New Delhi: Women’s participation in the prestigious UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) has seen a remarkable rise over the past five years, increasing from 24% to 35% of total successful candidates. At the same time, engineering graduates continue to dominate the selection list, comprising over 50% of all successful candidates each year.
The data was shared by Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. According to the figures, in 2019, out of 922 total successful candidates, 220 were women. By 2023, the total number of successful candidates rose to 1,132, with 397 women making the list. This increase highlights that more women are not only entering the civil services but are also achieving top ranks.
Engineering Graduates Remain the Largest Group
The dominance of candidates from engineering backgrounds has remained consistent over the last five years. In 2023, 554 engineering graduates were recommended for selection, compared to 368 from humanities, 137 from science, and 73 from medical science backgrounds. This trend indicates the growing interest of technically trained youth in India’s administrative services.
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Rise in Graduate-Level Candidates
Government data also shows that candidates with bachelor’s degrees have increasingly succeeded in the CSE. In 2019, 672 graduate candidates were selected, while in 2023, this number rose to 848. The detailed data for CSE-2024 is still being compiled, as the reserve list was issued on October 28, 2025, while results for CSE-2025 are yet to be announced.
Significance of the Civil Services Examination
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is among India’s most prestigious competitive exams, serving as the gateway to services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other All India and central services. The examination is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Main (written), and Interview.
The rising participation of women and the continued dominance of engineering graduates in selections reflect evolving trends in India’s civil services landscape, signaling greater inclusivity and a shift towards candidates with technical expertise in administration.
