On May 25, 2025, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the much-awaited Civil Services Preliminary Examination (CSE Prelims), one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India. Aspirants from across the country arrived at their designated centers early in the morning, many with dreams of joining the esteemed Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Group A and B services.
📝 The Big Day: CSE Prelims 2025
The exam is being conducted in two shifts:
First shift: General Studies Paper I (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM)
Second shift: CSAT or Paper II (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM)
Candidates across cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai queued up at exam centers as early as 7:30 AM. The CSE Prelims is the first stage of the three-tier UPSC Civil Services Examination process, followed by the Mains and the Interview.
📸 Scenes from Across the Nation
Visuals captured outside centers showed students revising their notes, discussing current affairs, and praying silently — each with their unique ritual before entering the exam hall.
In Lucknow, candidates lined up in front of centers, holding printed admit cards, photo IDs, and black ballpoint pens — the only writing tool allowed for the OMR sheets. Meanwhile, in Varanasi, aspirants were seen walking out after Paper I, some confident and others visibly reflective, mentally preparing for Paper II.
Security checks were tight. As per UPSC guidelines:
Mobile phones, smartwatches, books, and electronic gadgets were strictly prohibited.
Items like bags, luggage, and valuables were banned.
Candidates were only allowed to carry essentials such as admit cards, photo ID proof, pens, and passport-size photos (if applicable).
📜 What Candidates Needed to Carry
To ensure a smooth entry and avoid last-minute confusion, UPSC instructed aspirants to bring:
Printed Admit Card
Government-issued Photo ID (the same one mentioned on the admit card)
Black ballpoint pen
Photographs (if required)
Face mask, water bottle, and hand sanitizer (encouraged but not mandatory in many centers post-pandemic)
🔍 First Reactions from Aspirants
Many students exiting the first shift described the General Studies (GS) Paper I as moderate to tough, with questions focused on:
Polity and Governance
Environment and Ecology
Geography
Current Affairs (2024–2025)
Economy
History and Art & Culture
A notable shift this year was a greater emphasis on conceptual clarity over rote memorization. Current affairs were integrated with traditional topics — a trend UPSC has been leaning towards in recent years.
🧠 What’s Next?
Candidates who clear the cutoff for the Prelims will qualify for the Mains Examination, scheduled later this year. The Mains consists of nine papers, including essay writing, general studies, and optional subjects. It demands not only knowledge but also articulation, analysis, and a deep understanding of issues affecting the nation.
For now, the focus for most will shift to CSAT Paper II, which is qualifying in nature (33% marks required to pass) but still a crucial hurdle. The paper tests aptitude in:
Comprehension
Logical reasoning
Basic numeracy
Decision-making and problem-solving
💬 Final Thoughts
The UPSC CSE is more than just an exam — it’s a test of discipline, dedication, and patience. Every year, lakhs of aspirants aim for only a few coveted positions in India’s top bureaucracy. The journey begins with Prelims, and May 25, 2025, marked that starting point for many hopefuls.
For those who attempted today, it’s a moment of reflection. For future aspirants, it’s a reminder to stay consistent, stay curious, and most importantly, stay resilient.
Good luck to everyone who appeared for UPSC Prelims 2025!
May your hard work bear fruit and guide you toward serving the nation with honor and integrity.
Stay tuned for answer key analyses, expected cutoff predictions, and Mains preparation strategies — coming soon on the blog!
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