The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is all set to conduct the Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 on 22 August 2025. This exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India, attracting lakhs of aspirants every year who aim to join the elite services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. The UPSC Civil Services exam is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Candidates who have successfully cleared the Preliminary examination are now eligible to appear for the Mains examination.
Event |
Date |
Application Start Date |
22/01/2025 |
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Pre Exam Date |
May 25, 2025 |
Admit Card Available |
Before Exam |
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Extended Date for Apply Online |
21/02/2025 |
Extended Payment Date |
21/02/2025 |
Online Correction Date |
22-28 February 2025 |
Mains Exam Date |
22 August 2025 |
Mains Admit Card |
14 August 2025 |
Application Fee :
Category |
Amount |
GEN/EWS/OBC |
₹100/- |
SC/ST/PH |
₹100/- |
Payment Methods |
Payment Gateway through Net Banking, Debit Cards, Credit Cards, UPI as applicable |
Age Limit:
Criteria |
Age |
Minimum Age |
21 Years |
Maximum Age |
32 Years |
Note: Age Relaxation as per recruitment rules
Vacancy Details
Post Name |
Total Posts |
Qualification |
IAS |
979 |
Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream from a Recognized University in India. |
IFS |
150 |
Bachelor’s Degree with Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or Equivalent as one of the Subjects. |
How to Download UPSC IAS Mains Admit Card 2025
Candidates can easily download their admit cards online by following these simple steps:
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Visit the official UPSC website.
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On the homepage, look for the link “UPSC Civil Services Mains Admit Card 2025”.
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Click on the link, and you will be redirected to the admit card login page.
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Enter your registration number/roll number and date of birth/password as required.
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Verify the security captcha code and click on the “Submit” button.
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The admit card will appear on your screen.
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Download the admit card and take at least two or three printouts for future use.
Details Mentioned on the Admit Card
After downloading, candidates should carefully check all the information mentioned on the admit card. The following details will be provided:
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Candidate’s full name and roll number
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Registration/ application number
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Examination date and timings
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Exam venue address and code
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Reporting time and gate closing time
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Candidate’s photograph and signature
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Exam day instructions and guidelines
If there is any error in the details mentioned, candidates must immediately contact the UPSC authorities for correction.
Exam Day Instructions for UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025
Since the Civil Services examination is a national-level test with high security, UPSC issues strict instructions for all candidates. Some important guidelines are as follows:
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Carry your admit card and a valid photo ID proof without fail.
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Reach the exam center well before the reporting time to avoid last-minute rush.
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Do not carry prohibited items such as mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, or any electronic devices.
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Only pens, pencils, and essential stationery items are allowed as per UPSC rules.
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Candidates must follow the seating arrangements as per the roll number mentioned in the admit card.
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Ensure that your photograph and details on the admit card are clearly visible.
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Follow all COVID-19 or health-related instructions (if applicable) as per UPSC guidelines.
Why the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam is Important
The Mains examination is the second stage of the Civil Services recruitment process. Unlike the Preliminary exam, which is objective in nature, the Mains exam consists of descriptive papers. Candidates are tested on their knowledge, analytical ability, and writing skills.
The Mains exam includes nine papers, out of which seven are considered for merit ranking, while two qualifying papers (English and a language chosen by the candidate) are compulsory. Only those who score the required cutoff in the Mains exam will be shortlisted for the Personality Test (Interview round).
Tips for Candidates Appearing in UPSC IAS Mains 2025
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Revise thoroughly: Focus on key topics, current affairs, and optional subject notes.
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Practice answer writing: Since Mains is descriptive, time management and writing speed are crucial.
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Stay updated: Go through newspapers, government reports, and authentic sources for factual data.
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Keep calm and confident: A balanced state of mind is essential for performing well.
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Prepare documents in advance: Keep your admit card, ID proof, and exam materials ready a day before.