“How to become an IAS officer” is a frequently asked question by millions of aspirants in India who aspire to join the prestigious Indian Administrative Service. Although becoming an IAS officer is difficult because of tough competition and the limited vacancies available each year, millions of young Indian students still aspire to fulfil this of working as civil servants and want to contribute toward the growth of their country along with their personal goals.
In this post, we will discuss how to become an IAS officer in India what are the qualification and age limits and what is the procedure to become an IAS officer.
How to Become an IAS Officer in India
To become an IAS officer you have to clear the Civil service examination (CSE) conducted every year by UPSC ( Union public service commission ). UPSC is a governing body which conducts CSE every year for many posts like IAS IPS IFS and many more. IAS is one of them.
If you want to know about the number of vacancy exam dates and syllabus for CSE you should visit UPSC’s official website Click here
Who are IAS officers –
You might have heard and read in the newspaper about your district collector and superintendent of police, and might have thought who are IAS officers? I want to let you know that IAS officers are high-ranking civil servants in India. They are the people who are responsible for implementing government policies, managing administrative affairs, and ensuring effective governance at various levels of the government, In other words, they are the backbone of the Indian Administration. They hold key positions in government departments and play an important role in policy formulation, decision-making, and public administration.
what are the main qualities to be an IAS officer –
Becoming an IAS officer may seem glamorous and prestigious, but it is a demanding and challenging job. Aspirants should have certain qualities like Determination and Perseverance, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills, Strong General Awareness and Leadership with quick decision-making. An IAS should also have Ethical Conduct and Integrity to effectively handle their responsibilities and contribute to the development of the country. These qualities enable them to work smartly and make a positive impact in their service.
This is the only reason the UPSC CSE exam takes a long time is that the exam body wants to ensure that they select the right candidates through a thorough 3 step process. This is done to ensure that the desired candidates are chosen for the positions.
How to become an IAS Officer – process
To become an IAS officer Aspirants have to clear the UPSC CSE( Civil Services Examination) exam which is a three-step Process. Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personal Interview also called Personality Test.
- Preliminary Examination: As the name itself explain this is the first stage of the CSE exam. This is qualifying in nature and it is an objective type paper, where you have to choose one correct answer out of the given options. If you clear this paper you be able to write the main examination. the Preliminary Examination, which consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies (GS) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Marks obtained in the preliminary examination are not counted in preparing the final merit list.
1.Main Examination: The Main Examination is a written examination consisting of nine papers, including one essay paper, four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, one English language paper, and one Indian language paper (qualifying in nature)
2. Personal Interview: If you pass the Main Examination, you will be called for a Personal Interview (also known as the Personality Test). This stage assesses your personality traits, communication skills, and knowledge.
Result day – This is the day for which everyone is waiting. Based on your performance in the Written exam means the main examination and Personal interview a final merit list is published by UPSC. Please note that various other criteria are also taken into consideration while preparing the final merit list.
Depending upon your merit in the merit list. you will be allotted services which are under UPSC. Those who have scored top ranks in the merit list will be allotted IAS.
Congratulations! Now you are an IAS officer.
How to Become an IAS Officer – criteria
Educational Qualification – Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university are eligible for appearing in the Civil service examination conducted by UPSC. candidates from any academic background are eligible to appear for Civil Services. There is no specific educational qualification is required. But candidates who have good communication and written skills might have the advantage over others.
Age criteria to become an IAS officer
The age criteria for the IAS exam, as set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), are as follows:
To become IAS the Candidate must be 21 years old, while the maximum age limit is 32 years. However, age relaxation is provided for certain categories such as Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and others.
- General Category: The candidate must be between 21 and 32 years of age on August 1st of the exam year.
- OBC (Other Backward Classes) Category: The candidate must be between 21 and 35 years 3 years relaxation is given to OBC Category (32+ 3 years )
- SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes) Category: The candidate who belongs to SC|ST can enjoy 5 years of age relaxation in the UPSC CSE exam. Candidate must be between 21 and 37 years.
- The UPSC provides age relaxation for candidates belonging to certain categories, including handicapped individuals and defence personnel. Here are the age relaxations applicable:
-
- Handicapped Candidates:
- General Category: Up to 10 years of age relaxation.
- OBC Category: Up to 13 years of age relaxation.
- SC/ST Category: Up to 15 years of age relaxation.
- Defence Services Personnel, disabled in operations during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof:
- General Category: Up to 5 years of age relaxation.
- OBC Category: Up to 8 years of age relaxation.
- SC/ST Category: Up to 10 years of age relaxation.
- Handicapped Candidates:
It’s important to note that these age relaxations are subject to specific conditions and criteria set by the UPSC. Candidates seeking age relaxation under these categories should carefully review the official UPSC notification and guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Candidates are advised to please visit UPSC official site for more information
Number of attempts –
| General | 6 attempts |
| OBC-NCL | 9 attempts |
| SC/ST | Unlimited |
| PwD (General) | 9 attempts |
| PwD (OBC-NCL) | 9+ attempts |
| PwD (SC/ST) | Unlimited |
| Defense Services Personnel | 6 attempts |
| Disabled Defense Services Personnel | Unlimited |
IAS officer salary per month
The initial salary of an IAS officer is INR 56,100 per month, which can go up to INR 2,50,000 for a Cabinet Secretary. IAS officers also receive a grade pay that differs depending on their position. Additionally, they receive other allowances such as TA, DA, and HRA, as per the government guidelines.
perks and benefits of an IAS officer
Official Residence: All IAS officers are provided with official accommodations or government quarters, depending on their posting and availability. The government takes care of the costs of maintaining, and furnishing the official residence along with other expenses if any.
Security: Being an IAS officer is a prestigious position, but it also comes with potential risks. To ensure their safety, the government takes strong measures. IAS officers are provided with security personnel for their personal safety and protection, especially for those serving in sensitive or challenging areas.
Study and Training Opportunities – Being an IAS officer is a significant role because they are responsible for creating important policies for the country. That’s why IAS officers must stay aware of their surroundings and keep up with the changes happening around them. government provides various study and training opportunities, both within India and abroad, to enhance their knowledge and skills in public administration.
Official Staff IAS officers are assisted by a team of support staff, including personal assistants, secretarial staff, and clerical staff, to handle administrative tasks and support their work. Staff is provided as per their requirement and the nature of work and designation of an ias officer.
Medical Facilities: IAS officers and their immediate family members are entitled to comprehensive medical facilities, including reimbursement of medical expenses and access to government hospitals or private hospitals as per government rules and requirements.
Official Vehicle: IAS officers are allotted an official vehicle or a car with a chauffeur for official duties. The government bears the expenses related to maintenance, fuel, and driver salary.
Travel Allowance: IAS officers receive reimbursement for official travel expenses, including airfare, train fare, or mileage allowance for using their personal vehicles for official purposes.
Pension and Retirement Benefits: All IAS officers receive pension and retirement benefits once they complete their service. The pension amount is determined by their last salary and the number of years they have served or as per the government policy.
Leave and Vacation: IAS officers enjoy various types of leave, such as earned leave, casual leave, medical leave, and maternity leave, as per the government rules. They are also eligible for paid vacation and study leave for pursuing higher education or professional development courses.
Other Allowances: along with above mention perks and benefits IAS officers may receive additional allowances such as deputation allowance, dearness allowance on travel, phone bill reimbursement, and other ad-hoc allowances as per government Policies..
Besides the position and respect, being an IAS officer offers many benefits that inspire Millions of Indian youths to choose Civil services as a career. It ensures a good standard of living and the chance to work towards improving the country and its progress. By becoming an IAS officer, one can make a meaningful impact on the nation’s development.
How to become An IAS Officer – Promotions and career options –
As everyone knows IAS is not just a job; it is a dream for millions of aspirants in India due to its prestigious status, power, and numerous benefits. After clearing the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), successful candidates have various career opportunities and possibilities for promotions. Let’s explore the potential posts and designations an officer can be promoted to as their career progresses.
After clearing the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), candidates may be assigned to different roles such as working in the central secretariat, holding ranks in the state secretariat, or serving as a district administrator.
Career opportunities for a candidate who is serving as a district administrator are as follows –
Sub-divisional- magistrate (SDM) – This is the first position assigned to a candidate after completing their training from Missouri. Typically assigned within the first few years of service.
Additional District Magistrate (ADM) – After serving as SDM candidates are promoted to ADM post which is a higher post than SDM and comes with more power and responsibility.
| post in the central secretariat | Designation in district administration | post in the state secretariat |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Secretary | Sub-divisional- magistrate (SDM) | undersecretary |
| undersecretary | Additional District Magistrate (ADM) | Deputy Secretary |
| Deputy Secretary | District Magistrate DM | Joint Secretary |
| Director | District Magistrate DM | Special Secretary-Cum Director |
| Joint Secretary | Divisional Commissioner | Secretary-cum Commissioner |
| Additional Secretary | Divisional Commissioner | Principal Secretary |
| No equal rank | No equal rank | Additional Chief Secretary |
| Secretary | No equal rank | Chief Secretary |
| Cabinet Secretary of India | No equal rank | No equal rank |
Any Indian citizen who holds a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a government-recognized university is eligible to apply for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on an annual basis. Candidates must fall within the age bracket of 21 to 32 years. However, certain relaxations are provided for candidates belonging to the SC/ST, OBC, and other specified categories, as mentioned in this article.
An IAS officer has excellent career prospects with the opportunity to hold prestigious positions in the country. They can make significant contributions to the nation. An IAS officer begins their career as an SDM or a similar position and has chances to be appointed to various important roles. In these roles, they can play a crucial part in the country’s development and the well-being of its people.
We have witnessed numerous IAS officers who have made significant contributions to the country’s development. The UPSC aims to select individuals who can play a crucial role in the country’s progress and guide it towards a better future.
If you want to become an IAS officer knowledge of English and other regional language can play a vital role in your success. You may learn English in Hindi. You may start learning English today with our basic english words meaning post Click here
- Another useful post for speaking english- 100 daily use english sentences with Hindi meanings Click here
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