UPSC Prelims 2025, Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibilty, Admit Card

UPSC Prelims 2025 exam date is 25th May 2025. It is the first stage of the selection process for various prestigious civil services in India, including the IAS, IPS, and IFS, among others. The UPSC Prelims exam is objective in nature. It consists of two papers: General Studies and Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT). The General Studies paper covers a wide range of topics, including Indian history, geography, polity, economy, and science and technology. The CSAT paper tests the candidate's reasoning ability, comprehension, and decision-making skills.

UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam Date

The UPSC Prelims 2025 is going to be held on 25th May 2025. Only those candidates who qualify the Prelims Exam are eligible to appear for the Mains Exam, which is a descriptive test. The Mains Exam is followed by an interview. The final ranking of candidates is based on their performance in the Mains Exam and the interview.

The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a challenging exam, but it is also a rewarding one. Successful candidates get to serve the nation in various capacities and make a difference in the lives of millions of people. If you are appearing for the UPSC Prelims 2024, you should start your preparation early. The syllabus is vast and it takes time and effort to master it. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help you prepare for the exam. You can also join a coaching institute if you need guidance and support.

UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam Centre

The upcoming UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) admit cards include designated exam center details for each candidate. These admit cards can be downloaded from the official UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in/. Candidates are required to bring a printed copy of their admit card along with a valid photo ID for verification at the exam center.

The UPSC CSE 2025 is scheduled for May 25, 2025. The Preliminary stage will be held in roughly 80 cities across India. The main exam will be conducted in a more select group of locations, ranging from 26 to 28 cities nationwide.

For the latest updates and announcements regarding the exam, it is recommended that candidates visit the UPSC website: https://upsc.gov.in/.

UPSC CSE Centres List - Prelims 2025

The number of UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam Centres are as follows.

UPSC Prelims Eligibility Criteria

 To be eligible for the UPSC Prelims exam, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Indian citizen or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan.
• Age: Candidates must be at least 21 years old and not more than 32 years old (as of August 1st of the examination year) for the General category. Age relaxations are provided for candidates from reserved categories.
• Education Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification. Final year students of a Bachelor's degree course are also eligible to apply, but they must produce proof of passing the examination before the Mains Exam.

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern

UPSC Prelims Exam is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination. The nature of the Examination is Objective-based and is divided into two parts. It is important for candidates to appear for both the Prelims Examination.

UPSC Prelims 2025 Syllabus

Following is the UPSC Syllabus to appear for UPSC Prelims 2025:

Paper I - General Studies Paper 1 (200 marks):

• Current events of national and international importance.
• History of India and Indian National Movement.
• Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.
• Government strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights, Issues, etc.
• Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization.
• General Science.

Paper II- CSAT (200 marks):

• Comprehension;
•  Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
•  Logical reasoning and analytical ability;
•  Decision making and problem solving;
•  General mental ability;
•  Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level),
• Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level);

How to Apply for UPSC CSE Prelims?

To apply for the UPSC Prelims Examination 2025, you need to follow these steps:

• Visit the official UPSC website (https://upsc.gov.in/).
• Click on the "Apply Online" tab.
• Click on the link available for "Civil Services Part-I registration".
• Read the application form instructions carefully and click on "Yes".
• Fill in all basic information in the Part I application form such as Name, Date of birth, Category, Gender, Email ID, Contact number, Permanent address, Marital status, Parents' names, Community, Educational qualification, etc.
• Once all the details are filled in, click on "Continue".
• You will be redirected to the Part II application form.
• Fill in all the required details in the Part II application form.
• Upload your scanned photograph and signature.
• Pay the application fee.
• Review your application and submit it.

Application Fee for UPSC Prelims 2025

The application fee for the UPSC Prelims Examination 2025 is as follows:

• General and OBC candidates: INR 100
• SC/ST candidates: NIL
• Women candidates of all categories: NIL

You can pay the application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email. You should keep this email safe as it will contain important information such as your application number and exam center.

Recommended Books for UPSC Prelims 2025 Preparation

The Foundation and the First Line of reading while preparing for the UPSC Preliminary Exam are the 18 Volumes of ‘Yellow Books’ on General Studies and the Monthly Current Affairs Magazine published by Vajiram & Ravi. Apart from these Volumes, the aspirants should study the following books:

History

Basic Books:

• NIOS course books for classes XI and XII on - Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, National Movement & Contemporary World and Culture of India. (All these are available in PDF format on internet)

Advance Level Books:

• India’s Ancient Past by R.S. Sharma
• History of Medieval India (800–1700 AD) by Satish Chandra
• History of Modern India by Bipin Chandra
• World History:
• The Story of Civilization, Part 2 by Arjun Dev, NCERT
• Contemporary World History for class XII (Old NCERT Book)

Geography

• Certificate Physical & Human Geography (Oxford) by Goh Cheng Leong ( Amazon Link )
• NCERTs from Class 6th to 12th
• School Atlas - Orient Black Swan 

Indian Polity

• Constitution of India at Work (Class XI) NCERT Publication
• Indian Polity by Laxmikanth 
• International Relations
• India’s Foreign Policy Since Independence by V.P. Dutt 
• The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper

Indian Economy

• Indian Economic Development XI Standard NCERT 
• Indian Economy by Jayant Parikshit
• Introductory Macroeconomics XII Standard NCERT 
• The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
• Economic Survey Highlights

Ecology & Environment

• Certificate Physical & Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
• XII Standard NCERT Book on Biology (Chapters pertaining to Ecology)

Science & Technology

• VIII, IX, X Standard NCERT books on Biology
• The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
• Monthly Magazine ‘Science Reporter for Science & Technology

UPSC Prelims Previous Year Question Papers

UPSC Prelims previous year question papers can help you understand the exam pattern and help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.

UPSC Prelims GS Paper 1 Question Papers

• Prelims GS Paper 1 2024
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2023
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2022
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2021
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2020
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2019
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2018
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2017
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2016
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2015
• Prelims GS Paper 1 2014

UPSC CSAT Previous Year Question Papers

• CSAT Question Paper 2024
• CSAT Question Paper 2023
• CSAT Question Paper 2022
• CSAT Question Paper 2021
• CSAT Question Paper 2020
• CSAT Question Paper 2019
• CSAT Question Paper 2018
• CSAT Question Paper 2017
• CSAT Question Paper 2016
• CSAT Question Paper 2015
• CSAT Question Paper 2014

UPSC Prelims Cut Off

The UPSC Prelims cut off is the minimum marks that a candidate needs to score in order to qualify for the UPSC Mains Exam. The cut-off is different for each category. The official cut-off marks for Prelims are released after the final results are out. Check the last 6 years cut off for UPSC Prelims for different categories from the following table:

UPSC Prelims 2025 Answer Key

The UPSC Prelims 2025 answer key will be released by the Union Public Service Commission after the exam is conducted. The exam is scheduled to be held on 25th May 2025. The answer key will be released on the UPSC website and will be available for download by all candidates who appeared for the exam.

The UPSC Prelims answer key will contain the correct answers to all the questions asked in the exam. Candidates can use the answer key to calculate their estimated scores and to identify the areas where they need to improve.

How to Prepare for UPSC Prelims 2025?

To prepare for the UPSC Prelims 2025, you should follow these steps:

• Understand the syllabus and exam pattern. The UPSC Prelims syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of topics, including Indian polity, history, geography, economy, science and technology, and current affairs. The exam pattern is objective and consists of two papers: General Studies and Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT).
• Collect the right study materials. Choose study materials that are relevant to the syllabus and that are written in a clear and concise style. You can also refer to our study material section on our website for UPSC Free Study Material. You can get access to the following Notes:
  • UPSC Quest Articles
  • Prelims Pointers
  • UPSC Previous Year Question Papers
  • Infographics
  • Monthly Current Affairs Magazine
  • Yojana Magazine Summary
  • Kurukshetra Magazine Summary
  • GS Probable
  • Economic Survey
• Make a study plan. Create a study plan that is realistic and achievable. Make sure to allocate enough time to each subject and to revision.
• Start studying early. Don't wait until the last minute to start studying. The UPSC Prelims is a challenging exam and it takes time and effort to prepare for it.
• Be consistent. Make sure to study regularly and consistently. Even if you can only study for an hour each day, it will make a difference in the long run.
• Revise regularly. Revision is essential for retaining the information that you have studied. Make sure to revise your notes and practice answering questions.
• Solve previous year's papers. Solving previous year's papers is a great way to get familiar with the exam pattern and the types of questions that are asked. 

UPSC Prelims 2025 FAQs

Q1. What is the expected date of UPSC prelims 2025?

Ans. The UPSC prelims 2025 are expected to be held on May 25, 2025 .

Q2. Can I give UPSC in 2025?

Ans. Yes, you can give the UPSC exam in 2025 if you meet the eligibility criteria, including age and educational qualifications.

Q3. What is the last date for UPSC registration 2025?

Ans. The last date for UPSC registration 2025 is likely to be around February 2025, although the exact date will be confirmed in the official notification.

Q4. How can I prepare for UPSC 2025?

Ans. To prepare for UPSC 2025, create a structured study plan, focus on the syllabus, refer to standard books, and take regular mock tests.

Q5. How many seats are there in UPSC 2025?

Ans. The number of seats for UPSC 2025 has not been officially announced yet, but it typically ranges between 800 to 1,000 seats for the IAS, IPS, and other services.