The UPSC civil services examinations are conducted annually, with the notification usually issued in February. The exams have three stages: the preliminary exam, mains exam, and personality test, culminating in a cycle that typically takes a year or more to complete. These exams follow a rigorous schedule designed to allow comprehensive preparation. While candidates may choose to repeat the exam in subsequent years, the annual frequency ensures that aspirants have the opportunity to enter the civil services regularly and adapt their preparation strategies based on yearly trends and syllabus changes.