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List of Key Changes in UPSC Notification 2025

Changes in UPSC Notification 2025 must be known to aspirants. There are several changes in the UPSC Notification 2025 regarding the application process, services, and vacancies.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit23 Jan, 2025
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Changes in UPSC Notification 2025

Changes in UPSC Notification 2025 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released its notification for the 2025 Civil Services Examination . This year commission has introduced several key changes in UPSC notification that prospective candidates should be aware of.

Whether you're a first-time applicant or a repeat candidate, understanding these UPSC Notification 2025 changes is crucial for effective preparation and application. Read on to find out the most important changes in the UPSC 2025 notification.

What Are the Changes in UPSC Notification 2025?

The UPSC CSE Notification 2025 introduces several key changes. According to 2025 notification details, candidates must now upload supporting documents while filling out the preliminary application form . Another significant change is that once the date of birth is entered, no corrections will be allowed, even in case of a typo. Service preferences are also required at this stage, unlike previous years when they were filled out during Mains. Additionally, after Mains, candidates will have a window to update their preferences, qualifications, and other details.

List of Changes in UPSC Notification 2025

UPSC application form has been released and the last date to apply for UPSC IAS Prelims 2025 is 11th February, 6:00 PM. It’s advised not to wait until the last minute. However, be aware of the following changes in UPSC Notification 2025.

One-Time Registration (OTR)

Candidates who have already registered for previous exams do not need to re-register. They can directly fill in the exam form. However, you cannot make any changes to your OTR. Only first-time applicants can amend their OTR details until the 18th of February .

Four Steps in UPSC Application Form

The UPSC Prelims application process has become more detailed with multiple layers, now divided into four steps : OTR profile completion, application form, DAF, and fee submission. Once part one (OTR) is completed, you can proceed to part two (application), part three (DAFF), and finally part four (fee and exam center selection).

Strict Photo Guidelines

There are stricter guidelines this year regarding the photo that must be uploaded during the form submission:
  • The photo uploaded should not be older than 10 days .
  • The candidate’s face must cover at least one-third of the image, and the rest of the space should have the candidate’s name and the date of the photo taken written clearly.
  • The appearance in the photo (e.g., beard, glasses) should be the same on exam day, and this appearance should be maintained throughout the examination process.

Lesser Vacancies

One of the most significant changes this year is the reduction in the number of vacancie s. The total number of vacancies announced for UPSC 2025 is 979. In comparison, the past three years (2022-2024) saw over 1000 vacancies each year.

Changes in the Services List

The services list has increased from 21 to 23 . The Indian Railway Management Services (IRMS) now includes three categories: Traffic, Personnel, and Accounts. Service preferences must be filled out in the current form as well, unlike before when they were filled out only during Mains.

Educational Qualification

Candidates appearing for their f inal year exams are now allowed to sit for the Mains exam even if they haven’t received their graduation results yet. UPSC will ask for proof of graduation only after Mains, and you will have a window to update your educational qualification documents on the portal. The UPSC CSE Notification 2025 states:
The Commission shall also provide a window of 15 (Fifteen) days from the date of declaration of result of written part of Civil Services (Main) Examination to the candidates qualified for Personality Test/Interview. The candidates as per Note 1 below Rule 6 of CSE, 2025 shall be required to update their details/educational qualification status (whether appearing/appeared) and to produce/upload the proof of passing of the requisite qualifying examination at the specified module/portal, failing which such candidates will not be allowed to appear in the Personality Test/Interview and his/her candidature will be liable to be cancelled.

Increased Focus on Documents

The document verification process has become more stringent, especially for candidates applying under reservation categories. You will now need to upload supporting documents (such as your date of birth, category, educational qualifications) while filling out the preliminary application form .
Note l: Candidates should note that their SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-servicemen certificate should have been issued latest by the closing date of OAF for CSE 2025/IFoS Examination 2025 [i.e. 11.02.2025] as prescribed in the Rule 27 of the CSE 2025/Rule 20 of the IFoS Examination 2025.

New Date of Birth Rule

Once you enter your date of birth details in the form, no changes will be allowed , even if there is a typo. UPSC will no longer allow corrections after the form is submitted.
Note-II : Candidates should also note that once a date of birth has been submitted by them in the application form and entered in the records of the Commission for the purpose of admission to an Examination, no change will be allowed subsequently or at any other Examination of the Commission on any grounds whatsoever

Cadre Preferences After Prelims Result 2025

Earlier, candidates used to provide cadre preferences after UPSC Mains results. However, according to the UPSC IAS 2025 notification, candidates will now be required to provide their Cadre Preferences after the Prelims exam result, provided they have qualified. After the Prelims are declared, candidates will be given a specific window of 10 days to fill in their Cadre Preferences. Changes in UPSC notification states that:
The Commission shall provide a window of 10 (Ten) days after the declaration of result of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination for taking cadre preference from the qualified candidates. All the qualified candidates will mandatorily fill the cadre preference along with the fee of Rs. 200 for admission into the Civil Services (Main) Examination
Also, if any applicant does not indicate their service preference, they will not be considered for those services. Hence, it is essential to fill out the service preferences accurately during the application process to ensure proper consideration. ?si=8Lhb6mjbyhRHZx4t All aspirants must go through the changes in UPSC Notification 2025 before filling out the application form to ensure they meet all the new requirements and avoid any last-minute issues.

Changes in UPSC Notification 2025 FAQs

What are the new changes in the UPSC notification?

Key changes include mandatory document uploads, stricter photo guidelines, reduced vacancies, an updated services list, and changes in the timing of service and cadre preferences.

Can I change my date of birth after submitting the UPSC application form?

No, once the date of birth is submitted, it cannot be changed under any circumstances.

Is the UPSC Prelims application process different?

Yes, the UPSC Prelims application process has changed in 2025. The UPSC form now includes four steps instead of two.

When do I need to fill in my service preferences for the UPSC exam?

Service preferences must be filled out during the preliminary application form, and can later be updated after the Prelims results.

Can final-year students apply for UPSC Mains?

Yes, final-year students can apply for Mains, but they need to submit proof of graduation before the Personality Test/Interview.
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