UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025, GS and CSAT Paper Time
UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 are divided into two shifts: GS and CSAT. Find out the complete the UPSC 2025 prelims exam timings for GS and CSAT sessions here.
Anil Solonki25 May, 2025
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UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 will indicate the schedule for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination set to be conducted on May 25, 2025. These timings must be known to aspirants so that they can start practicing in an actual exam-like situation. Further, knowing the UPSC prelims exam timings will help in planning the exam day in advance to avoid unnecessary hassles.
The UPSC prelims exam timings will be notified in advance, the exam is generally held in two sessions or shifts. In the first shift, the UPSC GS I paper is scheduled, and in the second shift, the UPSC CSAT paper is held. Read on to know the UPSC prelims exam timings for both papers.UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2025
The UPSC Exam Date 2025 for prelims is May 25, 2025. According to the latest reporting time as announced for the 2024 prelims exam, the entry is likely to be closed 30 minutes before the exam starts. Here is the UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2025 and time:| UPSC Prelims Exam Date 2026 | ||
| Events | Date | Time |
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper I | May 25, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper II | May 25, 2025 | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025
UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 will be mentioned on the e-admit cards of the students. Candidates should ensure to check and download their UPSC Prelims Admit Card 2025 well in advance of the exam date to be aware of the exact reporting time and other instructions provided by the UPSC. The previous year's session-wise UPSC Prelims exam timings are given in the below table:| UPSC Prelims Exam Timings | ||
| Exam | Session | Timings |
| General Studies I (GS) | Morning Session | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| General Studies II (CSAT) | Forenoon Session | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
UPSC Prelims Exam Shift Timings
UPSC Prelims exam duration is 4 hours , which is divided into two shifts of 2 hours each. Candidates should ensure that they reach the examination venue 30 minutes before the exam starts in each shift, i.e., by 9:00 AM in the morning shift and by 2:00 PM in the afternoon shift. Further, there is a break of 3 hours between both shifts that must be used wisely to revise the concepts of the CSAT paper. Check the shift timings in the below table for GS and CSAT papers:| UPSC Prelims Exam Shift Timings | |
| Shift | Timings |
| First Shift - GS Paper | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Break | 3 Hours (11:30 – 2:30) |
| Second Shift - CSAT Paper | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
Importance of Knowing UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025
All candidates should be aware of the UPSC Prelims exam timings for GS and CSAT papers in advance. Understanding the UPSC Prelims exam timings is crucial for aspirants, and here are the reasons:- Avoiding Last-Minute Rush: By being aware of the exam timings in advance, candidates can plan their journey to the exam centre accordingly to avoid any last-minute rush or delays.
- Plan Exam Day Strategy: Familiarising oneself with the UPSC Prelims exam timings allows candidates to tailor their exam day strategy accordingly.
- Time Management: With a clear understanding of when each paper starts and ends, candidates can learn to allocate their time wisely during mock practice.
- Reducing Anxiety: When candidates are well-informed about the UPSC Prelims exam timings, their exam-related nervousness is reduced as they are mentally prepared.
UPSC Prelims Exam Timings FAQs
What is the timing of the UPSC Prelims exam?
The UPSC Prelims exam will be held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning shift and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the afternoon shift.
How many hours is the UPSC Prelims exam?
The UPSC Prelims is of 2 hours duration in each shift.
Is the UPSC Prelims exam conducted in one day?
Yes, the UPSC Prelims exam is conducted in one day in two shifts.
What is the time limit for the UPSC Prelims?
Candidates are allowed 2 hours for the GS paper and 2 hours for the CSAT paper.
What is the schedule for the UPSC Prelims 2025 exam?
The UPSC Prelims exam is scheduled for May 25, 2025 in two shifts.
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