The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. If you are aspiring to become an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer, understanding the latest UPSC exam pattern for 2025 is crucial for effective preparation. The exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview.
Let’s dive into the details of the UPSC Exam Pattern 2025, including the marking scheme, marks distribution, and negative marking system.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 Overview
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) follows a structured selection process. Candidates must clear each stage to qualify for the next. The three stages are:
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Objective-type exam (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Marks: 400 (Two Papers of 200 Marks Each)
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect answer
- Duration: 2 hours per paper
2. Main Examination (Mains)
- Descriptive-type exam
- Total Marks: 1750 (9 Papers)
- No negative marking
- Duration: 3 hours per paper
3. Personality Test (Interview)
- Total Marks: 275
- Evaluates communication skills, decision-making ability, and overall personality
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The Prelims exam is the first stage of the UPSC CSE and acts as a screening test. It consists of two compulsory papers:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| General Studies Paper I | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
| General Studies Paper II | 80 | 200 | 2 hours |
Marking Scheme for Prelims
- Each correct answer carries a fixed mark.
- Each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1/3rd of the marks allotted to that question.
- No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The Mains examination consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature. The remaining seven papers are counted for merit ranking.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
| Paper A | Indian Language (Qualifying) | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper B | English (Qualifying) | 300 | 3 hours |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | General Studies I (History, Geography, Society) | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper III | General Studies II (Polity, Governance, International Relations) | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper IV | General Studies III (Economy, Technology, Environment) | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper I | 250 | 3 hours |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper II | 250 | 3 hours |
Optional Subjects for UPSC Mains
Candidates must choose one optional subject, which consists of two papers (Paper VI & VII). Some of the available optional subjects are:
- History
- Geography
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Economics
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Law
- Literature of any Indian language
UPSC Interview (Personality Test) 2025
The final stage of the UPSC selection process is the Personality Test (Interview). This round carries 275 marks and assesses the candidate’s suitability for administrative responsibilities. The board evaluates candidates based on:
- Communication and analytical skills
- Decision-making ability
- Leadership qualities
- General awareness and integrity
Final Selection Process
The final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the Mains (1750 marks) and the Interview (275 marks), totaling 2025 marks. The Prelims exam is only a qualifying stage and does not contribute to the final ranking.
UPSC Exam Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Focus on high-weightage topics
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Helps in understanding the question trends
- Time Management: Allocate specific time slots for each subject
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers and current affairs magazines regularly
- Mock Tests: Attempt full-length tests to improve accuracy and time management