UPSC Exams 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central authority for conducting recruitment exams for various civil services and government roles. It ensures a fair and merit-based selection process for individuals aiming to serve in top administrative positions across the country.
Some of the major exams conducted by UPSC include the Civil Services Examination (CSE) for IAS, IPS, and IFS roles, the Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS), the Engineering Services Examination (ESE) for engineering professionals, and the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) for careers in the armed forces.
Read on to explore a detailed list of UPSC exams, their eligibility criteria, and key information to help you prepare effectively.
UPSC Exams 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct its 2025 exams for recruiting candidates to various prestigious government positions. These exams are categorized into Civil Services Exams, like the Civil Services Examination (CSE) for IAS, IPS, and IFS roles, and Specialized Exams, including the Indian Forest Service (IFoS), Engineering Services (ESE), and Combined Defence Services (CDSE).
Other key exams include the National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Medical Services (CMS), and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF AC). Each exam follows specific eligibility criteria and focuses on ensuring merit-based recruitment. Aspiring candidates should check the official UPSC calendar for exam dates and updates.
UPSC Exams List
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) organizes over 10 national-level exams annually to recruit candidates for various government positions. These exams can be broadly classified into two main categories:
Civil Services Exams: Focused on administrative roles in government.
Specialized Exams: Designed for roles requiring expertise in specific fields like engineering, economics, medicine, or defense.
While the number of exams conducted each year may vary based on recruitment needs, UPSC regularly administers a core set of 10 key exams, including:
- Civil Services Examination (CSE)
- Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS)
- Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
- Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
- National Defence Academy Examination (NDA)
- Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS)
- Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination (CAPF AC)
- Indian Statistical Service/Indian Economic Service Examination (ISS-IES)
- Combined Geo-Scientist Examination (CGSE)
- Central Industrial Security Force (Assistant Commandants) Examination (CISF AC (EXE) LDCE)
These exams ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process, enabling candidates to serve in prestigious government roles across various sectors.
UPSC Exams 2025 Highlights
The table below provides a detailed overview of the UPSC Exams 2025, including the posts offered, recruitment stages, exam modes, and durations to help aspirants understand the structure of each examination.
| UPSC Exams 2025 Highlights | ||||
| Exam | Post Names | Recruitment Stages | Exam Mode | Exam Duration |
| Civil Services Examination (CSE) | IAS, IPS, IFS | Prelims, Mains, Interview | Offline (Pen-paper) | Prelims: 2 hours each; Mains: 3 hours each |
| Indian Forest Service (IFoS) | Forest Officers | Prelims, Mains, Interview | Offline (Pen-paper) | Prelims: 2 hours each; Mains: 3 hours each |
| Engineering Services Examination (ESE) | Engineers in Government Departments | Prelims, Mains, Interview | Offline (Pen-paper) | Prelims: 2 hours each; Mains: 3 hours each |
| Combined Defence Services (CDSE) | Officers in Defence Forces | Written Exam, SSB Interview | Offline (Pen-paper) | 2 hours per paper |
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Cadets in Army, Navy, Air Force | Written Exam, SSB Interview | Offline (Pen-paper) | 2.5 hours per paper |
| Combined Medical Services (CMS) | Medical Officers | Computer-Based Exam, Interview | Online (CBT) | 2 hours per paper |
| CAPF (Assistant Commandants) | CAPF Officers | Written Exam, Physical Test, Interview | Offline (Pen-paper) | 2 hours per paper |
| ISS/IES Exam | Statistical/Economic Officers | Written Exam, Interview | Offline (Pen-paper) | 3 hours per paper |
| Combined Geo-Scientist Exam (CGSE) | Geologists, Scientists | Prelims, Mains, Interview | Offline (Pen-paper) | Prelims: 2 hours each; Mains: 3 hours each |
| CISF AC (EXE) LDCE | Assistant Commandants in CISF | Written Exam, Physical Test, Interview | Offline (Pen-paper) | 2 hours per paper |
UPSC Exams Calendar 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases a yearly exam calendar to maintain an organized recruitment process.
The UPSC Calendar for 2025 is now available, outlining the dates for key exams like the Civil Services Examination, Engineering Services Examination, Indian Forest Service Examination, and more. Below is the detailed schedule for the UPSC exams in 2025:
| UPSC Exams Calendar 2025 | ||||
| Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date for Receipt of Applications | Date of Commencement of Exam | Duration of Exam |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | January 11, 2025 | 2 Days | ||
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | September 4, 2024 | September 24, 2024 | February 9, 2025 | 1 Day |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | September 18, 2024 | October 8, 2024 | February 9, 2025 | 1 Day |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | November 27, 2024 | December 17, 2024 | March 8, 2025 | 2 Days |
| CISF AC (EXE) LDCE 2025 | December 4, 2024 | December 24, 2024 | March 9, 2025 | 1 Day |
| NDA and NA Examination (I), 2025 | December 11, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | April 13, 2025 | 1 Day |
| CDS Examination (I), 2025 | December 11, 2024 | December 31, 2024 | April 13, 2025 | 1 Day |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | January 22, 2025 | February 11, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | 1 Day |
| Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | January 22, 2025 | February 11, 2025 | May 25, 2025 | 1 Day |
| IES/ISS Examination, 2025 | February 12, 2025 | March 4, 2025 | June 20, 2025 | 3 Days |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2025 | June 22, 2025 | 2 Days | ||
| Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2025 | June 21, 2025 | 2 Days | ||
| Combined Medical Services Examination, 2025 | February 19, 2025 | March 11, 2025 | July 20, 2025 | 1 Day |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2025 | March 5, 2025 | March 25, 2025 | August 3, 2025 | 1 Day |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025 | August 22, 2025 | 5 Days | ||
| NDA and NA Examination (II), 2025 | May 28, 2025 | June 17, 2025 | September 14, 2025 | 1 Day |
| CDS Examination (II), 2025 | May 28, 2025 | June 17, 2025 | September 14, 2025 | 1 Day |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/Examination | October 4, 2025 | 2 Days | ||
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2025 | November 16, 2025 | 7 Days | ||
| SO/Steno (GD-B/ GD-I) LDCE | September 17, 2025 | October 7, 2025 | December 13, 2025 | 2 Days |
UPSC Exams Eligibility 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts several prestigious exams to recruit candidates for various civil, engineering, defense, and technical services. The following are the major exams, their purpose, and eligibility criteria:
UPSC CSE
This is one of the most sought-after exams, attracting lakhs of aspirants each year. It selects candidates for elite services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and others.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit: 21 to 32 years (relaxations for reserved categories).
Selection Process: Preliminary exam, Mains exam, and Interview.
UPSC ESE
The ESE recruits engineers for technical roles in government sectors such as railways, defense, and public works.
Eligibility: Engineering degree in disciplines like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or Electronics & Telecommunication.
Age Limit: 21 to 30 years.
Selection Process: Preliminary exam, Mains exam, and Interview.
UPSC IFS
This exam focuses on selecting officers for forestry and wildlife management roles.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in subjects like Forestry, Botany, Chemistry, or Engineering.
Age Limit: 21 to 32 years.
Selection Process: Preliminary exam (shared with CSE), Mains exam, and Interview.
UPSC IES
The IES exam recruits economists for policy and advisory roles in government departments.
Eligibility: Postgraduate degree in Economics, Applied Economics, or related fields.
Age Limit: 21 to 30 years.
Selection Process: Written exam and Interview.
UPSC CDS
The CDS exam selects candidates for military training academies like the Indian Military Academy and Naval Academy.
Eligibility: Graduation (specific requirements for Army, Navy, and Air Force).
Age Limit: 19 to 25 years (varies by academy).
Selection Process: Written exam and SSB Interview.
UPSC ISS
The ISS exam recruits statisticians for data analysis and research roles in government services.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Statistics or related fields.
Age Limit: 21 to 30 years.
Selection Process: Written exam and Interview.
UPSC NDA & NA
This exam selects cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Eligibility: 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics for Navy and Air Force; 12th pass for Army.
Age Limit: 16.5 to 19.5 years.
Selection Process: Written exam and SSB Interview.
UPSC CMS
The CMS exam is designed to recruit medical graduates for government health services.
Eligibility: MBBS degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit: Upper age limit is 32 years, with relaxations for specific categories.
Selection Process: Written exam and Interview.
UPSC CAPF
This exam recruits Assistant Commandants for paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit: 20 to 25 years.
Selection Process: Written exam, Physical test, and Interview.
UPSC Combined GSE
This exam selects candidates for roles in geology, hydrology, and environmental science-related fields.
Eligibility: Master’s degree in Geology, Hydrology, or related disciplines.
Age Limit: 21 to 32 years.
Selection Process: Preliminary exam, Mains exam, and Interview.
UPSC Exams Preparation Strategy
The UPSC Exam 2024 offers a pathway to prestigious roles in central services, making it essential for aspirants to adopt a solid preparation strategy. With the UPSC Exam Calendar 2025 already released, now is the perfect time to focus on your goal, such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).
To create an effective preparation plan, include these key elements:
- Understand the UPSC Selection Process: Familiarize yourself with the stages and requirements.
- Master the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: A thorough understanding is crucial for targeted preparation.
- Choose Quality Study Resources: Opt for exam-specific books and reliable online study material.
- Utilize NCERT Notes for Revision: Concise notes are invaluable for quick reviews.
- Seek Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced mentors to boost your chances of success.
- Practice with Test Series: High-quality mock tests ensure adequate practice and confidence.
By combining these steps with dedication and consistent effort, you can confidently aim for success in the UPSC Exam 2025. Start now, and turn your aspirations into achievements!
UPSC Exams 2025 FAQs
Q.1. What is the UPSC Exam 2025?
Ans. The UPSC Exam 2025 is a series of recruitment exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for various prestigious government positions.
Q.2. How many UPSC exams are conducted annually?
Ans. UPSC conducts over 10 national-level exams every year for different civil services and specialized government roles.
Q.3. What is the eligibility for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)?
Ans. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, with an age limit of 21 to 32 years.
Q.4. When is the UPSC CSE 2025 exam?
Ans. The UPSC CSE 2025 Preliminary Exam is scheduled for May 25, 2025.
Q.5. How can I prepare for UPSC exams effectively?
Ans. Effective preparation involves understanding the exam pattern, using quality study materials, and practicing with mock tests and expert guidance.
