Master Competitive Exams: Time Management, Strategies, Tips & Resources
Understanding the Importance of UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the apex body responsible for conducting some of the most prestigious exams in India. Whether you’re aspiring to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), or any other central services, the UPSC exam is your gateway to a fulfilling career in public service. Every year, thousands of aspirants dedicate their time and effort to crack this challenging exam, and the journey begins with understanding the UPSC exam calendar.
UPSC Exam Calendar 2025 Released
The UPSC has recently revised and released the UPSC Calendar for 2025. This schedule is crucial for aspirants as it provides them with the dates of all the exams conducted by UPSC throughout the year. Having a clear understanding of these dates helps candidates plan their preparation strategy effectively. The revised calendar also includes important notifications, making it easier for candidates to stay updated with any changes.
Detailed UPSC Calendar 2025
The UPSC Calendar for 2025 includes the dates for various exams such as the Civil Services Examination (CSE), Engineering Services Examination (ESE), Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS), and many others.
UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
PROGRAMME OF EXAMINATIONS/RECRUITMENT TESTS (RTs) – 2025
| Sl. No. | Name of Examination | Date of Notification | Last Date for Receipt of Applications | Date of Commencement of Exam | Duration of Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 11.01.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS | ||
| 2 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | 04.09.2024 | 24.09.2024 | 09.02.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 3 | Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | 18.09.2024 | 08.10.2024 | 09.02.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 4 | CBI (DSP) LDCE, 2025 | 01.01.2025 | 14.01.2025 | 08.03.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 5 | CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2025 | 04.12.2024 | 24.12.2024 | 09.03.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 6 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (I), 2025 | 11.12.2024 | 31.12.2024 | 13.04.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 7 | C.D.S. Examination (I), 2025 | ||||
| 8 | Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | 22.01.2025 | 11.02.2025 | 25.05.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 9 | Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 through CS(P) Examination 2025 | ||||
| 10 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 14.06.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS | ||
| 11 | I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2025 | 12.02.2025 | 04.03.2025 | 20.06.2025 (Friday) | 3 DAYS |
| 12 | Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2025 | 21.06.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS | ||
| 13 | Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2025 | 22.06.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY | ||
| 14 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 05.07.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS | ||
| 15 | Combined Medical Services Examination, 2025 | 19.02.2025 | 11.03.2025 | 20.07.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 16 | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2025 | 05.03.2025 | 25.03.2025 | 03.08.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 17 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 09.08.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS | ||
| 18 | Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025 | 22.08.2025 (Friday) | 5 DAYS | ||
| 19 | N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2025 | 28.05.2025 | 17.06.2025 | 14.09.2025 (Sunday) | 1 DAY |
| 20 | C.D.S. Examination (II), 2025 | ||||
| 21 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 04.10.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS | ||
| 22 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 01.11.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS | ||
| 23 | Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2025 | 16.11.2025 (Sunday) | 7 DAYS | ||
| 24 | S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | 17.09.2025 | 07.10.2025 | 13.12.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
| 25 | Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | 20.12.2025 (Saturday) | 2 DAYS |
Candidates can download the detailed PDF of the UPSC Calendar 2025 from the official UPSC website to keep track of all the exam dates.
Exams Under UPSC: What to Expect
The UPSC conducts a variety of exams, each serving a different purpose but all equally important for the functioning of the Indian government. Here’s a brief overview of some of the key exams:
- Civil Services Examination (CSE): This is the most popular exam conducted by UPSC, responsible for recruiting officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other central services.
- Engineering Services Examination (ESE): This exam is for engineers who wish to work in the government sector. It covers various engineering disciplines such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and electronics.
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination: This exam is for those who wish to join the Indian Armed Forces. It includes opportunities in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy Examination: This is for young candidates who aspire to join the Indian Armed Forces right after their schooling.
- Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination: This exam is for those who want to work in forest and wildlife conservation.
How to Prepare for the UPSC Exam
Preparing for the UPSC exams requires a well-planned strategy and a dedicated approach. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:
- Understand the Syllabus: The first step is to thoroughly understand the UPSC syllabus. Knowing what to study is crucial to avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.
- Create a Study Plan: A well-structured study plan helps you cover the entire syllabus in a systematic way. Allocate time for each subject and stick to your schedule.
- Read NCERT Books: NCERT books are considered the foundation for UPSC preparation. Start with them before moving on to advanced books.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: UPSC places a significant emphasis on current affairs. Regularly read newspapers and follow reliable news sources to stay updated.
- Practice Answer Writing: Writing answers effectively is key to scoring well in the UPSC exams. Practice writing answers regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Take Mock Tests: Mock tests help you gauge your preparation level and identify your weak areas. They also help you get accustomed to the exam pattern.
- Revise Regularly: Revision is essential to retain what you’ve studied. Make sure to revise the important topics multiple times before the exam.
Common FAQ Questions and Answers
Q1: What is the significance of the UPSC exam calendar?
A1: The UPSC exam calendar provides the official schedule for all exams conducted by UPSC. It helps candidates plan their preparation and stay updated with important dates.
Q2: How can I download the UPSC Calendar 2025 PDF?
A2: You can download the UPSC Calendar 2025 PDF from the official UPSC website.
Q3: What are the key exams included in the UPSC Calendar 2025?
A3: The key exams include the Civil Services Examination, Engineering Services Examination, Combined Defence Services Examination, National Defence Academy Examination, and Indian Forest Service Examination.
Q4: How should I start preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
A4: Start by understanding the syllabus, creating a study plan, reading NCERT books, staying updated with current affairs, practicing answer writing, and taking mock tests.
Q5: Is it necessary to follow the UPSC exam calendar closely?
A5: Yes, following the UPSC exam calendar is essential as it helps you stay on track with your preparation and ensures you don’t miss any important dates.