Were our revolutionary leaders an inspiration to you when studying history? Do you want a revolution in our country?
Do you want to change the aspects of our system that aren’t working? Then just one position can give you all of those abilities: IAS officer;
The experience and difficulties offered by this profession, as well as the ability to make a big difference in the lives of millions of Indians, make IAS a one-of-a-kind career choice.
Here are some comprehensive tips that will help you understand how to become an IAS, what income you will receive, and how to prepare for the same.
Who is an IAS Officer?
An Indian Administrative Services officer works to implement and administer policies by the Central and State governments and also provides valuable feedback for decision-making. They are equipped with many abilities. Under certain parts of the IPCC, an IAS officer serves as a Collector, District Collector, and Additional Collector. As a District Collector, an IAS officer is granted administrative control of a whole district. IAS officials also represent the Government of India in bilateral and multilateral discussions on a global scale.
Learn more: How to Become an IPS Officer
How to become an IAS officer? [4 Step Guide]
Step 1: Stream Selection
You can complete your 10+2 in any stream after 10th, as the eligibility for the IAS exam is graduation from any stream, hence any stream in science, humanities, or commerce can be pursued.
However, if you choose the humanities after your tenth grade, you will naturally gain an understanding of general studies. Political science, English, history, geography, economics, psychology, sociology, and other humanities are included.
It covers these courses broadly, taking into account the breadth of subjects for UPSC preparation after the 10th. As a result, those who want to be public servants should consider majoring in the arts.
Step 2: Educational Qualification
You must have a Graduate Degree from a recognized university to sit for the IAS exam.
UPSC Civil Services Exam Age Limit states that you must be at least 21 years old and no older than 32 years old.
Category-wise UPSC CSE age limit, relaxation, and maximum attempts-
- General Category & EWS: 32 years; 6 attempts.
- OBC (with certificate): 32 years + 3 years; 9 attempts.
- SC/ST: 32 years + 5 years; unlimited attempts.
- Physically Disabled: 32 years + 10 years; Gen/OBC/Person with Benchmark Disability(EWS category)- 9 attempts & SC/ST unlimited attempts.
- Jammu & Kashmir Domicile: 32 years + 5 years + (3 years, if OBC OR 5 Years, if SC/ST); the Number of attempts depends on the reserved category.
- Disabled and discharged Defence service personnel: 32 years + 3 years + (3 years, if Gen/OBC OR 5 years, if SC/ST)
- Ex-Servicemen Commission Officer: 32 years + 5 years + (3 years, if OBC OR 5 Years, if SC/ST)
(i) How to become an IAS Officer after 10th
As graduating from a recognized university is the main condition for taking in the IAS exam, you must select the stream of your choice and achieve excellent grades in it.
However, history and politics are important for the civil services test because they overlap with general studies and are high scoring.
Study the subjects of your choice and brush up on your fundamentals.
(ii) How to become an IAS Officer after 12th
You must apply for a bachelor’s degree in any course that will assist you to excel at the subject. However, history and politics are very significant subjects for UPSC, and a degree in these subjects would help you acquire a better understanding to clear the exam.
- Courses you can consider for complete undergraduate:
All the programs mentioned below are of 3 years duration.
- BA in Political Science
- BA/BSc in Agriculture
- BA in Philosophy
- BA in Sociology
- BA/BSc in Economics
- BSc in Finance
- BA in Geography
- BA in History
- BA in Psychology
- Top Arts Colleges in India
College | Location |
St.Xaviers College | Mumbai |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women | Delhi |
Christ University | Bangalore |
Loyola College | Chennai |
Presidency College | Chennai |
Hindu College | Delhi |
Delhi School of Economics | Delhi |
SNDT College | Mumbai |
Miranda House | Delhi |
Sophia College for Women | Mumbai |
You can also complete your undergraduate courses from Abroad:
- Undergraduate Programs abroad
- BA in Political Science
- BA/BSc in Economics
- BSc/BA in Psychology
- BA in Human Behaviour
- BA in History
- Top Universities for Arts & Humanities Abroad
Universty | Location |
University of Oxford | UK |
Yale University | USA |
Harvard University | USA |
University of Cambridge | UK |
New York University | USA |
Stanford University | USA |
University of Toronto | Canada |
University of Michigan | USA |
University of California | USA |
University of Pennsylvania | USA |
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Also read: How To Become A DGP (Director General of Police) – Detailed Guide
Step 3: Job Prep required
The UPSC stands for the Union Public Service Commission, which is in charge of administering the CSE(Civil services exam) has an extensive procedure of conducting the exam explained below:
- The UPSC CSE test is divided into three stages:
1. Preliminary examination
2. Mains exam
3. The interview process
- Preliminary Examination
There are multiple-choice questions on this exam with a negative marking of 0.33 marks. The paper is 2 hours long and worth a total of 400 points.
1st Paper- Current events, Indian history, and politics
2nd Paper- Aptitude test for civil service (CSAT).
- Mains exam
The candidate is eligible for the Mains exam after passing the preliminary exam. A descriptive test is a form of the main exam. There are nine papers in total, with a total score of 1750.
Exam Syllabus for the Mains –
- Essay on any topic
- Indian Heritage, Culture, Geography
- Constitution, Governance, Social Justice
- Technology, Environment, Disaster Management
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- Indian Language (Anyone of the language)
- English language
- Interview Process
An applicant is eligible for the final interview procedure after clearing both the objective and subjective exams. Only a few people go to the final round. The candidate becomes an IAS officer after qualifying and passing the interview. During the interview, the candidate’s subjective personal skills, as well as mental competence, are assessed. Following the candidate’s selection, he/she is trained and assigned to a position.
Candidates selected for the Indian Administrative Service are sent to the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) for training after passing their UPSC tests.
There are three common methods used by UPSC aspirants to prepare for this exam:
- Self-study
Self-study, going through every NCERT, writing your own notes, and taking the longer route are all ways to beat UPSC. The main drawback is that this procedure takes a long time and relies on the accuracy of your notes.
In order to pursue the route of self-study, the individual must also be very disciplined and self-motivated.
- Using UPSC Mock Exams to Study
Practicing mocks yields the best outcomes because it allows you to become more aware of your strengths, weaknesses, and places for progress. As a result, many students learn by incorporating mock tests into their studies.
Test-based learning is more efficient than text-based learning.
This increases the candidate’s self-awareness and adds to their preparedness.
- Using expert UPSC coaching to learn
UPSC coaching, whether online or offline, will assist in learning topics more quickly. It will help you cover the syllabus quickly and give you enough time to revise everything.
This will provide you with all of the necessary tools, such as study materials, mock examinations, guidance, professional classes for each subject, and ways to help you improve your grades.
Aspirants should research the coaching center’s previous performance, understand their strategy and success rate, speak with alumni, and only enroll in a good coaching center that produces the greatest outcomes.
Know about: SAT Prep Time- Details on Preparing for SAT
The following is a list of the top ten UPSC coaching centers in India.
- Legacy IAS Academy, Bangalore
- Vajiram and Ravi’s IAS Academy, New Delhi
- Rau’s IAS Study Circle (New Delhi)
- Sathya IAS Academy, Chennai
- Brain Tree India, Hyderabad
- Astitva I.A.S., Jaipur
- ALS IAS Academy, New Delhi
- SRIRAM’s IAS, Delhi
- Khan Study Group, New Delhi
- The Prayas India, Mumbai
In order to be successful in any subject, you must have the correct direction and practice. This is especially true when it comes to academics and competitive exams.
When it comes to competitive tests, experienced faculty classes and coaching from top mentors are always a huge edge.
It is great to choose either path; what is required is complete dedication, the ability to fail and rise again, self-confidence, and the development of a strategy for yourself that yields the best results.
What are the qualities required to become an IAS Officer?
- Rational and Legal Action
- Accountability and Responsibility
- Dedication and hard work
- Out-of-the-box thinking
- Decisive and steadfast in their approach
How much does an IAS Officer earn?
The basic salary of an IAS officer is Rs 56,100 as per the 7th Pay Commission. In addition to the salary, an IAS officer is also given several other allowances, including Travel Allowance and Dearness Allowance. The basic per month salary of an IAS officer can go on to reach Rs. 2,50,000 for a Cabinet Secretary.
To become an IAS officer, you must have a great deal of dedication, mental strength, time, and energy. Civil service is one of the country’s most prominent positions, garnering immense respect and prestige. If you want to bring pride to your family and make a difference in people’s lives, then becoming an IAS officer is your calling. Best wishes for your UPSC preparations.
Never Forget!
The key to accomplishing your goal is perseverance.
FAQs about how to become an IAS Officer
Is it possible for me to study for UPSC at home?
If you follow the proper steps toward IAS preparation, you will be able to do so. You can simply prepare for the IAS exam at home using online resources and strategies. You may pass the IAS exam with focus and determination, as well as the correct assistance.
How can I study for the IAS at home?
To begin your IAS preparation at home, follow the procedures listed below:
First and foremost, learn the UPSC pattern and procedure.
-Examine the UPSC syllabus in detail.
-Begin by reading a few books and watching online video lectures on a few basic subjects.
-Consistently read the newspaper
-Make a schedule for your preparation and stick to it.
-Enroll in a reputable exam series to gain experience writing answers.
Is one year sufficient for IAS preparation?
If you study diligently, one year will suffice for IAS preparation.
How can I begin my IAS preparation while still in school?
You can begin your IAS preparation right after graduation. All you have to do now is go over the material and create an IAS study plan. There are numerous advantages to starting early. Because the IAS age restriction will be far away, you will have age on your side. You would also be in touch with academics because you are young and still a student, providing you an advantage over older competitors.
Is the IAS examination difficult?
The IAS exam has a very low success rate. Approximately a thousand candidates will be chosen from a pool of approximately 10 lakh applicants to fill job openings. The UPSC-CSE examination pattern guarantees that the applicant possesses all of the necessary qualities to become a civil servant. IAS Exam is not difficult to pass with hard effort, planning, practice, patience, tenacity, and dedication.
Is the salary of an IAS?
The base IAS salary starts at rs. 56,100, excluding HRA, DA, and additional benefits. A Cabinet Secretary can earn up to rs. 2,50,000. The IPS Salary ranges from 56,100 INR per month to 2,25,000 INR per month when promoted to the position of Director-General of Police (DGP).