UPSC CSE — UPSC Civil Services Examination
Conducted by Union Public Service Commission
Overview
UPSC CSE is the premier national examination for recruitment to the IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group A and B central services.
Eligibility
A graduate degree is required. Age limit is generally 21–32 years for the general category, with relaxations and limited attempts.
Exam Pattern
Three stages: Preliminary (objective), Mains (descriptive, nine papers) and Personality Test (interview).
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UPSC CSE — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UPSC Civil Services Examination?▾
The national exam that recruits officers for the IAS, IPS, IFS and other central services, conducted in three stages — Prelims, Mains and a Personality Test (interview).
What is the eligibility for UPSC CSE?▾
A bachelor's degree in any discipline. The general age range is 21–32 years with category relaxations, and the number of attempts is capped by category.
How many stages are there?▾
Three — the Preliminary exam (objective screening), the Mains (written, descriptive) and the Personality Test (interview).
How tough is UPSC CSE?▾
It is among India's most competitive exams, with lakhs of applicants for a few hundred to a thousand vacancies, typically needing 10–12 months of focused preparation.