WHAT IS UPSC?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body in India responsible for conducting examinations and selecting candidates for various government services.
Important Services Recruited by UPSC
UPSC conducts examinations for prestigious government services.
Here’s the list of exams:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
- Indian Forest Service
Selection Process
UPSC follows a structured selection process to ensure only the best candidates join the civil services:
- Competitive examinations consist of multiple written tests.
- Personality test (interview) with a panel of experts to assess a candidate’s suitability for a civil services role.
Exams Conducted by UPSC For 12th-Grade Graduates
UPSC also conducts certain recruitment exams for candidates who have completed their 12th standard. One of the most well-known exams in this category is the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) Examination.
Here’s a list of exams conducted by UPSC after the 12th.
UPSC NDA & NA Examination
This exam is conducted annually to recruit cadets for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Eligibility
For Army: Candidates must have passed the 12th standard from a recognized board.
For Navy & Air Force: Candidates must have completed 12th standard with Physics and Mathematics.
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old.
Selection Process
Written Examination: Tests general ability and mathematics.
SSB Interview: Assesses intelligence, personality, and leadership qualities.
Medical Examination: Ensures candidates meet the required physical and medical standards.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2025
| Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date for Receipt of Applications | Date of Exam | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination
|
– |
– |
11.01.2025 (Saturday)
|
2 Days |
|
Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 |
04.09.2024 |
24.09.2024 |
09.02.2025 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
|
Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 |
18.09.2024 |
08.10.2024 |
09.02.2025 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
|
CBI (DSP) LDCE, 2025 |
01.01.2025 |
14.01.2025 |
08.03.2025 (Saturday) |
2 Days |
|
CISF AC (EXE) LDCE-2025 |
04.12.2024 |
24.12.2024 |
09.03.2025 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
|
N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2025 |
11.12.2024 |
31.12.2024 |
13.04.2025 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
|
C.D.S. Examination (I), 2025 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 |
22.01.2025 |
11.02.2025 |
25.05.2025 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
|
Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 (through CS(P) Examination) |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination |
– |
– |
14.06.2025 (Saturday) |
2 Days
|
UPSC NDA & NA Examination
| Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date for Receipt of Applications | Date of Exam | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2025 |
12.02.2025 |
04.03.2025 |
20.06.2025 (Friday) |
3 Days |
|
Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2025 |
– |
– |
21.06.2025 (Saturday) |
2 Days |
|
Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2025 |
– |
– |
22.06.2025 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
|
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025 |
– |
– |
05.07.2025 (Saturday) |
2 Days |
|
Combined Medical Services Examination, 2025 |
19.02.2025 |
11.03.2025 |
20.07.2025 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
|
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2025 |
05.03.2025 |
25.03.2025 |
03.08.2025 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
|
Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination |
– |
– |
09.08.2025 (Saturday) |
2 Days |
|
Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025 |
– |
– |
22.08.2025 (Friday) |
5 Days |
|
N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2025 |
28.05.2025 |
17.06.2025 |
14.09.2025 (Sunday) |
1 Day |
|
C.D.S. Examination (II), 2025 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination |
– |
– |
04.10.2025 (Saturday) |
2 Days |
|
Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination |
– |
– |
01.11.2025 (Saturday) |
2 Days |
|
Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2025 |
– |
– |
16.11.2025 (Sunday) |
7 Days |
|
S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE |
17.09.2025 |
07.10.2025 |
13.12.2025 (Saturday) |
2 Days |
|
Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination |
– |
– |
20.12.2025 (Saturday) |
2 Days |
Note: The list of exam dates, notifications, commencement of examinations, and duration are subject to change. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for updates.
Tips to Crack the UPSC Exam
Cracking UPSC requires smart study techniques, discipline, and perseverance.
- Understand the syllabus – Break it into manageable sections for preliminary, main, and interview sections. Focus on core subjects and align preparation with the official syllabus.
- Time Management – Create a structured study timetable. Follow the Pomodoro Technique (focused study + short breaks) to enhance productivity.
- Effective Note-Making – Summarize key points using bullet points, flowcharts, and mind maps for quick revision.
- Answer Writing Practice – Use the IBC format (Introduction-Body-Conclusion). Improve speed and clarity by practicing previous years’ questions.
- Mock Tests & Previous Papers – Attempt tests regularly to improve time management and identify weak areas.
- Current Affairs Preparation – Stay updated with newspapers, magazines, and online sources to strengthen general awareness.
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FAQ
The application window for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 was open from January 22 to February 21, 2025. The official notification for the exam was released on January 22, 2025.
The number of attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 depends on the candidate’s category. General and EWS category candidates can attempt the exam up to six times until the age of 32. OBC candidates are allowed nine attempts until the age of 35. SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts until they reach 37 yearsof age. Meanwhile, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) can make up to nine attempts until the age of 42.
The 7-5-3 rule is a widely used strategy for effective time management and structured answer writing in the UPSC Mains exam. This technique helps candidates present well-organized and concise responses. According to this rule, each answer should be completed within 7 minutes to ensure efficient time allocation. It should include 5 key points directly related to the question’s keyword, ensuring clarity and relevance. Additionally, each point should be elaborated using 3 different perspectives, such as social, economic, political, or geographical aspects.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to clear the UPSC exam after the 12th on the first attempt. Clearing UPSC in the first attempt is possible with proper guidance, a strong foundation, and a smart strategy. Consistent revision, current affairs updates, mock tests, and effective time management are key. With self-discipline and the right mentorship, success becomes achievable.
The UPSC Civil Services selection process consists of three stages: the Preliminary Exam, which is an objective test assessing general knowledge and aptitude; the Mains Exam, a written examination that evaluates a candidate’s in-depth understanding of various subjects through descriptive answers; and the Interview (Personality Test), where candidates are assessed on their personality, communication skills, and decision-making abilities. Only those who clear each stage successfully move to the next, with the final selection based on cumulative performance.
To become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer through the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates must achieve a high rank. Generally, those who secure a position within the top 100 are allotted the IAS cadre, as selection is based on merit and preference.
The starting basic salary of an IAS officer is Rs. 56,100 per month (excluding TA, DA, and HRA). With experience and promotions, it can rise to Rs. 2,50,000 per month for a Cabinet Secretary.
The top five jobs in the UPSC Civil Services Exam are IAS, IPS, IFS, IRTS, and IRS.