🕒 UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 – GS Paper I and CSAT Schedule

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025 is the gateway to India’s most prestigious administrative services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS. Every minute counts on the exam day, and knowing the exact timings for GS Paper I and CSAT (Paper II) is crucial for all aspirants.
The UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 will be held on 25 May 2025 (Sunday) in two sessions: General Studies Paper I from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and CSAT (Paper II) from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
This guide provides detailed information on the UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025, important instructions, reporting schedule, and how to manage time effectively during the exam.

🔹 Exam Name: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2025
🔹 Organizing Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
🔹 Expected Exam Date: 25 May 2025 (Sunday)
🔹 Mode of Exam: Offline – Pen and Paper-based (OMR sheet)
🔹 Number of Papers: Two
- Paper I: General Studies (GS)
- Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
🔹 Nature of Exam: Screening Test (Only for Mains Eligibility)
🔹 Medium of Exam: English & Hindi
🔹 Type of Questions: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
🔴 Negative Marking: Yes – 1/3rd deduction for each incorrect answer

The UPSC Prelims is not a merit-ranking exam, but a qualifying test to shortlist candidates for the UPSC Mains Examination. Only those who score above the cut-off marks in GS Paper I and secure at least 33% (66 marks) in CSAT will move to the next stage.
This stage requires a mix of conceptual clarity, speed, accuracy, and effective time management — all under the pressure of a tightly timed environment.

The UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 are officially scheduled for 25 May 2025 (Sunday). The exam will be conducted in two shifts: General Studies (GS) Paper I from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and CSAT Paper II from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Candidates must arrive early, as entry closes at 9:00 AM for GS and 2:00 PM for CSAT. Each paper is 2 hours long and held in offline mode with multiple-choice questions. While GS marks count toward the cut-off, CSAT is qualifying in nature (minimum 33% required). There is also 1/3rd negative marking for incorrect answers.
UPSC strongly advises candidates to report at least 1 hour before to the UPSC Prelims Exam Centre in order to have adequate time to settle down on the designated seat and complete the check in formalities like document verification and frisking.

Paper	Subject	Timing	Duration	Total Marks
Paper I	General Studies (GS)	9:30 AM – 11:30 AM	2 Hours	200 Marks
Paper II	CSAT (Aptitude Test)	2:30 PM – 4:30 PM	2 Hours	200 Marks

Entry to the exam hall starts 1 hour before the exam.
Exam is set to be conducted in 2 shifts
- Morning Shift – starting from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
- Afternoon Shift – starting from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Last Entry Time:
- GS Paper I: 9:00 AM
- CSAT Paper II: 2:00 PM
Latecomers will not be allowed entry after the gate closing time.

✅ Mandatory Items to Carry:

❌ Items Not Allowed:

CSAT is qualifying – but don’t ignore it! Many aspirants fail Prelims because of CSAT.
You must clear both GS and CSAT separately to qualify for the UPSC Mains Exam 2025.
Follow all COVID-19 protocols (if applicable).

UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025, GS Paper I and CSAT Schedule