Introduction to UPSC CSE

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. It is the gateway to various esteemed services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Group A and Group B services. Aspirants who clear this examination secure influential positions in the bureaucracy, playing a crucial role in governance and policy-making.

UPSC CSE 2025 Notification Released

The official notification for UPSC CSE 2025 has been released, bringing crucial updates that aspirants must take note of. The application process begins on 22nd January 2025, with the deadline for submission being 11th February 2025. The preliminary examination is scheduled to be conducted on 25th May 2025.

Vacancy Details

The total number of vacancies for UPSC CSE 2025 is expected to be approximately 979, including 38 vacancies reserved for candidates under the Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) category. These vacancies are spread across various services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, Indian Revenue Services, Indian Audit and Accounts Services, and more. The final vacancy count may change after confirmation from the Cadre Controlling Authorities.

Examination Structure and Stages 

The UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper-I covering core subjects and CSAT (Paper-II) which is qualifying in nature. Candidates clearing Prelims move to Mains, which includes nine descriptive papers covering Essay, General Studies, Optional Subject, and Language Papers. The final stage is the Personality Test (Interview), assessing leadership, decision-making, and ethical understanding.

Importance of Correct Application Submission

Filling out the UPSC CSE application form correctly is critical to avoid disqualification. Since the application process has been restructured, it is imperative that candidates carefully follow the revised guidelines. A single mistake in the application can lead to rejection, making attention to detail essential. Here’s everything you need to know about the application process, dos and don’ts, and new changes introduced in UPSC CSE 2025.

Changes in UPSC CSE 2025 Notification 

1. New Application Structure for UPSC CSE 2025

One of the most significant changes in the UPSC CSE 2025 notification is the restructuring of the application process. Information and documents previously submitted in DAF-I (after Prelims) and DAF-II (after Mains) have been partially merged into the Prelims application form. Now, Prelims Online Application Form following four parts.

2. Relaxation of Educational Qualification Requirement for Final Year Student 

• Previously, candidates had to submit proof of passing before appearing for Mains. 
• But now final-year students can appear for Mains without submitting proof of graduation at the Mains stage. Proof of qualification will only be required after clearing Mains.

3. Post Mains Result updates for Educational Qualifications

• Candidates will have a 15-day window after the Mains result to update their educational qualifications.
• Final-year students who marked ‘appearing’ at the Mains stage must upload necessary documents, including degree certificates and mark sheets, within this period.

4. Early Submission of Services Preferences

• Unlike previous years, where service preferences were submitted post-mains results, candidates must now select their service preferences while filling out the application form itself.
• This requires aspirants to carefully assess their career choices before applying.

5. Mandatory Uploading of Documents at Prelims Stage

• Candidates must now upload documents such as Date of Birth proof, Category certificate, and Educational Qualification certificate along with the Prelims application.
• This change aims to ensure greater transparency, but also requires extra caution while filling out the form to avoid errors.

6. Additional Fee for Mains Application

• Candidates who qualify Prelims will now be required to pay ₹200 separately while submitting the Mains application (except an exempted category).

7. Early Cadre preference submission

• Candidates are now required to submit their cadre preferences within 10 days of the Prelims result.
• Earlier, in 2024, cadre preferences were submitted after the Mains result in DAF-II.

8. Increased Number of Services and Restructuring of IRMS

• The total number of services has been increased from 21 to 23, with restructuring in the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS).
• Aspirants must thoroughly research these services before finalizing their preferences.

9. Non-Recommended Candidates’ Score Disclosure

• Previously, UPSC disclosed scores of non-recommended candidates publicly.
• Now, these scores will only be accessible to registered recruiting organizations, ensuring better privacy.

Application Form: Do’s & Don’t

Filling out the UPSC CSE application form is a crucial step, and mistakes can lead to disqualification. Here’s a breakdown of the process and essential guidelines.

1. UPSC CSE 2025 Application Submission

• The application process starts on 22nd January 2025 and the last date for submission is 11th February 2025.
• The application is only available online through

https://upsconline.gov.in

• No offline applications are accepted.
• Candidates must not submit multiple applications—only the final application will be considered.
• If issues arise during application, candidates should contact the UPSC Helpdesk via email or phone.
• Confirmation of successful submission is provided via email and on-screen notification.
• Candidates appearing for their final year degree can apply but must submit their degree proof before the interview.
• Application correction window: 12th February 2025 to 18th February 2025.

2. One-Time Registration (OTR)

• OTR is a system where candidates register once on the UPSC portal and use the same profile for future applications.
• Registration requires an active email ID, mobile number, personal details, and document uploads (photo, signature, ID proof).
• OTR is free of cost and remains valid indefinitely.
• Candidates can edit their OTR profile only once in a lifetime within 7 days after the first application’s closure i.e., from 12.02.2025 to 18.02.2025.
• OTR credentials can be recovered using the "Forgot Password/User ID" option on the UPSC website.

3. Filling Personal Details

• Name must be entered exactly as mentioned in the Class 10th certificate.
• No special characters (e.g., @, #, $, %, &) allowed in the Name and Address fields.
• Candidates who have changed their name after passing Class X must provide supporting documents (Gazette notification, affidavit, etc.). Note: Name must be entered exactly as mentioned in the Class 10th certificate.
  • Candidates who have changed their name and are appearing for the prelims examination must carry the following:

1. Proof of name change (e.g., notary document, affidavit ) in original and a photocopy.
2. Original ID and its photocopy.
3. One passport-sized photograph (identical to the one submitted during form filling).

• At the examination center, candidates must fill out an undertaking and submit the photocopies along with the photograph.
• Category selection (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) cannot be changed after submission.
• Date of birth format: DD/MM/YYYY. The date of birth accepted by the Commission must be as recorded in one of the following documents:
  • Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate.
  • A certificate recognized by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation.
  • An extract from a Register of Matriculates maintained by a University, certified by the proper authority of the University.
  • Higher Secondary Examination Certificate or an equivalent examination certificate.
• Nationality requirements include Indian citizens, PIOs, and Tibetan refugees (before 1962).
• Educational qualification: Minimum a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

4. Age Limit and Relaxation

• Minimum age: 21 years, Maximum age: 32 years as of 1st August 2025 i.e., the candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd August, 1993 and not later than 1st August, 2004.
• Age relaxations:
  • OBC (NCL): 35 years (3-year relaxation), 9 attempts.
  • SC/ST: 37 years (5-year relaxation), unlimited attempts.
  • PwBD: 42 years (10-year relaxation), 9 attempts (Gen/OBC), unlimited for SC/ST.
  • Ex-Servicemen & J&K Domicile: Additional relaxations as per category.
• Valid proof is required for claiming age or attempting relaxation.

5. Photograph, Signature, and ID Requirements

• Photograph must be recent (not older than 10 days) from application start date.
• The candidate's name and photo date must be mentioned on the image.
• The face must occupy 3/4th of the photo space.
• Allowed formats: .jpg, size between 20 KB - 300 KB.
• Signatures must be done with a black pen on white paper.
• Uploaded images must match appearance throughout the examination process (Prelims, Mains, Interview).
• Candidates must carry the same ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) throughout the exam stages.

6. Exam Center Selection

• Prelims exam centers are allotted on a first-apply-first-serve basis.
• Certain centers have limited seats; apply early to get preferred location.
• Mains centers are allotted separately after Prelims qualification.
• Candidates can modify their exam center only during the correction window.
• No request for change of exam center is entertained after submission.

7. Category & Reservation Rules:

A candidate will be eligible for the benefit of community reservation only if the caste to which they belong is included in the list of reserved communities issued by the Central Government.

OBC Reservation

• Only OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates are eligible for reservation.
• Income limit: Family income must be below ₹8 lakh per annum (excluding salary & agricultural income).
• OBC certificate must be issued on or after 1st April 2024 but not later than 11th February 2025 based on the income for the Financial Years 2021-2022, 2022-2023, and 2023-2024. 
• Certificates issued in 2022 or before are invalid.
• State-level OBC certificates are valid only if they meet Central Government norms.
• Candidates who fail to submit an updated OBC certificate will be treated as General category.

EWS Reservation

• Candidates must provide an income and asset certificate issued after on or after  1st April 2024 but not later than 11th February 2025.
• EWS eligibility is decided based on income for FY 2023-2024 and the criteria issued by the Central Government.
• Failure to provide an updated EWS certificate will lead to disqualification from the EWS category.

PwBD Reservation

• UPSC provides reservation for candidates with benchmark disabilities.
• Disabilities covered: Blindness, Deafness, Locomotor disability, Dwarfism, Acid attack victims, Autism, etc.
• PwBD candidates must upload a valid medical certificate at the time of application.
• Facility of scribes and extra time Applicants provided for eligible candidates based on UPSC rules.

Reservation/Relaxation Benefits for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen: 

• Candidates claiming reservation/relaxation must possess the requisite certificates in the prescribed format supporting their claim by the closing date of the online application, i.e., 11th February 2025.

8. Fee Payment Details

- Application fee: ₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS; Exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates.

- Fee payment modes:

1. Online – Net Banking, Debit/Credit Cards, UPI.

• Online payment can be made until 6:00 PM on 11th February 2025.

2. Offline (SBI Bank Challan) – Pay in cash at SBI branches.

• Procedure for Pay by Cash:
  • opting for the "Pay by Cash" mode must:
  • Print the system-generated Pay-in-Slip during Part II registration.
  • Deposit the fee at the SBI Branch counter on the next working day only.
• Deactivation of Pay by Cash Mode:
  • The "Pay by Cash" option will be deactivated at 11:59 PM on 10th February 2025, one day before the closing date.
  • Applicants who have generated their Pay-in-Slip before the deactivation can still pay at the SBI Branch during banking hours on the closing date (11th February 2025).
• Failure to Pay by Cash on Closing Date: Applicants unable to pay by cash on the closing date (even if holding a valid Pay-in-Slip) will need to switch to an online payment mode.

- Fees once paid are non-refundable.

- Multiple applications require separate fees for each submission.

- Candidates facing payment issues should verify transaction status via UPSC portal.

Conclusion

The UPSC CSE 2025 notification has introduced several changes aimed at streamlining the application process and enhancing transparency. Aspirants must carefully review these modifications to avoid errors while applying. With vacancies expected around 979, the competition will be intense, requiring meticulous preparation.

Candidates are advised to start their application process early, ensuring that all required documents are readily available. Understanding the new service preference requirement, document upload changes, and restructured application format is crucial to submitting a flawless application.

With dedicated preparation, strategic planning, and attention to detail in the application process, aspirants can navigate this journey effectively and secure their place in the prestigious Indian Civil Services.