UPSC CSEConducted by Union Public Service Commission
UPSC Civil Services Examination
Official website ↗- Purpose
- Recruitment to the IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group A and Group B central civil services.
- Eligibility
- A bachelor's degree from a recognised university (or an equivalent qualification as notified). Final-year students may appear in the Prelims subject to UPSC's rules.
- Age limits
- Minimum 21 years; upper age limits differ by category and are notified annually — verify the current notification.(may change — verify at the official source)
- Attempt limits
- A fixed number of attempts for general candidates with relaxations for reserved categories, as notified — verify the current notification.(may change — verify at the official source)
- Stages
- Preliminary Examination (objective) → Main Examination (written, descriptive) → Personality Test (Interview)
- Pattern
- Prelims: two objective papers (General Studies Paper I and CSAT). Mains: essay, general studies papers, an optional subject and qualifying language papers. Interview: personal assessment.
- Subjects
- Indian polity and governance, History and culture, Geography, Economy, Science and technology, Environment, Current affairs, Ethics, Optional subject of choice, Comprehension and logical reasoning (CSAT)
- Total marks
- Mains written papers: 1750 marks; Personality Test: 275 marks (as per the long-standing scheme)
- Duration
- Prelims: two 2-hour papers; Mains: 3-hour papers
- Interview / personality test
- Yes — Personality Test of 275 marks before the UPSC board.
- Physical test
- Not applicable
- Medical test
- A medical examination applies for certain services after selection.
- Held
- Once a year(may change — verify at the official source)
- Notes
- One of India's most selective examinations. Prelims is a screen; final ranking rests on Mains + Interview. Age relaxations, attempts and syllabus details change by notification — always read the current notification on upsc.gov.in.