List of Top 10 UPSC Exams 2025 – Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Salary & More
List of Top 10 UPSC Exams : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts various prestigious exams in India for recruitment into Civil Services, Defence Services, Engineering, Medical Services, and more. If you’re an aspirant looking for detailed information on UPSC exams, this guide provides a complete list with essential details such as notification dates, eligibility, age limit, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, application fees, salary, and job profiles in a structured tabular format.
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List of Top 10 UPSC Exams
1. Civil Services Examination (CSE)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | January 2025 (Tentative) |
| Qualification | Graduate from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | 21-32 years (General); Age relaxations for OBC/SC/ST |
| Exam Pattern | Prelims: 2 Objective Papers (GS, CSAT); Mains: 9 Descriptive Papers; Interview |
| Syllabus | General Studies, Aptitude, Optional Subject, Essay, Ethics |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
| Application Fees | ₹100 (General Male); Exemptions for SC/ST/Female/PWD |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹2,50,000 per month (varies by post) |
| Job Profiles | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other central civil services |
2. Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | September 2024 (Tentative) |
| Qualification | Engineering degree (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, ECE) |
| Age Limit | 21-30 years (General); Relaxations for OBC/SC/ST/PWD |
| Exam Pattern | Prelims: 2 Objective Papers; Mains: 2 Descriptive Papers; Personality Test |
| Syllabus | Engineering subjects as per discipline |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Personality Test |
| Application Fees | ₹200 (General Male); Exemptions for SC/ST/Female/PWD |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Job Profiles | Engineers in Railways, CPWD, Defense, Telecommunications |
3. Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | December 2024 & May 2025 |
| Qualification | Graduate (varies for different academies) |
| Age Limit | 19-24 years (IMA/INA); 20-24 years (AFA); 19-25 years (OTA) |
| Exam Pattern | Written Exam: English, GK, Maths (OTA exempted from Maths); SSB Interview |
| Syllabus | English, General Knowledge, Mathematics |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → SSB Interview |
| Application Fees | ₹200 (General Male); Exemptions for SC/ST/Female |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Job Profiles | Officers in Army, Navy, Air Force |
4. Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | February 2025 |
| Qualification | Graduate in Forestry/Agriculture/Related Fields |
| Age Limit | 21-32 years (General); Age relaxations for OBC/SC/ST |
| Exam Pattern | Prelims: Same as CSE; Mains: 6 Papers; Interview |
| Syllabus | General Studies, Forestry, Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Environment |
| Selection Process | Prelims (CSE) → Mains → Interview |
| Application Fees | ₹100 (General Male); Exemptions for SC/ST/Female/PWD |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹2,25,000 per month |
| Job Profiles | Indian Forest Service Officer |
5. Indian Economic Service (IES) & Indian Statistical Service (ISS)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | March 2025 |
| Qualification | Postgraduate in Economics/Statistics |
| Age Limit | 21-30 years (General); Relaxations for OBC/SC/ST/PWD |
| Exam Pattern | Written Exam: General English, General Studies, Subject Papers; Interview |
| Syllabus | Economics, Statistics, General Studies |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → Interview |
| Application Fees | ₹200 (General Male); Exemptions for SC/ST/Female/PWD |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Job Profiles | Economic/Statistical Officers in Government Departments |
6. Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | February 2025 |
| Qualification | MBBS Degree |
| Age Limit | Must not have attained 32 years; Relaxations for OBC/SC/ST/PWD |
| Exam Pattern | Two Objective Papers; Personality Test |
| Syllabus | General Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Gynecology, Preventive & Social Medicine |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → Personality Test |
| Application Fees | ₹200 (General Male); Exemptions for SC/ST/Female/PWD |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Job Profiles | Medical Officers in Railways, Municipal Corporations, Defense, etc. |
7. National Defence Academy (NDA) & Naval Academy (NA) Examination
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | Twice a year (April & September) |
| Qualification | 12th pass (PCM required for Air Force & Navy) |
| Age Limit | 16.5 – 19.5 years |
| Exam Pattern | Written Exam: Maths, General Ability; SSB Interview |
| Syllabus | Mathematics, English, General Knowledge |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → SSB Interview |
| Application Fees | ₹100 (General Male); Exemptions for SC/ST/Female |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Job Profiles | Officers in Army, Navy, Air Force |
8. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant (AC) Examination
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | April 2025 |
| Qualification | Graduate from a recognized university |
| Age Limit | 20-25 years (General); Relaxations for OBC/SC/ST |
| Exam Pattern | Written Exam: 2 Papers; Physical Test; Interview |
| Syllabus | General Ability, Intelligence, Essay, Comprehension |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → Physical Test → Interview |
| Application Fees | ₹200 (General Male); Exemptions for SC/ST/Female |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Job Profiles | Assistant Commandant in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for UPSC Exams
Here are the most common FAQs related to UPSC exams, covering everything from eligibility criteria to exam patterns, fees, and career prospects.
1. General FAQs on UPSC Exams
Q1: What is the UPSC?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central recruiting agency responsible for conducting various examinations to recruit candidates for civil services, engineering, defense, medical, and other government jobs.
Q2: What are the different exams conducted by UPSC?
UPSC conducts multiple exams, including:
- Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.)
- Engineering Services Examination (ESE/IES)
- Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
- Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS)
- Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination (IES/ISS)
- Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS)
- National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA/NA)
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Examination
2. Eligibility & Qualification FAQs
Q3: What is the educational qualification required for UPSC exams?
- CSE, CAPF, CDS (IMA, OTA) – Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- ESE – Engineering degree in relevant disciplines.
- IFoS – Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Agriculture, or Science-related fields.
- NDA/NA – 12th pass (PCM for Air Force & Navy).
- CMS – MBBS degree.
- IES/ISS – Postgraduate in Economics or Statistics.
Q4: What is the age limit for UPSC exams?
- CSE, IFoS: 21-32 years (General)
- ESE, IES/ISS: 21-30 years
- CAPF: 20-25 years
- CDS: 19-25 years
- NDA: 16.5-19.5 years
- CMS: Up to 32 years
Age relaxations apply for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PWD (10 years).
Q5: Can final-year students apply for UPSC exams?
Yes, final-year students can apply, but they must submit proof of passing before the final selection process.
Q6: How many attempts are allowed for UPSC CSE?
- General – 6 attempts
- OBC – 9 attempts
- SC/ST – Unlimited (until age limit)
3. Exam Pattern & Syllabus FAQs
Q7: What is the exam pattern for UPSC CSE?
- Prelims: 2 Objective Papers (General Studies, CSAT)
- Mains: 9 Descriptive Papers (Essay, General Studies, Optional Subject)
- Interview: Personality Test
Q8: What is the syllabus for UPSC exams?
The syllabus varies for each exam but generally includes:
- CSE, IFoS, CAPF: General Studies, Current Affairs, Aptitude, Optional Subjects.
- ESE: Engineering-related topics.
- CDS, NDA: Mathematics, English, General Knowledge.
- CMS: Medical subjects.
Q9: Is there negative marking in UPSC exams?
Yes, for every wrong answer, 1/3rd of the marks allotted to the question are deducted.
4. Application & Fees FAQs
Q10: How can I apply for UPSC exams?
You can apply online through the UPSC official website: www.upsc.gov.in
Q11: What is the application fee for UPSC exams?
- General/OBC: ₹100-₹200 (varies by exam)
- SC/ST/Female/PWD: Exempted (₹0)
5. Selection Process FAQs
Q12: What is the selection process for UPSC exams?
- CSE, IFoS: Prelims → Mains → Interview
- ESE, IES/ISS, CMS: Written Exam → Personality Test
- CDS, NDA: Written Exam → SSB Interview → Medical Test
- CAPF: Written Exam → Physical Test → Interview
Q13: What is the UPSC interview like?
The Personality Test (Interview) is a 30-45 minute session where candidates are evaluated on their:
- General knowledge
- Communication skills
- Decision-making abilities
- Leadership qualities
6. Salary & Job Profiles FAQs
Q14: What is the salary of an IAS officer?
An IAS officer’s salary starts at ₹56,100 per month and can go up to ₹2,50,000 per month for senior positions.
Q15: What are the job profiles offered through UPSC exams?
- CSE: IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.
- ESE: Engineers in Railways, CPWD, Defense, Telecom.
- CDS/NDA: Army, Navy, Air Force Officers.
- CAPF: Assistant Commandants in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB.
- CMS: Medical Officers in Government Health Departments.
7. Preparation & Strategy FAQs
Q16: How should I start preparing for UPSC exams?
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Follow NCERT books and standard reference materials.
- Read newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express).
- Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests.
Q17: How much time is required to prepare for UPSC CSE?
Typically, 12-18 months of dedicated preparation is recommended.
Q18: Can I prepare for UPSC without coaching?
Yes, self-study with the right strategy, books, and online resources is sufficient. Many toppers have cleared UPSC without coaching.
8. Miscellaneous FAQs
Q19: How can I check my UPSC result?
Results are available on the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in) under the “Examination” section.
Q20: Can I apply for multiple UPSC exams in the same year?
Yes, you can apply for multiple exams if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Q21: Is UPSC CSE tougher than IIT or AIIMS?
UPSC CSE is considered one of the toughest exams due to its vast syllabus, unpredictability, and low selection ratio. However, difficulty is subjective and depends on an individual’s strengths and preparation.
Final Words
The UPSC exams offer prestigious career opportunities in India’s government sector. While the exams are challenging, proper preparation and dedication can help aspirants succeed. Stay focused, practice regularly, and believe in yourself!
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