How to Become an IAS Officer after 12th: Careers, Courses, Eligibility, Skills, Jobs, Salary

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Ahana Bhaduri

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To become an IAS officer after 12th, the basic eligibility include candidates having pursued a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with an aggregate of 50% or equivalent CGPA from a recognised university. After which they are required to clear the UPSC CSE exam to get selected for IAS training. The exam consists of three stages - preliminary, mains and a personal interview. To become an IAS Officer after 12th candidates should choose their degrees in a way that align with their interests, strengths and the specific requirements of the CSE exam. A degree that fosters analytical skills, critical thinking and a broad understanding of different issues can contribute positively to the IAS preparation. 

The average annual Salary of an IAS Officer is INR 6.73 LPA with the highest salary being INR 2.50 lakhs per month. Years of service, position hold, performance and postings are some of the factors that affect the salaries of IAS officers. Based on the different allowances, the estimated monthly salary lies in the range of INR 56,000 to INR 1,50,000. Read: How to Become an IAS Officer

How to Become an IAS Officer after 12th: Quick Facts

Eligibility Indian citizen between 21 to 32 years of age with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Starting Salary (INR) 56,100 per month
Average Salary (INR) 6.73 LPA
Highest Salary (INR) 2.50 L per month (that of a Cabinet Minister)
Top Recruiters District Administration, State Government Departments, Central Government Ministries and Departments, PSUs, Election Commission and other constitutional bodies

What is the Eligibility Criteria to Become an IAS Officer after 12th?

To become an IAS officer after class 12, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria.

  • Candidates must be a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin (PIO) who has migrated from specific countries to settle permanently in India.
  • Candidates must be between 21 to 32 years of age at the time of application. 
  • They should pursue a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university. 
  • There are relaxations in the number of attempts and age for candidates belonging to the reserved categories. 

What are the Qualifications to Become an IAS Officer after 12th?

Qualifications required to become an IAS officer after class 12 are as follows.

  • Candidates should complete class 12 in any stream from a recognised board.
  • They should possess a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Candidates awaiting their results or in the final year can also apply. 
  • Candidates with government-recognised technical and professional qualifications can apply. 

What are the Steps to Become an IAS Officer after 12th?

There are certain steps that candidates must follow to become an IAS officer after 12th. The general steps are as follows. 

  • Candidates must clear class 12 with 50% marks in any stream from a recognised board. 
  • After clearing class 12, candidates are required to pursue a bachelor’s degree in any discipline as it is the basic requirement for IAS eligibility. 
  • After completing the bachelor’s degree, they have to apply for the UPSC CSE exams by filling out the form. 
  • Candidates must pass the prelims and mains stages of the exam followed by the personal interview 
  • After clearing the UPSC exam, candidates have to undergo training at LBSNAA and after posting, they can start their services. 

What are the Courses to Become an IAS Officer After 12th?

There are many courses that candidates can pursue to be eligible for the UPSC CSE exam. The details for some of the most commonly pursued courses are as follows. 

Parameters BSc BCom BA
Eligibility Class 12 Class 12 Class 12
Entrance Exams CUET, UET, NPAT and specific discipline-wise exams CUET, IPU CET, NPAT, AIMA UGAT, SUAT CUET, IPU CET, NPAT
Top Colleges Delhi University, Christ University, Madras Christian College, Fergusson College, DAVV Delhi University, Mumbai University, Calcutta University, Hindu College, LSR LSR, Loyola College, St. Xavier’s College, Amity University Noida, Hindu College
Course Fees INR 20,000 - INR 2 L INR 20,000 - INR 65,000 INR 10,000 - INR 80,000
Average Salary (INR) INR 3 - INR 7 LPA INR 2.5 L - INR 4 L INR 9 LPA
Top Recruiters Varies based on specialisation SBI, LIC, HDFC Bank, Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG Varies based on specialisation

What are the Entrance Exams to Become an IAS Officer After 12th?

Candidates aspiring to become IAS officers are required to clear the CSE exam conducted by the UPSC. It is a three-level exam consisting of preliminary (MCQs), mains (descriptive papers) and an interview stage. The exam details are as follows. 

Entrance Exam Application Deadlines Exam Dates Result Declaration
UPSC CSE March 5, 2024 May 26, 2024 (Prelims)
September 20, 2024 (Mains)
To be notified

Which are the Top IAS Institutes?

There are many institutes in India that provide classes to prepare students for the UPSC CSE exam. Some of the top institutes are mentioned in the table below. 

Name of the Institute Location Average Fees (INR)
Vision IAS New Delhi 1.90 L
Vajiram and Ravi Institute New Delhi 1.75 L
Forum IAS New Delhi 1.45 L
Shankar IAS Academy Chennai 1.20 L
Insights IAS Bangalore 1.25 L
IAS Baba Bangalore 1.14 L (Offline) 93,000 (Online)
Drishti IAS New Delhi 1.45 L
Rau’s IAS Study Circle New Delhi, Bangalore 1.75 L
Byju’s IAS Coaching Bangalore 1.72 L

What are the Skills Required to Become an IAS Officer after 12th?

Becoming an IAS officer is a demanding process and requires candidates to possess certain skills to succeed. Some of the top skills that an IAS officer should have are mentioned in the table below.

Leadership Analytical skills Problem-solving skills
Decision-making skills Communication skills Adaptability
Time Management Ethical Integrity Public Service Orientation

What are the Benefits of Becoming an IAS Officer After 12th?

Becoming an IAS Officer is a prestigious career path that offers many benefits. Some of the top advantages are as follows.

  • IAS officers are highly respected in society and play a crucial role in the administration of the country. 
  • They enjoy a high level of job security and serve in various administrative roles throughout their career. 
  • IAS officers receive a competitive salary along with various allowance perks.
  • After retirement, they enjoy pension and other retirement benefits. They can also be appointed to commissions or tribunals. 
  • IAS officers have significant authority in their roles and can make decisions with lasting impacts. 

What is the Average Salary of an IAS Officer after 12th?

The average annual salary of an IAS Officer is INR 6.73 LPA. The starting salary of an IAS Officer is INR 56,100 per month with the highest salary being INR 2.50 lakhs per month. Based on the different allowances, the estimated monthly salary lies in the range of INR 56,000 to INR 1,50,000. 

The designation-wise salaries of IAS officers are mentioned in the following table. 

Designations Monthly Salary (INR)
SDM, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary 56,100
ADM, Deputy Secretary, Undersecretary 67,700
District Magistrate, Joint Secretary, Deputy Secretary 78,800
District Magistrate, Deputy Secretary, Director 1,18,500
Divisional Commissioner, Secretary-cum-Commissioner, Joint Secretary 1,44,200
Divisional Commissioner, Principal Secretary, Additional Secretary 1,82,200
Additional Chief Secretary 2,05,400
Chief Secretary and Secretary 2,25,000
Cabinet Secretary of India 2,50,000

How to Become an IAS Officer After 12th: FAQs

Ques. How I can join IAS after 12?

Ans. To join IAS after 12, candidates have to pursue a bachelor’s degree followed by clearing the UPSC CSE exam. They then have to appear in the interview and upon clearing it, they will be eligible for the IAS training. 

Ques. Which institute is best for IAS preparation?

Ans. Vision IAS, Forum IAS, Vajiram and Ravi Institute, Shankar IAS Academy and Insights IAS are some of the top institutes for IAS exam preparation in India. 

Ques. What is the qualification for IAS?

Ans. Candidates are required to clear class 12 followed by a bachelor’s degree in any discipline to be eligible for the IAS exam. 

Ques. Is the IAS exam tough?

Ans. Due to its vast syllabus and high competition, the IAS exam is considered very tough in India. 

Ques. Which degree should I choose for the bachelor’s degree or IAS?

Ans. Candidates can pursue any degree according to their interests. BCom, BA, BSc and LLB are some of the most commonly pursued degrees by IAS aspirants. 

Ques. Is the 12th marks important for IAS?

Ans. No, class 12 marks are not significant as candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree. They should still try to clear class 12 with good grades for better opportunities.

Ques. Which stream is best for IAS?

Ans. The arts stream is considered to be the best for IAS aspirants. They study subjects like economics, history, civics and geography which can be helpful in their IAS career. 

Ques. What is the salary of an IAS officer?

Ans. The average annual salary of an IAS Officer is INR 6.73 LPA. 

Ques. How does the salary of an IAS Officer compare to other civil service positions in India?

Ans. The salary and perks of IAS Officers often surpass those of other civil service positions, making it a sought-after career choice for many aspirants. 

Ques. What is the salary of IAS Officers during training?

Ans. IAS Officers receive INR 33,000 to INR 35,000 monthly during training. 

Bachelor of Arts [BA] : 31 answered questions

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Ques. What is the minimum passing marks for BA in IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Shivani Bhat on 21 Nov 22

Ans. The passing marks at IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) are Theory - 30 out of 100 / 18 out of 50 Assignments - More than 50% If you fail to score 50% in assignments, you will have to resubmit them. If you score above 30 out of 100 or 18 out of 500 in theory, then you will pass without having submitted assignments. Percentage Calculation - Assignments- 30% weightage and Term End Examination- 70% weightage for FST (Foundation Course in Science & Technology) and FHS (Foundation Course in Humanities and Social Sciences).Read more
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Ques. How do I prepare for the BHU (BA) honors entrance exam?

● Top Answer By Jagriti Singh on 16 Nov 22

Ans. The BA (Hons.) entrance exam at BHU is quite easy. You can crack the exam by following these simple tips: Update yourself on the latest GK Solve all previous year's questions  Lucent’s GK is the best to prepare for this exam Go through the pattern of the paper and know your weaknesses and strengths. Get the BHU UET Social science guide (Arihant publication) and study it thoroughly. Keeping these tips in mind, score above 170 and you will get a decent rank.Read more
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Ques. How is life at JNU for MA students? Is it only hectic or do students have fun too?

● Top Answer By Akriti Banerjee on 04 Jul 23

Ans. My friend pursued his M.A. from JNU and according to him, he spent the best years of his life at JNU. He went to many well-renowned colleges and universities in the USA, however, JNU is unparalleled. At JNU, you will learn even when you are having fun. Female students feel safe on campus. Male students are respectful towards their female counterparts. There are no whistles or cat-calling incidents on campus. Females can walk fearlessly from one end of the campus to the other, even at midnight.  Life for M.A. students is very hectic at JNU. It is more challenging than one can expect. If you do not maintain a healthy work-life balance, you will end up spending all your time sitting in a corner with your laptop and books. Even your group discussions will end up being solely about studies. If you feel that it will be difficult for you to create a healthy balance between studies and enjoyment, you can join JNU as a Ph.D. student rather than as an M.A. student, you will then get more time to enjoy and experience life at JNU.Read more
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Ques. Which subjects come under a BA social science (Hons.) in BHU, Varanasi?

● Top Answer By Akanksha Rai on 16 Nov 22

Ans. There are two ways for a BA degree from BHU. One through the faculty of Arts and another one through the faculty of Social Sciences. The following subjects sone under a BA Social Science (Hons.) in BHU: Faculty of Arts- Economics History Political Science Sociology  Psychology  Mathematics Statistics Geography  Tourism and Travel Management  Faculty of Social Sciences- Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology  Arabic Archaeology and Museology  Applied Statistics Bengali Chinese Dance Education  English French Geography  German Hindi Home Science  History of Art Japanese Linguistics Marathi  Music Instrumental Music Vocal Nepali Office Management and secretarial practice  Pali Persian Philosophy  Physical Education  Painting  Psychology  Russian Sanskrit  Statistics  Telugu Tamil Travel and Tourism Management  UrduRead more
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Ques. What are average placements of BHU in LLB?

● Top Answer By Mayank Verma on 18 Nov 22

Ans. Almost 30 - 40 % of the students got placed. The highest salary package offered is 10 LPA , and the lowest salary package offered is 2 LPA. Top recruiting companies of our college are TCS, etc. Almost 50-60% of the students got an internship in firms, Sai & Associations, etc.Read more
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Ques. Can I apply for LLB after graduating B.A through IGNOU correspondence study?

● Top Answer By Devraj Mehta on 03 Nov 22

Ans. The eligibility criteria for various universities vary. Because IGNOU is a recognized university, you can certainly apply for admission to pursue LLB if you take the CET. The Bar Council of India does not recognize law degree programs completed through distance education, so IGNOU does not offer 3-year LLB, BA LLB, BBA LLB, or LLM programs. It should be noted that no entrance exam is required for IGNOU law programs (except for Ph.D. in Law). Candidates must simply register for IGNOU law programs by completing the application form and submitting their application fee, as well as the course fee.Read more
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Ques. What is BPP from IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Alok Thakkar on 21 Oct 22

Ans. The full form of BPP is Bachelor Preparatory Programme. Some important details of the course are as follows: Maximum duration  6 months Minimum duration 2 years Course fees INR 1000 Minimum age 18 years Maximum age No limit  The best part about the program is that it is eligible for almost everyone. No formal qualification is required for this course. BPP at IGNOU is specially designed for the ones who are willing to get a Bachelor's Degree from IGNOU but lack the required qualification i.e., passing 10+2. Because of this lack of qualification the students who haven’t passed 10+2 cannot apply for higher education anywhere. This programme has been designed to give such students an opportunity to enter higher education. Please note that this is just an enabling programme and not equivalent to 10+2.Read more
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Ques. Is there a semester system in IGNOU for BA courses?

● Top Answer By Anil Karki on 28 Oct 22

Ans. No, there is no semester system in IGNOU for BA courses. In IGNOU students are enrolled in two cycles (January and June). The submission of assignments and TEE (Term End Examination) is scheduled once a year. Although assignments can be submitted only once a year, there is a high chance that if you fail to appear in May or December TEE, you can appear for that particular subject on another cycle. For example, you enrolled in this course in 2021. If you wish to appear for June 2022 TEE, you are required to submit the assignments by March 30 2022. If you fail to appear or pass the TEE, you can appear for the same exam in December 2022.Read more
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Ques. Is it a good idea to graduate from IGNOU while simultaneously preparing for UPSC CSE? Exactly how tough is it to get a BA degree from IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Saurabh Mishra on 10 Nov 20

Ans. Indira Gandhi National Open University is a public university approved by NCTE and AICTE. It offers a number of open learning programs and is well known and recognized among a number of different organizations like the Association of Indian Universities, therefore, doing a B.A. degree from here is a good choice. The following points highlight important aspects of obtaining a B.A degree from the institute. Academics: The BA degrees at IGNOU offer a wide variety of core disciplines in subjects like Economics, Sociology, and Public Administration with a lot of the course work overlapping with UPSC preparations. The exams for the coursework are also designed such that they benefit the student if they are appearing for other exams like UPSC. IGNOU is known for its well-founded courses that ensure the best interests of the student. Depending on if one plans to choose a distance learning or open course degree, one can choose to appear for UPSC. BA degree from IGNOU: Obtaining a BA degree from the university depends upon if you are a part-time student at the institute or committed to full-time study. The former situation might be a little tough on the student. Students are continuously evaluated with assignments, marks from which are counted for the final result. Assignments carry a weightage of 30% of the total result. Students are barred from appearing for end term examinations if they miss an assignment. The major evaluation component is the term-end evaluation system which carries a total of 70% weightage. These exams are conducted twice a year. Students are expected to study from the course material provided and answer accordingly to the point. Most importantly, ensure that one is registered for the exam, failing which results are not declared. In conclusion, you can definitely prepare for the UPSC CSE at the same time as your BA degree. While it is not very tough to clear the BA degree, a habit of regular study will definitely help one obtain it with a good result.Read more
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Ques. Which course can I take after completing bpp from Indira Gandhi national open university? Can I go to other universities after bpp?

● Top Answer By Tausif Khan on 23 Jul 22

Ans. After completing BPP from IGNOU, you can opt for bachelors programs offered by the university. The BPP course is for students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree from IGNOU but doesn’t have the required qualifications. No, you can’t join other universities after doing BPP from IGNOU. You will have to complete your bachelor's from IGNOU. The BPP course will have no value if you don’t complete your graduation. IGNOU also doesn’t issue certificates for BPP only. Read more
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