The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially commenced the registration process for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Mains 2025 from June 16, 2025. The much-awaited notification brings a wave of anticipation and preparation among aspirants who successfully cleared the Prelims stage. As per official data, a total of 14,161 candidates have been shortlisted to appear for the Mains examination. These candidates are now eligible to register online for the next phase of the prestigious UPSC CSE. The deadline for completing the application process is June 25, 2025.

The Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC remains one of India’s most prestigious and competitive recruitment processes, attracting lakhs of aspirants annually. It serves as the gateway to elite positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and various other Group A and B services. With the Mains stage being a crucial determinant of final selection, candidates are expected to treat this phase with utmost seriousness and preparation.

To register for the Mains exam, candidates are required to visit the official UPSC website — https://upsc.gov.in. The homepage features a dedicated link to the UPSC CSE 2025 Mains registration portal. Once on the portal, candidates must first complete a one-time registration, which involves providing personal, educational, and contact details. After completing the initial registration, applicants can log in using their credentials to access the Mains application form.

The application process is comprehensive and requires candidates to furnish accurate details, upload supporting documents, and pay the prescribed examination fee. The registration fee for most candidates is Rs 200. However, the fee is exempted for female candidates, those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories. This exemption reflects the government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity within the civil services framework.

The Mains examination is scheduled to commence on August 22, 2025, and will be conducted over a period of five days. It is a descriptive examination consisting of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature and seven are counted for ranking. The subjects covered in the Mains exam range from Essay writing and General Studies to optional subjects chosen by candidates as per their academic background or interests.

Candidates with special needs are given the opportunity to request necessary accommodations during this registration window. This includes the option to provide or update details related to scribes, use of assistive devices, or the requirement for a question paper in a larger font. Such provisions ensure that the examination process remains accessible and fair to all eligible participants, irrespective of their physical or sensory limitations.

Another key provision in this registration window pertains to candidates who have undergone a name change or whose current name does not match the one recorded in their matriculation certificate. These candidates can submit the relevant gazette notification or legal documentation to update their details officially.

Applicants are strongly advised to verify every entry made in the application form before submission. Any discrepancy or misinformation may lead to disqualification or issues during the document verification stage. Upon successful submission, candidates are encouraged to take a printout of the final form for future reference.

As the countdown to the Mains examination begins, the focus for aspirants now shifts to intensive preparation. Experts recommend a strategic approach that combines regular answer writing practice, in-depth reading of current affairs, revisiting NCERT books, and simulated mock tests to ensure familiarity with the exam pattern and effective time management.

With the Mains round being decisive in the final merit list, the next few weeks are expected to be crucial for all serious aspirants. The UPSC CSE 2025 journey moves one step forward with this registration phase, and with careful planning, thorough preparation, and timely application, aspirants can set the stage for success in one of India’s most challenging and respected examinations.