The Civil Services Examination (IAS) and Indian Forest Services Examination (IFS) Preliminary Exams 2025 are out, thanks to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates willing to step into one of the most reliable positions in India in civil administration as well as in forestry services, there are multiple attempts available to clear these exams. The first selection stage encompasses the preliminary examination that will be held on 25th May 2025, followed by Mains and Interview rounds. Interested participants may apply online through the official website of the UPSC from January 25, 2025 to February 14, 2025. The approximate figure for vacancies available for IAS is 1000 while for IFS it is around 150, with the final numbers available subject to reservation policies.
To apply for IAS, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in any field, and IFS candidates should have completed forestry, agriculture, or allied sciences. The required age bracket is between a minimum of 21 and a maximum of 32 years. However, SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates are provided an age rebate following government regulations. The preliminary exam comprises two objective-type papers, General Studies (Paper I) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT-Paper II), qualifying papers. Successful candidates will move to Mains, a descriptive exam for various optional subjects and general studies followed by a Personality Test/Interview.
All applicants are requested to understand the eligibility requirements, exam specifications, and application process as described in the Official Notification. As attempts are restricted for most categories, it goes without saying that the candidates will need to ensure that their preparation is thorough. Applications should be submitted on time, and results are available on the UPSC website. For candidates wanting to be a part of the working body of India or help the country in its forestry services, joining Indian administrative services is an amazing opportunity.
UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Pre-Recruitment 2025: Important Dates
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | |
UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Pre Recruitment 2025 | |
Advt No: 05, 06/2025 | |
Important Dates | |
Notification Date | 22 January 2025 |
Application Start Date | 22 January 2025 |
Last Date to Apply | 11 February 2025 |
Fee Payment Last Date | 11 February 2025 |
Preliminary Exam Date | 25 May 2025 |
Admit Card Release Date | Before Exam |
UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Pre-Recruitment 2025: Application Fee Details
Application Fees | |
General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 100/- |
SC / ST / Female | ₹ 0/- (No Fee) |
Payment Mode | Online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or E-Challan |
UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Pre Online Form 2025: Age Details
Age Limit | |
Minimum Age | 21 years (as on August 1, 2025) |
Maximum Age | 32 years (as on August 1, 2025) |
Age Relaxation | |
SC/ST | 5 years |
OBC | 3 years |
PwBD | 10 years |
UPSC Civil Services IAS/IFS Preliminary Online Form 2025: Educational Qualification
- Indian Administrative Services IAS (Civil Services): Any candidate who has completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in India is eligible for this examination.
- Indian Forest Service (IFS): Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following subjects: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Zoology, Agriculture, or any equivalent field are eligible for this examination.
It is important that all applicants review the official details thoroughly before submission.
UPSC Civil Services IAS/ IFS Pre Notification 2025 : Vacancy Details
- Civil Services (IAS): Approximately 1000 vacancies in government departments.
- Indian Forest Services (IFS): Approximately 150 seats are available, keeping in mind the reservation policy.
Vacancy Details | |
Post Name | No. of Posts |
Indian Administrative Services (IAS) | 979 |
Indian Forest Services (IFS) | 150 |
Total Posts | 1129 |
UPSC Civil Services IAS Pre / Forest Service IFS Recruitment 2025: Selection Process
Preliminary Examination
Total Papers: 2 (both have objective-type questions)
- Both cover current affairs, history, geography, polity, environment, and general science.
- Assess comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical ability. Marks Allocated: 400 (200 for each paper) Time Duration: 2 hours per paper Qualifying Exam: Yes (marks are not counted in final merit)
Mains Examination
They’re the only ones who qualify for the Mains. It is a descriptive exam focused on general knowledge and chosen optional subjects. application after the preliminary exam.
Interview
Selected candidates post-Mains will undergo a Personality Test Interview.
UPSC Civil Services (IAS) and Indian Forest Services (IFS) Prelims Recruitment 2025: Steps to Apply
- Application Form: Go to: upsc.gov.in
- Sign Up:
Part I: Fill in your basic information.
Part II: Documents such as signature and photograph must be submitted. - Application Fee Payment
For SC/ST/Women/PWD: No fees are charged.
For General/OBC: Fees are ₹100. - Application Submission: The Application Review step should be done with caution so that incorrect details are not submitted.
- Receipt Download: Always store a copy of the application for future use.
Important Links | |
Apply Online (OTR) | Click Here |
Download Notification | IAS | IFS |
Sarkari Exam Mobile App | Click Here |
Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
Official Website | Click Here |