Civil Services Exam
Three stages. One year. 2025 total marks. The standard for administrative recruitment.
The Examination Process
Three stages to success
Understanding the complete examination architecture
Preliminary Examination
Screening Only • 2 Papers • 400 Marks
Main Examination
Written Evaluation • 9 Papers • 1750 Marks
Personality Test
Board Assessment • 275 Marks
Eligibility & Limits
Who can apply
Age limits, attempts, and educational requirements
2Eligibility & Limits
Educational Qualification
Degree from a recognized university. Final Year Students can apply for Prelims but must prove passing before Mains.
Nationality
For IAS/IPS/IFS: Must be a citizen of India. Other services open to subjects of Nepal/Bhutan/Tibetan refugees.
Age Limits & Attempts
AS OF 1 AUGUST 2025 • MIN AGE: 21 YEARS
| Category | Age Limit | Relaxation | Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 32 Years | - | 6 |
| OBC | 35 Years | 3 Years | 9 |
| SC / ST | 37 Years | 5 Years | Unlimited |
| PwBD | 42 Years | 10 Years | 9 |
Core Syllabus Components
What you need to know
General Studies, Optional subjects, and paper structure
3Core Syllabus Components
Application Process
How to apply
Step-by-step guide to registration and submission
4Digital Application: 4 Steps
Account Creation
upscsonline.nic.in registration with OTP.
Universal Reg (UR)
Generate URN. Identity & Matriculation details locked.
Common Form (CAF)
10 Detailed Profiles + Photo/Sign.
Final Submit
Lock CAF, Pay ₹100, Select Centre.
Cut-offs & Competition
Historical trends
Understanding past cutoffs and competition patterns
5Data Intelligence: Cut-off Trends (2015-2024)
| Year | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 87.98 | 85.92 | 87.28 | 79.03 | 74.23 |
| 2023 | 75.41 (Low) | 68.02 | 74.75 | 59.25 | 47.82 |
| 2022 | 88.22 | 82.83 | 87.54 | 74.08 | 69.35 |
| 2021 | 87.54 | 80.14 | 84.85 | 75.41 | 70.71 |
| 2020 | 92.51 | 77.55 | 89.12 | 74.84 | 68.71 |
Align your preparation to this blueprint
Start your journey with a clear understanding of the examination structure.