The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) form has been released for CSE and IFoS Examination 2025. It outlines critical updates for aspirants of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) Examination.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the key changes, including One-Time Registration (OTR) updates, application correction windows, Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) deadlines, provisions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and the exam schedule. Candidates can also download the official UPSC Notification 2025 PDF for complete details.
Update for UPSC CSE and IFOs Exam
The UPSC Prelims Result 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025 on the official website upsc.gov.in. Candidates who have qualified must now fill the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the next stage of the UPSC selection process — Prelims, Mains and Interview.
Step 1: Visit the official website and click on the link to access the DAF. The UPSC Mains 2025 will include GS Paper, an Indian Language paper, and an Optional Subject.
According to the UPSC notification 2025, the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 will be conducted as per schedule, while the UPSC Calendar 2026 confirms that CSE 2026 will be conducted next year.
Important Notice: UPSC OTR Updates for CSE 2025
The UPSC has introduced significant modifications to the One-Time Registration (OTR) process for the UPSC CSE and IFoS 2025, aimed at improving transparency and streamlining the application process.
The OTR system requires candidates to register once on the UPSC portal, creating a profile that can be used for all future UPSC examinations. Key updates include:
- Editable Details in OTR: Candidates can modify specific details in their OTR profile, such as name, email, mobile number, and address, until February 18, 2025, which is seven days after the initial application deadline for the first-time applicants. Changes to critical fields like exam center preferences are restricted after submission.
- Photo ID Requirement: Candidates must provide details of a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, passport) during OTR registration. This ID must be carried to the exam center and interview stages.
- Recent Photograph: A photograph taken within 10 days of the application start date (January 22, 2025) must be uploaded, showing the candidate’s name and date. The appearance in the photo (e.g., beard, spectacles) must remain consistent across all exam stages.
To avoid errors, candidates are advised to carefully review the OTR guidelines on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) before applying. Incorrect or incomplete OTR details may lead to application rejection.
Correction Window and Application Deadlines
The UPSC CSE IFoS 2025 correction window dates are critical for candidates to rectify errors in their submitted applications. The following timelines apply:
- Initial Application Deadline: The application process for both CSE and IFoS began on January 22, 2025, with the initial deadline set for February 11, 2025. However, UPSC extended the deadline to February 21, 2025, 6:00 PM, to accommodate more applicants.
- Correction Window: The application correction window is open from February 22 to February 28, 2025, allowing candidates to modify details such as personal information, educational qualifications, and contact details. However, exam center preferences and certain other fields cannot be changed during this period.
Candidates must complete corrections within the stipulated timeframe, as no changes are permitted after February 28, 2025. The application fee is ₹100 for general candidates, with exemptions for female candidates, SC/ST, and PwBD candidates. Payments can be made via online banking, credit/debit cards, or cash at SBI branches.
DAF-I Window for Mains (June 16–25, 2025)
For candidates who qualify for the UPSC CSE and IFoS Mains 2025, the Detailed Application Form (DAF-I) window is scheduled from June 16 to June 25, 2025. This applies to those who clear the Preliminary Examination conducted on May 25, 2025. Key points include:
- DAF-I Submission: Candidates must submit the DAF-I, which includes detailed personal, educational, and professional information, along with service and cadre preferences.
- Document Requirements: Final-year students who marked “appearing” in their Prelims application must upload proof of graduation (degree certificate or mark sheet) within a 15-day window after the Mains result. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification.
- Service Preferences: The UPSC Notification 2025 emphasizes that candidates cannot change their category (e.g., General, OBC, SC/ST) after submission. Service preferences (e.g., IAS, IPS, IFS) and cadre preferences can be updated during the DAF-I window.
Candidates should carefully review the DAF-I instructions on the UPSC website to ensure compliance with document formats and deadlines.
PwBD Scribe Guidelines for CSE Prelims 2025
The PwBD scribe guidelines for CSE Prelims 2025 outline provisions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) to ensure accessibility. Key details include:
- Scribe Eligibility: PwBD candidates can opt for a scribe for the Prelims exam. Requests to change the scribe must be submitted to uscsp-upsc@nic.in by May 18, 2025, 4:00 PM. Late requests or those sent to other email addresses will not be entertained.
- Documentation: PwBD candidates must submit certificates in the prescribed format, issued within the valid period as specified in the UPSC notification. These certificates are verified during document verification.
- Reservation: Approximately 38 vacancies in CSE and 9 in IFoS (including 6 new and 3 backlog vacancies) are reserved for PwBD candidates.
Aspirants are encouraged to review the PwBD-specific instructions in the official notification to ensure compliance with scribe and reservation guidelines.
UPSC CSE and IFoS Exam Dates Overview
The UPSC Prelims 2025 is scheduled for May 25, 2025, serving as the screening stage for both examinations. The exam consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT), each worth 200 marks.
- UPSC Mains 2025: Scheduled to begin on August 22, 2025, spanning five days. It includes nine papers, with two qualifying papers and seven merit-based papers.
- IFoS Mains 2025: Scheduled from November 16, 2025, for seven days, comprising six written papers and an interview.
- Interview/Personality Test: Conducted after the Mains for both CSE and IFoS, with CSE interviews worth 275 marks and IFoS interviews contributing to the final merit list.
Candidates applying for both CSE and IFoS must indicate their intent in the Prelims application form, as the Preliminary exam is common for both.
Vacancies and Eligibility
The UPSC Notification 2025 announced a total of 1,129 vacancies, with 979 for CSE (covering IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A/B services) and 150 for IFoS. Reservations are available for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwBD categories.
- CSE Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Final-year students can apply but must submit proof of graduation before the interview stage. Age limit: 21–32 years as of August 1, 2025, with relaxations for reserved categories.
- IFoS Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree in specific subjects like Forestry, Agriculture, Engineering, or sciences (e.g., Botany, Zoology). Age limit: 21–32 years, with relaxations.
Download the UPSC Notification 2025 PDF
The official UPSC Notification 2025 PDF for CSE and IFoS is available on the UPSC website. Candidates can download it to access detailed information on eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and application guidelines.
- Download Link: UPSC CSE and IFoS Notification 2025 PDF
- Steps to Download:
- Visit upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the “Examinations” section and select “Active Examinations.”
- Click on the link for “Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025” or “Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination 2025.”
- Download the PDF and save it for reference.
Application Process and Tips
To apply for the UPSC CSE and IFoS 2025, follow these steps:
- Visit the UPSC Website: Go to upsconline.nic.in and complete the OTR registration if not already done.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in with OTR credentials, select the exam (CSE, IFoS, or both), and enter personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload Documents: Include a recent photograph, signature, and photo ID details in the prescribed format.
- Pay the Fee: Pay ₹100 (if applicable) via online methods or SBI cash deposit.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all details before final submission, as applications cannot be withdrawn.
Tips for Aspirants:
- Start the application process early to secure preferred exam centers, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Regularly check the UPSC website for updates on admit cards, expected to be available in early May 2025 for Prelims.
- Prepare strategically by aligning your study plan with the syllabus and practicing mock tests.
Conclusion
The UPSC CSE IFoS Important Notice 2025 introduces critical updates to streamline the application process and enhance accessibility for aspirants. By understanding the OTR changes, adhering to the correction window (February 22–28, 2025), preparing for the DAF-I window (June 16–25, 2025), and following PwBD scribe guidelines, candidates can navigate the process effectively.
With the Prelims on May 25, 2025, and Mains in August and November 2025, aspirants should plan their preparation meticulously. Download the official notification PDF from upsc.gov.in and stay updated to ensure a smooth application process.
For further assistance, contact the UPSC Helpdesk via email or phone, as listed on the official website. Best of luck to all aspirants aiming to serve the nation through the prestigious Civil Services and Indian Forest Service!