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UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 begin at 9:30 AM (GS) & 2:30 PM (CSAT) and mandate no entry after gate closure and insist on carrying admit card. UPSC Prelims Exam Timings will also be available on the admit card.
PWOnlyIAS
May 24, 2025
UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 indicate crucial information on the schedule of the UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2025 that will be held on May 25, 2025, at 80 exam centre. Based on the previous year UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 will be from 9: 30 AM to 4:30 PM.
All candidates will be required to report 30 minutes before the commencement of the examination following which gates will be closed. This means that UPSC Prelims entry time or actual exam timings will start from 9 AM onwards. Find session-wise UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 here!
UPSC Prelims Exam is divided into two parts, GS Paper I and GS Paper II, also known as CSAT. Both GS Paper I and GS Paper II (CSAT) of UPSC Prelims are held on the same day in two separate sessions. The GS Paper I is held in the morning shift, while the GS Paper II (CSAT) is held in the afternoon shift.
The UPSC Prelims exam takes place in two sessions, each lasting two hours, with a gap of three hours between the two sessions. The morning session is held from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM for the General Studies Paper I, while the afternoon session is held from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM for the General Studies Paper II (CSAT).
Here are the UPSC Prelims exam timings for GS Paper I and CSAT:
| UPSC Prelims Exam Timings | ||
| UPSC Prelims Paper | Session | Exam Timings |
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper I | Morning Session | 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
| 3 hour break | ||
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper II (CSAT) | Afternoon Session | 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM |
The UPSC Prelims 2025 exam is scheduled to be held on 25 May 2025 in two shifts at 80 exam centres. UPSC will soon release the Prelims admit cards having details of exam timings indicating reporting time/entry time and gate closing time. Candidates must strictly adhere to these timelines otherwise they won’t get entry to the exam hall.
The UPSC Prelims 2025 schedule is as follows:
| UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 Schedule | |||
| Exam Date | May 25, 2025 | ||
| Total Shifts | Two (GS and CSAT) | ||
| Shift 1 | Paper I – GS | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM | |
| Shift 2 | Paper II – CSAT | 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM | |
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) maintains a strict structure for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination each year, and the 2025 schedule is expected to follow the same pattern as in previous years. The exam consists of two objective-type papers conducted on the same day in two different sessions. Each paper is allotted a fixed duration of two hours, and candidates must manage their time effectively within this window.
Below is the expected time duration for each paper:
| Paper | Duration | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | 2 Hours | 9:30 AM | 11:30 AM |
| General Studies Paper II (CSAT) | 2 Hours | 2:30 PM | 4:30 PM |
The examination is conducted in a strictly timed environment. Candidates will not be permitted to enter the examination hall after the commencement of the test. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the exact start and end times and to reach the venue well in advance. Both papers are mandatory, and qualifying for the CSAT paper is essential to have the GS Paper I evaluated.
UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025 informs candidates about the time during which they are allowed entry inside the examination hall. According to new guidelines (issued in 2024), the gates of UPSC the gates of Prelims exam centres will be closed 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the exam for both shifts.
This means in the morning shift, the gate closes at 9:00 AM, as the UPSC Prelims GS Paper I Exam commences at 9:30 AM, and for the afternoon shift, the gate closes at 2:00 PM, as the UPSC Prelims GS Paper II (CSAT) Exam begins at 2:30 PM.
The UPSC candidates appearing for the UPSC Prelims Exam need to report to the Exam Centre before the closing of the gate, as they will not be allowed to enter the exam hall after the closing of the gate.
| UPSC Prelims Reporting Time 2025 | ||
| UPSC Prelims Paper | Reporting Time | Commencement of Exam |
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper I | 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| UPSC Prelims GS Paper II (CSAT) | 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM | 2:30 PM |
Being familiar with UPSC Prelims Exam Day Timings 2025 is crucial if you are planning to appear for the exam this year. It will help you plan the day in advance and avoid any unnecessary stress or last-minute confusion. Knowing the exact timing of each paper ensures that you reach the examination center on time and complete all formalities without hassle.
Here is tentative UPSC Prelims Exam Day Timings 2025 based on previous year:
| Session | Exam | Reporting Time | Entry Closes | Exam Start Time | Exam End Time |
| Morning | GS 1 | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 11:30 AM |
| Afternoon | CSAT | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:30 PM |
Knowing the UPSC Prelims Exam Timings 2025 can significantly improve your exam day strategy. It helps:
To ensure a smooth and stress-free examination day, UPSC has outlined specific timing-related guidelines that all candidates must follow. Adhering to these will help avoid last-minute confusion or disqualification. Here are the key timing-related guidelines for UPSC Prelims 2025:
Reach the Venue Early: Candidates should aim to reach their exam centre at least 60–90 minutes before the scheduled start time. This helps in completing security checks and finding your designated seat without any rush.
No Entry After Gate Closure: As per UPSC norms, entry to the examination centre closes 10 minutes before the scheduled start of each session. That means no entry after 9:20 AM for Paper I and after 2:20 PM for Paper II.
Document Verification: Carry your admit card along with a valid government-issued ID proof (such as Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Passport). Without these, entry will not be allowed.
Avoid Last-Minute Rush: Keep a buffer for potential delays caused by traffic congestion, weather issues, or public transport challenges.
Prohibited Items: Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, or any electronic gadgets. These are strictly banned inside the exam premises, even if switched off.
Minimalist Dress Code: Wear plain, simple clothes without any metallic accessories or large buttons. Candidates are advised to avoid wearing jewellery, smart accessories, or shoes with thick soles.
Follow Invigilator Instructions: Arrive early enough to listen carefully to the instructions provided by the invigilators. These briefings are essential and contain useful information for filling out OMR sheets and other administrative details.
By adhering to these UPSC Prelims timing guidelines, candidates can maintain focus and perform with confidence. Punctuality and preparedness are crucial on the examination day to ensure that your months of preparation are well-reflected in your performance.
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