Check the UPSC Prelims 2025 exam date, set for 25th May 2025. Find out details about the exam pattern, including GS Paper I and CSAT and start preparation.
The UPSC Prelims 2025 exam is scheduled to be held on 25th May 2025. This exam serves as the first step in the selection process for the prestigious civil services examination. It consists of two papers: General Studies (GS Paper I) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), both of which are crucial in determining eligibility for the Mains exam. Candidates need to qualify in both papers to progress to the next stage, making the Prelims an essential part of the UPSC exam journey.
The UPSC has extended the registration deadline for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 until February 18. Candidates can now apply for both the Civil Services (Preliminary) 2025 and Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) 2025 exams until February 18 at 6 PM.
The UPSC Prelims 2025 which is scheduled to be conducted in the year 2025 on 25 May. It will be a qualifying exam that filters candidates for the next stage, the Mains exam. It consists of two papers:
Both papers are objective type and conducted on the same day.
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Syllabus
UPSC Prelims date 2025 has been announced by UPSC with the release of the annual calender of UPSC. UPSC Prelims 2025 is scheduled to be conducted on 25 May 2025. Aspirants are advised to keep checking the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) for updates.
UPSC Calendar- Download
The UPSC Prelims 2025 will be conducted in two shifts on the same day, each of two hours duration. Candidates must be aware of the exact shift timings to avoid any last-minute confusion and ensure timely arrival at the exam centre.
Reaching the examination venue at least 30 minutes before the start of each shift is mandatory. Candidates should arrive by 9:00 AM for the morning shift and by 2:00 PM for the afternoon shift. A 3-hour break between the two papers can be used effectively for light revision and rest.
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Timings 2025 for GS Paper 1 and CSAT
Here are the shift-wise timings for UPSC Prelims 2025:
| Shift | Timings |
|---|---|
| First Shift – GS Paper | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Break | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Second Shift – CSAT Paper | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
Candidates are advised to carry their admit card and valid ID proof and follow all instructions mentioned in the official UPSC guidelines.
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2025
To appear for the Civil Services Exam 2025 Prelims, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Understanding the UPSC exam pattern is crucial for success. Exam patterns will also help candidates to strategize their preparation. Here’s a quick overview:
| Paper | Total Marks | Questions | Negative Marking | Nature |
| General Studies Paper I | 200 | 100 | 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question | Marks considered for qualifying for mains |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | 200 | 80 | 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question | Candidates must score at least 33% |
The syllabus for the UPSC Prelims 2025 is vast but can be broadly categorized as follows:
Also Read: UPSC Prelims Exam Centre
UPSC Prelims according to the official date announced by UPSC is not far. So here are some preparation tips for the IAS Prelims 2025, which requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you:
UPSC Prelims have several stages of the exam and several important dates related to it. So let us look at some important dates related to UPSC Prelims 2025.
UPSC Prelims 2025 Important Dates |
|
| Notification Release | 22 January 2025 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Applications | 21 February 2025 (Extended) |
| Date of commencement of Exam | 25 May 2025 |
To help candidates to UPSC Prelims 2025 exam here is a list of recommended books for the UPSC Prelims 2025:
During preparation candidates face many challenges whether it is guidance, content, mentorship, or relevant content, and due to this candidates commit some mistakes that hamper their performance in UPSC Prelims 2025. Here are few common mistakes that candidates should avoid while preparing for UPSC Prelims 2025.
Clearing the UPSC Prelims 2025 opens the gateway to the next stage, the Mains exam. It brings you closer to a prestigious career in the Civil Services, where you can contribute to nation-building and policymaking.
The UPSC 2025 application process is currently open, and the last date to apply has been extended to February 18, 2025, until 6 PM. Candidates can submit their applications online through the official UPSC website upsc.gov.in.
You can apply online for the UPSC 2025 exam on the official UPSC website, www.upsc.gov.in. Follow the instructions carefully while filling out the form.
Candidates with a bachelor's degree from a recognized university can apply. They must be within the age limit (21-32 years for the unreserved category) as of 1st August 2025. Relaxations in age are available for reserved categories.
The number of attempts varies by category: General category candidates get 6 attempts, OBC candidates get 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts till the age limit. These limits apply only to candidates meeting the eligibility criteria.
The age limit for General category candidates is 21 to 32 years as of 1st August 2025. Relaxations are provided: 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, and additional relaxations for specific groups like PwBD.
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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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IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.