The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the final results and category-wise cut-off marks for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024. The results were released on April 22, 2025, marking the culmination of a rigorous selection process that began with the Preliminary Examination on June 16, 2024, followed by the Mains Examination from September 20 to 29, 2024, and concluding with the Personality Tests (Interviews) held between January 7 and April 17, 2025.

Prelims Focus Areas

For Prelims, aspirants should focus on factual information, government schemes, economic indicators, and key definitions. The following areas are critical:

Important Schemes & Initiatives

Agriculture & Rural Development:

• PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) – First phase across 100 agriculture districts (like Aspirational Districts Programme)
• National Mission on High Yielding Seeds – Focus on climate-resilient, high-yield seeds
• Mission for Cotton Productivity – 5-year plan for cotton farmers
• Makhana Board (Bihar) – Boosting fox nut (makhana) production
• Increase in KCC Loan Limit: ₹3 lakh → ₹5 lakh under Interest Subvention Scheme
• India Post Transformation – Logistics & financial inclusion in rural areas

MSME & Startup Support:

• Custom Credit Cards (₹5 Lakh limit) for micro industries via Udyam portal
• New Fund of Funds (₹10,000 Cr) for startups
• Loan scheme for SC/ST/Women entrepreneurs (₹2 Cr limit)
• Toy Manufacturing Initiative – 'Make in India' boost for the toy industry

Infrastructure & Investments:

• Jal Jeevan Mission Extended to 2028 – 100% tap water coverage
• ₹1 Lakh Cr Urban Challenge Fund – Development of 'Cities as Growth Hubs'
• Nuclear Energy Mission (₹20,000 Cr) – R&D on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
• Shipbuilding & Maritime Fund (₹25,000 Cr) – Strengthening India's shipbuilding capacity

Exports & Trade:

• Export Promotion Mission – MSME access to global markets
• BharatTradeNet – Digital platform for trade financing & documentation
• Eased trade regulations – Boost for air cargo, perishable goods exports

Financial Reforms:

• FDI in Insurance increased to 100%
• Pension Sector Reforms – Regulatory body for better coordination
• Grameen Credit Score – Credit framework for rural entrepreneurs

Taxation & Fiscal Management:

• TDS limit on rent increased from ₹2.4L to ₹6L
• TCS decriminalization, voluntary compliance for tax filing extended from 2 to 4 years
• Fiscal Deficit: 4.8% (2024-25) → 4.0% (2025-26)

Economic Indicators for Prelims (Data-Based Questions)

Growth & Fiscal Indicators:

• GDP Growth Projection (FY26): 6.3% - 6.8%
• Fiscal Deficit Target: 4.0% of GDP (2025-26)
• Capital Expenditure: ₹10.18 Lakh Cr (2024-25)
• Gross Market Borrowing: ₹14.82 Lakh Cr

Inflation & Revenue Trends:

• Retail Inflation (April-Dec 2024): 4.9%
• Gross Tax Revenue Growth (April-Nov 2024): 10.7% YoY
• FDI Inflows (FY25): $55.6B (+17.9% YoY)
• Forex Reserves (Jan 2025): $634.6B

Mains Focus Areas (GS-3 & GS-2)

For Mains, aspirants must analyze the policy implications, challenges, and structural reforms in the economy.

Agriculture & Rural Development (GS-3: Agriculture & Economy)

• Significance of Makhana cultivation – Role in rural employment & Bihar's economy
• Self-Sufficiency in Pulses – Policy on Toor, Urad, Masur production & procurement
• PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana – Agricultural district development model
• Role of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) expansion in boosting rural credit

Mains Question: "Discuss the significance of rural-centric programs like PM Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana in ensuring agricultural sustainability and rural employment."

MSME & Startup Support (GS-2: Good Governance & Economy)

• Expansion of MSME Credit Guarantee Scheme – Implications for Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Fund of Funds for Startups – Impact on job creation & innovation
• Toy Manufacturing Scheme – How it boosts domestic manufacturing under 'Make in India'
• Credit Inclusion for Women, SC/ST Entrepreneurs – Promoting financial equity

Mains Question: "Critically analyze the impact of expanded credit access for MSMEs and startups in boosting economic resilience and entrepreneurship in India.""

Infrastructure & Investment Growth (GS-3: Economy)

• Jal Jeevan Mission Extension – Water security & rural development
• Nuclear Energy Mission (₹20,000 Cr) – Future of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
• Urban Challenge Fund (₹1 Lakh Cr) – Role of urban development in economic growth
• Shipbuilding & Maritime Fund (₹25,000 Cr) – India's potential in shipbuilding

Mains Question: "What role does nuclear energy play in India's sustainable energy future? Discuss the significance of the Nuclear Energy Mission 2025.

Fiscal Policy & Taxation (GS-3: Economy)

• Fiscal Deficit Reduction (4.8% → 4.0%) – Challenges in fiscal consolidation
• TDS Limit on Rent Raised – Implications for middle-class taxpayers
• Voluntary Compliance Expansion (4 Years for Tax Filings) – Encouraging tax base expansion

Mains Question: "What steps can India take to enhance tax compliance and fiscal discipline while maintaining economic growth?"

Export & Trade Policies (GS-2: International Relations & GS-3: Economy)

• BharatTradeNet: Digitization in trade finance & documentation
• Export Promotion Mission: Support for MSMEs in global markets
• Eased trade norms for perishable goods & seafood exports

Mains Question: "India's export promotion policies have seen a shift toward digitization and MSME inclusion. Analyze how BharatTradeNet can transform India's trade ecosystem."

Financial Sector Reforms (GS-3: Economy)

• 100% FDI in Insurance Sector: Implications for financial sector liberalization
• Grameen Credit Score: How it enhances rural financial inclusion
• Pension Sector Coordination Forum: Need for pension sector reforms

Mains Question: "The pension sector in India needs better regulatory coordination for improved financial security. Critically analyze the recent pension sector reforms proposed in Budget 2025."

What is the Union Budget?

• The Union Budget (technically called the Annual Financial Statement) is presented under Article 112 of the Indian Constitution
• It provides an account of the government's finances, detailing:
• Revenue generation (tax & non-tax receipts) Expenditures (welfare schemes, infrastructure, defense, etc.) Borrowings to cover the fiscal gap

Important Budget Documents

A. Constitutionally Mandated Documents

• Annual Financial Statement (AFS) – Under Article 112 (Details government receipts & expenditures)
• Demands for Grants (DG) – Under Article 113 (Expenditure proposals requiring Lok Sabha approval)
• Finance Bill – Under Article 110 (Proposes new taxation or tax changes)

B. Documents Under the FRBM Act, 2003

• Macro-Economic Framework Statement – Presents economic trends & fiscal policy goals
• Medium-Term Fiscal Policy cum Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement – Lays out government's fiscal strategy for the next 3 years

Key Budget Terms Explained

A. Revenue & Capital Budgets

• Revenue Budget

Includes tax & non-tax revenue and revenue expenditures

Tax revenue: Income from Income Tax, GST, Customs Duties, etc.

Non-tax revenue: Dividends, interest earnings, etc.

B. Deficit Concepts

Fiscal Deficit = Total Expenditure - (Revenue Receipts + Non-Debt Capital Receipts) Indicates the government's total borrowing requirement

C. Parliamentary Procedures

• Demands for Grants:

Under Article 113, Lok Sabha votes on government expenditure proposals from the Consolidated Fund of India

• Money Bill (Article 110)

Deals only with taxation, borrowing, and financial matters

Lok Sabha has sole decision-making power; Rajya Sabha can only suggest amendments

• Finance Bill

Presented alongside the Budget

Includes taxation proposals (Income tax changes, GST modifications)

Unlike Money Bills, Rajya Sabha recommendations can be included

Conclusion

• For Prelims: Focus on schemes, fiscal data, tax reforms, and infrastructure projects.
• For Mains: Prepare analytical answers on agriculture, MSMEs, investment, exports, and fiscal policy.
• Interlink with PYQs: Relate Budget themes with past questions on economic reforms, financial inclusion, and infrastructure development.

This Budget 2025 is crucial for UPSC Prelims & Mains, emphasizing structural reforms, fiscal discipline, and inclusive growth.