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Civil services
Verified Statutory Lexicon · Last Reviewed: Sep 09, 2026

Full Form of CSE

Official Definition & Statutory Meaning

CSE full form is Civil Services Examination (हिंदी में: सिविल सेवा परीक्षा). It functions under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as an official authority for examination administration and cadre recruitment.

Acronym / Short FormCSE
Full Form (English)Civil Services Examination
हिंदी अर्थ (Hindi Meaning)सिविल सेवा परीक्षा
Domain / SectorCivil services
Regulatory / Conducting BodyUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Official Portalupsc.gov.in

1. Official Mandate, Scope & Background

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is India's premier nationwide competitive examination conducted annually by the UPSC to select officers for All India Services (IAS, IPS) and Central Civil Services (IFS, IRS, IA&AS, IDAS, etc.) across 24 premier administrative cadres.

2. Eligibility Criteria, Qualifications & Age Limits

Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. Age limit: 21 to 32 years for General (6 attempts), 35 years for OBC (9 attempts), and 37 years for SC/ST (unlimited attempts).

3. Examination Scheme & Selection Procedure

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective: GS Paper-I and CSAT Paper-II). Stage 2: Main Examination (Written: 9 descriptive papers totaling 1750 marks). Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview (275 marks). Final rank list based on 2025 marks.

4. Core Syllabus & Key Subjects

History, Geography, Indian Polity, Governance, Constitution, Social Justice, International Relations, Economic Development, Environment & Biodiversity, Security, Ethics & Integrity, Essay, and chosen Optional Subject.

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