UPSC Prelims: The UPSC Prelims exam, an important stage in the Civil Services Examination, is scheduled for May 25, 2025, as per the UPSC 2025 calendar.
The UPSC Prelims is a screening test, where you need to qualify in order to move to the Mains stage. The exam is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission. For candidates looking ahead to 2025, the exam is slated for May 25, 2025.
Once the notification is released, it provides candidates with all the details they need to know, including the syllabus. Understanding the syllabus and staying well-prepared is essential for success.
Below is the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025 (Prelims) pattern, syllabus, and other key information. This page will be updated after the official notification is released with any modifications related to the UPSC Prelims exam.
UPSC Prelims 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is scheduled to conduct the UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 on May 25, 2025 across the country. This highly competitive exam is the crucial first step for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and other civil services.
The Prelims exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 (General Studies) and Paper 2 (CSAT). Paper 1 will take place from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and Paper 2 (CSAT) will be held from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Candidates who clear the Prelims will qualify for the Mains examination. Thorough preparation and understanding of the Prelims process are key to success in UPSC Prelims 2025.
UPSC Prelims 2025 Application Dates
Important dates for the UPSC Prelims 2025:
| Event | Date |
| Date of Notification | February 2025 (Tentative) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Applications | March 2025 (Tentative) |
| Date of Examination | May 25, 2025 |
| Duration of Examination | One Day |
UPSC Prelims 2025 – Exam Pattern
The UPSC Civil Services Prelims exam pattern for 2025 is expected to remain similar to previous years, consisting of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper-I (GS I) and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT).
Here is a breakdown of the exam pattern:
| Exam | General Studies I | General Studies II (CSAT) |
| Number of questions | 100 | 80 |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Language of exam | English/Hindi | English/Hindi |
| Maximum marks | 200 | 200 |
| Negative marking | Yes | Yes |
| Deduction per incorrect answer | 0.66 marks | 0.83 marks |
| Prelims Admit Card release | 2-3 weeks before exam | 2-3 weeks before exam |
UPSC Prelims 2025 – Syllabus
The syllabus for UPSC Prelims 2025 will cover a range of topics. Below is a detailed overview:
General Studies Paper-I Syllabus
- Current events of national and international importance.
- History of India and Indian National Movement.
- Indian and World Geography.
- Indian Polity and Governance.
- Economic and Social Development.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change.
- General Science.
General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) Syllabus
- Comprehension.
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
- Decision-making and problem-solving.
- General mental ability.
- Basic numeracy (Class X level).
- Data interpretation (Class X level).
Preparation Strategy for UPSC Prelims 2025
Here’s an overview of a smart strategy to prepare for UPSC Prelims 2025:
1. Current Affairs Preparation:
- Focus on current affairs from the last 12 to 15 months.
- Follow reliable sources such as Yojana Magazine, The Hindu, The Indian Express, PIB, and EPW.
2. Simultaneous Preparation for Prelims and Mains:
- Start preparing for both Prelims and Mains together, as there is significant overlap in the syllabus.
- Understand the full IAS syllabus for 2025 to prioritize relevant topics.
3. Note-Making:
- Create notes for both Prelims and Mains. Use NCERT and standard books to simplify complex topics.
4. Practice MCQs:
- Since the Prelims exam is objective-type, consistent practice of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is crucial.
5. Subject-wise Focus:
- Indian History, Indian Polity, Geography, Environment & Ecology, Science & Technology, and Economy are key areas to focus on.
Following this strategy will help streamline your preparation, keep you focused, and improve your chances of clearing the UPSC Prelims 2025 exam.
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