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UPSC CSE 2027: notification on 13 January, Prelims on 23 May. An eight-month plan

UPSC's 2027 calendar, released in May 2026, schedules the Civil Services Examination 2027 notification for 13 January 2027 (applications till 2 February), Prelims for Sunday, 23 May 2027, and Mains from 20 August 2027. If you are starting now, you have just under eight months to Prelims. That is enough for a full first cycle if you use it in order.

By the ExamguruX Editorial TeamUpdated 1 October 20265 min read

Prelims pattern

Prelims has two objective papers on the same day. Only GS Paper I counts towards the cut-off. CSAT is qualifying, but failing it means your GS score isn't even considered. Wrong answers cost one-third of the marks for that question.

  • GS Paper I: 100 questions, 200 marks. Decides whether you clear Prelims.
  • CSAT (Paper II): 80 questions, 200 marks. Qualifying, and you need 33% (66 marks).

Eligibility in brief

You need a bachelor's degree in any discipline (final-year students can sit Prelims). The age limit is 21 to 32 years for the General category as on 1 August 2027, with relaxations for reserved categories. General candidates get six attempts, OBC candidates nine, and SC/ST candidates unlimited attempts within the age limit.

Month-by-month plan

  • October–November 2026: NCERTs (history, geography, polity, economy, science) and one standard text each for polity and modern history. Start daily newspaper reading now and keep it going.
  • December 2026–January 2027: Economy, environment and geography in depth. Start a weekly CSAT practice slot even if maths is your strength.
  • February 2027: Art and culture, science and technology, and current affairs compilations. Begin sectional Prelims tests.
  • March–April 2027: Full-length GS mocks twice a week and CSAT mocks once a week. Revise from your own notes, not new books.
  • May 2027: Daily mocks in the first half, then revision only. Prelims is on 23 May.

Don't skip the form

Mark 13 January to 2 February 2027 in your calendar. Every year some well-prepared aspirants miss the window, or make mistakes in the form that cost them the attempt. The Prelims attempt counts once you appear, not when you apply, so applying 'just in case' is safe.

Key takeaways

  • CSE 2027: notification on 13 January 2027 (apply till 2 February), Prelims on 23 May 2027, Mains from 20 August 2027.
  • Only GS Paper I decides the Prelims cut-off; CSAT is qualifying at 33%.
  • Eight months is enough for one full cycle if you go from NCERTs to standard books to mocks, in that order.

Sources

Dates and patterns change — always confirm on the official website before applying.

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Devaseelan

Devaseelan

Cleared NEET