UPSC Exam Calendar 2025

 

Official UPSC UPSC Exam Calendar 2025 featuring key dates for IAS, IFS, CDS, NDA, and more Gearing Up for Glory: Understanding the UPSC 2025 Exam Cycle

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) stands as India’s leading recruitment authority for a wide range of prestigious services, including All India Services, Central Services, and various defense and technical roles. Every year, countless aspirants gear up for these competitive exams—and their first essential tool? The UPSC Exam Calendar.

This calendar lays out the schedule for all major UPSC exams throughout the year. Knowing these dates in advance is critical. It helps aspirants plan their studies, manage their time efficiently, and avoid last-minute panic. Whether you're targeting the Civil Services Engineering Services or Defense Services the 2025 calendar is your go-to roadmap for structured and strategic preparation.

What You’ll Find in This Guide

This article provides a complete breakdown of the UPSC Exam Calendar 2025 including:

• Notification release dates  
•  Last dates to apply  
•  Exam commencement dates  

With this information at your fingertips, you can stay organized and focused—ensuring you never miss a deadline on your journey to success.

The Official UPSC Exam Calendar 2025

The UPSC has officially released the schedule for examinations and recruitment tests for 2025. Here’s a detailed look at the major exams:

Note: Dates are subject to change if circumstances require. For Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025, the application window was reopened (Oct 18 to Nov 22, 2024) due to the inclusion of IRMS.

Key UPSC Exams to Watch in 2025

1. Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025

One of the most prestigious exams in India, the CSE recruits officers for IAS, IPS, IFS, and other elite Group A & B services.  

• Notification Date: January 22, 2025  
• Last Date to Apply: February 11, 2025  
• Preliminary Exam: May 25, 2025 (Sunday)  
• Main Exam: Begins August 22, 2025 (Friday) – 5 days  

2. Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination 2025

IFS exam is held in conjunction with the CSE Preliminary stage and is aimed at recruiting top forestry professionals.

• Notification Date: January 22, 2025  
• Last Date to Apply: February 11, 2025  
• Preliminary Exam: May 25, 2025 (Sunday)  
• Main Exam: Starts November 16, 2025 (Sunday) – 7 days  

3. Engineering Services Examination (ESE) 2025

ESE selects engineers for high-ranking technical roles in government departments.

• Notification Date: September 18, 2024  
• Last Date to Apply: November 22, 2024 (Reopened window)  
• Preliminary Exam: June 8, 2025 (Sunday)  
• Main Exam: August 10, 2025 (Sunday)  

4. Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination 2025

CDS is conducted twice a year for recruitment to IMA, OTA, INA, and AFA.

CDS (I) 2025

• Notification: December 11, 2024  
• Last Date to Apply: December 31, 2024  
• Exam Date: April 13, 2025 (Sunday)  

CDS (II) 2025

• Notification: May 28, 2025  
• Last Date to Apply: June 17, 2025  
• Exam Date: September 14, 2025 (Sunday)  

5. NDA & NA Examination 2025

Held twice annually, this exam admits candidates into the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA and INA.

NDA & NA (I) 2025

• Notification: December 11, 2024  
• Last Date to Apply:December 31, 2024  
• Exam Date: April 13, 2025 (Sunday)  

NDA & NA (II) 2025

• Notification: May 28, 2025  
• Last Date to Apply: June 17, 2025  
• Exam Date: September 14, 2025 (Sunday)  

Stay Updated and Never Miss an Opportunity!

While the calendar offers a strong foundation, staying informed about changes, detailed notifications, syllabus updates, and exam patterns is just as important. To receive the latest UPSC updates and government job alerts: