Becoming an IAS Officer is a dream of millions of aspirants in the country. An IAS Officer gets to perform diverse roles such as that of collector, commissioner, head of public sector units, chief secretary, cabinet secretary etc. An IAS Officer serves the central and state governments and helps in implementing and administering policies formulated by central and state governments and also provide valuable feedback for better decision making.
The basic qualifications required to become an IAS Officer include, candidates having cleared their 10+2 board exams along with completing graduation across any stream or field, be it Science, Commerce or Arts. After this, they are required to clear the entrance examination conducted by UPSC, followed by group discussion and personal interview round in order to become an IAS Officer.
Apart from this, some of the other crucial eligibility criteria required to become an IAS Officer are, candidates must be a citizen of India and should not be less than 21 years of age. Aspiring candidates need to clear the UPSC Civil Services examination which is further divided into three phases - prelims, mains & interview. Candidates need to clear all the three phases to become an IAS Officer. Considering the fact that every year a lack of students apply for IAS Officer posts, and only 120 - 180 candidates who secure the highest marks qualify to become an IAS Officer, makes it one of the toughest jobs in the country.
The average starting salary of an IAS Officer is fixed by the central government and state government under 7th pay commission with the basic pay of INR 56,100 in addition to dearness allowance, travel allowance, house rent allowance etc. However, the salary of an IAS Officer increases gradually every year with annual increment and bonuses. The highest salary of an IAS Officer can go up to as much as INR 2,50,000 per month, which is the salary of a Cabinet Secretary. Check: How to become a civil servant
Table of Contents
How to Become an IAS Officer: Quick Facts
| Eligibility | Citizen of India Candidates must be minimum 21 years of age Candidates must complete an undergraduate degree across any discipline with a minimum aggregate score of 50% or above from a recognized institute. |
| Qualifications | Candidate must be graduate in any discipline |
| Starting Salary | INR 5.51 LPA |
| Highest Salary | INR 30 LPA |
Qualification for IAS Officer
There are certain qualification requirements that must be fulfilled in order to become an IAS Officer which are discussed below for your reference.
- Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree from a recognized institute across any discipline or equivalent degree.
- Candidates who are in their final year or awaiting results are also eligible for UPSC Preliminary exams. Candidates must have proof that they have cleared their graduation and have to send it along with the application for the mains exams.
- Candidates having professional and technical qualifications which are recognized by the government are also eligible.
- Medical students who are in their final year of MBBS, BHMS, BAMS, BDS etc and are yet to complete their internship are also eligible for UPSC prelims exams.
IAS Officer Eligibility Criteria
Almost every civil service aspirant in India dreams of being an IAS Officer. In order to do so, they must fulfill certain eligibility criteria to be able to take the UPSC exam that are discussed below.
- The candidate must be a citizen of India or of Indian origin subject of Nepal, Bhutan or Tibet settled in India before 1st January, 1962.
- Candidates must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board with minimum aggregate of 50% or above from a recognized board.
- They must complete their graduation from a recognized college or university.
- Aspiring candidates must be above 21 years and less than 32 years of age to be eligible to sit in the UPSC exam. However, this age criteria varies category wise.
- Candidates who are in their final year of graduation or have completed their graduation are also eligible for appearing in UPSC prelims exams but when they clear the prelims exam, candidates have to send their provisional certificate along with application in order to appear for main examination.
IAS Age Limit for General
The table below shows the age limit of general category students in order to appear for UPSC Civil Services for your reference,
| Criteria | Age limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 21 years |
| Maximum age limit | 32 years |
Number of Attempts
To become an IAS Officer, candidates need to clear the UPSC Exam. There are a number of attempts that are permissible depending upon the category. For better clearance in the regard, category wise dissection is made relating to the number of attempts.
Candidates cannot appear in the examination if they have exhausted their permissible limit.
| Category | Number of Attempts |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 6 |
| Other Backward category | 9 |
| Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes/ Physically disabled | No number of attempts |
What Does an IAS Officer do
Being an IAS Officer is one the most sought after and respected professions of the country. However, the life of an IAS Officer is not a bed of roses. There are many roles and responsibilities that an IAS Officer must fulfill. Some of these have been listed below:
- Handling the tasks given by the government including framing, implementing and reviewing government policies.
- Survey around the nearby areas under their jurisdiction to understand the lifestyle of rural people and ensure that they lead decent lives, if not comfortable.
- They have to manage and allocate funds to various activities that have been disbursed by the central government.
- Supervising and ensuring that all the policies of the government are being enforced properly.
- They also have to be responsible in times of crisis and emergencies like any major accidents, natural disasters or riots in their area of jurisdiction and take immediate steps for relief activities.
Steps to Become IAS Officer
Becoming an IAS Officer requires a lot of hard work and patience. If the candidate has decided to become an IAS Officer, there are certain steps that need to be followed. Some of the important steps are discussed below for your reference,
- Step 1: Making a decision: As it is very obvious that preparing for any government exam is a time consuming process and requires a lot of patience. Unlike other government exams, UPSC civil services examination is the toughest as it has 3 rounds and various other dimensions to it. If candidates aim to serve the nation and to bring positive change to the society, then this profession is the best. It is challenging and demanding but at the same time extremely satisfying and respectable.
- Step 2: Complete Bachelor’s degree: It is one of the mandatory requirements to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any discipline such as arts, commerce, management studies, medical, journalism, engineering, etc. Candidates who are still in their final year are also eligible for appearing in prelims exam but they have to submit their pass certificate in order to appear for mains examinations (if they clear prelims).
- Step 3 : Understand the exam pattern: It is extremely important for the candidate to understand the pattern and work on their timetable accordingly. There are three rounds to clear the UPSC exam. Let’s discuss them one by one.
Round 1: Prelims- This round consists of 2 rounds- General Studies and CSAT of 200 marks each. The duration will be 2 hours each. The paper will consist of 100 and 80 questions respectively. Candidates need to score a minimum 33% in CSAT and required cut-off in GS paper, candidates will be eligible for UPSC Mains exam.
Round 2: UPSC Mains- Candidates have to appear for 9 descriptive papers which includes 4 general studies papers, 2 optional papers, 2 language papers (one English and one optional language). Language papers will be of 300 marks each and the remaining 7 papers will be of 250 marks each. The language papers are of qualifying nature and not counted for merit ranking. Candidates need to choose optional subjects but it is advisable to check the syllabus before selecting optional subjects.
Round 3: UPSC Personality Test - In this final round, candidates will be interviewed by high ranking officers who will judge the candidates based on their knowledge , personality such as clarity of thoughts , presence of mind, general awareness, etc. After the interview final list will be released by UPSC.
- Step 4: Start with the preparations: After assessing the exam pattern, candidates must prepare a timetable and allot time to each subject equally and extra time to the top subject that needs more attention. Make a dedicated strategy for each round along with daily newspapers, important changes made in law, become aware of national importance politically, economically and socially.
- Step 5: Assess your course: It is very important that candidates must practice mock tests for both prelims and mains which will help candidates to analyze their weak areas, writing speed etc.
How to Become an IAS Officer in India
To become an IAS Officer in India, candidates need to work hard and thoroughly with the general knowledge to build a foundation. Candidates are required to complete 10+2 from a recognized board across any relevant discipline such as Arts, Science, Commerce etc. Majority of the candidates opt for Arts for pursuing civil services. Post clearing higher secondary, candidates must complete their graduation in any relevant disciplines such as arts, management studies, medical, engineering, journalism etc.
While in college, candidates can start their preparation. Candidates need to clear all the three stages of UPSC Civil service examination- prelims, mains and interview. After selection, candidates will be placed for training at LBSNAA, Mussoorie for 4 month training followed by Bharat Darshan and 1 year district training.
How to Become an IAS Officer After 12th
After class 12th, candidates need to start their preparations accordingly as to cover the entire syllabus, it might take 8 - 12 months or even more than that. It depends upon the capacity and hard work of candidates. The candidates need to be motivated to continue with their preparations.
Some of the points that must be kept be followed after completing class 12th to prepare for IAS examination
- Candidates must enroll themselves for undergraduate programs in any discipline arts, management studies, medical, engineering, journalism etc.
- Candidates must complete their graduation from a recognized college / university with minimum aggregate score of 50% or above
- They must enroll for coaching to get proper direction relating to exam and pattern and how to study and from where to start. Coaching centers will provide proper guidance to the candidates.
- Candidates must read daily newspapers and weekly or monthly magazines to get updated with current happenings in the world
- Candidates must fill up the UPSC CSE form in order to appear for the exam.
- Candidates can also fill up the form to appear for the prelims exam.
- Candidates must read NCERTs and choose their optional subjects and start preparing
- It is advisable that since there are a limited number of attempts, candidates must not waste their attempts until they are fully prepared for the examination.
How to Prepare for IAS Exam
The actual time to prepare for IAS exams is usually around 8 - 12 months. But candidates have to make their mind and start their preparation so that the entire syllabus is prepared holistically. Pointed below are some basic steps that must be followed in order to prepare for Civil Services examination,
- Step 1: Know about the exam - It is one of the most important step to understand about the exam including its syllabus, pattern etc. Candidates must prepare a chart of syllabus and paste them in their rooms so that they can have a look everyday and it will also be helpful in assessing the importance of the topic from examination point of view. Candidates must look at previous year papers everyday as it will help them in getting the idea about what topics are important and mostly asked and what type of questions are asked.
- Step 2: Work on building a strong foundation - A strong hand on the topics from the very basic to advanced level is necessary . Candidates must always start with the basics, candidates must go through NCERTs thoroughly as it is the basic source of information and it will help to understand the subject that they are going to study in detail. So, it is extremely important that the candidate must kickstart with NCERTs while preparing for UPSC.
- Step 3: Read Standard books - Now comes the most important discussion as to what books to read. Standard books include NCERTs, LUCENT, General Knowledge books, current affairs, newspapers,Verbal & Non- Verbal reasoning , CSAT Manual, MAthematics, English Grammar & Composition from Wren & Martin, Oxford World Atlas, International Relations and many more. NCERTs can be easily downloaded from the website as well.
- Step 4 - Master the current affairs - current affairs is the most important part of the civil services exam. There may be directly asked current asked questions as well as long answer questions. Hence, it is most important to read the current affairs of the past 12- 18 months thoroughly . candidates can read newspapers and read monthly current affairs magazines. Candidates can also join the course for current affairs.
- Step 5 - Mock Tests and Answer writing practice- It is extremely important for the candidates to solve mock paper and practice answer writing everyday . Mock test will help in analyzing the pattern and from what topics questions are mostly asked and will also help in self-assessing weak areas. Daily answer writing will help your answer writing perfecting answer writing techniques .
Selection and Training for IAS Officer
After clearing all the levels of exams , IAS Officers are first appointed as an Officer Trainee for 2 years. During this period, they will focus on personality development and technical upskilling before candidates join their respective cadres’ Let’s discuss in detail the selection and training process of IAS Officers.
- Fresh recruits will be sent for a four- month foundation course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA).
- Officer Trainees will be divided as per their services and are sent to designated training places. The training of IAS Officers is held at LBSNAA and it involves Bharat Darshan and District training.
- The four month course at LBSNAA aims to incorporate a spirit of cooperation and coordination among different services.
- After the induction program, candidates will be sent for Bharat Darshan to experience the rich cultural diversity and heritage and meet dignitaries including Hon’ble President of India. This also includes a week-long stint at Lok-Sabha Secretariat.
- After Bharat Darshan, Candidates are posted in District for a year to study administrative setup in a district.
Perks of Being an IAS Officer
Other than enjoying power and high pay, an IAS Officer is entitled to several other facilities and perks. Some of the perks are discussed below for your reference,
- Government accommodation with subsidy
- Security including gunmen and other staff such as cook, helper, gardener, etc
- Reimbursement of medical expenses.
- Reimbursement of mobile, telephone, internet charges etc.
- No Toll tax o n government vehicles
- No charges while staying on duty for staying at government hotels
- Free transport facility while on duty
- Monthly pension after retirement along with Provident fund, gratuity, etc.
- Government cars along with drivers.
Salary of an IAS Officer
The IAS Officers are entitled to pay depending upon the pay commission. The basic pay of an entry- level IAS Officer is INR 56,100 exclusive of other perks and benefits. The total salary of an IAS Officer comprises basic pay, dearness allowance, travel allowance, house rent allowance, etc.
So, combining all the benefits, an IAS Officer is entitled to INR 1,32,000. After years of service and each promotion, the salary of an IAS Officer increases per month. The IAS salary per month includes DA which is 9% which leads to INR 2,50,000 + 9% per month which equals to INR 32.7 LPA.
There are several allowances and components in addition to basic salary. The HRA allowance is 24%, 16% and 8% as per 7th pay commission norms. This HRA is decided on the basis of city category such as:
- Class X - 8 cities only - 24% HRA Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune.
- Class Y - Around 100 towns (with a population above 5 Lakhs)- 16% HRA
- Class Z - Rural Areas - 8% HRA.
Tabulated below is the monthly salary of an IAS Officer based on their post/designation for your reference,
| Designation | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) & SDO | 56,100 - 1,50,000 |
| Sub-Collector (2 years after probation) | 56,100 - 1,50,000 |
| District Magistrate (DM) | 56,100 - 1,50,000 |
| Secretary (Minister) | 1,50,000 - 2,50,000 |
| Chief Secretary (States) | 2,50,000 |
| Union Secretary (Ministries of Government) | 3,00,000 |
| Cabinet Secretary of India | 3,50,000 |
How to Become an IAS Officer: FAQs
Ques. How many UPSC CSE attempts are allowed for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste category?
Ans. The candidates of Scheduled Caste category appearing for UPSC CSE are allowed unlimited attempts until they attain the age of 37.
Ques. Is the life of an IAS Officer luxurious?
Ans. There are many perks of being an IAS Officer along with the fact that they get a good salary and high respect in society. But, the professional front is challenging as well. They work in a socially responsible position and are answerable to the state and central government authorities.
Ques. What is the minimum educational qualification to become an IAS Officer?
Ans. The candidate must have completed their graduation from a recognized university. This is the minimum educational qualification to become an IAS Officer.
Ques. What is the salary of an entry-level IAS Officer?
Ans. The salary of an entry-level IAS Officer is INR 56,100 besides the governmental benefits like housing, vehicles, etc.
Ques. Which is the highest post an IAS Officer can reach?
Ans. The highest post an IAS Officer can reach is that of Cabinet Secretary.
Ques. Are there any age relaxations for female candidates?
Ans. No, there are no age relaxations for female candidates apart from those offered category wise.
Ques. Can IAS Officers be fired from their post?
Ans. It is rare but yes, an IAS Officer can be fired from their job on grounds of crimes and violation of laws under the Indian Constitution.
Ques. Can a person from science stream become an IAS Officer?
Ans. Yes, a person irrespective of their stream can study to become an IAS Officer. He/she must have a graduation degree from a recognized university from any stream.
Ques. Are there any special provisions for PwD candidates appearing for UPSC CSE?
Ans. Yes, there are special provisions for PwD candidates appearing for UPSC CSE. They get an age relaxation of upto 10 years and a total of 9 attempts for unreserved/OBC/Person with Benchmark Disability(EWS category) unlimited attempts for SC/ST candidates.
Ques. How long is the IAS training period?
Ans. The total duration of UPSC training is 2 years divided into Foundation course which all Grade A posts including IAS, IPS and IRS are required to join followed by a 15-week long training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.
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