The UPSC Mains 2025 examination represents one of India’s most prestigious competitive exams for aspiring civil servants. With the Union Public Service Commission officially announcing 979 vacancies for civil services posts, candidates have a golden opportunity to secure positions in top government services including IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services.
Notification Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 |
| Category | Central Government Jobs |
| Total Vacancies | 979 posts |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from recognized university |
| Age Limit | 21-32 years (General category) |
| Application Period | 22nd January – 21st February 2025 |
| Mains Exam Dates | 22nd August – 31st August 2025 |
| Selection Process | Prelims + Mains + Interview |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Mains 2025 Vacancies
The UPSC CSE 2025 offers a total of 979 vacancies across various services, marking a decrease from the previous year’s 1,056 posts. This reduction indicates increased competition for aspirants.
| Service Category | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| Total Civil Service Vacancies | 979 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) | 38 |
| Indian Forest Service (IFoS) | 150 (separate exam) |
PwBD Category Breakdown
| Disability Type | Reserved Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Blindness and Low Vision | 12 |
| Deafness and Hard of Hearing | 7 |
| Locomotor Disabilities | 10 |
| Multiple Disabilities | 9 |
UPSC Mains 2025 Salary Structure
The civil services salary 2025 follows the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, offering attractive compensation packages for successful candidates.
| Position Level | Monthly Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (SDM) | ₹56,100 |
| District Magistrate | ₹78,800 – ₹1,18,500 |
| Joint Secretary | ₹1,44,200 |
| Secretary | ₹2,25,000 |
| Cabinet Secretary | ₹2,50,000 |
Additional allowances include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA)
Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Mains 2025
Citizenship
Candidates must be citizens of India as per constitutional provisions.
Age Limit for Civil Services 2025
| Category | Age Range |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 21-32 years |
| OBC | 21-35 years |
| SC/ST | 21-37 years |
| PwBD | 21-42 years |
Age calculated as on 1st August 2025
Educational Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- Technical degrees (MBBS, B.E., B.Tech) also accepted
- Final year students can apply (degree must be completed before Mains).
Employment Exchange Registration
Not mandatory for UPSC CSE 2025 application.
Application Fees
| Category | Prelims Fee | Mains Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC (Male) | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| Female (All Categories) | Exempt | Exempt |
| SC/ST/PwBD | Exempt | Exempt |
How to Apply for UPSC Mains 2025?
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit Official Website: Go to upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Complete basic registration details
- Fill Application Form: Provide personal, educational, and contact information
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of required certificates
- Pay Application Fee: Use online banking, debit/credit cards, or offline challan
- Submit and Print: Review details carefully before final submission.
Documents Required
- 10th class certificate (for age proof)
- Graduation certificate and mark sheets
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature specimen
UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Schedule
| Date | Morning Session (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) | Afternoon Session (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| 22nd August (Friday) | Essay Paper | No Paper |
| 23rd August (Saturday) | General Studies Paper-I | General Studies Paper-II |
| 24th August (Sunday) | General Studies Paper-III | General Studies Paper-IV |
| 30th August (Saturday) | Indian Language Paper | English Paper |
| 31st August (Sunday) | Optional Subject Paper-I | Optional Subject Paper-II |
Selection Process for Civil Services 2025
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | Objective type (completed May 25, 2025) |
| Main Examination | Descriptive (9 papers, 1750 marks) |
| Personality Test | Interview (275 marks) |
| Total Marks | 2025 marks (Mains + Interview) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 22nd January 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 22nd January 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 21st February 2025 |
| Prelims Exam | 25th May 2025 |
| Mains Admit Card | 14th August 2025 |
| Mains Examination | 22nd – 31st August 2025 |
Important Links
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| Official UPSC Website | Official Website |
| Online Application Portal | Apply Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC Mains 2025?
A1: The UPSC has announced 979 vacancies for Civil Services Examination 2025, including 38 posts reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability category.
Q2: When will the UPSC Mains 2025 examination be conducted?
A2: The UPSC Mains 2025 examination will be conducted from 22nd August to 31st August 2025, spanning over two consecutive weekends with morning and afternoon sessions.
Q3: What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2025?
A3: For General category candidates, the age limit is 21-32 years. Reserved categories get age relaxation: OBC (35 years), SC/ST (37 years), and PwBD (42 years), calculated as on 1st August 2025.
Q4: What is the starting salary of an IAS officer in 2025?
A4: The starting basic salary for an IAS officer is ₹56,100 per month at entry level, which can reach up to ₹2,50,000 per month for the Cabinet Secretary position, plus additional allowances.
Q5: How many papers are there in UPSC Mains examination?
A5: The UPSC Mains examination consists of 9 papers total: 2 language papers (qualifying), 1 Essay paper, 4 General Studies papers, and 2 Optional Subject papers, with a total of 1750 marks counted for merit ranking.
Conclusion
The UPSC Mains 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity for dedicated aspirants to join India’s prestigious civil services. With 979 vacancies announced and a comprehensive examination schedule released, candidates must focus on strategic preparation covering all nine papers. The attractive salary structure and career progression make civil services an ideal choice for those seeking to serve the nation while building a rewarding professional career.
Success in UPSC CSE 2025 requires thorough preparation, regular practice, and staying updated with current affairs. Aspiring civil servants should utilize the official resources, follow the examination schedule diligently, and prepare comprehensively for this life-changing opportunity.
