UPSC Exam Pattern 2025: Prelims, Mains and Interview Explained

The UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 is designed by the Union Public Service Commission to assess a candidate’s analytical ability, general awareness, and personality traits through three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Understanding the UPSC exam pattern thoroughly is the first step toward creating an effective preparation strategy for the Civil Services Examination (CSE).

Knowing the latest 2025 UPSC exam pattern helps you, whether a beginner or a repeat aspirant, to work out the plan for your study timetable, choose optional subjects, and effectively handle the test series.

UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 – Overview

Below is the overview of UPSC CSE 2025 Exam structure, along with all three stages of selection.

Total Marks: 2025
Final Merit: Based on Mains + Interview

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

UPSC Prelims 2025 will be the first stage, serving as an entrance or screening test for the Mains. This round consists of two papers: 

• General Studies which is commonly known as GS Paper I, and 

• CSAT, also known as GS Paper II.
  

The detailed pattern for both the rounds are described in the table below:

Important Points:

• The papers are objective in nature, that is MCQs, and conducted on the same day.
• Marks of Paper I are counted for the Prelims cutoff.
• Candidates need to secure a minimum of 66 marks or 33% in CSAT for qualification.
• There is no sectional cutoff in Paper I.
• Questions are available in English and Hindi.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2025

The Mains stage is the most crucial part of the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025. This stage substantiates a candidate’s comprehension, analysis, and expression ability.

It includes 9 papers, which are all descriptive in nature.

Total Marks (for Merit): 1750

Key Highlights:

• Language papers (A & B) are qualifying – you must secure 25% marks in each.
  
• Marks of the Essay + GS + Optional papers count towards the final merit.
  
• Mains answers can be written in English or one of the 22 scheduled Indian languages.
  
• Every paper carries a duration of 3 hours.
  

UPSC Interview (Personality Test) 2025

Candidates clearing the Mains written examination are summoned by the commission for an interview with the UPSC Board, which is officially known as the Personality Test.

Interview Focus Areas:

• Candidate’s mental alertness and moral integrity
  
• Current affairs, both national and international
  
• Clarity of thought and balanced judgment
  
• Leadership and social qualities
  

Final Ranking = Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = 2025 Marks

UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 – Key Takeaways

UPSC Exam Pattern 2025 – Negative Marking & Qualifying Criteria

• Prelims: 1/3rd marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
  
• Mains: As Mains is the descriptive format of the exam there is no negative marking in this round of examination
  
• CSAT: To qualify CSAT minimum 33% of the marks are required.
  
• Language Papers (A & B): 25% qualifying threshold.
  

Difference Between UPSC Prelims and Mains

How to Get Ready for the UPSC Exam Pattern 2025

1. Understand the Syllabus and Pattern First:
   Focus your preparation on the following pattern: It outlines what you have to learn and how.
   
2. Use Smart Study Materials:
   StudyIQ IAS offers thorough online coaching for the UPSC, along with video lectures, notes, and test series that cover every paper in detail.
   
3. Practice Answer Writing:
   Regular writing practice improves speed and structure because Mains is a descriptive assignment.
   
4. Mock Interviews & Personality Tests:
   Participate in practice sessions to improve your articulation and body language during mock interviews and personality tests.
   

Focus on Revision:
Continue going over current events, static subjects, and elective courses on a regular basis.

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