How to Become IAS Officer– Becoming an IAS officer is a highly competitive and prestigious career path in India. To become an IAS officer, one has to clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Know the Eligibility Criteria for IAS Officer
To appear in the Civil Services Examination, a candidate must fulfill the eligibility criteria prescribed by the UPSC. Let’s know about the eligibility criteria.
Candidate must be a citizen of India, The age of the candidate should be between 21-32 years, Relaxation in upper age limit is provided for candidates belonging to certain categories as per government rules, Candidate should possess Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized University or equivalent qualification.
Understand the exam process
Generally, Civil Services Exam consists of three stages:
1. Preliminary Examination: The preliminary examination consists of two objective-type papers of 200 marks each. The papers are General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT).
2. Main Examination: The main examination consists of nine descriptive papers. Paper-A (Indian Language), Paper-B (English), Essay, General Studies-I to IV, Optional Paper-I, and Paper II.
3. Interview: Candidates who clear the preliminary exam and main exam will be called for the interview conducted by UPSC. Interview carries 275 marks.
Choose an optional subject
The Civil Services Examination allows candidates to choose an optional subject for the main examination. The subject should be from the list of subjects provided by UPSC. The list includes history, geography, political science, sociology, and other subjects.
How to prepare IAS
Civil Services Exam preparation requires a structured and disciplined approach. By understanding the candidate’s exam pattern and syllabus. Let the preparation begin. A study plan should be prepared and time allotted for each subject. Candidates can join coaching institutes or self-study as per their convenience.
Procedure to Apply for IAS
UPSC conducts Civil Services Exam every year in the month of June. Candidates can apply for the exam online through the UPSC website. Also, see the respective website for complete details.
IAS Exam
Those who excel in all the exams are finally called for the interview. Final selection of the candidate will be based on the merit shown in the interview.
Training
Selected candidates for IAS will undergo training program at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. The training program lasts for two years and includes various subjects like law, public administration, economics, and others.
Career as an IAS officer
After completion of the training program, the candidates are appointed as Assistant Collectors or Assistant Commissioners in the district. They work under the supervision of the District Collector and perform various administrative tasks like revenue administration, law and order, and public welfare.
Conclusion
Becoming an IAS officer requires dedication, hard work, and a structured approach. Candidates should start preparation early, understand the exam pattern and focus on their strengths.