The 2025 calendar year is shaping up to be a crucial period for government job aspirants, especially those preparing for India’s most prestigious recruitment examinations — the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination and various State Public Service Commission (PSC) exams. Every year, lakhs of candidates from across the country prepare for these competitive exams that serve as gateways to Group A and Group B posts in government administration, law enforcement, revenue, and other key departments.
These examinations are widely respected for their rigour, prestige, and ability to shape the leadership backbone of the country. In this article, we take a deep dive into the UPSC and State PSC Exams 2025, their selection process, key dates, and preparation strategies.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to recruit candidates into India's top-level administrative services such as:
Similarly, State Public Service Commissions (PSCs) such as UPPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, TNPSC, and others conduct State PCS exams to recruit officers into various administrative roles under the state governments.
Though the structure of both exams is similar, there are important differences aspirants must be aware of:
Aspect
UPSC Civil Services
State PSC Exams
Scope
National-level (All India Services)
State-specific administration roles
Competition
Extremely high (10–12 lakh applicants annually)
Varies by state (1–5 lakh per state)
Syllabus
Vast and uniform across the country
Includes state-specific syllabus components
Posting Locations
Anywhere in India
Primarily within the respective state
Language Options
Hindi, English, regional languages
Often includes regional language preference
For example, UPSC aspirants are required to study Indian polity, international relations, economics, and environmental issues in-depth, while State PSC aspirants also need to focus on their state’s culture, history, geography, and current affairs.
Several major State PSCs have already announced their application and exam dates. Here's a detailed look at the upcoming schedule:
Exam Name
Application Date
Exam Date
Official Notification
UPSC Civil Services (IAS)
22 January 2025-11 February 2025
Prelims:25 May 2025
https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-CSP-2025-Engl-220125.pdf
UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh PSC)
20 February 2025-24 March 2025
12 October 2025
https://uppsc.up.nic.in/OuterPages/View_Enclosure.aspx?ID=113&flag=E&FID=869
BPSC (Bihar PSC)
Different for Various Exams
https://bpsc.bihar.gov.in/Misc/BPSC-Exam-Calendar.pdf
TNPSC (Tamil Nadu PSC)
1 April 2025-30 April 2025
13 July 2025
https://tnpsc.gov.in/Document/english/Grp%20I%20notification_English_.pdf
APPSC (Andhra Pradesh PSC)
https://portal-psc.ap.gov.in/HomePages/ExaminationCalendar
WBCS (West Bengal Civil Services)
4–25 April 2025
7 September 2025
https://psc.wb.gov.in/Download?param1=An_20250116121053_WBPSC_Calender_2025_updated.pdf¶m2=advertisement
OPSC (Odisha PSC)
10 January 2025
2nd Week of April 2025
https://www.opsc.gov.in/Public/Pages/View_Content.aspx?id=N5n/48rKoj1sNGZtqat51w==
CGPSC (Chhattisgarh PSC)
1 December 2024
26–29 June 2025
https://psc.cg.gov.in/pdf/Advertisement/ADVT_SSE2024_26112024.pdf
JKPSC (Jammu & Kashmir PSC)
6 February 2024
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https://jkpsc.nic.in/Pdf/Downloader1.ashx?nid=17102&type=n
MPSC (Maharashtra PSC)
14 October 2024
4 May 2025
https://mpsc.gov.in/tentative_schedule_for_competitive_exam/19
PPSC (Punjab PSC)
3 January 2025
April 2025
https://www.ppsc.gov.in/usermanual.ashx?id=c13454
Kerala PSC
7 March 2025
April – June 2025
https://www.keralapsc.gov.in/notifications
Note: Candidates are advised to refer to the respective official websites for any changes or updates to the exam schedule.
Criteria
UPSC IAS
State PSC
Educational Qualification
Graduation in any stream
Age Limit (General)
21 to 32 years
Usually 21 to 40 years (varies by state)
Attempts
6 attempts
No limit till upper age is reached (in most states)
State PSC exams are slightly more flexible in terms of age limit and number of attempts, giving aspirants a broader chance to apply.
While both UPSC and State PSC exams share a common base, State PSCs emphasize state-specific knowledge. Here’s how they differ:
So, if you're preparing for UPPSC, expect questions on the Ganga Expressway, local cultural festivals like Kumbh Mela, or state schemes like UP Rojgar Mela.
Time Management Strategy: Preparing for both exams at the same time is challenging but possible with the right approach.
Focus on Common Subjects First: Spend 60–70% of your time studying subjects that appear in both exams — history, polity, economy, etc.
Dedicate Time for State-Specific Content: Spend the remaining time studying your state’s history, geography, policies, and cultural practices. For example, if you're preparing for WBCS (West Bengal), focus on the Renaissance in Bengal, the Baul tradition, and West Bengal’s geography.
Here are practical tips to succeed in both exams:
Start writing answers from Day 1. It helps develop clarity of thought and structured thinking, which is crucial in the Mains stage.
Take both UPSC-level and State PSC-level mock tests. This builds speed, improves accuracy, and boosts confidence.
In 2025, both UPSC IAS and State PSC exams are promising platforms for aspirants to enter civil services. Whether you aim to serve the nation at the central level or want to bring change at the grassroots through state services — both paths offer pride, purpose, and prestige.
While the competition is tough, the reward is worth it. With the right mindset, a consistent schedule, and focus on both common and state-specific topics, you can crack both exams.