Civil Services Examination

This article is about the examination in India. For civil service examinations in general, see civil service entrance examination.

Civil Services Examination
Emblem of India
AcronymCSE
UPSC CSE
TypePaper-based test
AdministratorUnion Public Service Commission
Skills testedGeneral knowledge, writing, comprehension, analytical skills, etc.
PurposeMeasuring the eligibility of candidates for recommending as civil servants
Year started1855 (1855)[1]
Duration240 minutes (preliminary)
1620 minutes (main)
20 – 40 minutes (personality test)
Score range0 – 2025
OfferedOnce a year
Restrictions on attempts6 (General & EWS)
9 (OBC/PwBD)
Unlimited (SC/ST)
RegionsIndia
Languages
Annual number of test takers11,35,697 (registrations for preliminary, 2022)
5,73,735 (appeared for preliminary, 2022)[2]
PrerequisitesGraduate
Fee₹100
All the candidates (Except Female/SC/ST/Persons with Benchmark Disability Candidates who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay fee of Rs. 100/-
Used byGovernment of India
Qualification rate0.078% (2023)[3]
Websiteupsc.gov.in
upsconline.nic.in

The Civil Services Examination (abbr. CSE or UPSC CSE) is a standardised test in India conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to higher civil services in the Government of India, such as the All India Services, Diplomats and Central Civil Services (Group A and a few Group B posts).[4] It is considered to be one of the toughest examination in the world.[5][6][7]

It is conducted in three phases: a preliminary examination (abbr. Prelims) consisting of two objective-type papers (Paper I consisting of General Studies and Paper II consisting of Mathematics, Logical Reasoning and Comprehension, referred to as the Civil Service Aptitude Test or CSAT). The candidates qualify the Prelims will appear in the main examination (abbr. Mains) consisting of nine papers of conventional descriptive type, in which two papers are qualifying and rest of the seven papers are accountable to qualify the Mains. Finally, after qualifying the Mains, a personality test (abbr. Interview) is conducted in the UPSC headquarters in New Delhi.[4][8] A successful candidate sits for 32 hours of examination during the complete process spanning around one year.

List of services

See also: Civil Services of India and Central Civil Services

Those who pass the Civil Service Examination may be selected to join the following services:

All India Services
Central Civil Services (Group A)
Central Civil Services (Group B)

Previously, passing the Civil Services Examination also allowed candidates to join the Central Secretariat Service (CSS),[a][9][10] Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)[b] and the engineering services of Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) cadre i,e IRSEE, IRSME, IRSE, IRSSE for the period of 4 years (2021–2025). Later the IRMS Engineering services remerged into the UPSC ESE examination since 2026.[11][12][13]

Process

Every year, the UPSC releases the notification for the Civil Services Examination between January and February. The application process for the Preliminary examination also occurs during this period. Admit cards for the Prelims are typically issued 1–2 weeks prior to the examination. The Preliminary examination is generally conducted on the last Sunday of May, with results being declared within 2–3 weeks, usually in June or July.[14]

Since 2025, the schedule for the Mains examination has been shifted from September to August. The Mains examination is conducted over a span of five days, spread across two weeks. Results for the Mains are generally announced within 2–3 months; in 2025, the results were declared in November. Candidates who qualify are then allowed to make corrections and update information in the Common Application Form, CAF (formerly known as the Detailed Application Form, DAF), including service preferences, interests, hobbies, and achievements.[15]

The Personality Test (Interview) is usually conducted between December and February, and the final results are typically released in March or April.[16][17]

After the final result of the successful candidates and other necessary formalities, the training program i,e the Foundation Course for the selected candidates usually commences the following July–August or sometimes September in Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.[18]

Eligibility

Eligibility for the examination is as follows:[4]

Nationality

  • For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Foreign Service (IFS); the candidate must be a citizen of India.
  • For other services, the candidate must be one of the following:
  1. A citizen of India.
  2. A citizen of Nepal or a subject of Bhutan.
  3. A Tibetan refugee who settled permanently in India before 1 January 1962.
  4. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Educational qualification

All candidates must have as a minimum one of the following educational qualifications:[4]

  • A degree from a Central, State or a Deemed university
  • A degree received through correspondence or distance education
  • A degree from an open university[19]
  • A qualification recognized by the Government of India as being equivalent to one of the above

The following candidates are also eligible, but must submit proof of their eligibility from a competent authority at their institute/university at the time of the main examination, failing which they will not be allowed to attend the exam.[4]

  • Candidates who have appeared in an examination the passing of which would render them educationally qualified enough to satisfy one of the above points.[20]
  • Candidates who have passed the final exam of the MBBS degree but have not yet completed an internship.
  • Candidates who have passed the final exam of ICAI, ICSI and ICWAI.
  • A degree from a private university.
  • A degree from any foreign university recognized by the Association of Indian Universities.

Age

The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years (for the General category candidate) on 1 August of the year of examination. Prescribed age limits vary with respect to caste reservations.[21]

Number of attempts

The number of times a candidate can appear for the exam are given below.[19]

  • General category candidates – 6[21]
  • OBC category candidates – 9
  • SC/ST candidates – unlimited attempts till 37 years of age.

Appearing to attempt one of the papers in the preliminary examination is counted as an attempt, including disqualification/ cancellation of candidature. However, applying to sit the exam but failing to attend is not counted as an attempt.[22]

Restrictions on Applying for the Civil Services Examination (since CSE-2026)

  • IAS/IFS from previous exams
    • A candidate who is already appointed to the IAS or IFS from an earlier exam and continues to be a member of that service, is not eligible to appear for CSE-2026.[23]
    • If such a candidate is appointed to IAS or IFS after the Preliminary Examination-2026 but continues in service, they shall not be eligible for the Main Examination-2026 even if qualified in Prelims.[23]
    • If such a candidate joins IAS or IFS after the commencement of Mains-2026 but before results are declared, they shall not be considered for any service based on CSE-2026 results.[23]
  • IPS from previous exams
    • A candidate who has been selected or appointed to the IPS based on an earlier examination shall not be eligible to choose or be allocated IPS in CSE-2026.[24]
  • Candidates allocated IPS or Central Group 'A' through CSE-2026 : These candidates can appear in CSE-2027, if otherwise eligible, subject to the following:
    • They must obtain one-time exemption from joining training for the service allocated through CSE-2026 to appear in CSE-2027.[25]
    • They shall join only the Foundation Course (FC) training.[25]
    • If they neither join training nor take exemption, their service allocation from CSE-2026 is cancelled.[25]
    • If they are recommended in CSE-2027, they may choose the service from either CSE-2026 or CSE-2027 and join training for CSE-2027. The other allocation is cancelled.[25][26]
    • If they are not allocated any service in CSE-2027, they can join the service allocated through CSE-2026.[26]
    • If they do not join training for either CSE-2026 or CSE-2027, both allocations are cancelled.[26]
    • Their seniority will be decided according to joining the service from CSE-2026 or CSE-2027; seniority shall not be lowered.
    • They are not allowed to appear for CSE-2028 or later unless they resign from the allocated service.[26][27]
    • If they want to use remaining attempts after the one-time exemption, they must not join any service allocated from CSE-2026 or CSE-2027; such allocation shall be automatically cancelled.[27]
    • Candidates allocated service in CSE-2025 or earlier are given one-time opportunity to appear in CSE-2026 or CSE-2027 to utilize remaining attempts without resigning. To appear in CSE-2028 or later, they must resign from the allocated service.[27]

Preliminary

The pattern of the Preliminary examination, also known as the Prelims exam up to 2010 was based on the recommendations of the Kothari Commission (1979). It included two examinations, one on general studies worth 150 marks, and the second on one of 23 optional subjects worth 300 marks. Until 2011, when it was revamped,[28] the preliminary pattern was sustained with only minor changes once every ten to fifteen years.[28]

From 2011 onwards, the preliminary examination intends to focus on analytical abilities and understanding rather than the ability to memorize. The new pattern includes two papers of two hours duration and 200 marks each.[29] Both papers have multiple-choice objective type questions only.[29] They are as follows:

General Studies Paper I

Tests the candidate's knowledge of current events, the history of India and the Indian national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity Panchayati Raj system, and governance, economic and social development, environmental ecology, biodiversity, climate change, and general science, Art and culture.[29]

General Studies Paper II (CSAT or Civil Services Aptitude Test)

Tests the candidate's skills in comprehension, interpersonal skills, communication, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, basic numeracy, data interpretation, English language comprehension skills, and mental ability.[29] It is qualifying, and the marks obtained in this paper are not counted for merit. However, the candidate must score a minimum of 33 percent in this paper to qualify for the Prelims exam.[30]

Changes

In August 2014, the centre announced that English marks in CSAT will not be included for gradation or merit and 2011 candidates may get a second chance to appear for the test next year.[31]

In May 2015, the Government of India announced that Paper II of the preliminary examination would be qualifying in nature i.e. it will not be graded for eligibility in the Mains Examination and a candidate will need to score at least 33% to be eligible for grading based on marks of Paper I of the Preliminary Examination.[4] Those who qualify in the Prelims become eligible for the Mains.

Mains

The Civil Services Mains Examination consists of a written examination and an interview.[4]

Mains Examination

The Civil Services Main written examination consists of nine papers, two qualifying and seven ranking in nature. The range of questions may vary from just one mark to sixty marks, twenty words to 600 words answers. Each paper is of a duration of 3 hours. Candidates who pass qualifying papers are ranked according to marks and a selected number of candidates are called for an interview or a personality test at the commission's discretion.

According to the new marks allocations in Civil Service Examination 2013, there are some changes made in the examination according to the suggestion of Prof. Arun. S. Nigavekar Committee.[32] However, after some controversy, the qualifying papers for Indian languages and English were restored.[33]

Civil Services New Mains Format[30]
Paper Subject Marks
Paper A[A] (One of the Indian languages listed below, to be selected by the candidate (from the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India) (Qualifying) 300
Paper B English (Qualifying) 300
Paper I Essay 250
Paper II General Studies I (Indian heritage and culture, history and geography of the world and society) 250
Paper III General Studies II (Governance, constitution, policy, social justice and international relations) 250
Paper IV General Studies III (Technology, economic development, bio-diversity, environment, security and disaster management) 250
Paper V General Studies IV (ethics, integrity and aptitude) 250
Paper VI Two papers on one subject to be selected by the candidate from the list of optional subjects below (250 marks for each paper) 250
Paper VII 250
Sub Total (Written Test) 1750
Personality Test (Interview) 275
Total Marks 2025

1.A The paper A on Indian Language will not, however, be compulsory for candidates hailing from the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim.

List of languages

The examination is available in the following languages, with the name of the script in parentheses:[34]

Optional subjects

The subjects available for Papers VI and VII are:[35]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ From 1946 until 2003, 50 percent of direct recruitment into CSS cadre was through the UPSC CSE. In 2003, the direct recruitment through CSE has been permanently stopped and now happens through UPSC Limited Departmental Competitive Examination.
  2. ^ The service has been removed from the list of services that are offered by UPSC through Civil Services Examination, since 2022.

References

  1. ^ "UPSC | History" (PDF). upsc.gov.in. UPSC. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  2. ^ PIB (23 May 2023). "The final result of Civil Services Examination (CSE), 2022 has been declared today, the 23rd May, 2023. Highlights of the result are given below". Public Information Bureau. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  3. ^ India Today Education Desk (19 April 2024). "UPSC aspirant's '12 attempts, no selection' post strikes a chord, goes viral". India Today. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Union Public Service Commission Central Civil Services Examination, 2011 Notice" (PDF). upsc.gov.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  5. ^ "India: BBC News article". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  6. ^ Sareen, Lakshima (14 June 2025). "From Gaokao to UPSC: 9 toughest exams around the world in 2025". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  7. ^ "UPSC Face Card Queen: LSR pass out cracked one of the world's toughest exams, but it's her sibling's viral video that's breaking the internet". The Economic Times. The Times Group. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  8. ^ "Change in the UPSC exam pattern over the years". The Indian Express. 18 March 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  9. ^ "Mode of Recruitment into CSS cadre". Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  10. ^ "Federal Government takes first step in downsizing CSS officers". Business Standard. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  11. ^ "Indian Railway merges eight service cadres into one newly created cadre". The New Indian Express. 13 February 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  12. ^ "Addendum to the Notice of Civil Services Examination- 2022" (PDF). Union Public Service Commission. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  13. ^ "Recruitment to Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) to be done through a specially designed examination (IRMS Examination)". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
  14. ^ "Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025". Union Public Service Commission. Government of India. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  15. ^ "UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2025 Time Table (PDF)" (PDF). Union Public Service Commission. Government of India. 14 July 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  16. ^ "UPSC Civil Services 2025 Personality Test (Interview) Schedule (PDF)" (PDF). Union Public Service Commission. Government of India. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  17. ^ "UPSC Civil Services 2025 Personality Test Phase‑II Schedule (PDF)" (PDF). Union Public Service Commission. Government of India. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  18. ^ "Over 4.5 lakh students appear for UPSC preliminary exam". The Indian Express. 24 August 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  19. ^ a b "FAQs". upsc.gov.in. Archived from the original on 3 July 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  20. ^ "Civil Services Examination - Overview". upsc.gov.in. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  21. ^ a b "Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2023" (PDF). UPSC. 8 February 2023.
  22. ^ Kumar, S. Vijay (18 November 2014). "Centre to lower age limit for civil service aspirants". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  23. ^ a b c "UPSC announces limits, number of attempts for candidates qualifying Civil Services; IAS, IPS, IFS eligibility rules explained". The Indian Express. 6 February 2026. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  24. ^ "UPSC CSE 2026: Rules for serving civil servants revised, clarifies eligibility". The Hindu. 5 February 2026. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  25. ^ a b c d "UPSC CSE 2026: Category‑Wise Number Of Attempts, Rules For IAS, IPS, IFS Officers". NDTV. 5 February 2026. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  26. ^ a b c d "UPSC expands conditions for attempting CSEs after being allotted for IPS, Group A services". The Hindu. 6 February 2026. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  27. ^ a b c "'Not Eligible': UPSC new rules now limit attempts for candidates clearing Civil Services Exam". ETV Bharat. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
  28. ^ a b "Change of pattern in UPSC". The Pioneer. 22 June 2011. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  29. ^ a b c d "Changes in the civil service examination". Hindustan Times. New Delhi. 21 June 2011. Archived from the original on 26 July 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  30. ^ a b "Civil Services Examination (updated pattern) 2021". Jagranjosh. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  31. ^ "CSAT Row: Marks of English paper will not be included for merit". Patrika Group. No. 4 August 2014. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  32. ^ "PM approves changes in civil services exam pattern". LiveMint. 27 February 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  33. ^ "Govt rolls back changes to UPSC mains exam". The Hindu. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  34. ^ "Civil Services Examination, 2015" (PDF). Union Public Services Commission. 23 May 2015. p. 5. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  35. ^ "(IAS Planner) Optional Subjects Syllabus: (Paper VI, VII,VIII, IX) | IAS EXAM PORTAL - India's Largest Community for UPSC Exam Aspirants". iasexamportal.com. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
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