UPSC CSE Prelims 2025: Exam Analysis, Expert Insights, and Candidate Reactions

New Delhi, May 25, 2025 – The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary exam today, with thousands of aspirants appearing across India. The exam, which serves as the first stage in the selection process for prestigious services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), consisted of two papers: General Studies (GS) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).

Exam Overview

The GS Paper 1 was held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by the CSAT Paper 2 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Candidates reported mixed reactions, with some describing the GS paper as lengthy and conceptually challenging, while others found it moderately difficult compared to previous years2.

Expert Analysis

According to education experts, the polity section focused on conventional topics such as the Governor, Constitutional Bodies, and Local Self-Government. The history section saw a resurgence of modern history questions, while geography and environment posed tricky map-based questions. The science section was reportedly tougher than last year, demanding deeper conceptual understanding.

Candidate Reactions

Many aspirants expressed concerns over the time-consuming nature of the GS paper, particularly in sections requiring analytical reasoning. “The paper was manageable, but some questions required extra time to process,” said a candidate outside an exam center in Delhi.

Cut-Off Expectations

The expected cut-off for GS Paper 1 will be released soon, with experts predicting a slight increase due to the moderate difficulty level. The CSAT paper remains qualifying in nature, requiring candidates to secure at least 33% (66 marks out of 200) to proceed to the next stage.

Historical Context

In 2024, UPSC filled 1,129 vacancies, including 180 IAS posts, 55 IFS posts, and 147 IPS posts. This year, 979 posts are on offer, making the competition even more intense.

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Conclusion

With the prelims now concluded, aspirants eagerly await the official answer key and cut-off marks. Those who qualify will move on to the UPSC CSE Mains, the next crucial step in their journey toward India’s top administrative positions.

For further updates, candidates can check the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.