UPSC CSE Mains 2025 Results Declared: 2,736 Candidates Shortlisted for Interview Round

Introduction: UPSC Announces Mains 2025 Results
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the results of the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025, marking a major milestone for thousands of aspirants who have been preparing for one of India’s most prestigious competitive exams. A total of 2,736 candidates have qualified for the interview or personality test (PT) round, which serves as the final stage of the selection process for recruitment into India’s elite administrative services — including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other Central Services (Group A and B).

The results are now available on the official UPSC websites — upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic.in — in the form of a merit list PDF containing the roll numbers of the shortlisted candidates. However, the results of three candidates have been withheld for undisclosed reasons, pending further clarification by the Commission.

Mains Examination: The Road So Far
The UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2025 was conducted from August 22 to August 31, 2025, across multiple exam centers nationwide. The examination spanned five consecutive days, with two three-hour papers scheduled each day — a grueling schedule designed to test candidates’ academic depth, writing ability, and analytical thinking.

This year, a total of 14,161 candidates who cleared the Preliminary Examination were eligible to appear for the Mains. The written test included a combination of nine descriptive papers, covering a wide spectrum of subjects ranging from general studies and essays to optional subjects chosen by candidates based on their area of expertise.

The Mains stage plays a critical role in the selection process, as it assesses candidates on conceptual clarity, articulation, ethical awareness, and in-depth knowledge of socio-economic, political, and global issues — qualities essential for leadership in public administration.

How to Check UPSC Mains 2025 Results
Candidates who appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 can check their results by following these steps:

1. Visit the official UPSC website — upsc.gov.in.
    
2. On the homepage, locate and click on the link titled ‘UPSC CSE Results 2025’.
    
3. Open the provided PDF containing the merit list.
    
4. Search for your roll number in the document.
    
5. Candidates whose roll numbers appear on the list have qualified for the interview/personality test round.

Candidates are advised to download and print the merit list for their reference. The Commission will later release individual scorecards and marksheets within 15 days of the publication of the final results, which will remain available online for 30 days.

Next Stage: Personality Test and Interview Details
The personality test (PT) or interview round is the final phase of the UPSC CSE selection process. The shortlisted 2,736 candidates will now be invited to participate in this stage, which is expected to begin in January 2026 at the UPSC headquarters in Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi.

The interview carries 275 marks, and unlike the Mains, there is no minimum qualifying score prescribed. The panel — comprising experienced academicians, bureaucrats, and subject experts — evaluates each candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, judgment, decision-making ability, and overall suitability for administrative responsibilities.

The focus is not merely on knowledge but on the candidate’s mental alertness, balance of judgment, moral integrity, and understanding of socioeconomic issues — qualities that define India’s future bureaucratic leadership.

UPSC Exam Structure: A Three-Tier Process
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most competitive exams in the world. Conducted annually by the UPSC, it follows a three-stage selection process:

1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims): An objective-type screening test that filters candidates for the next stage.
    
2. Main Examination (Mains): A comprehensive written examination that evaluates a candidate’s academic understanding and analytical ability.
    
3. Personality Test (Interview): The final stage that assesses the candidate’s personal attributes and administrative potential.

Together, these stages are designed to identify individuals who can serve with competence, empathy, and integrity in India’s administrative, foreign, and police services.

Aadhaar-Based Login Introduced for Greater Transparency
A notable reform in the 2025 examination cycle was the introduction of Aadhaar-based authentication for candidate verification and application management. The UPSC’s newly revamped online application portal, launched on May 28, 2025, allows aspirants to log in using their Aadhaar details for secure and seamless identification.

According to official data, over 92% of applicants opted for Aadhaar-based login, marking a significant step toward digital transparency and streamlined candidate management. This move also reduces the risk of duplicate applications and ensures more reliable data handling within the examination system.

Attempt Limit and Eligibility Guidelines
As per UPSC regulations, each eligible candidate is permitted six attempts at the Civil Services Examination. However, certain relaxations apply to candidates belonging to reserved categories:

• SC/ST candidates: Unlimited attempts within the prescribed age limit.
   
• OBC candidates: Up to nine attempts.
   
• PwBD candidates: Additional relaxations depending on their category.

These provisions ensure inclusivity and provide equitable opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds to compete on merit.

What’s Next: Interview Preparation and Final Merit List
With the results of the Mains out, the shortlisted candidates are now gearing up for the all-important interview round. This stage is expected to commence in January 2026, and candidates will receive formal interview schedules and guidelines on the UPSC website.

Once the interviews conclude, the final merit list will be compiled based on the combined scores of the Mains (written) and Interview stages. The final list will determine the allocation of candidates to various services — IAS, IFS, IPS, and other Group A & B central services — depending on their rank, category, and service preference.

Candidates are advised to begin their interview preparation by focusing on current affairs, ethical case studies, and revisiting their Detailed Application Form (DAF), as most interview questions are framed around a candidate’s personal background and professional interests.

Conclusion: A Step Closer to India’s Administrative Dream
The declaration of the UPSC CSE Mains 2025 results marks a crucial step forward for 2,736 aspirants who are now one stage away from fulfilling their civil service aspirations. With the personality test round scheduled for early 2026, the journey toward serving the nation enters its most defining phase.

For thousands of hopefuls, this result not only represents hard work and perseverance but also underscores the UPSC’s continued efforts to modernize its examination process through digital reforms and transparency measures. As the country awaits the final list of selected officers, these candidates stand on the threshold of a career dedicated to public service — a dream that continues to inspire millions across India.