The Indian Economic Service (IES) Examination 2025 is a prestigious all-India competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment into the Indian Economic Service, a Group A central service responsible for economic analysis, policy formulation, and implementation across government ministries and economic institutions.
Click Here to download Notification PDF
The UPSC released the official notification on 11 February 2025, with online applications accepted until 3 March 2025, and the written exam held over three days from 20 to 22 June 2025. Aspirants with a postgraduate degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, or Econometrics are eligible to apply. The selection process includes a rigorous written examination covering General English, General Studies, and advanced economics papers, followed by a personality interview for qualified candidates. The IES exam is highly competitive and attracts top economics graduates aiming for influential roles in economic policy and planning in the Indian government.
UPSC Indian Economic Service : Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | Indian Economic Service (IES) Examination 2025 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Notification Date | February 11, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | March 3, 2025 (till 18:00 Hours) |
| Exam Start Date | Commencing from 19th June, 2026 |
| Vacancies | 44 |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years (as of August 1, 2025) |
| Educational Qualification | Post-Graduate Degree in Economics / Applied Economics / Business Economics / Econometrics |
| Selection Process | Written Examination (1000 Marks) + Viva Voce (200 Marks) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Indian Economic Service : Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The IES examination is a rigorous test of your academic depth and analytical abilities. Unlike many other competitive exams that rely heavily on objective questions, the IES is primarily a conventional (essay type) examination.
The selection process is divided into two parts:
- Part I: Written Examination (1000 Marks)
- Part II: Viva Voce / Interview (200 Marks)
UPSC Indian Economic Service : Syllabus
Candidates must answer all papers in English. The standard of General English and General Studies is that of a graduate level, while the Economics papers are set at the Master’s degree level.
| Subject / Paper | Maximum Marks | Time Allowed | Description |
| 1. General English | 100 | 3 Hours | Essay writing, understanding of English, and workmanlike use of words (Summary/Precis). |
| 2. General Studies | 100 | 3 Hours | General knowledge, current events, Indian Polity, History, and Geography. |
| 3. General Economics-I | 200 | 3 Hours | Consumer Demand, Theory of Production, Theory of Value, Theory of Distribution, Welfare Economics, and Quantitative Methods (Maths & Stats) . |
| 4. General Economics-II | 200 | 3 Hours | Economic Thought, National Income, Employment/Output theory, Financial Markets, Growth & Development, International Economics, and Global Institutions . |
| 5. General Economics-III | 200 | 3 Hours | Public Finance, Environmental Economics, Industrial Economics, and State, Market & Planning . |
| 6. Indian Economics | 200 | 3 Hours | History of development, Federal Finance, Budgeting, Poverty, Agriculture, Industry, Labour, Foreign Trade, Money & Banking, and Inflation . |
UPSC Indian Economic Service : Preparation Tips
General Subjects Strategy
| Subject | Focus Areas | Strategic Tips |
| General English | • Essay Writing • Precis/Summary • Vocabulary | • Practice Daily: Dedicate 30 minutes to reading high-quality editorials to improve vocabulary. • Structure: For the essay, focus on a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Avoid flowery language; prioritize clarity and “workmanlike” usage as specified in the syllabus. |
| General Studies | • Current Events • Indian Polity • Indian History • Geography | • Newspapers: Read a national daily religiously for current events. • Basics: Do not go too deep into specialized science. The standard is expected of an educated person without special study. Focus on Indian Polity and Constitution as they are specifically mentioned. |
Trending Links: