UPSC CSE (Civil Services Examination) is a 3-stage exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for IAS, IPS, IFS and 22 other All India and Central Services. Graduates aged 21 to 32 years (General category) can appear. The 3 stages are Prelims, Mains and Personality Test (Interview). Every stage has separate cut off marks and merit lists.
UPSC CSE Exam Overview at a Glance
UPSC CSE is conducted once every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi. The official notification is published in upsc.gov.in. Around 800 to 1,200 vacancies are filled every year across all services.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Exam Frequency | Once per year |
| Total Stages | 3 (Prelims, Mains, Personality Test) |
| Total Marks (Mains + Interview) | 2025 marks |
| Medium of Exam | English and Hindi (Mains in any scheduled language) |
| Application Mode | Online only at upsconline.nic.in |
| Approximate Annual Vacancies | 800 to 1,200 posts |
| Services Covered | 24 All India and Central Services including IAS, IPS, IFS |
For a complete list of UPSC CSE latest recruitment and notification details , visit the recruitment page. Candidates also preparing for other top government posts can read about India’s top 10 high paying sarkari exams .
UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria: Age, Education and Attempts
A candidate must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university to appear in UPSC CSE. Final year students can also apply provisionally. Age and attempt limits vary by category.
Educational Qualification
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Education | Graduation (any stream) from a recognized university |
| Final Year Students | Can apply provisionally at Prelims stage |
| Professional Degrees | MBBS, BE, LLB, B.Sc. all accepted |
| Distance Education | Degrees from IGNOU and DEB-approved universities accepted |
UPSC CSE Age Limit and Attempts (Category Wise)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Total Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 21 years | 32 years | 6 attempts |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 21 years | 35 years | 9 attempts |
| SC / ST | 21 years | 37 years | Unlimited (until age limit) |
| PwBD (General / OBC) | 21 years | 42 years | 9 attempts |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 21 years | 42 years | Unlimited (until age limit) |
| Defence Services Personnel (Disabled) | 21 years | 35 years (General) | As per category |
Nationality Criteria
- Citizens of India can appear in all posts.
- Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can appear in all posts except IAS and IFS.
- Tibetan refugees (arrived before January 1, 1962) are eligible.
- Persons of Indian origin from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam are eligible for posts other than IAS and IFS.
UPSC CSE Exam Pattern: All 3 Stages Explained
UPSC CSE has 3 sequential stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination and Personality Test. Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit. Only Mains (1750 marks) and Interview (275 marks) form the final score of 2025 marks.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (UPSC CSE Prelims)
Prelims is an objective type screening test with 2 papers. Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying only with 33% minimum marks required. Paper I marks decide Prelims cut off and shortlisting for Mains.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (GS) | 100 MCQs | 200 | 2 hours | Merit based |
| Paper II | Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) | 80 MCQs | 200 | 2 hours | Qualifying (33% needed) |
Negative Marking in UPSC CSE Prelims
- Each correct answer gives 2 marks in GS Paper I.
- Each wrong answer deducts 0.66 marks (1/3 of 2).
- Unattempted questions carry zero marks.
- CSAT has the same negative marking pattern.
Stage 2: Mains Examination (UPSC CSE Mains)
UPSC CSE Mains is a written descriptive exam with 9 papers out of which 7 papers carry merit marks totalling 1750. Papers A and B are qualifying only. Mains tests depth of knowledge, analytical ability and writing skills.
| Paper | Subject | Maximum Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (any 8th Schedule language) | 300 | Qualifying only |
| Paper B | English Language | 300 | Qualifying only |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | Merit based |
| Paper II | General Studies I (History, Geography, Society) | 250 | Merit based |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Polity, Governance, IR, Social Justice) | 250 | Merit based |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Economy, Environment, Technology, Security) | 250 | Merit based |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 | Merit based |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper I | 250 | Merit based |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper II | 250 | Merit based |
| Total Mains (Merit Marks) | 1750 | ||
UPSC CSE Mains Paper A Exemptions
Candidates from Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir are exempt from Paper A. They must submit a request to UPSC in their application form.
Stage 3: Personality Test (UPSC CSE Interview)
The Personality Test carries 275 marks and is conducted at UPSC Bhavan, New Delhi by a Board of UPSC members. The interview tests mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, logical exposition, balance of judgment and leadership qualities. No minimum marks are required to pass the interview.
UPSC CSE Final Merit Calculation
| Component | Maximum Marks | Counted in Final Merit |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims (GS Paper I) | 200 | No (Only for shortlisting) |
| Mains (7 Merit Papers) | 1750 | Yes |
| Personality Test (Interview) | 275 | Yes |
| Total Final Score | 2025 | Yes |
Union Public Service Commission CSE Syllabus: Prelims and Mains Complete Topics
UPSC CSE syllabus covers topics from History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science and Technology, Ethics, Current Affairs and the candidate’s chosen Optional Subject. UPSC publishes the official syllabus with its annual notification at upsc.gov.in.
Union Public Service Commission CSE Prelims Syllabus (GS Paper I Topics)
| Subject Area | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| History | Ancient, Medieval, Modern Indian History, National Movement |
| Geography | Indian Geography, Physical Geography, Climate, Rivers, Resources |
| Indian Polity | Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, Federalism, Local Government |
| Economy | Economic Development, Planning, Poverty, Budget, Banking, Trade |
| Environment and Ecology | Biodiversity, Climate Change, Conservation, Environmental Laws |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (applied concepts only) |
| Current Affairs | National and International events, Awards, Sports, Books, Persons |
UPSC CSE Prelims Syllabus (CSAT Paper II Topics)
| Topic | Sub Topics |
|---|---|
| Comprehension | English and Hindi passage based questions |
| Logical Reasoning | Analytical ability, Decision Making, Problem Solving |
| General Mental Ability | Number Series, Blood Relations, Directions, Analogies |
| Basic Numeracy | Numbers, Percentages, Ratio, Data Interpretation (Class 10 level) |
| English Language Comprehension | Reading comprehension at Class 10 level |
CSE Mains Syllabus (GS Paper Wise Topics)
| Paper | Core Topics |
|---|---|
| GS I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography | Art and Culture, Post independence consolidation, World History, Human Geography, Urbanization, Disaster Management |
| GS II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, IR | Constitutional provisions, Policies and interventions, Welfare schemes, Bilateral relations, Regional and global groupings |
| GS III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security | Indian Economy, Agriculture, Science and Tech, Disaster Management, Environmental Conservation, Internal Security challenges |
| GS IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude | Emotional Intelligence, Ethics in public administration, Contributions of moral thinkers, Case studies |
| Essay Paper | 2 essays from different sections, each 1000 to 1200 words |
UPSC CSE Optional Subject List (48 Subjects)
UPSC CSE gives candidates a choice of 1 Optional Subject from a list of 48 subjects. Both Optional papers carry 500 marks combined (250 + 250). Optional Subject selection significantly impacts final rank.
| Category | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Humanities | History, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, Public Administration, Philosophy, Psychology, Anthropology, Law, Economics |
| Science and Technology | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Botany, Zoology, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Forestry, Geology, Medical Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Commerce and Accountancy, Management |
| Literature (any 1 of 22 options) | Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English |
Most Popular Optional Subjects Among UPSC CSE Toppers
- Sociology: Concise syllabus with good overlap with GS Paper I and II.
- Political Science and IR: Strong overlap with GS II and Essay.
- Public Administration: High GS overlap, widely taught coaching.
- History: High scoring when answer writing is strong.
- PSIR (Political Science and International Relations): Consistent high scorers since last decade.
- Geography: Good for candidates with Geography background.
- Mathematics: Objective and scoring for candidates with strong base.
- Anthropology: Short syllabus with high marks potential.
UPSC CSE Services and Posts: IAS, IPS, IFS and More
UPSC CSE selection gives access to 24 services including Group A and Group B Central Services. Service allocation depends on rank in the final merit list, category and preference form submitted after selection.
| Service | Full Name | Cadre Type |
|---|---|---|
| IAS | Indian Administrative Service | All India Service (Most Preferred) |
| IPS | Indian Police Service | All India Service |
| IFS | Indian Foreign Service | Central Service (Group A) |
| IRS (IT) | Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) | Central Service (Group A) |
| IRS (C&CE) | Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise) | Central Service (Group A) |
| IAAS | Indian Audit and Accounts Service | Central Service (Group A) |
| IDAS | Indian Defence Accounts Service | Central Service (Group A) |
| IRTS | Indian Railway Traffic Service | Central Service (Group A) |
| IPoS | Indian Postal Service | Central Service (Group A) |
| IRAS | Indian Railway Accounts Service | Central Service (Group A) |
| ITS | Indian Telecommunication Service | Central Service (Group A) |
| IDES | Indian Defence Estates Service | Central Service (Group A) |
Candidates who aspire for forest services can also look at the Indian Forest Service (IFS) Exam which is a separate exam from UPSC CSE but also conducted by UPSC.
UPSC CSE Salary: IAS, IPS and IFS Pay Scale
IAS officers at entry level (Junior Time Scale) receive a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month under the 7th Pay Commission. Total gross salary including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA) and other perks ranges from ₹95,000 to ₹1,50,000.
| Pay Level | Grade / Rank | Basic Pay (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 10 | Junior Time Scale (Entry IAS) | ₹56,100 |
| Level 11 | Senior Time Scale (4 years) | ₹67,700 |
| Level 12 | Junior Administrative Grade (9 years) | ₹78,800 |
| Level 13 | Selection Grade / Deputy Secretary | ₹1,18,500 |
| Level 14 | Super Time Scale / Joint Secretary | ₹1,44,200 |
| Level 17 | Cabinet Secretary (Highest IAS post) | ₹2,50,000 (fixed) |
Non-Monetary Benefits for IAS and IPS Officers
- Government accommodation in prime city locations.
- Dedicated staff including cook, driver and security guard.
- Official vehicle with fuel allowance.
- Medical benefits for self and family at government hospitals.
- Pension under National Pension System (NPS) after retirement.
- Study leave for foreign education and training programs.
UPSC CSE Cut Off Marks (Category Wise)
UPSC CSE cut off marks differ across all 3 stages and all categories. Prelims cut off decides who writes Mains. Mains cut off decides who appears for the Interview. Final cut off (Mains + Interview combined) determines rank and service allocation.
UPSC CSE Prelims Cut Off (GS Paper I, out of 200)
| Category | Approximate Cut Off Range |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 98 to 110 marks |
| EWS | 90 to 100 marks |
| OBC | 84 to 96 marks |
| SC | 74 to 88 marks |
| ST | 68 to 82 marks |
| PwBD (VH) | 60 to 72 marks |
Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination Mains Cut Off (out of 1750)
| Category | Approximate Cut Off Range |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 745 to 790 marks |
| EWS | 718 to 755 marks |
| OBC | 700 to 740 marks |
| SC | 665 to 710 marks |
| ST | 640 to 685 marks |
UPSC CSE Final Cut Off (Mains + Interview, out of 2025)
| Category | Approximate Final Cut Off |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 1000 to 1055 marks |
| EWS | 975 to 1020 marks |
| OBC | 965 to 1010 marks |
| SC | 920 to 970 marks |
| ST | 895 to 945 marks |
Note: Cut off marks vary each year based on difficulty level, number of candidates and total vacancies. Above ranges are based on historical trends. Official cut off is published at upsc.gov.in after final result.
UPSC CSE Application Process: How to Apply Online
UPSC CSE application is submitted online at upsconline.nic.in in 2 parts: Part I and Part II registration. Both parts must be completed before the deadline. Incomplete applications get rejected without any intimation.
Application Steps
- Part I Registration: Visit upsconline.nic.in and complete basic registration to get a temporary Registration ID.
- Part II Registration: Login with the temporary ID and fill personal details, education, category, optional subject and centre preference.
- Upload Photo and Signature: Recent passport size photo (jpeg, 300 KB max) and signature (jpeg, 300 KB max).
- Application Fee Payment: Pay ₹100 online via SBI Net Banking, Debit Card or Credit Card. SC, ST, Female and PwBD candidates are exempt from fee.
- Final Submission: Submit and save the confirmation page with Application ID.
UPSC CSE Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST (All) | Exempt (No Fee) |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Exempt (No Fee) |
| PwBD Candidates (All Categories) | Exempt (No Fee) |
UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy: Stage Wise Approach
A minimum of 12 to 18 months of dedicated preparation is needed to clear UPSC CSE in the first or second attempt. Topper strategies consistently highlight NCERTs, standard reference books, daily newspaper reading and consistent answer writing practice.
Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (CSE) Prelims Preparation Plan
| Subject | Source | Daily Time |
|---|---|---|
| History | NCERT Class 6 to 12, Bipin Chandra (Modern India) | 45 minutes |
| Geography | NCERT Class 6 to 12, G.C. Leong Physical Geography | 45 minutes |
| Polity | M. Laxmikanth Indian Polity | 45 minutes |
| Economy | NCERT Class 11 and 12, Economic Survey, Budget | 30 minutes |
| Environment | Shankar IAS Environment, NCERT Biology | 30 minutes |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu / Indian Express daily reading | 60 minutes |
| CSAT Practice | Previous year papers, RS Aggarwal | 30 minutes |
UPSC CSE Mains Preparation Plan
- Answer Writing: Write at least 5 answers daily from Day 1 of Mains preparation.
- Essay Writing: Practice 2 full essays per week covering Society, Ethics, Governance, Environment.
- Optional Subject: Complete optional syllabus in 4 to 6 months with daily dedicated 2 hours.
- GS Paper IV (Ethics): Study thinkers like Aristotle, Kautilya and Gandhi with case study practice.
- Revision: Revise each subject at least 3 times before the exam.
UPSC CSE Interview Preparation
- Prepare a detailed Detailed Application Form (DAF) with all activities, interests and background.
- Read your Optional Subject thoroughly as the board often asks from it.
- Stay updated on current affairs for the 6 months before your interview.
- Practice mock interviews at centres like Mukherjee Nagar, Rajinder Nagar (Delhi).
- Work on communication clarity, body language and balanced opinion formation.
For complete study material guidance, read the best books for sarkari exams which covers standard UPSC CSE reference books. Candidates can also follow the proven sarkari exam preparation strategy to build a strong foundation.
UPSC CSE Best Books: Subject Wise Recommended List
UPSC CSE toppers consistently recommend NCERTs as the base followed by 1 standard reference book per subject. Avoid reading too many books for the same subject.
| Subject | Recommended Book | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth |
| Modern History | India’s Struggle for Independence | Bipin Chandra |
| Ancient and Medieval History | Ancient India, Medieval India | R.S. Sharma, Satish Chandra |
| Indian Economy | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh |
| Physical Geography | Certificate Physical and Human Geography | G.C. Leong |
| Environment | Environment and Ecology | Shankar IAS Academy |
| Ethics (GS IV) | Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude | Lexicon (Chronicle Publications) |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu, Indian Express, Vision IAS Monthly | Daily and Monthly |
| Science and Technology | NCERT Science Class 8 to 10 + PIB Updates | Government Publication |
| Art and Culture | An Introduction to Indian Art (NCERT Class 11) | NCERT |
UPSC CSE vs Other Top Government Exams
UPSC CSE is the highest ranked government exam in India in terms of prestige, difficulty and compensation package. Below is how it compares with other top exams.
| Exam | Conducting Body | Services | Difficulty | Vacancies (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC CSE | UPSC | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS | Highest | 800 to 1,200 |
| SSC CGL | SSC | Group B and C posts | High | 5,000 to 17,000 |
| IBPS PO | IBPS | Bank PO (11 PSBs) | Moderate to High | 3,000 to 5,000 |
| RBI Grade B | RBI | Grade B Officer | Very High | 200 to 500 |
| UPSC CAPF | UPSC | AC in BSF, CRPF, CISF | High | 200 to 400 |
| NDA | UPSC | Army, Navy, Air Force | High | 400 to 450 |
Aspirants who want to explore all high ranking options can read about top 5 sarkari exams with highest vacancies . For those interested in UPSC CAPF, a UPSC CAPF Mock Test is available to practice.
UPSC CSE Important Dates and Exam Calendar
Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination follows a fixed annual calendar with Notification in February, Prelims in May or June, Mains in September, and Interview from January to April of the following year.
| Event | Approximate Month |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | February |
| Online Application Opens | February |
| Application Deadline | March |
| Prelims Admit Card | April to May |
| Prelims Exam Date | May to June |
| Prelims Result | July to August |
| Mains Application (DAF I) | August |
| Mains Exam | September |
| Mains Result | December to January |
| DAF II for Service Preference | January |
| Personality Test (Interview) | January to April |
| Final Result and Merit List | April to May |
UPSC CSE Success Rate and Selection Ratio
Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination has a selection rate of approximately 0.1% to 0.2% of total applicants. Around 10 to 13 lakh candidates apply every year. Around 5 to 6 lakh appear for Prelims. About 12,000 to 15,000 qualify for Mains. Around 2,500 to 3,000 qualify for Interview. Final selection is around 800 to 1,200 candidates.
| Stage | Approximate Candidates | Selection Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Total Applicants | 10 to 13 lakh | 100% |
| Prelims Appeared | 5 to 6 lakh | ~45% |
| Prelims Cleared (Mains Eligible) | 12,000 to 15,000 | ~0.2% of applicants |
| Mains Cleared (Interview Eligible) | 2,500 to 3,000 | ~0.05% of applicants |
| Final Selection | 800 to 1,200 | ~0.01% of applicants |
Candidates who aspire to clear UPSC CSE can benefit from Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Yojana which provides free UPSC coaching to students from economically weaker sections in Uttar Pradesh. PM scholarship programs like PM YASASVI Scholarship also support meritorious OBC and EWS students preparing for UPSC CSE.
UPSC CSE Training: LBSNAA and Foundation Course
Selected candidates undergo a mandatory Foundation Course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie. IPS officers later train at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad. IFS officers train at Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi.
| Service | Training Academy | Location |
|---|---|---|
| IAS | Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) | Mussoorie, Uttarakhand |
| IPS | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| IFS | Foreign Service Institute (FSI) | New Delhi |
| IRS (IT) | National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) | Nagpur, Maharashtra |
| IRS (C&CE) | National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics | Faridabad, Haryana |
UPSC CSE Related Exams and Alternative Options
Candidates preparing for UPSC CSE can simultaneously prepare for these related exams with overlapping syllabus:
| Exam | Link | Syllabus Overlap with UPSC CSE |
|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL | SSC CGL Exam | GK, Reasoning, English |
| UPSC EPFO | UPSC EPFO Recruitment | Economy, Polity, Current Affairs |
| RBI Grade B | RBI Grade B Mock Test | Economy, Finance, Current Affairs |
| SEBI Grade A | SEBI Grade A Recruitment | Economy, Law, Management |
| NABARD Grade A | NABARD Grade A Recruitment | Agriculture, Rural Economy |
| Indian Forest Service | IFS Exam | GS Prelims identical |
| UPSC CAPF | UPSC CAPF Mock Test | GS, Current Affairs, Essay |
| IBPS PO | IBPS PO Exam | Current Affairs, Economy |
UPSC CSE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
UPSC CSE has 3 stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination and Personality Test (Interview). Prelims is a screening test. Mains carries 1750 merit marks and Interview carries 275 marks. The final merit list is based on 2025 marks combined.
General category candidates get 6 attempts in UPSC CSE up to the age of 32 years. OBC candidates get 9 attempts up to age 35. SC and ST candidates get unlimited attempts until they reach the age of 37 years. Appearing in Prelims counts as 1 attempt.
UPSC CSE Mains has 9 papers with a total of 1750 merit marks (Papers A and B are qualifying only). The 7 merit papers include 1 Essay paper, 4 General Studies papers and 2 Optional Subject papers of 250 marks each.
There is no single best optional subject for UPSC CSE since it depends on the candidate’s academic background and interest. Sociology, Public Administration, Political Science and IR, Geography and Anthropology are popular due to their short syllabus, good GS overlap and high scoring potential. Candidates with strong Science background prefer Mathematics or Physics.
An IAS officer at entry level earns a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month under the 7th Pay Commission. With DA, HRA, TA and other perks, the gross salary ranges from ₹95,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month. Senior IAS officers and Cabinet Secretary earn up to ₹2,50,000 (fixed pay) per month.
