How To Become An IAS Officer
Becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is a prestigious and demanding career choice that demands commitment, perseverance, and a well-thought-out plan. Below is a detailed roadmap on how to pursue a career as an IAS officer:
Step 1: Understand the Role
Responsibilities of an IAS Officer:
- Enforce government policies and initiatives.
- Oversee government operations and resources.
- Provide guidance to ministers on policy issues.
- Ensure public safety and oversee infrastructure projects.
Step 2: Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be Indian citizens to apply for this position.
- The age requirement is between 21 and 32 years for general category candidates, with age relaxation available for SC/ST and OBC categories.
- A graduate degree from a recognized university is required for educational qualification.
Step 3: Apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)
Notification: The CSE notification is released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in February annually.
Application Process: Submit your application online via the official UPSC website.
Step 4: Examination Process
The CSE is conducted in three stages:
Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) :
General Studies Paper I & General Studies Paper 2
GS 1 consists of – Current events, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, etc.
GS 2 Consists of – Comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, etc.
Note: Only the marks of Paper I are counted for selection; Paper II is qualifying in nature
Main Examination (Descriptive Type):
- Compulsory Papers: One essay, four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, and two language papers (one Indian language and one English).
Optional Subject: Choose one subject from a list provided by UPSC (e.g., History, Geography, Public Administration).
click here to see list of all optional subjects
Personality Test (Interview):
Interview Panel: The UPSC board members conduct interviews to evaluate candidates for a career in public service.
They focus on general awareness, personality traits, communication skills, and overall suitability.
Strategy for becoming an IAS officer – click here
for more info. visit UPSC Official site