UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025: Important

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is a prestigious national competitive examination in India. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the 2025 examination, covering key aspects like eligibility, application process, important dates, exam pattern, and essential instructions.

Table of Contents

• Eligibility Criteria
• How to Apply
• Important Dates
• Penalty for Wrong Answers
• Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)
• Facilitation Counter/Helpline
• Banned Items
• Valuables at Exam Venue
• Photograph Upload Instructions
• Reporting Time

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must carefully review the official Rules of the Civil Services Examination notified by the Department of Personnel and Training. Admission to all stages of the examination is provisional and subject to meeting the prescribed eligibility conditions. The issuance of an e-Admit Card does not guarantee final clearance. Eligibility verification is conducted after the Interview/Personality Test.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the UPSC website: http://upsconline.gov.in.

1. One Time Registration (OTR): Applicants must first register on the OTR platform. This is a one-time process.
2. Online Application: After OTR registration, candidates can proceed to fill the online application form for the exam.
3. OTR Profile Modification: Changes to the OTR profile are allowed only once in a lifetime, within 7 days of the application window closing for the first exam applied for. For this exam, the last date is 18.02.2025.
4. Application Form Modification: Corrections to the submitted application form (excluding OTR profile) can be made from 12.02.2025 to 18.02.2025.
5. Photo ID: Candidates must have a Photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport, Driving Licence, etc.) and provide its details in the application. This ID must be carried to all exam stages.
6. Application Withdrawal: Candidates cannot withdraw their applications after submission.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 11th February 2025 (6:00 PM)
• OTR Profile Modification Deadline: 18.02.2025
• Application Form Correction Window: 12.02.2025 to 18.02.2025
• e-Admit Card Availability: Last working day of the preceding week of the exam date.

Penalty for Wrong Answers

There will be negative marking for incorrect answers in the objective-type question papers.

Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)

Candidates can submit representations regarding exam questions through the QPRep portal (https://upsconline.gov.in/miscellaneous/QPRep/) within 7 days of the exam date. No other mode of representation is accepted.

Facilitation Counter/Helpline

For any queries, contact the UPSC Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of their campus or call 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 (working days, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Banned Items

Mobile phones (even switched off), pagers, electronic devices, storage media, cameras, Bluetooth devices, and similar items are strictly prohibited at the exam venue. Violation will lead to disciplinary action, including a ban from future exams.

Valuables at Exam Venue

Candidates are advised not to bring valuables to the exam venue. No safe-keeping arrangements will be provided, and the Commission will not be responsible for any loss.

Photograph Upload Instructions

• Photograph must be no more than 10 days old from the application start date.
• Photograph must include the candidate's name and the date it was taken.
• The candidate's face should occupy 3/4th of the photograph.
• Appearance must match the photograph at all exam stages (Preliminary, Main, and Interview). For example, if a candidate uploads a bearded photograph, they must maintain the same look throughout the examination process.

Reporting Time

Candidates must arrive at the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the commencement of each session. Late entry will not be permitted under any circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Civil Services Examination

Eligibility

Q: How do I know if I'm eligible for the exam?

A: Please refer to the official Rules of the Civil Services Examination notified by the Government (Department of Personnel and Training) and the Notice of Examination. Your admission is provisional until your eligibility is verified with original documents after qualifying for the Interview/Personality Test.

Application Process

Q: How do I apply for the exam?

A: You must apply online through the website http://upsconline.gov.in. First, register yourself on the One Time Registration (OTR) platform, and then fill out the online application.

Q: Can I modify my OTR profile and application form?

A: You can modify your OTR profile only once in your lifetime, within 7 days after the application window closes for your first application. You can modify your application form (excluding OTR profile) within a 7-day window after the application window closes (from 12.02.2025 to 18.02.2025 for this exam). Changes to the OTR profile must be done separately via the OTR platform.

Q: Can I withdraw my application?

A: No, you cannot withdraw your application after submission.

Q: What Photo ID Card do I need?

A: You'll need a Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or any other Photo ID issued by State/Central Government). You'll provide the details during application, and you must carry this card to all exam stages.

Q: What is the last date to apply?

A: The online applications can be filled up to 11th February, 2025, until 6:00 PM.

Admit Card and Exam

Q: When will I receive my admit card?

A: E-Admit Cards will be available for download on the UPSC website [https://upsconline.gov.in] on the last working day of the preceding week of the exam date. No admit card will be sent by post.

Q: Is there negative marking?

A: Yes, there is a penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers in the objective type question papers.

Q: What about question paper representations?

A: You can submit representations regarding exam questions through the "Online Question Paper Representation Portal (QPRep)" (https://upsconline.gov.in/miscellaneous/QPRep/) within 7 days of the exam date. No other mode of representation is accepted.

Q: What items are banned at the exam venue?

A: Mobile phones (even switched off), pagers, electronic equipment, programmable devices, storage media (pen drives, smart watches, etc.), cameras, Bluetooth devices, and any other communication devices are strictly prohibited.

Q: What about valuable items?

A: Candidates are advised not to bring valuable/costly items to the venue, as no safe-keeping arrangements will be provided. The Commission is not responsible for any loss.

Q: What are the photograph requirements?

A: The photograph should be no more than 10 days old from the application start date. Your name and the photo date must be on the photo. Your face should occupy 3/4th of the photo space. Your appearance must match your photograph at all exam stages (preliminary, main, and interview).

Q: When should I arrive at the exam venue?

A: You should reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the commencement of each session. No late entry will be allowed.

Helpline

Q: Who can I contact for help?

A: For any guidance/information/clarification, contact UPSC’s Facilitation Counter near gate ‘C’ of its campus in person or call 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 on working days between 10:00 hrs and 17:00 hrs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC notification for the most accurate and updated information.