What is UPSC?

UPSC is India’s central agency which conducts exams like Civil Services Exam (CSE) to recruit candidates into top government services like IAS, IPS, IFS etc. UPSC recruits candidates to both civil services as well as defence services.

What is the full form of UPSC?

The full form of UPSC is Union Public Service Commission.

What are the exams conducted by UPSC for selection into civil services?

1. Civil Services Examination (CSE)
2. Engineering Services Examination (ESE).
3. Indian Forestry Services Examination (IFoS).
4. Central Armed Police Forces Examination (CAPF).
5. Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service (IES/ISS).
6. Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination.
7. Combined Medical Services (CMS).
8. Special Class Railway Apprentices Exam (SCRA).
9. Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for selection of Assistant Commandant. (Executive) in CISF.

What are the exams conducted by UPSC for selection into defence services?

1. National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination – NDA & NA (I).
2. National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination – NDA & NA (II).
3. Combined Defense Services Exam – CDS (I).
4. Combined Defense Services Exam – CDS (II).

UPSC Exam: What is the UPSC Civil Services Examination?

Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most popular exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It is widely known as the ‘IAS exam’ even though CSE is a common exam to recruit candidates to about 24 top government services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS etc.

UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) consists of 3 stages. The stages are:

1. Preliminary Exam (objective)
2. Main Exam (written)
3. Interview (personality test)

The exam window extends around 10-12 months (usually from June month of a year to June month next year when the results are announced).

How to prepare for UPSC CSE?

Understand the Exam: Know the three stages—Prelims (objective, 400 marks), Mains (descriptive, 1750 marks), Interview (275 marks). Study the syllabus (upsc.gov.in).

Plan Your Time: Start 12–24 months early. Study 6–8 hours daily:

• Current Affairs: 1–2 hours (Newspaper Reading: Indian Express, The Hindu, Yojana).
• Static Subjects: 3–4 hours (history, polity, geography, etc.).
• Optional Subject: 1–2 hours.
• Revision/Practice: 1–2 hours (mock tests, answer writing).

Build a Foundation:

• Read NCERTs (Class 6–12) for basics.
• Standard books: Indian Polity (Laxmikanth), India’s Struggle for Independence (Bipan Chandra), Indian Economy (Ramesh Singh), Environment (Shankar IAS).

Choose Optional Smartly: Pick based on interest, scoring potential, and resource availability (e.g., Sociology, Public Administration, Geography). Practice Rigorously:

• Prelims: Solve 30–50 MCQs daily, PYQs are very important.
• Mains: Practice answer writing (150–250 words) daily, focus on structure and clarity.
• CSAT: Ensure basic aptitude (math, reasoning, comprehension).

Stay Updated: Read newspapers daily, follow PIB, and use monthly current affairs compilations.

Revise Regularly: Weekly revision of notes, monthly syllabus review.

Mock Tests & Analysis: Take full-length Prelims and Mains tests, analyze mistakes to improve.

Interview Prep: Develop communication skills, stay confident, and prepare a detailed DAF (Detailed Application Form) for personality test.

Stay Disciplined: Maintain consistency, avoid burnout, and track progress with a study planner.

What is the Pattern of UPSC Civil Services Exam?

Preliminary Exam (Screening, 400 marks):

Paper I: General Studies (200 marks, 2 hours, ~100 MCQs; history, polity, geography, economy, environment, current affairs).

Paper II: CSAT (200 marks, 2 hours, ~80 MCQs, qualifying at 33%; reasoning, numeracy, comprehension).

Negative marking: 1/3rd marks per wrong answer.

Only GS Paper I counts for merit.

Civils Exam Pattern – Prelims
Paper	Type	No. of questions	UPSC Total Marks	Duration	Negative marks
General Studies I	Objective	100	200	2 hours	Yes
General Studies II (CSAT)	Objective	80	200	2 hours	Yes
Total UPSC marks for Prelims	400 (where GS Paper II is qualifying in nature with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%)

Mains Exam (1750 marks):

9 descriptive papers (3 hours each):

Qualifying: Paper A (Indian Language, 300 marks), Paper B (English, 300 marks) – 25% to qualify.

Merit: Essay (250 marks), GS I–IV (250 marks each), Optional Subject Papers I–II (250 marks each).

UPSC CSE Exam Pattern – Mains
Paper	Subject	Duration	IAS Total marks
Paper A	Compulsory Indian language	3 hours	300
Paper B	English	3 hours	300
Paper I	Essay	3 hours	250
Paper II	General Studies I	3 hours	250
Paper III	General Studies II	3 hours	250
Paper IV	General Studies III	3 hours	250
Paper V	General Studies IV	3 hours	250
Paper VI	Optional I	3 hours	250
Paper VII	Optional II	3 hours	250

Total: 1750 marks (7 merit papers).

Interview (Personality Test, 275 marks):

20–30 minutes, assesses personality, communication, and current affairs knowledge.

Final Merit: Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks.

What is the Syllabus of UPSC Civil Services Exam?

1. Preliminary Examination (400 marks, screening):

• Paper I: General Studies (GS I) (200 marks, 2 hours):
  • Current affairs, Indian history, National Movement, Indian & World Geography, Polity, Governance, Economic & Social Development, Environment, Ecology, General Science.
• Paper II: CSAT (200 marks, 2 hours, qualifying at 33%):
  • Comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, numeracy, data interpretation (Class X level).
• Note: Negative marking (1/3rd per wrong answer); only GS I counts for merit.

2. Mains Examination (1750 marks, merit-based):

1. Qualifying Papers (300 marks each, 25% to qualify):

• Paper A: Indian Language (e.g., Hindi, Tamil): Comprehension, précis, translation, essay.
• Paper B: English: Comprehension, précis, grammar, essay.

2. Merit Papers (250 marks each, 3 hours):

• Paper I: Essay: Write essays on given topics.
• Paper II: GS I: Indian heritage, culture, history, geography, society.
• Paper III: GS II: Constitution, polity, governance, international relations.
• Paper IV: GS III: Economy, agriculture, technology, environment, security, disaster management.
• Paper V: GS IV: Ethics, integrity, aptitude, case studies.
• Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject (e.g., Sociology, Geography): Two papers, subject-specific syllabus.

• Total: 1750 marks (7 merit papers).

3. Personality Test / Interview

• No fixed syllabus; assesses personality, communication, current affairs, and DAF-based questions.

Total Merit: Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 marks.

What is the UPSC age limit for the IAS Exam?

To attempt the IAS exam, the candidate should have crossed 21 years (by August 1, the year in which he/she attempts the exam).

Category	Maximum Age	No. of Attempts
General/EWS	19 years	6
OBC	19 years	9
SC/ST	19 years	Unlimited

Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD)

Category	Maximum Age	No. of Attempts
General/EWS PwBD	42 years	9
OBC PwBD	45 years	9
SC/ST PwBD	47 years	Unlimited

Ex-Servicemen

5 years military service by August 1; excludes misconduct/inefficiency.

Category	Maximum Age	No. of Attempts
General/EWS	37 years	6
OBC	40 years	9
SC/ST	42 years	Unlimited

What is the educational requirement to attempt the UPSC CSE?

Any graduate can attempt the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

The graduation can be in any stream. It can be a regular degree or distance education. (Degree should be of recognised University)

Can I clear the UPSC Civil Service Exam by self-study?

Absolutely, clearing the IAS exam through self-study is achievable, and Aeon IAS offers numerous free resources to support this approach.

For optimal results, however, we recommend combining self-study with targeted guidance and practice, even without formal coaching. At Aeon IAS, we prioritize ‘time’ as a critical resource and advocate for ‘smart study.’

Smart study integrates self-study with focused training to promote efficient and effective learning, saving aspirants valuable time, effort, and resources.

What are the UPSC Exam Dates?

Usually, the Union Public Service Commission conducts the Civil Services Preliminary Exam in May. The Main Exam is usually conducted in September-October. The Personality Test takes almost 3 months to finish. UPSC conducts the CSE interview (or personality test) in the months of February to April.

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025

• Notification Date: January 22, 2025
• Application Period: January 22, 2025, to February 21, 2025
• UPSC CSE 2025 Prelims Date: May 25, 2025 (Sunday)
• UPSC CSE 2025 Mains Date: August 22, 2025, onwards (5 days)
• UPSC CSE 2025 Interview Date: Expected January–March 2026 (based on typical UPSC timeline, as specific dates are not yet announced)
• UPSC CSE 2025 Final Result Date: Expected April 2026 (based on typical UPSC timeline, as specific dates are not yet announced)

Where can I find the latest Union Public Service Commission Notifications?

You can find it on the official UPSC website. Aeon IAS also publishes relevant notifications on the website and app.

How to file the UPSC Online Application?

Are you wondering how to apply online for UPSC Exams? Once the details of exams are notified on the official website of UPSC – upsc.gov.in – you need to apply online.

There is a website for UPSC online applications – https://upsconline.nic.in/.

Once the application window for an exam opens (usually in January for UPSC CSE), you can apply online.

Where can I check the UPSC Exam Results?

Results of all exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (as well as notifications for future exams) will be published on the homepage of the official website itself.

Which are the recommended books for UPSC Exams?

Apart from NCERT Books (Class 6-12), 10-15 standard reference textbooks are recommended for UPSC preparation.

Some of the best-selling books are:

1. Indian Polity – by M. Laxmikanth
2. Important Acts that Transformed India
3. Important Judgments that Transformed India
4. Indian Art and Culture – by Nitin Singhania
5. Ancient and Medieval India –
6. Modern Indian History –
7. Certificate Physical And Human Geography – by Goh Cheng Leong
8. Geography of India – by Majid Husain
9. Oxford Student Atlas for India
10. Indian Economy – by Ramesh Singh
11. Indian Economy –
12. Science and Technology –
13. Environment and Ecology –
14. International Relations –
15. Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude –

What is the best strategy by Aeon IAS for a candidate to succeed in UPSC CSE?

1. Understand the Exam Structure and Syllabus

• Familiarize with the Exam Pattern: The UPSC CSE consists of three stages:
  • Preliminary Exam: Two objective papers (General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II, 200 marks each). Only GS Paper I counts for ranking; CSAT is qualifying (minimum 33% required)
  • Main Exam: Nine descriptive papers (7 count for merit: Essay, GS 1-4, Optional Paper 1-2; total 1750 marks)
  • Personality Test (Interview): 275 marks, assessing personality and suitability.

• Know the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus for Prelims and Mains to focus on relevant topics like history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and current affairs.

2. Integrated Prelims-cum-Mains Preparation

• Combine Prelims and Mains Study: Aeon IAS advocates preparing for both stages simultaneously to save time. Overlapping topics (e.g., History, Polity, Geography) should be studied together, while non-overlapping Mains topics (e.g., Ethics, Optional subjects) can be covered separately if time permits.
• Time Allocation:
  • With 10–12 months (e.g., starting now for UPSC CSE 2025), cover the entire syllabus, including Ethics and Optional subjects, alongside Prelims.
  • With less than 6 months (e.g., from January 2025), prioritize Prelims-specific topics and mock tests, aiming for 120–130 marks in GS Paper I.
• Focus on Prelims: Since only ~2% of candidates clear Prelims, prioritize GS Paper I (aim for 130+ marks) and ensure CSAT qualification

3. Smart Study and Time Management

• Create a Study Plan: Develop a disciplined, realistic schedule with daily/weekly targets. Allocate specific hours for each subject, revision, and mock tests. Use tools like My Study Life for planning.
• Prioritize High-Yield Topics: Focus on frequently tested areas like current affairs, polity, and environment. Stay updated via newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express)
• Effective Note-Taking: Make concise, self-made notes for quick revision, especially for current affairs and optional subjects.
• Leverage Technology: Use the Aeon IAS Learning App for study materials, mock exams, and current affairs updates. Access free resources like eBooks and PDFs for flexible learning.

4. Optional Subject Selection

• Choose an optional subject based on interest, academic background, study material resourse availability and scoring potential. Popular choices include Anthropology, Sociology, Public Administration, and Geography due to their overlap with GS and high success rates.
• The optional subject contributes 500 marks to Mains, so select one you’re comfortable with and seek guidance if needed.

5. Current Affairs and Interview Preparation

• Current Affairs: Read newspapers daily and refer to Yojana, and government websites (PIB, Ministry websites). This is critical for Prelims, Mains, and Interview.clearias.com
• Interview Preparation:
  • Start early, even before Mains results, to polish communication and personality.clearias.com
  • Review your Detailed Application Form (DAF) thoroughly, as questions often stem from it (e.g., education, hobbies, home state).
  • Practice mock interviews, stay updated on current affairs, and develop balanced views on controversial topics.

6. Mental Resilience and Self-Care

• Maintain a positive mindset and avoid burnout. Take breaks, engage in hobbies, and stay connected with supportive peers or mentors.
• Learn from setbacks and persist. Aeon IAS emphasizes that consistent effort and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges.

Where can I find UPSC Previous Year Question Papers?

Previous Year Question Papers of various exams conducted by UPSC are available online.

Check the link to download the previous year’s question papers of UPSC as PDF.

Can one write UPSC CSE exam in regional language?

Yes, the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) can be written in regional languages, with certain conditions:

• Preliminary Exam: The Prelims (GS Paper I and CSAT) are available only in English and Hindi. Candidates cannot use other regional languages for these objective papers.
• Main Exam: The Mains examination allows candidates to write descriptive papers (Essay, GS 1-4, Optional Papers 1-2) in English, Hindi, or any of the 22 scheduled languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution (e.g., Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, etc.). Candidates must specify their chosen language in the application form.
• Optional Subject: The optional subject papers can also be written in the same regional language chosen for Mains, provided study materials and question papers are available in that language.
• Interview: The Personality Test (Interview) can be conducted in English, Hindi, or a regional language, depending on the candidate’s preference and comfort, though English or Hindi is commonly used.

What are the Optional subjects of UPSC CSE Exam?

List of optional subjects for Main Examination:

(i) Agriculture

(ii) Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science

(iii) Anthropology

(iv) Botany

(v) Chemistry

(vi) Civil Engineering

(vii) Commerce and Accountancy

(viii) Economics

(ix) Electrical Engineering

(x) Geography

(xi) Geology

(xii) History

(xiii) Law

(xiv) Management

(xv) Mathematics

(xvi) Mechanical Engineering

(xvii) Medical Science

(xviii) Philosophy

(xix) Physics

(xx) Political Science and International Relations

(xxi) Psychology

(xxii) Public Administration

(xxiii) Sociology

(xxiv) Statistics

(xxv) Zoology

(xxvi) Literature of any one of the following languages:

Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.

Is it necessary to choose an optional from your graduation subjects?

No, it is not mandatory to choose an optional subject in the UPSC Civil Services exam that aligns with your academic background. You are free to choose any optional subject from the list provided by UPSC, regardless of your educational background. 

Where does upsc interview takes place?

The UPSC interview, also known as the Personality Test, takes place at the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) office, specifically at Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069.