Complete IAS Exam Syllabus for Prelims & Mains

The Civil Services Examination (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India, conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for top administrative positions in the Government of India. This examination is held in three stages—Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview)—generally conducted over the course of a year, with the Preliminary exam usually held around May–June, followed by the Mains in September–October, and the Interview stage thereafter.

Successful candidates are appointed to elite services such as the 

Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other Central Civil Services, where they play a crucial role in policy-making, governance, law enforcement, and public administration across the country.

UPSC CSE 2026 Exam Pattern Overview