UPSC Selection Process 2025 for CSE Prelims, Mains & Interview

UPSC Selection Process conducted by Union Public Service Commission is responsible for selecting officers for the Indian government. Each year, it conducts the Civil Services Examination to find suitable candidates for Civil Services. The UPSC selection process 2024 is a three-stage procedure that takes about one year to complete.

The stages include:

1. Prelims
2. Mains
3. Interviews

Additionally, there are document verification and medical examination stages. Candidates must pass each stage to move on to the next and ultimately be selected for the prestigious positions. The UPSC Selection Process for 2025 has begun with the release of application forms and will conclude with the publication of the final merit list.

UPSC Selection Process 2025 Overview

The UPSC Selection Process involves three stages to select candidates for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other services. According to the official notification, the process remains unchanged for the UPSC CSE 2025 exam. Candidates whose applications are shortlisted will receive admit cards for the UPSC Prelims exam, which consists of two papers. Those who pass the Prelims will proceed to the UPSC Mains.

Take a look of the UPSC Selection Process 2025:

1. Prelims: The initial screening stage with two papers.
2. Mains: Descriptive written examimation for candidates who pass the Prelims.
3. Interview: Final assessment for candidates who clear the Mains.

After these stages, there will be document verification and a medical exam for the final selection. 

The UPSC Selection Process is as follows:

UPSC Selection Process Prelims

In 2025, the UPSC Selection Process begins with the Prelims Test, consisting of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and CSAT. The Prelims serve as a crucial screening test, reducing the number of candidates from lakhs to a few thousand for the next stage.

The total score for this stage is 400 marks, but it is not counted towards the final merit list as it is qualifying in nature. For the CSAT, candidates need to score at least 66.67 marks out of 200, while the pass criteria for General Studies varies each year based on the cut-off. The UPSC Prelims for 2025 are scheduled for May 25. 2025, and the process is as follows:

UPSC Selection Process 2025 Mains

After qualifying the Prelims test, aspirants are supposed to appear for Mains 2025 commencing on August 22, 2025. It comprises nine papers, each lasting 3 hours. Two of these papers are qualifying with a requirement of 25% marks, while the remaining seven are merit-based papers, determining the cut-off for the UPSC interview stage.

This stage is crucial as it carries 1750 marks, which are factored into the final results. Success in the Mains requires rigorous answer writing practice and the ability to articulate well.

UPSC Selection Process Interview

The third and final stage of the UPSC selection process is the Personality Test, also known as the UPSC Interview. This stage evaluates candidates’ personality traits, leadership skills, and qualities essential for civil service officers. Candidates who clear the UPSC Mains cut-off are eligible to appear for the Personality Test round, where a panel of experts assesses their problem-solving capacity, decision-making skills, ethical values, and other key attributes.

During the interview held at the UPSC headquarters in New Delhi, candidates are awarded marks out of 275 based on their performance. It is crucial for candidates to present themselves as suitable officers and avoid bluffing to succeed at this stage.

UPSC Documents Verification & Medical Exam

Document Verification (DV) and the Medical Examination are crucial steps in the UPSC selection process. The DV is conducted alongside the UPSC interview, where original documents submitted in the UPSC Mains Detailed Application Form (DAF) are carefully reviewed for accuracy and authenticity.

After the interview, candidates undergo a Medical Examination to assess their physical and mental fitness according to the standards outlined in the official notification. This stage is particularly important for technical services such as the Indian Police Services (IPS), ensuring that candidates are capable of fulfilling their roles effectively.

Document Verification (DV): This involves verifying candidates’ original documents to confirm their eligibility for UPSC based on age, educational qualifications, and other criteria.

Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the UPSC CSE interview and DV then undergo a comprehensive medical examination at a designated hospital to ensure they meet the commission's medical standards.

Begin your preparation for UPSC Prelims and Mains with our General Studies Comprehensive Programmes.

UPSC Selection Process FAQs

Q1. How is an IAS selected?

Ans. An IAS officer is selected through the UPSC Civil Services Examination, which includes a preliminary exam, a main exam, and an interview.

Q2. How can I be eligible for UPSC?

Ans. To be eligible for UPSC, you must be a graduate from a recognized university, be between 21 to 32 years of age, and meet the nationality requirements specified in the official notification.

Q3. What are the 3 eligibility criteria for attempting UPSC?

Ans. The three eligibility criteria for attempting UPSC are:

1. Educational Qualification: A candidate must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.
2. Age Limit: Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age, with age relaxations for certain categories.
3. Nationality: Candidates must be a citizen of India, or meet the nationality requirements specified in the official notification.

Q4. What is the salary of an IAS?

Ans. The salary of an IAS officer varies depending on their rank and years of service. As of 2024, the basic salary of an IAS officer in India ranges from approximately ₹56,100 to ₹2,50,000 per month, depending on their pay scale, which includes various allowances and benefits

Q5. What is the lowest post in UPSC?

Ans. The lowest post in the UPSC civil services hierarchy is typically that of a Junior Scale Officer. In terms of specific services, it often refers to positions such as Assistant Secretary or Assistant Commissioner, depending on the service and level within the government.