In-Depth Details on Civil Services Examination (CSP) 2025

UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 Notification: Key Details

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Examination Notification No. 05/2025-CSP on 22nd January 2025, announcing the Civil Services Examination (CSP) 2025 for recruitment to various prestigious government services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and others. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key aspects of this notification:

1. Key Dates and Deadlines

  • Start of Application Process: 22nd January 2025
  • Last Date to Apply Online: 11th February 2025, until 6:00 PM.
  • Correction Window: Open from 12th February 2025 to 18th February 2025 for modifications in the application form.
  • Preliminary Exam Date: 25th May 2025.
  • Admit Card Availability: One week before the Preliminary Exam on the UPSC website.

2. How to Apply

Candidates must apply online through the official UPSC portal:
👉 https://upsconline.gov.in

Steps to Apply:

  1. Registration on OTR Platform:
    • First-time applicants must register on the One Time Registration (OTR) platform available on the UPSC website. This registration remains valid for future examinations.
    • Link for OTR: OTR Registration Portal.
  2. Filling the Online Application:
    • After OTR registration, log in to the application portal.
    • Complete the form by providing accurate details about eligibility, category, and exam preferences.
  3. Upload Documents:
    • Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and signature.
    • Ensure the photo includes the candidate's name and the date it was taken.
  4. Fee Payment:
    • General/EWS/OBC candidates: ₹100.
    • Women, SC/ST, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are exempt from paying fees.
    • Payment Modes: Online (Debit/Credit Card/UPI/Net Banking) or SBI Challan (Pay by Cash).

3. Eligibility Criteria

a. Nationality:

  • For IAS, IPS: Indian citizen only.
  • For other services: Citizens of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (before 1962), or persons of Indian origin from specified countries intending to settle in India permanently.

b. Age Limit:

  • General Category: 21 to 32 years as of 1st August 2025 (born between 2nd August 1993 and 1st August 2004).
  • Age Relaxation:
    • SC/ST: 5 years.
    • OBC: 3 years.
    • PwBD: 10 years.
    • Ex-Servicemen: 5 years (additional terms apply).

c. Educational Qualification:

  • Graduate degree from a recognized university.
  • Final-year students awaiting results are eligible but must submit proof of qualification before the Main Exam.

d. Number of Attempts:

  • General/EWS: 6 attempts.
  • OBC: 9 attempts.
  • SC/ST: Unlimited attempts.
  • PwBD: 9 attempts for General/EWS/OBC and unlimited for SC/ST.

4. Examination Plan

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination

  • Purpose: Screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Exam.
  • Papers:
    1. General Studies (GS-I): 200 marks.
    2. Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT): 200 marks (qualifying, minimum 33% required).
  • Key Features:

o    Negative marking for wrong answers: 1/3rd of marks deducted per incorrect answer.

o    Papers available in Hindi and English.

Stage 2: Main Examination

  • Nature: Written examination + Personality Test.
  • Structure:
    • 9 papers (Essay, 4 GS papers, 2 Optional Subject papers, and 2 qualifying language papers).
    • Total Marks: 1750 (Written) + 275 (Interview) = 2025 Marks.
  • Candidates must select an optional subject from the list provided in the notification.

5. Reservation and Vacancies

  • Total Vacancies: Approximately 979, including 38 reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
  • PwBD Categories:
    1. Blindness & Low Vision.
    2. Deaf & Hard of Hearing.
    3. Locomotor Disability.
    4. Multiple Disabilities.
  • Reservation is also applicable for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS candidates as per government policies.

6. Important Rules and Instructions

  • Negative Marking: Applicable in the Preliminary Exam for wrong answers.
  • Prohibited Items:
    • Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
    • Violations will lead to disqualification.
  • Photo ID Proof:
    • Candidates must carry the same photo ID used during application (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.).
  • Dress Code: Appearance in the same look as per the uploaded photo is required at all stages of the examination.

7. Contact Details for Assistance

  • UPSC Facilitation Counter:
    • Phone: 011-23385271 / 011-23381125 / 011-23098543
    • Timing: Working days, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • For grievances and clarifications, candidates can visit the UPSC Office (Gate ‘C’) or contact through the helpline.

8. Additional Guidelines

  • No withdrawal of applications is allowed after submission.
  • Candidates should keep their Registration ID (RID) safe for future correspondence.

For further details, visit the official notification available at UPSC Official Website.