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IAS Exam Pattern 2025 - UPSC CSE Paper Pattern for Prelims & Mains Exam
Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Jan 22, 2025 02:06 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
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UPSC CSE Exam Date : 25 May' 2025 - 25 May' 2025
Union Public Service Commission releases the UPSC 2025 exam pattern in the official notification. The CSE exam pattern can be downloaded in online mode from the official website at upsc.gov.in. According to the IAS exam pattern, there are three stages in the UPSC CSE exam - prelims, mains and interview round. Candidates can check the UPSC 2025 syllabus and other details along with the exam pattern.
This Story also Contains
- UPSC Exam Pattern - Prelims
- IAS Exam Pattern 2025 - Mains
- IAS Exam Pattern: CSE Interview
- IAS Exam Pattern 2025 - Benefits
- IAS Syllabus 2025
- IAS Question Papers 2025
- IAS Mock Test 2025
With the help of the exam pattern, candidates can strategize their CSE 2025 exam preparation. Understanding the UPSC exam pattern in the early preparation stages is necessary to boost the level of preparation for the entrance test. The IAS paper pattern 2025 specifies details on the type of examination, language, duration, mode of paper, question type, official marking scheme, and much more. So, preparing for the exam will be inadequate without a proper familiarity with the CSE 2025 exam pattern. To know more about the UPSC exam pattern and syllabus, read the full article below.
IAS Exam Pattern (Prelims and Mains) - Overview
Aspirants preparing for the examination can check the UPSC exam pattern 2025 details here.
Name of exam | Civil Services Exam (CSE) |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
Mode of Exam | Offline (IAS Paper Pattern for Prelims- MCQ-based) (CSE Paper Pattern for Mains - Descriptive) (Personality Test - Interview in front of board members) |
Number of Stages |
|
Number of papers in the IAS Exam | Prelims: 2 Mains: 9 |
IAS Prelims exam pattern: Marking scheme | Paper 1: +2 marks Paper 2: +2.5 marks Negative marking: One-third of marks allotted to each question |
Time Duration of the IAS exam | Prelims: 2 hours (Each paper) total 4 hours |
Mains: 3 hours (Each paper) total of 27 hours conducted across various days | |
Type of questions | Prelims: Objective type |
Mains: Subjective type |
UPSC Exam Pattern - Prelims
According to the UPSC 2025 exam pattern, the preliminary exam is the first stage of the selection process which is qualifying in nature. According to the prelims exam pattern, there will be two papers in the preliminary exam. As per the paper pattern, candidates need to meet IAS cut off 2025 for paper 1. Check the highlights of the UPSC 2025 exam pattern of Prelims here.
IAS Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
Number of papers | GS 1: Based on Indian History, Economics, Indian and World Geography, Science and Technology, Indian Polity, Current Affairs and Environment. |
GS 2: Based on Reasoning, Aptitude and Quantitative | |
Language of paper | English |
Hindi | |
Duration of exam | 4 hours (2 hours each) |
Number of questions | General Studies Paper 1: 100 General Studies Paper 2: 80 |
Maximum marks | 400 (200 each) |
Qualifying marks | 33% for Paper 2 |
IAS prelims exam pattern 2025: Marking Scheme
As per the exam pattern of IAS 2025, each question in the prelims exam GS paper 1 will have 2 marks while in GS paper 2 will carry 2.5 marks.
As per the IAS paper pattern, one-third of the marks will be deducted for each wrong answer as a negative mark.
In case a candidate attempts more than one answer then it will also be considered as a negative marking.
There will be no penalty for questions left unattempted.
Candidates will have to score a minimum of 33% to qualify for GS paper 2.
IAS Exam Pattern 2025 - Mains
According to the IAS 2025 exam pattern, candidates who qualify in the prelims exam will be eligible for the mains exam. According to the UPSC mains exam pattern, there will be 9 papers. Candidates need to secure at least 25% in their optional subject along with the remaining subjects. All languages covered in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution will be considered for language paper. Check the highlights of the UPSC 2025 exam pattern of mains here.
IAS mains exam pattern 2025
Number of papers | 9 |
Language of paper | English |
Hindi | |
Descriptive paper: Candidates can appear for language paper in 22 languages mentioned in schedule 8 of the Indian constitution | |
Duration of exam | 3 hours each |
Subjects |
|
Number of questions | Part A and B: 300 each General studies and optional paper: 250 each |
Sub Total (Mains) | 1750 marks |
Personality Test | 275 marks |
Grand Total | 2025 marks |
IAS Main Exam Pattern - Marking Scheme
The IAS Mains exam carries a total of 1750 marks.
Each subjective paper in the mains exam carries 300 marks.
Candidates can choose two optional papers in the mains exam.
UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy and Best Books
UPSC CSE preparation strategy along with best books for prelims as well as mains exam for sure success.
Download EBookIAS Exam Pattern: CSE Interview
The interview round is the final stage of the UPSC IAS recruitment and one of the major alma maters to achieve for those want to become an administrative officer of the Indian Government. Around lakhs of candidates apply for the IAS exam, only a thousand can make it to the interview and only hundreds get qualified. According to the previous year trends, there will be no specific exam pattern for the IAS 2025 interview round.
Candidates need to have in-depth knowledge of their subject and current affairs. The panel of the IAS interview round will assess the candidate's mental and social abilities by asking open-ended questions.
Also Read:
- IAS 2025 Application Form
- IAS 2025 exam dates
- Civil Services Exam Analysis
- IAS 2025 exam centres
- IAS 2025 eligibility criteria
- IAS 2025 admit card
- IAS 2025 snswer key
- IAS 2025 salary
IAS Exam Pattern 2025 - Benefits
With the help of the UPSC exam pattern, students will be able to understand the number of questions asked in prelims and main exams.
The qualifying criteria to crack the prelims and mains stage will be mentioned in the IAS paper pattern 2025.
According to the exam pattern of IAS 2025, candidates will not be provided with any scribe to write the exam. However, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities in the categories of blindness, locomotor disability (both arms affected – BA) and cerebral palsy will be provided with the facility of a scribe if desired by the person under Section 2 (r) of the RPWD Act, 2016.
Candidates must go through the detailed paper pattern before starting their IAS exam preparation.
IAS Syllabus 2025
UPSC releases the IAS 2025 syllabus along with the exam pattern in the official notification. Candidates can check the UPSC CSE syllabus which will be available separately for prelims and mains exam. It is important to go through the syllabus and exam pattern of IAS 2025 to plan the preparation strategically.
Check Here List of Other Government Exams:
IAS Question Papers 2025
UPSC releases the official UPSC IAS question papers on its official website a few days after the exam is conducted. UPSC will release the prelims and mains question papers in PDF format. Candidates preparing for the IAS exam 2025, must go through the previous year's question papers to enhance their preparation. With the help of IAS previous year question papers, candidates will be able to know the difficulty level of the exam, the types of questions asked in the exam and most importantly the variation of questions of the examination.
IAS Exam 2024: Subject-wise question paper links
Subject | IAS question paper download link |
Ecology & Environment | |
Current Affairs | |
Polity | |
History | |
Economics | |
Geography | |
General Science |
IAS Mock Test 2025
UPSC IAS mock tests are one of the most important aspects of knowing the preparation level for the exam. With the help of the IAS 2025 mock test, candidates will be able to understand the exam pressure and paper pattern in a better way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I download the IAS exam pattern 2025 PDF?
Aspirants can download the CSE 2025 exam pattern in online mode from the official website at upsc.gov.in.
2. Who provides the IAS exam pattern 2025?
The UPSC IAS exam pattern 2025 is provided by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
3. How many questions will be asked in the prelims stage?
As per the IAS exam pattern 2025, there will be 100 questions from three sections.
4. What will be the maximum marks for the IAS main stage?
There will be maximum marks of 1750 marks in the IAS main stage.
5. Is there any negative marking in IAS exam 2025?
As per exam pattern of IAS 2025, there will be negative marking of 0.33 marks for each wrong answer.
6. What is the pattern of UPSC 2025?
The UPSC CSE 2025 exam pattern is al follows - Prelims, Mains and interview round.
7. Will UPSC remove optional in 2025?
The removal of option subjects in the UPSC CSE exam pattern can only known from the official notification. Candidates are recommended to check the official UPSC website for more information.
8. How many attempts for UPSC 2025?
Candidates of general category have 6 attempts, while OBC candidates have 9 attempts. Candidates belonging to SC/ST category do not have a limit.
9. Is there any IAS exam pattern for IAS interview?
No, there is no specific IAS exam pattern 2025 for IAS interview round.
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Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?
Hello!
IRAS (Indian Railway Accounts Service) officers can be posted in both cities and rural areas since Indian Railways has offices and operations nationwide. They typically work in divisional offices, zonal offices, workshops, and production units. Transfers do happen but are usually not very frequent and depend on government policies and organizational needs.
Hope this helps!
Kishan Bhakat 24 April,2025
To become an IAS officer, you must clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and then undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). While any bachelor's degree is acceptable, choosing a degree that aligns with the UPSC syllabus, particularly in humanities and social sciences, can be advantageous.
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE):
This is the primary exam for becoming an IAS officer, involving three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Personality Test (Interview).
Any Bachelor's Degree:
A graduate degree from a recognized university is the basic requirement to be eligible for the CSE.
Beneficial Degrees:
Degrees in humanities and social sciences, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), can be helpful due to the syllabus overlap with subjects like History, Political Science, Sociology, and Economics.
Optional Subject:
You can choose an optional subject in the Mains exam, and a BA degree can provide a wide range of options.
Hope it helps!!
sadafreen356 22 April,2025
Hello!!
That's a great goal—and your background as a research scholar can actually be a big asset in preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), which is the path to becoming an IAS officer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Become an IAS Officer:
1. Understand the Exam Structure
The UPSC CSE has three stages:
Prelims: Objective (GS Paper + CSAT)
Mains: Descriptive (9 papers)
Interview: Personality Test
2. Check Eligibility
Age: 21 to 32 (for General category)
Degree: Any graduate degree (you already qualify)
3. Choose Your Optional Subject
Choose something you’re comfortable with (can be from your research field if it's available).
Popular optionals: Sociology, Geography, PSIR, Anthropology, etc.
4. Build a Study Plan
Since you're a research scholar, time management is key.
Daily 4–6 hours of focused study can work if you're consistent.
Focus on:
NCERTs (6th–12th)
Standard books (like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History)
Current Affairs (The Hindu, Indian Express, or PIB + Monthly compilations)
5. Join a Test Series (Optional but Helpful)
For Prelims and Mains: to build speed, writing skills, and clarity.
6. Practice Answer Writing
Mains is all about articulation. Practice with previous year questions and mock tests.
7. Appear for the Exam
Notification comes out around February.
Prelims is in May/June, Mains in September, and Interview early next year.
How to Align This With Your Research Schedule:
Create a realistic time-table that includes 2–3 hours on weekdays, and more on weekends.
Use your research experience for deeper understanding and essay writing.
NITYAM MAHUR 12 April,2025
If your goal is to become an IAS officer, choose a degree that supports UPSC preparation and also provides a good backup:
BA in Political Science, History, Geography, or Economics is ideal for IAS.
BSc or BCom is fine too, but you'll need to study humanities separately for UPSC.
For backup, pick a subject with good job prospects like BBA or Computer Science.
KCET is required only if you're planning professional courses like Engineering or Agriculture. It's not needed for BA or general degrees.
Rubina Naseer 04 April,2025
Hello aspirant,
For becoming IAS , you have to first complete your graduation from any background from any recognised university or college. If you are in your final year, then also you are eligible. After that you have to give an entrance exam name UPSC . If you will clear this exam then according to your marks you may get the IAS position.
To know about UPSC entrance exam, kindly go through the given link:
https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse
All the best!!
Sakshi Sharma 31 March,2025
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