UPSC Prelims 2025 – All You Need to Know

If you’re aiming for the IAS, IPS or any other civil service, the UPSC Prelims 2025 is the first hurdle. Knowing the dates, eligibility and syllabus saves you time and stress. Below you’ll find a quick rundown of the exam schedule, who can apply and what to study.

Important Dates and Eligibility

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) usually releases the Prelims notification in February. For 2025, the expected timeline is:

• Notification: early February 2025
• Online Application: mid‑February to early March
• Last date to submit: early March
• Prelims Exam: first week of May 2025

To be eligible, you must be an Indian citizen, hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, and be between 21 and 32 years old on 1 August 2025. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories.

What to Study – The UPSC Syllabus Made Simple

The Prelims consist of two papers, each 200 marks and 2 hours long:

• General Studies Paper I – covers History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs.
• General Studies Paper II (CSAT) – tests aptitude, logical reasoning, quantitative ability and English comprehension.

Don’t try to read everything at once. Break the syllabus into chunks and allocate a week to each subject. For example, spend Week 1 on Ancient History, Week 2 on Modern History, and so on. Pair each chunk with a reliable source – NCERT textbooks for basics and a current affairs monthly for updates.

Here’s a quick list of must‑have books:

• NCERTs (Class 6‑12) for History, Geography, Polity, Economy and Science.
• Laxmikanth’s "Indian Polity" for a deeper dive into the Constitution.
• Manorama Yearbook or Yojana for current affairs.
• R.S. Aggarwal for CSAT math and reasoning practice.

Remember, the Prelims are objective, so practicing MCQs is key. Use platforms like Insight, Vision IAS or free online quizzes to test yourself every week.

Don’t ignore CSAT. Even though it’s qualifying, a low score can knock you out. Focus on data interpretation, logical puzzles and basic English grammar. Time yourself to build speed.

Finally, plan a mock‑test schedule. Take a full‑length mock every two weeks, review your mistakes, and adjust your study plan accordingly. This habit builds stamina for the real exam day.

With the right dates on your calendar, a clear syllabus roadmap, and consistent practice, you’ll be ready to tackle UPSC Prelims 2025 confidently. Good luck!