Introduction

Do you also dream of becoming an IAS officer in India? Every year, a huge number of students appear for the IAS examination. As per data in 2023, 13 lakh candidates applied for the exam and only 14,000 students qualified for the mains.

IAS is known as one of the most difficult exams in India. Here is a list of last year’s examination cutoffs. So if you are planning to become an IAS officer in India, this guide will give you a clear step-by-step process.

• General: 963
• EWS: 926
• OBC: 931
• SC: 905
• ST: 902

If you want to become a journalist in India, then read this post on how to become a journalist in India.

The Starting Phase of Becoming an IAS Officer in India

To become an IAS officer in India, students have to clear the UPSC, also known as the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination. However, to become an IAS, you must have to clear UPSC. This exam tests candidates across multiple stages, such as:

• preliminary screening
• written examination
• and interview

But the Indian administration system also provides other avenues for entry, especially for experienced officers and professionals.

Promotion from the State Civil Services

If you are a civil services aspirant in any state, then there is another way to get a promotion and become an IAS officer. Officers who join services such as Uttar Pradesh PCS or any other state PCS cadres often begin their careers as Sub-Divisional Magistrates and once they have long-term administrative experience are eligible to be promoted as an IAS officer in India.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an IAS Officer

Before diving into preparation, it’s very important to know what a step-by-step guide is to become an IAS officer. To attempt the UPSC after 12th class or to become IAS officer in India, you have to follow some eligibility requirements.

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university is a must. This means you have to complete your graduation and you can’t appear for UPSC after your 12th.
• The age limit for the UPSC exam is 21 years old. The maximum age varies for different categories. For the general, it’s- 32 years, OBC, 35 years, SC/ST is 37 and for PWD candidates, it’s 42 years.

If you want to become a teacher in India, then this blog is How to become a teacher in India after 12th might be helpful.

Choosing the Right Graduation after 12th Class

Lots of students get confused about which graduation is best for them to become an IAS officer in India. Here are some degrees that give you an edge:

• BA in Political Science
• B.A. Public Administration
• Law
• Engineering/Science

If you are still confused, then you should choose a subject that you enjoy studying, as it makes preparation simple and smooth.

For more details, visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services: https://upsc.gov.in/.

Start Preparing for UPSC after 12th

However it’s true that you can only apply for the exam after graduation, but starting and preaparing early is a safe choice. So here is a list of how to start preparation to become an IAS in India.

• The first step is to build a strong foundation of history, geography, politics and economy. So for that read NCRETs from 6 to12th class.
• Stay updated with world news. Get a habit of reading newspapers, like The Hindu or The Indian Express.
• Start writing practices; your writing practices must be able to match with the standard of the exams. So start by writing essays and answers.
• Join a guidance program.

Also read: How to become a pilot in India after 12th

Frequently Asked Questions