UPSC Civil Services (CSE): syllabus, exam pattern & eligibility
Civil Services Examination (Preliminary + Main + Personality Test). Recruitment to IAS, IFS, IPS and other All India / Central Group 'A' and 'B' services; the CS(P) also screens candidates for the Indian Forest Service (Main).
- Category
- Civil Services & Defence
- Conducted by
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Level
- Recruitment
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Mode
- Pen & paper (OMR) for Prelims; written descriptive for Mains; Interview
- Languages
- English, Hindi (Prelims papers set in both), Mains answers may be written in English or any Eighth Schedule language (qualifying language papers excepted)
- Application fee
- Prelims ₹100; Mains a further ₹200. Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt (CSE 2026).
Eligibility
- Education: Graduate degree from a recognised university (or equivalent). Final-year students may apply but must prove passing before the Interview.
- Age: 21 to 32 years on 1 Aug 2026 (born 2 Aug 1994 to 1 Aug 2005). Upper age relaxation: SC/ST +5, OBC +3, ex-servicemen +5, disabled defence personnel +3; PwBD relaxations also apply.
- Attempts: 6 attempts for GL/EWS; 9 for OBC; unlimited for SC/ST (until the age limit); PwBD: 9 for GL/EWS/OBC, unlimited for SC/ST. Appearing in any one Prelims paper counts as an attempt.
- Nationality: IAS/IPS/IFS: Indian citizen only. Other services: citizens of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees before 1 Jan 1962, or specified persons of Indian origin (see notification).
Exam pattern
Prelims Paper I: General Studies
120 min · 100 questions · 200 marks
- General Studies: 100 questions, 200 marks
Prelims Paper II: CSAT (General Studies Paper II)
120 min · 80 questions · 200 marks
- Comprehension, reasoning, basic numeracy, data interpretation: 80 questions, 200 marks
Mains Paper A: Indian Language (qualifying)
180 min · 300 marks
Mains Paper B: English (qualifying)
180 min · 300 marks
Mains Paper I: Essay
180 min · 250 marks
Mains Paper II: General Studies I (Heritage, Culture, History, Geography, Society)
180 min · 250 marks
Mains Paper III: General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, IR)
180 min · 250 marks
Mains Paper IV: General Studies III (Technology, Economy, Environment, Security, Disaster Mgmt)
180 min · 250 marks
Mains Paper V: General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude)
180 min · 250 marks
Mains Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper 1
180 min · 250 marks
Mains Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper 2
180 min · 250 marks
Personality Test (Interview)
275 marks
Syllabus
Prelims Paper I: General Studies
Current events, History, Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environment, General Science
Prelims Paper II: CSAT
Comprehension, Interpersonal and communication skills, Logical reasoning and analytical ability, Decision making and problem solving, General mental ability, Basic numeracy and data interpretation (Class X level)
Mains qualifying papers (Indian Language, English)
Pattern
Mains Paper I: Essay
Essay
Mains GS I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
Indian culture, Modern Indian history, World history, Indian society, Geography
Mains GS II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
Constitution and polity, Governance and social justice, International relations
Mains GS III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
Economy, Agriculture, Science and technology, Environment and disaster management, Internal security
Mains GS IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
Ethics and human interface, Attitude, Aptitude and foundational values for civil service, Emotional intelligence, Moral thinkers and philosophers, Public service values and ethics in public administration, Probity in governance, Case studies
Mains Papers VI-VII: Optional subject
Optional subjects
Important dates (CSE 2026 (next: CSE 2027))
- Notification (CSE 2026; calendar had planned 2026-01-14): 2026-02-04
- Last date to apply: 2026-02-24
- Prelims: 2026-05-24
- Provisional answer key released (first time): 2026-05-27
- Prelims result: 2026-06-15
- Mains (Essay, GS I-IV): 2026-08-21
- Mains (language papers, optional papers) end: 2026-08-30
- CSE 2027 notification (calendar): 2027-01-13
- CSE 2027 last date to apply (calendar): 2027-02-02
- CSE 2027 Prelims (calendar): 2027-05-23
- CSE 2027 Mains starts (calendar): 2027-08-20
Selection process
Prelims (screening; qualify CSAT at 33% and cross the GS Paper I cutoff) -> Mains written (qualifying language papers at 25% each; merit on 7 papers, 1750 marks) -> Personality Test (275). Final rank on 2025 marks; service allotment by rank and preference.
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Frequently asked questions
What is UPSC Civil Services (CSE)?
UPSC Civil Services (CSE) stands for Civil Services Examination (Preliminary + Main + Personality Test). Recruitment to IAS, IFS, IPS and other All India / Central Group 'A' and 'B' services; the CS(P) also screens candidates for the Indian Forest Service (Main). It is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Level: Recruitment.
Who is eligible for UPSC Civil Services (CSE)?
Education: Graduate degree from a recognised university (or equivalent). Final-year students may apply but must prove passing before the Interview. Age limit: 21 to 32 years on 1 Aug 2026 (born 2 Aug 1994 to 1 Aug 2005). Upper age relaxation: SC/ST +5, OBC +3, ex-servicemen +5, disabled defence personnel +3; PwBD relaxations also apply. Attempts: 6 attempts for GL/EWS; 9 for OBC; unlimited for SC/ST (until the age limit); PwBD: 9 for GL/EWS/OBC, unlimited for SC/ST. Appearing in any one Prelims paper counts as an attempt. Nationality: IAS/IPS/IFS: Indian citizen only. Other services: citizens of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees before 1 Jan 1962, or specified persons of Indian origin (see notification).
What is the exam pattern of UPSC Civil Services (CSE)?
Prelims Paper I: General Studies: 120 minutes, 100 questions, 200 marks. Prelims Paper II: CSAT (General Studies Paper II): 120 minutes, 80 questions, 200 marks. Mains Paper A: Indian Language (qualifying): 180 minutes, 300 marks. Mains Paper B: English (qualifying): 180 minutes, 300 marks. Mains Paper I: Essay: 180 minutes, 250 marks. Mains Paper II: General Studies I (Heritage, Culture, History, Geography, Society): 180 minutes, 250 marks. Mains Paper III: General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, IR): 180 minutes, 250 marks. Mains Paper IV: General Studies III (Technology, Economy, Environment, Security, Disaster Mgmt): 180 minutes, 250 marks. Mains Paper V: General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude): 180 minutes, 250 marks. Mains Paper VI: Optional Subject Paper 1: 180 minutes, 250 marks. Mains Paper VII: Optional Subject Paper 2: 180 minutes, 250 marks. Personality Test (Interview): 275 marks. Mode: Pen & paper (OMR) for Prelims; written descriptive for Mains; Interview.
How often is UPSC Civil Services (CSE) held?
Once a year.
When is UPSC Civil Services (CSE) held?
CSE 2026 (next: CSE 2027) cycle: Notification (CSE 2026; calendar had planned 2026-01-14) 2026-02-04; Last date to apply 2026-02-24; Prelims 2026-05-24; Provisional answer key released (first time) 2026-05-27; Prelims result 2026-06-15; Mains (Essay, GS I-IV) 2026-08-21.
How are candidates selected through UPSC Civil Services (CSE)?
Prelims (screening; qualify CSAT at 33% and cross the GS Paper I cutoff) -> Mains written (qualifying language papers at 25% each; merit on 7 papers, 1750 marks) -> Personality Test (275). Final rank on 2025 marks; service allotment by rank and preference.
What is the application fee for UPSC Civil Services (CSE)?
Prelims ₹100; Mains a further ₹200. Female, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt (CSE 2026).
Compiled from public sources, last checked 2026-09-25. Dates, fees and rules change, so confirm with the official website before you apply.