Women’s participation in India’s Civil Services Examination (CSE) increased from 24% in 2019 to 35% in 2023, according to government data. Engineering graduates consistently accounted for over 50% of successful candidates in the same period. Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh presented this data to Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Women’s Representation Rises
The number of female candidates on the final merit list showed a steady increase over five years. In 2019, 220 women were selected out of 922 successful candidates. By 2023, this figure rose to 397 women out of 1,132 total successful candidates.
The following table details the rise in women’s participation:
| Year | Total Candidates Recommended | Women Candidates Recommended | Women’s Share (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 922 | 220 | 24% |
| 2023 | 1,132 | 397 | 35% |
Engineering Graduates Dominate Selections
Engineering stream candidates maintained a strong presence on the merit list each year from 2019 to 2023. In 2023, engineering graduates constituted the largest cohort of successful candidates.
Data for 2023 highlights stream-wise recommendations:
| Academic Stream | Candidates Recommended (2023) |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 554 |
| Humanities | 368 |
| Science | 137 |
| Medical Science | 73 |
Overall Selection Trends
Beyond specific demographic shifts, the total number of bachelor’s degree holders selected for civil services also increased. This figure rose from 672 in 2019 to 848 in 2023. This indicates a general growth in the number of qualified graduates joining the civil services.
About the Civil Services Examination (CSE)
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a national competitive examination. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts this exam. It serves to recruit candidates for various government services. These include All India Services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).
The examination process involves three distinct stages:
- Preliminary Exam: An initial screening test.
- Main Examination: A comprehensive written test.
- Personality Test: An interview round.
Current Data Compilation Status
Details for the CSE-2024 results are currently under compilation. The Reserve List for CSE-2024 was declared on October 28, 2025 . The results for CSE-2025 have not yet been declared.