The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced its New Exam Calendar for 2025, providing essential dates for various recruitment exams. This eagerly awaited announcement is vital for aspirants preparing for prestigious civil services and other examinations conducted by UPSC. Here’s all you need to know.
Key Highlights of UPSC 2025 Exam Calendar
- Release Date: The official calendar is set to be published in January 2025.
- Examination Dates: It will include schedules for the Preliminary, Mains, and Interview stages of various exams.
- Importance: This calendar will help candidates streamline their preparation strategies for the upcoming exams.
Major Exams Covered
- Civil Services Examination (CSE):
- Covers IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A and Group B services.
- Dates for all three stages—Preliminary, Mains, and Interviews—will be detailed.
- Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination:
- Conducted alongside CSE, specific dates for IFS selection will also be listed.
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination:
- For aspirants seeking officer positions in the Indian Armed Forces.
- National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination:
- An entry point for young candidates aiming to serve in the Defence forces.
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination:
- For officer recruitment in paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, CISF, and ITBP.
How to Access the Calendar
Once released, the calendar can be downloaded from the UPSC’s official website: www.upsc.gov.in. Aspirants should also review the official information bulletin for detailed guidelines.
Key Dates from UPSC New Exam Calendar 2025
- Notification Release: January 22, 2025
- Application Window: January 22 – February 11, 2025
- Preliminary Exam: May 25, 2025
- Mains Exam: Starts August 22, 2025 (five days)
Eligibility and Age Criteria
- Nationality: Indian citizenship is mandatory for IAS; additional criteria apply for other services.
- Age Limit:
- General Category: 21–32 years as of August 1, 2025.
- Relaxations apply for SC/ST (up to 37 years) and OBC (up to 35 years).
- Attempts:
- General/EWS: 6 attempts.
- SC/ST: Unlimited.
- OBC: 9 attempts.
UPSC New Exam Calendar 2025 Exam Pattern
- Preliminary Examination:
- Paper I: General Studies (200 marks, 2 hours).
- Paper II: CSAT (200 marks, 2 hours).
- Mains Examination:
- 9 papers, including Essay, General Studies, and Optional Subjects.
- Total: 1750 marks.
- Interview:
- Personality Test for 275 marks.
- Final merit list considers both Mains and Interview scores (2025 marks).
Application Process
The application process involves two parts:
- Registration: Personal and basic details submission.
- Fee Payment & Uploads: Payment of ₹100 for General category (fee exemptions for SC/ST, PwD, and women).
Tips for Preparation
- Plan Early: Use the calendar to set realistic study goals.
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers for current affairs.
- Practice Mock Tests: Helps with time management and question familiarity.
- Focus on Concepts: NCERTs for basics and standard books for advanced preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When will the UPSC Prelims 2025 be conducted?
- The Preliminary Exam is scheduled for May 25, 2025.
- How many attempts are allowed for General Category candidates?
- General category candidates can appear for the exam up to 6 times.
- Where can I access the UPSC 2025 Admit Card?
- Admit cards will be available three weeks before the exam on the official UPSC website.
- Can the exam center be changed after selection?
- No, exam centers cannot be altered once selected.
The UPSC New Exam Calendar 2025 is a game-changer for aspirants, offering clarity and focus for their preparation journey. Stay disciplined, follow a structured approach, and leverage this calendar to achieve success.
For more details, visit the official UPSC website.
