UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025 - Check Complete Selection process

UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025 - Check Complete Selection process

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Nov 06, 2024 04:20 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
Switch toEnglishEnglish Icon HindiHindi Icon

Union Public Service Commission mentions the UPSC IAS 2025 selection process in the official notification. The UPSC CSE 2025 notification will be released on January 22, 2025. Candidates preparing for the UPSC IAS exam can check the selection process clearly. The IAS exam selection process 2025 comprises three stages - prelims exam, mains exam and personality test.

This Story also Contains
  1. UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025
  2. UPSC IAS Selection Process - Exam Pattern
  3. UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025 - Merit List
UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025 - Check Complete Selection process
UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025 - Check Complete Selection process

As per UPSC CSE 2025 selection process, applicants who fill the application form will be eligible to appear for the prelims exam. Those who qualify the IAS 2025 prelims exam will be called for the mains exam. Those who clear the UPSC CSE exam for mains will be called for a personal interview.

The final merit list of the UPSC IAS 2025 selection process is made on the basis of performance of applicant in the mains and the personality test stages. Candidates who clear the IAS cut off 2025 are marked as qualified. For more details about the UPSC IAS selection process 2025, candidates can check the article given below.

UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025

Candidates can know about the complete UPSC Civil Service selection procedure by reading the points below.

  • Preliminary Exam

  • Mains Exam

  • Personal Interview (Personality Test)

Quick Links:

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 EBook

UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025 - Prelims Exam

The prelims exam is the first stage of the IAS selection process 2025. Due to the large number of applicants, the competition is also tough in the IAS 2025 prelims exam. As per stats, the number of applications received for the Civil Service prelims exam are around 10 to 12 lakhs and the number of applicants that appear for the IAS prelims exam is approximately 5 - 6 lakhs. Candidates who submit the IAS application form 2025 successfully are eligible to appear in the prelims exam.

The prelims exam of IAS 2025 comprises two papers - General Studies paper 1 and General Studies paper 2. The questions in IAS prelims exam GS paper 1 will be asked from the political system, Panchayati raj, public policy, general issues, poverty, rights issues, current events, etc. And in GS paper 2, questions will be asked from logical reasoning, general mental ability and other subjects.

As per the IAS exam 2025 selection process, candidates have to score 33% marks on paper 2, as UPSC IAS paper 2 is qualifying in nature. The prelims exam is the screening exam and marks scored by candidates in this stage are not considered while creating the final IAS merit list 2025.

UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025 - Mains Exam

Candidates who clear the UPSC IAS 2025 preliminary examination will be called for the mains exam. The number of candidates qualifying in the main exam are two times the number of total UPSC CSE 2025 vacancies. The IAS mains exam is descriptive in nature comprising of 9 papers in total.

The mains exam comprises essay writing, language paper, four General Studies paper and two optional papers. Candidates have to select one subject from a list of 26 optional subjects mentioned in the official UPSC IAS 2025 notification.

The marks scored by candidates in the IAS mains papers will be considered for preparing the final merit list along with the marks obtained by them in the personal interview. Candidates who clear the UPSC IAS 2025 mains exam will be called for a personality test/interview of the Civil Service Exam.

Quick Links:

UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025 - Personality Test

Candidates who qualify in the mains exam will be eligible to appear for a UPSC CSE personality test. The Civil Services personality test is the final and last phase of the IAS selection process 2025. Candidates double the number of IAS 2025 vacancies appear for the interview which will be conducted at the UPSC office in New Delhi.

The IAS interview is of 275 marks with no minimum qualifying marks. Here, candidates have to face the board members who ask questions based on the candidate's detailed application form (IAS 2025 DAF form) which they filled after qualifying the IAS mains exam.

Questions asked can be from current affairs, optional subjects, family background, home town, home state, etc. The candidates can also be given a case study. Candidates who clear the personal interview of the IAS selection process 2025 will be declared as qualified.

UPSC IAS Selection Process - Exam Pattern

The UPSC IAS exam pattern will be prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission in the official notification. The UPSC IAS 2025 recruitment exam has three stages - prelims, mains and personality test. For more details on the UPSC IAS exam pattern 2025 check the tables below.

UPSC IAS prelims and mains exam pattern

Exam name

Civil Services Exam (UPSC CSE)

Exam mode

Offline

(Preliminary - MCQ-based)

(Mains - Descriptive Mode)

(Personality Test - Interview in front of board members)

Exam stages

Prelims exam

Mains exam

Interview

Total papers

Prelims: 2

Mains: 9

Marking scheme

Paper 1: +2 marks

Paper 2: +2.5 marks

Negative marking: One-third of marks allotted to each question

Exam Duration

Prelims: 2 hours (Each paper) total 4 hours

Mains: 3 hours (Each paper) total 27 hours conducted across various days

Type of questions

Prelims: Objective type

Mains: Subjective type

Quick Links:

UPSC IAS Selection Process 2025 - Merit List

Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC final merit list 2025 along with the declaration of the final result. The final merit list of the IAS selection process 2025 will be released on the basis of marks obtained by candidates in the mains exam and personal interview. Candidates who make it to the UPSC CSE merit list 2025 will be commissioned in various services of the Government of India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the details required to download the UPSC admit card?

Candidates can download IAS admit card 2025 using their registration ID and date of birth.

2. What is the selection process of IAS 2025?

IAS selection process 2025 comprises prelims exam, mains exam and personal interview.

3. How will the IAS final result 2025 be released?

The final IAS 2025 result will be released in online mode by considering the mains and interview marks.

4. What is the age limit to apply for IAS 2025?

As per the IAS eligibility criteria 2025, candidates between 21 to 32 years can apply for the exam.

5. When will merit list of UPSC be released?

The UPSC IAS merit list will be released after the announcement of the final result.

6. Do I need to appear in the UPSC IAS interview?

Yes, you need to appear for the interview as it is a crucial phase of UPSC IAS selection process 2025.

7. When will UPSC IAS prelims result 2025 be announced?

The UPSC IAS 2025 prelims result will be announced 15 - 20 days from the date of the exam.

Articles

Upcoming Competition Exams

View All Competition Exams

Certifications By Top Providers

Access to Justice
Via National Law University, New Delhi
BA Journalism and Mass Communication
Via Chandigarh University, Chandigarh
Media Law
Via New York University, New York
Israel State and Society
Via The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Archaeology from Dig to Lab and Beyond
Via University of Reading, Reading
Human Rights Law and Criminal Justice
Via LMS Law College, Imphal
Edx
 198 courses
Swayam
 193 courses
LawSikho
 127 courses
Futurelearn
 89 courses
Coursera
 76 courses
Udemy
 63 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to UPSC CSE

Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?

Steps to become an IAS officer


Graduation


You should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a known university

Arts: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology

Commerce: Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies

Preparation for UPSC Civil Services Examination:


Study the Syllabus: Learn the syllabus for Preliminary and Main exams.

Choose Elective Subjects: Take elective subjects that you enjoy and have expertise in

Study Material: Reference textbooks, handouts distributed during the coaching and internet resources.

Practice: Previous years' question paper, mock tests, etc

Coaching Institutes: Join a good coaching institute for formal guidance 3. UPSC Civil Services Examination:

Prelims Exam: An objective-type qualifying test that will make you eligible to appear in the Main examination.

Main Exam: Very subjective test which includes all subjects.

Interview: Personality test by a panel of experts.

Important Tips:


Start Early: Better preparation starts early.

Time Management: Manage your time very efficiently.

Consistency: Follow a regular study routine.

Stay Updated: Current affairs and news.

Seek Guidance: Who have an experience can be consulted upon for guidance.

Practice Regularly: Solve the previous year's paper and mock tests.

Stay Positive: Believe in yourself and work hard.

Hence, with these steps and dedication and perseverance, you're sure to achieve your end as an IAS officer.

Hello,

Yes, while IAS (Indian Administrative Services) preparation requires a graduation degree, here are steps you can take to start your IAS journey after completing your 11th standard (BiPC):

  1. Focus on Graduation : Choose a stream for your higher studies that aligns with your interest. Graduation is a mandatory qualification for IAS eligibility.
  2. Early Preparation : Start building a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science, which are part of the IAS syllabus.
  3. Develop General Knowledge : Read newspapers daily and follow current affairs magazines to stay updated with national and international news.
  4. Improve Language Skills : Enhance your proficiency in English and one Indian language as per the Civil Services syllabus.
  5. Join Study Circles or Coaching : Enroll in pre-IAS foundation courses available for school students for a head start.
  6. Time Management : Create a balanced study schedule alongside your schoolwork to gradually prepare for the IAS exam.
  7. Participate in Competitions : Engage in essay writing and debates to boost your analytical skills and confidence.

To get more help, you can visit : https://www.careers360.com/careers/ias-officer

Hope it helps 1

Hello there,

Becoming both an IAS officer and a doctor is achievable but requires dedication and clear planning, as each career has distinct educational and examination paths. Here’s a roadmap to help you achieve both:

1. Complete Your MBBS to Become a Doctor

  • Enroll in an MBBS Program : First, you need to qualify for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and get admission to a medical college.

  • Complete Your Medical Degree : The MBBS program typically takes 5.5 years, including an internship.

  • Gain Experience (Optional) : You may choose to practice medicine for a few years to gain clinical experience, but it’s not mandatory if your goal is to pursue IAS right after MBBS.

    2. Prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

  • Understand the UPSC Exam Structure : The UPSC CSE has three stages—Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. You can start preparing while in medical school or after completing MBBS.

  • Choose Your Optional Subject : As a doctor, you may consider taking medical science as your optional subject, though it’s not mandatory.

  • Develop a Study Plan : Balance your medical studies or job with UPSC preparation. Many doctors manage both by allocating dedicated study time each day.

  • Appear for the Exam : With a systematic approach, crack the UPSC exam and qualify for the IAS position.

    3. Career Path as a Doctor-IAS

  • IAS Training and Posting : After clearing UPSC, complete your training and take up your role as an IAS officer. You’ll have a broad scope to influence healthcare, public policy, and social development.

  • Consider Government Health Roles : In administrative roles, you could use your medical background to work in health-related departments, where your knowledge of medicine would be a unique asset.

    Additional Pathways

  • Alternative Approach : You could also join as a doctor in a government hospital and then transition to administration by appearing for the UPSC exam when ready.

  • Health Policy and Administration : Use your medical background in policy formulation or in roles within the Ministry of Health, combining both careers for impactful healthcare reforms.

This dual career path is ambitious but can be very rewarding, allowing you to serve in both the medical and administrative fields.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant, The answer to this question is no. Both of these areas require your complete commitment and dedication. You can not manage both of these together. Also it is not allowed to do any other profession while performing duties as a IAS officer. If you want to practice medical profession then you have to leave your job.

Thank you

Hope it helps you.

Hello,

When choosing an IAS coaching institute, it's important to consider factors such as faculty quality, study materials, success rate, infrastructure, fees, and student support. Here are some highly regarded IAS coaching institutes in India:

1. Vajiram & Ravi

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Experienced faculty, comprehensive study materials, high success rate.
  • Cons: Relatively expensive.

2. ALS IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in various cities.
  • Pros: Good faculty, structured programs, and regular tests.
  • Cons: Can be costly, and the quality may vary across branches.

3. Vision IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Detailed study materials, current affairs updates, regular mock tests.
  • Cons: Some students find the pace fast.

4. Sriram IAS

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Strong emphasis on comprehensive understanding, quality teaching.
  • Cons: Limited branches compared to others.

5. Drishti IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with a few branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Affordable fees, good study material, and supportive faculty.
  • Cons: Infrastructure might be less impressive.

6. Upkar Institute

  • Location: Multiple cities.
  • Pros: Focus on affordable coaching, quality materials.
  • Cons: Less known compared to the top-tier institutes.

7. The Hindu Zone

  • Location: Online coaching.
  • Pros: Flexibility of online classes, good faculty, and resources.
  • Cons: Online learning might not suit everyone.

Hope it helps !

View All
Back to top