Get the latest UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 details as per the official notification. Understand the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages for better preparation.
theIAShub | 28 Feb, 2025 | 7165 | 0 |
UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 evaluates both the academic proficiency and the ability of candidates to present their answers effectively. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 in its official notification. The exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview, each designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge, analytical skills, and personality. Understanding the UPSC exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation and strategic planning.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. It provides an opportunity for candidates to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other civil services.
In this article we will explore the UPSC exam pattern 2025, breaking down the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages for a comprehensive understanding.
Understanding the UPSC exam pattern is the first step toward efficient preparation. The exam is divided into three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview. The exam pattern varies at each stage, from objective questions in Prelims to subjective questions in Mains. The final selection is based on the combined scores of the Mains and Interviews.
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies and CSAT. Each paper is allotted 200 marks, with a total of 400 marks for both. The duration for each paper is 2 hours, and negative marking is applied for incorrect answers.
The UPSC Prelims consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper-II.
| Paper | General Studies Paper-I (GS) | Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper-II |
| Type of Paper | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Total Marks | 200 | 200 |
| Number of Questions | 100 | 80 |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Negative Marking | 0.66 marks for each wrong answer | 0.83 marks for each wrong answer |
The Prelims are designed to test candidates’ basic knowledge of current affairs, general studies, and their aptitude. It is essential to note that candidates must clear both papers independently to proceed to the Mains.
The UPSC Mains is a descriptive exam consisting of nine papers. These papers test a candidate’s in-depth knowledge and writing skills. The exam pattern for Mains is as follows:
| UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 Mains | |||
| 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 | ||
Candidates can choose any one subject from a list of 48 options provided in the official notification. This subject will have two papers, Paper VI and Paper VII, each worth 250 marks.
The questions are usually based on graduation-level or higher topics, so candidates should carefully select a subject they are confident in.
| List of Subjects for UPSC Mains Optional Paper | |
| Optional Subjects | Literature Language Subjects |
| Agriculture
Anthropology Chemistry Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Botany Geology Law Mathematics History Management Psychology Sociology Zoology Public Administration Statistics Commerce and Accountancy Electrical Engineering Civil Engineering Economics Geography Medical Science Physics Mechanical Engineering Philosophy Political Science and International Relations Any literature subject from the approved list. |
Bengali
Dogri Hindi Kashmiri Maithili Manipuri Nepali Punjabi Santhali Tamil Urdu Assamese Bodo Gujarati Kannada Konkani Malayalam Marathi Odia Sanskrit Sindhi Telugu English |
The Mains exam includes various sections, each assessing a specific aspect of a candidate’s intellectual ability:
The UPSC Interview is the final stage of the Civil Services Examination. It is commonly referred to as the Personality Test, where the candidate’s overall personality is assessed.
The interview questions are designed to test candidates’ awareness of current events, their hobbies, educational background, and their ability to discuss socio-economic issues.
In the Mains exam, candidates choose two optional subjects from a wide range of disciplines. The optional paper pattern is as follows:
The optional subjects play a crucial role in determining the final rank, as they account for a significant portion of the Mains score. Therefore, choosing the right optional subject based on interest and background is essential.
The UPSC Exam Pattern for 2025 has been mentioned in the official notification, making it essential for aspirants to read it carefully. The exam follows a three-stage selection process: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Candidates should stay updated with any key changes or updates in the pattern to plan their preparation effectively.
It is important to know the UPSC exam pattern for 2025 well in advance to plan your preparation effectively. By understanding the structure and weightage of each paper, you can focus on important areas, manage time efficiently during the exam, and enhance your chances of success.
The UPSC exam pattern is carefully designed to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge, intellectual ability, and personality traits. It is crucial to understand the UPSC exam pattern 2025 and how each stage of the exam works. Knowing the structure of the Prelims, Mains, and Interview will help you devise a focused and effective preparation strategy.
Candidates must stay informed about the UPSC exam pattern for Prelims, the UPSC exam pattern for Mains, and the optional papers. By staying disciplined, managing time, and following a structured approach, success in this prestigious exam is achievable.
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The UPSC Mains consists of 9 descriptive papers, including General Studies, Essay, Language papers, and Optional subjects.
Optional subjects account for 500 marks in the Mains, making them a significant part of your overall score.
The UPSC Interview focuses on evaluating the candidate's personality, decision-making, and awareness of current affairs and social issues.
The UPSC Interview is worth 275 marks, which contributes to the final merit list.
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The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
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