oral Exam |
| Final Selection | Based on the cumulative marks from Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The final ranking determines the allocation of services (IAS, IPS, etc.). | Total Marks = 2025 Marks |
Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!
IAS officers are selected based on their performance throughout the CSE process. After qualifying the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages, the candidates are ranked based on their final score. The candidates with the highest ranks are chosen for IAS.
Each year, approximately 1,000 candidates are selected for various services out of a pool of thousands who appear for the examination. The number of vacancies may vary slightly each year, based on government requirements.
The examination for recruitment into the IAS and IPS is the CSE, conducted by the UPSC. It is a three-tier process that includes:
General category candidates have 6 attempts, OBC candidates have 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts until the age limit.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
theIAShub is dedicated to shaping the next generation of civil
servants by providing a transformative preparation platform tailored
to the unique challenges of UPSC CSE. From mastering the
foundational concepts for Prelims to crafting impactful answers for
Mains and excelling in the Personality Test, we ensure every
aspirant is equipped with the skills and strategies required to
succeed.
With a perfect blend of online and offline learning options, our
programs are designed to deliver personalized guidance and
cutting-edge resources. theIAShub’s renowned Test Series for GS
Prelims, Mains, CSAT, Essay, and Optional Subjects empowers
aspirants through continuous evaluation and improvement, fostering a
deep understanding and readiness for every stage of the examination.
At theIAShub, our mission is to inspire, guide, and empower aspirants to transform their potential into tangible success. Through our innovative mentorship ecosystem, aspirants receive individualized feedback, actionable strategies, and focused attention that help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. As pioneers in UPSC preparation, we combine expertise, innovation, and commitment to create an unparalleled learning experience. Whether through engaging workshops, insightful resources, or interactive sessions, theIAShub fosters a community where aspirants not only prepare for exams but also develop the mindset of future leaders dedicated to nation-building.
Join theIAShub and become part of a transformative journey, where your aspirations meet the guidance, support, and excellence needed to succeed in the world of civil services.
