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How Many Candidates Applied for UPSC is the most common question asked. Around 13.4 lakhs appeared for UPSC Prelims 2024.
PWOnlyIAS
March 24, 2025
How Many Candidates Applied for UPSC 2024-25? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, is often considered one of the most prestigious and challenging competitive exams in India. Every year, it witnesses a massive number of applicants each year. The UPSC 2024 examination is no exception. Around 13.4 lakhs appeared for UPSC Prelims on June 16, 2025.
The sheer number of people applying for the exam has led to high-level competition. Keep on reading to know more about how many candidates applied for UPSC and appeared for UPSC 2024.
Are you also wondering how many students appeared for UPSC Prelims 2024? On June 16, 2024, approximately 13.4 lakh students appeared for the UPSC Prelims exam across 79 centers in India. The exam was conducted in two shifts.
With only 1,105 vacancies available, the competition was extremely tough. Out of the total candidates, only 14,627 managed to score above the cut-off and qualified for the Mains stage. The numbers clearly highlight the difficulty level of the exam, as only a small fraction of candidates advance to the next round.
| UPSC Prelims 2024 | |
| Exam Stage | Number of Candidates |
| Total Applicants | 13.4 lakh |
| Exam Centers | 79 |
| Available Vacancies | 1,105 |
| Candidates Qualified for Mains | 14,627 |
Out of the vast pool of over 13.4 lakh aspirants, around 14,627 candidates qualified for the UPSC Prelims 2024. The UPSC Prelims 2024 was released on July 01, 2024. These candidates have successfully cleared the first hurdle in the highly competitive examination process and will now proceed to the Mains examination. The number of candidates qualified for Prelims 2024 showcases the rigorous selection criteria and the high standards maintained by UPSC. By understanding how many candidates qualified Prelims 2024, aspiring candidates can get insight into the challenging nature of the exam and the dedication required to move forward in the selection process.
While specific data on how many candidates applied for UPSC 2024 has not been officially released, it is estimated that the number of applicants falls between 12 to 15 lakh. This estimate is based on historical trends and the growing interest in the prestigious Civil Services Examination. However, as per the data, over 13.4 lakh candidates participated this year in the UPSC Prelims exam 2024.
UPSC conducts many exams, out of which the Civil Services Examination (CSE) is the most popular one. UPSC also conducts exams for Combined Defence Services (CDS), Central Armed and Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Geo-scientists etc.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the toughest and most competitive exams in India, with lakhs of candidates applying each year for a limited number of vacancies. The selection process consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Interview (Personality Test). Only a small percentage of candidates clear each stage, making it a highly challenging journey. Below is a comparison of UPSC exam statistics from 2023 to 2021, showcasing the number of applicants, vacancies, and candidates who progressed to each stage.
| How Many Students Appeared for UPSC in Past Years | ||||
| Year | Total Applicants | Available Vacancies | Candidates Qualified for Mains | Candidates Qualified for Interview |
| 2023 | 13 lakh | 1,255 | 14,624 | 2,916 |
| 2022 | 11.52 lakh | 1,011 | 13,090 | 2,529 |
| 2021 | 1,093,948 | 712 | 10,000 | – |
| 2020 | 10,40,060 | 836 | 10,564 | 2,053 |
The highest number of applications are received for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). On average, 12-15 lakh people apply every year. Out of these, only about 1000 get selected as civil servants.
| Year | Candidates Applied for Prelims | Total number of students who took the Preliminary examination | Candidates Qualified for Mains | Candidates Qualified for Interview | Total Number of Students Who Cleared the Exam |
| 2007 | 333,680 | 161,469 | 9,158 | 1,883 | 553 |
| 2008 | 325,433 | 167,035 | 11,669 | 2,136 | 734 |
| 2009 | 409,110 | 193,091 | 11,894 | 2,431 | 881 |
| 2010 | 547,698 | 269,036 | 12,271 | 2,589 | 989 |
| 2011 | 499,120 | 243,236 | 11,837 | 2,415 | 965 |
| 2012 | 550,080 | 271,442 | 12,795 | 2,674 | 999 |
| 2013 | 776,604 | 324,279 | 14,800 | 3,001 | 998 |
| 2014 | 947,428 | 446,623 | 16,706 | 3,308 | 1,122 |
| 2015 | 945,908 | 465,882 | 15,008 | 2,797 | 1,236 |
| 2016 | 1,128,262 | 459,659 | 15,382 | 2,961 | 1,078 |
| 2017 | 969,065 | 462,848 | 13,300 | 2,564 | 1,056 |
| 2018 | 1,065,552 | 500,484 | 10,419 | 1,992 | – |
| 2019 | 1,135,261 | 493,972 | 11,845 | 2,034 | 829 |
Applying for the UPSC exam does not mean a candidate appears for the exam. It has been observed that only about 50% of the applied candidates actually appear.
Candidates can check the number of candidates appearing for the UPSC exam in this article. It will give an idea about the level of competition.
| Year | Candidates Applied for Prelims | Candidates Qualified for Mains | Candidates Qualified for Interview | Total Vacancy |
| 2020 | 10,00,000 | 10,500 | 2,100 | 796 |
| 2022 | 11,52,000 | 13,090 | 2,529 | 1,011 |
| 2021 | 1,093,948 | 10,000 | – | 761 |
| 2023 | 13,00,000 (estimated) | 14,624 | 2,916 | 1,255 |
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