The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the primary central recruiting agency in India, responsible for the administration of examinations to identify candidates for a variety of civil service and government positions. Established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, UPSC assures the selection of qualified and competent individuals for administrative roles.
Function of UPSC
The primary functions of the Union Public Service Commission include:
- Conducting examinations for recruitment to All India Services and Central Services.
- Advising the President and Governors on matters related to personnel management.
- Framing and amending recruitment rules for various services.
- Disciplinary cases and matters concerning the appointment, promotion, and transfer of civil servants.
- Direct recruitment by selection through interviews.
Examinations Conducted by UPSC
UPSC conducts several important national-level examinations, including:
- Civil Services Examination (CSE)—IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.
- Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS)
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination
- National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination
- Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES)
- Indian Economic Service (IES) & Indian Statistical Service (ISS) Examination
- Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination
- Geologist Examination
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025
To apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Nationality:
- For IAS and IPS, one must be a citizen of India.
- Other Services: Citizen of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962.
2. Educational Qualification:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required.
- Final-year students can apply, provided they submit proof of qualification before the final stage.
3. Age Limit (As of August 1, 2025):
- General Category: 21 to 32 years.
- OBC: 21 to 35 years.
- SC/ST: 21 to 37 years.
- Other relaxations apply for differently-abled and ex-servicemen.
Number of Attempts for the UPSC Exam
- General Category: 6 attempts (up to 32 years)
- OBC Category: 9 attempts (up to 35 years)
- SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts (up to 37 years)
- Physically Disabled Candidates: 9 attempts for General/OBC and unlimited for SC/ST
UPSC Exam Pattern 2025
The UPSC Civil Services Examination consists of three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Paper I: General Studies (200 marks)
- Paper II: CSAT (Qualifying, 200 marks)
- Objective-type MCQs
- Both papers are conducted on the same day
2. Mains Examination
- 9 Papers: Essay, General Studies I-IV, Optional Subject (Paper I & II), and two language papers (one qualifying)
- Total Marks: 1750
- Descriptive (written) examination
3. Personality Test (Interview)
- Total Marks: 275
- The final merit list is prepared based on the Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 Marks.
Important Books for UPSC Preparation 2025
Aspirants should follow a mix of NCERTs, standard reference books, and newspapers to prepare effectively. Here are some essential books:
1. General Studies:
- NCERT Books (Class 6-12)
- “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth
- “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh
- “A Brief History of Modern India” by Spectrum
- “Geography of India” by Majid Hussain
- “Environment” by Shankar IAS
- “General Science” – NCERT & Lucent’s
- “Current Affairs” – The Hindu, PIB, Yojana
2. Optional Subjects:
- Specific books depend on the subject chosen (History, Geography, Public Administration, etc.)
3. CSAT Preparation:
- “CSAT Manual” by Arihant
- “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey
4. Essay Writing:
- “Essays for Civil Services” by Pulkit Khare
5. Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude:
- “Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude”
Conclusion
UPSC is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. With a strategic approach, a disciplined study plan, and the right resources, aspirants can increase their chances of success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Staying updated with current affairs, consistent practice, and thorough revision are key factors in clearing the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1: What is the full form of UPSC?
The full form of UPSC is the Union Public Service Commission.
Q.2: What are the primary functions of UPSC?
The main functions of UPSC include conducting recruitment exams for civil services, advising the government on personnel management, and handling disciplinary matters related to civil servants.
Q.3: Name some major exams conducted by UPSC.
Some major UPSC exams include:
- Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS)
- Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination
- National Defence Academy (NDA) Examination
- Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination
Q.4: What is the minimum educational qualification required for UPSC Civil Services?
A candidate must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply.
Q.5: What is the age limit for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2025?
The age limit varies by category:
- General: 21 to 32 years
- OBC: 21 to 35 years
- SC/ST: 21 to 37 years
Q.6: How many attempts are allowed for UPSC Civil Services Examination?
- General Category: 6 attempts
- OBC Category: 9 attempts
- SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts until the age limit is reached
Q.7: What are the three stages of the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
The three stages are:
- Preliminary Exam – Objective-type questions
- Mains Exam – Written, descriptive papers
- Personality Test (Interview) – Final selection process
Q.8: What is the total mark allocation in the UPSC Mains and Interview stage?
The Mains exam carries 1750 marks, and the Interview carries 275 marks, making a total of 2025 marks.
Q.9: Which books are recommended for UPSC General Studies preparation?
Some important books are:
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
- History of Modern India by Spectrum
- Geography of India by Majid Hussain
- Environment by Shankar IAS