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UPSC CSE 2027 – the Civil Services Examination for IAS, IPS, IFS and other Group A services – will be notified on 13 January 2027, according to the UPSC calendar. The last date to apply is 2 February 2027, the Preliminary exam is on 23 May 2027 and the Main exam begins on 20 August 2027. Aspirants from Kerala who plan to write UPSC CSE 2027 have about seven months to prepare for the prelims.
This guide covers the UPSC CSE 2027 dates, eligibility, exam pattern, a seven-month preparation plan and Kerala-specific resources.
UPSC CSE 2027 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | 13 January 2027 |
| Last date to apply | 2 February 2027 |
| Preliminary exam (CSE and IFS prelims) | 23 May 2027 |
| Main exam | From 20 August 2027 (five days) |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in |
| Apply online | upsconline.gov.in |
Dates are as per the UPSC annual calendar and can change. Check the official notification.
UPSC CSE 2027 Eligibility
- Nationality: Indian citizen for IAS, IPS and IFS (other conditions for other services).
- Education: A degree from a recognised university. Final-year students can apply but must show proof of passing before the Main exam.
- Age: 21–32 years for the general category, as on 1 August of the exam year. Relaxation: OBC 3 years, SC/ST 5 years, PwBD 10 years.
- Attempts: General – 6; OBC – 9; SC/ST – unlimited up to the age limit; PwBD as per rules.
Exam Pattern
Preliminary Exam
| Paper | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I | 200 | Counted for merit |
| CSAT (Paper II) | 200 | Qualifying – 33% needed |
Each paper is 2 hours with one-third negative marking.
Main Exam
- Paper A (Indian language, e.g. Malayalam) and Paper B (English) – qualifying, 300 marks each
- Essay – 250 marks
- General Studies I–IV – 250 marks each
- Optional subject Papers I and II – 250 marks each
- Written total: 1,750 marks
Personality Test
The interview carries 275 marks. Final ranking is out of 2,025 marks.
Seven-month Preparation Plan for UPSC CSE 2027 Prelims
- November–December 2026: Finish NCERTs (Class 6–12) for history, geography, polity, economy and science.
- January 2027: Standard books – Indian Polity, Modern History, Indian Economy, Environment.
- February 2027: Apply online; start daily current affairs notes from a national newspaper and PIB.
- March 2027: Begin prelims test series; revise static subjects.
- April 2027: Two mock tests a week; practise CSAT to clear the 33% cut-off.
- May 2027: Final revision and previous-year UPSC papers in exam timing.
Answer writing for Mains should start alongside, at least two answers a day.
Resources for Kerala Aspirants
- Kerala State Civil Service Academy (Thiruvananthapuram and sub-centres) offers coaching for UPSC CSE at subsidised fees.
- UPSC’s own previous question papers on upsc.gov.in.
- Malayalam can be chosen as the medium of the Main exam and the interview, and Malayalam literature is available as an optional subject.
Other UPSC Exams in the 2027 Calendar
| Exam | Notification | Exam date |
|---|---|---|
| NDA & NA (I) / CDS (I) 2027 | 2 December 2026 | 11 April 2027 |
| Engineering Services 2027 | 16 September 2026 | Prelims 31 January 2027 |
| Combined Geo-Scientist 2027 | 2 September 2026 | Prelims 10 January 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the UPSC CSE 2027 notification be released?
On 13 January 2027, as per the UPSC calendar.
What is the UPSC CSE 2027 prelims date?
23 May 2027.
Can I write the UPSC Mains in Malayalam?
Yes. Malayalam is one of the allowed languages for the Main exam and interview.
How many attempts are allowed for general candidates?
Six attempts, within the age limit of 32 years.
Related: UPSC Jobs | Exam Calendar
Disclaimer: Kerala Job News is not affiliated with any government department, recruiting body or employer mentioned here. This article is compiled from the UPSC annual calendar for general information only. Details can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply or pay any fee. Kerala Job News never charges money for job information.
