UPSC Selection Process – Stage-wise Procedure for IAS, IPS, IFS & Other Services

The UPSC selection process is a rigorous and multi-stage examination system designed to recruit the most competent individuals for India’s prestigious civil services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and others. This process ensures a transparent and merit-based selection that evaluates candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, personality, and decision-making skills.

Whether you’re aiming for UPSC 2025 or exploring the civil services exam structure for the first time, this guide offers a detailed breakdown of each stage involved.

Overview of the UPSC Selection Process

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which consists of three main UPSC exam stages: Preliminary, Mains, and the Personality Test.

1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Objective type

2. Main Examination (Mains) – Descriptive type

3. Personality Test (Interview) – Personal interaction with UPSC board

Each stage acts as a filter to identify candidates who possess analytical ability, general awareness, writing skills, and leadership potential required for administrative roles.

Stage 1: UPSC Preliminary Examination

The Prelims is the first level of screening and consists of two objective papers:

Paper I – General Studies (GS)

• 100 questions | 200 marks | Duration: 2 hours

• Includes current affairs, Indian polity, geography, history, environment, economy, and science.

Paper II – CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)

• 80 questions | 200 marks | Duration: 2 hours

• Includes comprehension, logical reasoning, basic numeracy.

Note: Only marks of GS Paper I are counted for the UPSC cut-off. Paper II is qualifying in nature (33% required).

Result: Candidates who clear the Prelims cut-off qualify for the Mains.

Stage 2: UPSC Mains Examination

The Mains stage is a written, descriptive test that evaluates conceptual clarity, analytical thinking, and expression skills.

Mains Exam Pattern:

• 9 papers in total (7 for merit, 2 qualifying)

• Duration: 3 hours each

Result: The marks from the 7 merit papers (1750 total) determine qualification for the Interview round.

Stage 3: UPSC Personality Test / Interview

The final stage is the Personality Test, conducted at the UPSC office in New Delhi.

• Duration: 30–40 minutes

• Maximum Marks: 275

• No minimum qualifying marks

Candidates are interviewed by a panel of experts who assess:

• Personality traits

• Communication skills

• Confidence and honesty

• Knowledge of current affairs

• Understanding of their DAF (Detailed Application Form)

Note: You must fulfill the UPSC eligibility criteria to even appear for this stage.

Final Merit List & Allocation

The final merit is calculated out of 2025 marks (1750 Mains + 275 Interview). Based on rank and preference, candidates are allocated services like:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

• Indian Police Service (IPS)

• Indian Revenue Service (IRS), etc.

Timeline of UPSC Selection Process (2025 Example)

Tips to Navigate the UPSC Selection Process

• Understand the UPSC exam pattern clearly

• Build a strong foundation in NCERTs and current affairs

• Practice answer writing regularly

• Solve mock tests for time management

• Stay consistent, calm, and focused through the journey

Final Thoughts

The UPSC selection process is not just an exam; it’s a test of resilience, intellect, and discipline. Success lies in understanding the exam structure, planning stage-wise preparation, and maintaining consistency over months.

Start with the right mindset, track your progress, and use expert guidance where needed. If you’re determined and systematic, clearing UPSC is well within reach.