The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is one of India’s toughest and most prestigious competitive exams. Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete for a limited number of seats in IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services. But cracking the exam isn’t just about hard work—you also need to understand the reservation policy, seat allocation, and selection process. With UPSC CSE 2025 around the corner, let’s break down everything you need to know—from category-wise quotas to the three-stage selection process.
Apart from vertical quotas, horizontal reservations apply for:
Women (33% in each category)
PwD (Persons with Disabilities) (4% across categories)
🔹 Real-Life Case: In 2023, Ira Singhal (PwD category) topped UPSC despite physical challenges, proving how reservations create equal opportunities.
UPSC Selection Process: Step-by-Step 🎯
The UPSC CSE selection is a three-stage marathon:
1. Preliminary Exam (Prelims)
Objective-type (MCQs)
Two papers: GS + CSAT (Qualifying)
Cut-off varies by category (2023: ~90 for General, ~75 for OBC)
2. Mains Exam
9 subjective papers (Essay, GS, Optional)
Language papers (Qualifying only)
Marks counted for final ranking
3. Personality Test (Interview)
275 marks (added to Mains score)
Tests communication, ethics, and decision-making
🔹 Expert Insight:
“Many aspirants focus only on Prelims, but Mains and Interview decide your rank. Balance preparation for all stages.” — Vikas Divyakirti (Founder, Drishti IAS)
How UPSC Calculates Final Merit? 📊
The final rank depends on:
Component
Marks
Mains (Written)
1,750
Interview
275
Total
2,025
🔹 Example: If you score 1,100 in Mains + 180 in Interview, your total = 1,280/2,025.
Category-Specific Cut-offs (2023)
Category
Final Cut-off (Marks)
General
1,010
OBC
950
SC
890
ST
850
Common Myths About UPSC Reservations ❌
Myth 1: “Reserved candidates have lower standards”
✅ Fact: All candidates face the same exam pattern. Reservations only apply during seat allocation.
Myth 2: “General category has no chance”
✅ Fact:40.5% seats are unreserved, and many toppers (like Anudeep Durishetty, AIR 1, 2017) are from the General category.
Myth 3: “EWS quota reduces General seats”
✅ Fact: EWS is separate from General quota, ensuring no loss of opportunities.
“Reservation is a safety net, but hard work is non-negotiable. Every topper, regardless of category, puts in 10-12 hours daily.” — Roman Saini (Ex-IAS, Founder, Unacademy)
Final Thoughts
The UPSC CSE 2025 is not just about studying hard—it’s about smart strategy. Understand the reservation policy, seat allocation, and selection process to maximize your chances. Whether you’re from General, OBC, SC, ST, or EWS, the key is consistent effort and adaptability.
Kriti Reddy is a freelance writer specializing in exam results and admit cards. With a background in Psychology and 4+ years of experience, Kriti enjoys creating informative content for students. She loves reading novels.
