UPSC Prelims & Mains 2025: Exam Calendar, Syllabus & Free Question Paper PDFs

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. If you're preparing for UPSC Prelims 2025 or UPSC Mains 2025, the first step is knowing the exam dates, understanding the syllabus, and practicing with real exam papers. In this detailed guide by Exaministry, we’ll walk you through the UPSC exam calendar 2025, share official UPSC question paper PDF, and help you plan the right preparation strategy.

UPSC Exam Calendar 2025 – Important Dates to Know

The UPSC exam calendar 2025 has been officially released on the Union Public Service Commission website. Here's a quick breakdown of the most important dates:

UPSC Prelims 2025: Exam Pattern & Strategy

The UPSC Prelims 2025 is the first stage and consists of two objective-type papers:

Paper I – General Studies (GS)

• Marks: 200

• Questions: 100

• Time: 2 hours

• Cutoff basis

Paper II – CSAT (Aptitude)

• Marks: 200

• Questions: 80

• Time: 2 hours

• Qualifying only (Minimum 33% required)

UPSC Mains 2025: Structure & Key Subjects

The UPSC Mains 2025 is a descriptive written exam comprising 9 papers, of which 7 are counted for merit.

Paper Structure:

• Language Papers (Qualifying): Indian Language & English

• Essay Paper

• General Studies I to IV

• Two Optional Subject Papers

Download UPSC Question Paper PDF – Free Access on Exaministry

Solving UPSC question paper PDFs is one of the most effective ways to prepare for both Prelims and Mains.

What You Can Download for Free:

• UPSC Prelims Question Papers (2013–2024)

• CSAT Question Papers PDF

• UPSC Mains General Studies Papers

• Essay Papers (Previous Years)

• Optional Subject Question Papers

Why Practicing Previous Year Papers Matters

Here’s why every topper recommends it:

Identify Repeated Topics

Many questions are indirectly repeated or follow similar themes, especially in subjects like Polity, Economy, and Environment.

Improve Time Management

Simulating real exam conditions with PDFs sharpens your ability to complete on time.

Real Exam Insight

No coaching or mock test is better than the actual UPSC questions from the past.

How to Plan Your UPSC 2025 Preparation

With the UPSC Prelims 2025 just months away, here’s how to plan:

1. October–December 2024

• Complete NCERTs + Basic books (Polity, History, Geography, Economy)

• Start reading The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs

2. January–April 2025

• Focus heavily on Prelims MCQs

• Daily revision + mock tests

• Download and solve UPSC question paper PDFs

3. May 2025

• Revise full Prelims syllabus

• Practice full-length mock tests

• Stay stress-free and well-rested before exam day

4. June–August 2025

• Begin answer writing for Mains

• Cover GS Mains topics + Essay

• Practice using UPSC Mains previous year question papers

Conclusion

Cracking UPSC requires a smart mix of planning, practice, and consistency. With the UPSC exam calendar 2025 in hand, you have the roadmap. Now use UPSC question paper PDFs, follow the Prelims and Mains pattern closely, and stay ahead with current affairs.