May 24, 2025
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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the premier agency responsible for conducting exams in India. The list of exams by UPSC holds the range from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) to the Indian Engineering Services (IES) and beyond, these exams by UPSC are conducted through a year long process.For any serious UPSC aspirant, understanding the list of exams by UPSC , their exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and selection process is crucial. In this blog, we present a comprehensive guide to all major exams by UPSC conducted in 2025, helping you make informed decisions.
Here is the list of exams by UPSC with the important dates:
Name of Exam by UPSC | Notification Date | Last Date to Apply | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
Combined Geo-Scientist (Prelims) | 4 Sept 2024 | 24 Sept 2024 | 9 Feb 2025 |
Engineering Services (Prelims) | 18 Sept 2024 | 8 Oct 2024 | 9 Feb 2025 |
CDS Examination (I) | 11 Dec 2024 | 31 Dec 2024 | 13 Apr 2025 |
NDA & NA Examination (I) | 20 Dec 2024 | 9 Jan 2025 | 13 Apr 2025 |
Civil Services (Prelims) | 22 Jan 2025 | 11 Feb 2025 | 25 May 2025 |
Indian Forest Service (Prelims, with CSE) | 22 Jan 2025 | 11 Feb 2025 | 25 May 2025 |
CAPF (Assistant Commandant) | 5 Mar 2025 | 25 Mar 2025 | 3 Aug 2025 |
Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service | 10 Apr 2025 | 30 Apr 2025 | 20 June 2025 |
Combined Medical Services | 17 Apr 2025 | 7 May 2025 | 20 July 2025 |
CDS Examination (II) | 28 May 2025 | 17 June 2025 | 14 Sept 2025 |
NDA & NA Examination (II) | 28 May 2025 | 17 June 2025 | 14 Sept 2025 |
Civil Services (Main) | — | — | 22 Aug 2025 |
Indian Forest Service (Main) | — | — | 16 Nov 2025 |
Geo-Scientist (Main) | — | — | 21 June 2025 |
Engineering Services (Main) | — | — | 22 June 2025 |
Table of content
One of the most sought-after exams by UPSC, the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is used to recruit candidates for prestigious roles in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and various other Group A and Group B services.
To choose applicants the exams by UPSC in the following process by UPSC:
Exam Process:
Preliminary Examination
Consists of two objective-type papers:
General Studies Paper I
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) – Paper II
Qualifying in nature but marks of Paper I count for selection to Mains.
Main Examination
Nine descriptive/essay-type papers, including Essay, General Studies (I–IV), and optional subject papers.
Only marks from seven papers are counted for merit.
Personality Test (Interview)
This exam by UPSC is conducted to evaluate the candidate’s personality, leadership qualities, and suitability for a career in civil services.
Eligibility:
A graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university can appear in this exam by UPSC.
Final-year students can also apply, provided proof of graduation is submitted before Mains.
Age Limit:
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 32 years (as of 1st August of the exam year)
Age Relaxation:
OBC: +3 years
SC/ST: +5 years
PwBD: +10 years
The Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS) is one of the prestigious exams by UPSC aimed at recruiting officers into the forest management and environmental protection services of India. These officers serve under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and are responsible for the sustainable management of the country’s vast forest resources.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the IFoS exam in three stages, starting with a common preliminary examination shared with the Civil Services Examination (CSE).
Exam Process:
Preliminary Examination
Exam by UPSC jointly with the CSE Prelims.
Consists of two objective-type papers:
General Studies Paper I
CSAT (Paper II)
Qualifying for IFoS Mains requires scoring above the IFoS-specific cutoff, which is typically higher than that for CSE.
Main Examination
Six descriptive papers, including:
General English
General Knowledge
Two Optional Subjects (each with two papers)
Candidates must select two subjects from a list of science- and environment-related disciplines (e.g., Forestry, Geology, Botany, Zoology, Agriculture).
Personality Test (Interview)
Focuses on assessing the candidate’s awareness, attitude towards conservation, ecological knowledge, and decision-making ability.
Eligibility:
Educational Qualification:
A bachelor’s degree with at least one of the following subjects:Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
Botany
Chemistry
Geology
Mathematics
Physics
Statistics
Zoology
Agriculture / Forestry / Engineering
Nationality: Indian citizens only.
Age Limit:
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 32 years (as on 1st August of the exam year)
Age Relaxation:
OBC: +3 years
SC/ST: +5 years
PwBD: +10 years
The Engineering Services Examination (ESE) is one of the most competitive exams by UPSC for recruiting engineers to top government departments such as Railways, CPWD, and the Indian Ordnance Factories. It is a preferred career path for engineering graduates seeking high-ranking technical posts.
Exam Process:
Preliminary Examination
Two objective papers: General Studies & Engineering Aptitude, and Engineering Discipline-specific paper.
Main Examination
Two descriptive papers on the selected engineering discipline.
Personality Test
Interview assessing technical knowledge, leadership, and suitability for service.
Eligibility:
A degree in Engineering from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
Final-year students can apply, subject to proof of passing before the Mains.
Age Limit:
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 30 years
Age Relaxation:
OBC: +3 years
SC/ST: +5 years
PwBD: +10 years
The Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS) is a specialized exams by UPSC to recruit doctors into government healthcare services such as Railways, Central Health Service, and Municipal Corporations.
Exam Process:
Computer-Based Test
Two objective papers:
Paper I (General Medicine and Pediatrics)
Paper II (Surgery, Gynaecology, Preventive & Social Medicine)
Personality Test
Focus on general knowledge and suitability for service.
Eligibility:
Passed or appeared in the final year of MBBS.
Must have completed practical internship before final appointment.
Age Limit:
Maximum: 32 years
Age Relaxation:
OBC: +3 years
SC/ST: +5 years
PwBD: +10 years
The CDS Examination is one of the flagship exams by UPSC for recruiting officers into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).
Exam Process:
Written Examination
Separate papers for IMA, INA, AFA, and OTA with subjects like English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics.
SSB Interview
Personality and psychological testing followed by medical examination.
Eligibility:
IMA/OTA: Graduation in any discipline
INA: Degree in Engineering
AFA: Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level or B.E.
Age Limit:
IMA: 19–24 years
INA: 19–22 years
AFA: 19–23 years
OTA: 19–25 years
This exam by UPSC recruits candidates after Class 12 for the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and NA. It is a gateway to a prestigious career in the armed forces.
Exam Process:
Written Examination
Two papers: Mathematics and General Ability Test.
SSB Interview
5-day evaluation process covering psychological testing, group tasks, and personal interviews.
Eligibility:
NDA (Army Wing): 10+2 in any stream
NDA (Air Force & Navy) and NA: 10+2 with Physics and Maths
Age Limit:
16.5 to 19.5 years (no relaxation)
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Exam is another prestigious exam by UPSC to recruit officers into paramilitary forces such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
Exam Process:
Written Examination
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence
Paper II: Essay and Comprehension
Physical Standards Test
Interview/Personality Test
Eligibility:
Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university.
Age Limit:
20 to 25 years
Age Relaxation:
OBC: +3 years
SC/ST: +5 years
This examination by UPSC is designed to recruit economists and statisticians into various government departments and ministries.
Exam Process:
Written Examination
Six papers: General English, General Studies, and four subject-specific papers
Interview/Personality Test
Eligibility:
IES: Postgraduate degree in Economics/Applied Economics
ISS: Postgraduate in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics
Age Limit:
21 to 30 years
Age Relaxation:
OBC: +3 years
SC/ST: +5 years
PwBD: +10 years
The Combined Geo-Scientist Exam is a technical exam by UPSC that recruits geologists, geophysicists, chemists, and hydrogeologists for government roles.
Exam Process:
Preliminary Examination
Objective-type papers relevant to the chosen post
Main Examination
Descriptive papers based on subject specialization
Personality Test
Eligibility:
Master’s degree in the respective discipline (e.g., Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, Hydrogeology)
Age Limit:
21 to 32 years
Age Relaxation:
OBC: +3 years
SC/ST: +5 years
PwBD: +10 years
Exam Name | Eligibility | Age Limit | Exam Process |
|---|---|---|---|
Engineering Services Examination (ESE) | B.E./B.Tech or equivalent in Engineering | 21 to 30 years (Relaxation for reserved categories) | Prelims (Objective), Mains (Descriptive), Interview |
Combined Medical Services (CMS) | MBBS degree (or appearing in final year) | Max 32 years (Relaxation for reserved categories) | Computer-Based Test (2 papers), Interview |
Combined Defence Services (CDS) | Graduate; INA: Engineering, AFA: Physics & Math at 10+2 | IMA: 19–24, INA: 19–22, AFA: 19–23, OTA: 19–25 years | Written Test, SSB Interview |
NDA & Naval Academy (NA) | 10+2; Physics & Math required for Navy/Air Force | 16.5 to 19.5 years | Written Test (Maths, GAT), SSB Interview |
CAPF (Assistant Commandant) | Graduate in any discipline | 20 to 25 years (Relaxation for reserved categories) | Written Exam, Physical Test, Interview |
Indian Economic/Statistical Service (IES/ISS) | IES: PG in Economics; ISS: PG in Statistics | 21 to 30 years (Relaxation for reserved categories) | Written Test (6 papers), Interview |
Combined Geo-Scientist Examination | PG in relevant field (Geology, Geophysics, Chemistry, Hydrogeology) | 21 to 32 years (Relaxation for reserved categories) | Prelims (Objective), Mains (Descriptive), Interview |
Conclusion
The exams by UPSC serve as gateways to prestigious careers in India's civil, defense, engineering, medical, and economic services. Understanding the structure, eligibility, and preparation strategies for these exams by UPSC is crucial for aspirants aiming to serve the nation. With dedication and informed preparation, success in these examinations is achievable.
