UPSC Civil Services Exam Guide 2027
UPSC Civil Services (UPSC Civil Services Examination) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It is used for recruitment to the IAS, IPS, IFS and other central services. This guide covers who can apply, how selection works, what is tested and how to prepare.
- Civil Services
- Objective (Prelims) and descriptive (Mains)
UPSC Civil Services at a glance
- Full name
- UPSC Civil Services Examination
- Conducted by
- the Union Public Service Commission
- Used for
- recruitment to the IAS, IPS, IFS and other central services
- Mode
- Objective (Prelims) and descriptive (Mains)
- Who can apply
- Graduate in any discipline, within the age limits and attempt limits stated in the UPSC notification.
- What is tested
- General Studies, the CSAT paper, an optional subject and essay, plus qualifying language papers
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
How UPSC Civil Services selection works
- 1Preliminary examination
- 2Mains examination
- 3Personality Test (interview)
How to prepare for UPSC Civil Services
- Read the syllabus first and tie each topic to previous years' questions.
- Practise answer writing from the start; Mains rewards structure and clarity.
- Before you apply, read the latest official notification at upsc.gov.in. Dates, fees, vacancies and cut-offs change every cycle and are not listed here.
Choosing UPSC Civil Services coaching
Coaching helps most when you need structure, regular tests and a peer group. Ask any centre for the batch size, the full fee including GST, a trial class and last year's results with roll numbers.
More civil services exam guides
Frequently asked questions
What is UPSC Civil Services?+−
UPSC Civil Services (UPSC Civil Services Examination) is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It is used for recruitment to the IAS, IPS, IFS and other central services.
Who can apply for UPSC Civil Services?+−
Graduate in any discipline, within the age limits and attempt limits stated in the UPSC notification.
What are the stages of UPSC Civil Services?+−
UPSC Civil Services runs in 3 stages: 1. Preliminary examination; 2. Mains examination; 3. Personality Test (interview).
What does UPSC Civil Services test?+−
UPSC Civil Services covers General Studies, the CSAT paper, an optional subject and essay, plus qualifying language papers.
Are the dates and fees for UPSC Civil Services on this page?+−
No. Dates, fees, vacancies and cut-offs change each cycle, so confirm them in the official notification at upsc.gov.in before you apply.