UPSC Courses

UPSC Civil Services Examination Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually to recruit candidates for various Group A and Group B services of the Government of India.

Examination Structure:

• Preliminary Examination: Two objective-type papers (General Studies Paper I & CSAT Paper II)
• Main Examination: Nine descriptive papers including Essay, General Studies (4 papers), Optional Subject (2 papers), and Language papers
• Personality Test: Interview round to assess candidate's suitability for civil services

The final selection is based on marks obtained in Main Examination and Personality Test.

UPSC Syllabus & Subjects

Preliminary Examination:

• Paper I – General Studies: History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Environment, Science & Technology, Current Affairs
• Paper II – CSAT: Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Basic Mathematics

Main Examination:

• Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying) · Paper B: English (Qualifying)
• Paper I: Essay · Paper II: GS I (History, Geography, Art & Culture)
• Paper III: GS II (Polity, Governance, International Relations)
• Paper IV: GS III (Economics, Environment, Science & Technology)
• Paper V: GS IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude)
• Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject (2 papers)

Eligibility Criteria & Cut-off

Educational Qualification:

Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline.

Age Limit:

• General: 21–32 years  |  OBC: 21–35 years
• SC/ST: 21–37 years  |  PwD: Additional relaxation as per rules

Attempt Limits:

• General: 6 attempts  |  OBC: 9 attempts  |  SC/ST: No limit (till age limit)

Recent Cut-off Trends (2025):

• Prelims General Studies: ~87–92 marks
• Final Merit (General): ~900–950 marks
• Interview Average: ~165–180 marks