How To Become An IAS Officer In India (2024)

To become an IAS officer in India, you must first clear the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (CSE), one of the toughest tests in the country. In this article, we’ll outline the steps to becoming an IAS officer.

IAS officers in India hold significant roles, such as commanding district administrative departments as district collectors and representing the Government of India in international forums. Considered the cream of the civil service, IAS is part of the prestigious Indian Administrative Services, along with the Indian Police Service and Indian Forest Service.

Preparation for the civil service exam typically takes 8-12 months. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is crucial, so keep a copy of the syllabus handy for reference. Start with the basics, using NCERT textbooks as a primary source. Identify standard books recommended for UPSC preparation and familiarize yourself with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, or joining a course.

Mock tests and answer-writing practice are essential components of UPSC preparation. Mock exams help analyze your readiness and identify weak areas, while answer-writing practice enhances writing skills. Regular revision is key to reinforcing concepts and retaining important information.

By following these steps and dedicating sufficient time and effort to preparation, aspiring candidates can increase their chances of success in the highly competitive IAS examination.

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Eligibility to become IAS Officer

• Entering an Indian administrative job and becoming an IAS officer is not easy as there is a lot of competition involved. However, one can become an IAS officer with the right attitude and approach. To become an IAS officer, a candidate must qualify for the UPSC Civil Service Examination (UPSC CSE).
• Candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.
• Candidates who have taken part in the final examination and are awaiting the results can also apply for the preliminary study. However, to take part in the Civil Services Main Examination, one must produce proof of passing a bachelor’s degree. The degree must be attached to the main exam application.
• Candidates with government or equivalent recognised professional and technical qualifications could also apply for the IAS exam.
• The minimum age for taking the IAS exam is 21 years.

Here are some tips that will clarify your doubts on how to become an IAS officer:-

It is essential to have a set schedule and make sure that you do not deviate from it. You will not be able to crack it unless you have a strong desire to be the best. So set your timetable according to your needs and not others.

1. Your first step in starting IAS preparation is to be admitted to the ClearIAS Prelims Online Mock Test Series. The ClearIAS test-based approach is fast and will keep you focused.
2. Not just mentally but also physically. You need to study 10-12 hours every day. The strong mind stays in the muscular body. If you are not physically fit, you will not be able to spend time studying. Take 20 minutes per day for some physical activities and 5 minutes for meditation. You will see an increase in your energy and concentration levels
3. If you don’t know what and where to study, you can’t prepare. Once you see the syllabus, you will be able to choose relevant study materials and practice sheets.
4. Don’t compromise on reading your newspaper regardless of deadlines. Once you’re in the mood, it’s not that annoying. Emphasise editorial and op-ed pieces. And about the magazines, EPW is an excellent magazine to get the current perspective. To understand government plans.
5. If you choose it wisely, it may be your ace in the pack of cards. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your alphabet paper: Your prior knowledge of the subject, availability of study materials, and appropriate training on the subject.
6. Read the recommended NCERT books for the middle class and senior students, from sixth to twelfth grade. Get thoroughly about the ideas and get an overall understanding of the issues. These books are highly recommended to prepare for this test because they are a reliable source of information directly determined by the government.
7. It is always recommended why you are not preparing for any exam. Making an answer because you find out your weak spots or gaps, and you will make them stronger in time.
8. Buy the proposed UPSC CSE preparation books from the ‘IAS Books’ links. View the ClearIAS Test Series schedule and collect the textbooks mentioned in it. Our mock exams include NCERT textbooks (Class-12-12) as well as other standard reference textbooks. Read books on weekdays and take exams on weekends.
9. Take your UPSC Mains preparation along with UPSC Prelims practice. There are only a few topics relevant to Maine (ethics, internal security, world history, etc.) We have explained when and how to cover them in our prelims cum minus method.
10. Mock tests are just as crucial for the minuses as the prelims. It would help if you practised writing your proper answers to structure your answers in a time-constrained environment. Evaluate your solutions by experts and seek their suggestions for improvement. You can refer to the feedback given for the answer in our answer writing practice session.
11. The ClearIAS team can assist you with the sent thee essential-have registered for the ClearIAS interview program; we will send you a list of 30 possible questions based on your DAF. Also, take mock interviews to improve your communication as well as presentation skills.
12. Please keep in mind that the eligibility criteria for UPSC Civil Service Examination (CSE) are 21 years and graduate in any subject. You should also note that final-year students may apply for IAS prelims. Many candidates miss this first opportunity and come too late to prepare for the UPSC Civil Service Exam. This is reflected in the fact that the average age of the candidates placed in the final UPSC CSE rank list is 26 years.
13. Those who prepare parallel for UPSC CSE while in college will have deadlines. So the most important thing is the ability to prioritise things.
14. There are many first-year and second-year college students who join the ClearIAS Prelims Test Series – although they can only apply for the IAS exam in their final year of graduation. This is a great strategy to focus directly on the questions that are very close to the actual UPSC exam and to understand the UPSC requirements.
15. You shouldn’t worry about the number you got, but you should take mock exams as a learning opportunity. Mock tests help you understand not only the UPSC pattern of questions but also complex concepts. If you are lucky, you can get lots of direct and indirect questions from the mock test series alone. This has happened many times in the past with the ClearIAS Test series.
16. A few topper strategies for finishing optional subjects during the semester break during college so that they can concentrate on General Studies (GS) and current issues after graduation. If time permits, either complete your elective subject or the whole set of NCERTs from grades 6-12. Alternatively, you can create your ideas or all online mock tests on the ClearIAS fake test platform.
17. IAS preparation techniques continue to change with the availability of new materials and new question types from UPSC. Always check out the UPSC Toppers Interviews at ClearIAS.com for the latest tips from Toppers. It will keep you inspired. Have big dreams.

Types of Job Roles IAS Officer

The job of an IAS officer is the most lucrative in India. Those wishing to build a career as an IAS officer can view the job profiles of IAS officers below, which are the management features in India.

He is in charge of various developmental activities in the sub-division. The job of the sub-divisional officer is basically to coordinate the work of several departments.

The Divisional Commissioner is the coordinator of all activities related to general administration, including law and order, revenue administration, and development administration at the divisional level. The Divisional Commissioner became the head of the revenue administration of his department and heard appeals against the orders of the District Collectors. He coordinated and supervised the work of all branches of public administration in his department.

The district magistrate is responsible for the smooth running of the activities of the district administration. He is the chief agent for the necessary coordination of government agencies working within the district. As a collector, he is responsible for collecting revenue from the community.

The Chief Secretary ensures inter-departmental coordination. He is also the chairman of the coordination committee interdepartmental disputes and advises secretaries on inter-departmental complexities.

The Cabinet Secretary acts as the Chief Coordinator of the Central Government. He served as a liaison between the political system and the country’s civil service. The responsibilities of a Cabinet Secretary include overseeing and coordinating the activities of various ministries and departments.

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Employment Opportunities for IAS Officer

The IAS officer is a wide choice with a variety of career choices. There are many types of employment opportunities for an IAS officer. Being an IAS officer, one can act as a personal secretary to the ministers of central government ministers to an autonomous body; Subordinate body PSUs; United Nations Organizations like World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank provide deputation vacancies to IAS officers in foreign posts.
Now coming to one of the most frequently asked questions. Now the question is how to become an IAS officer in India?
Since the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, there has been a substantial increase. However, the salary of an IAS officer in India is still much lower than that of many CEOs of multinational companies.

Here we will give you the initial pay level-

• The initial salary of entry-level IAS officers is Rs.56100. The wage of civil servants (salary = basic salary + DA + TA + HRA) will increase as the experience increases. The basic salary of a cabinet secretary is fixed at Rs. 250,000.
• At the basic level, covering every subject of the Civil Service Preliminary Examination is now the best way to clear the prelims. It is not advisable to prioritise any particular book or region, thinking that the question will come from that source. Likewise, it is equally important not to lose the simple questions from traditional thematic subjects such as economics, geography, history, and politics. At the very least, it would be good to brush up on NCERT books and previous year’s question papers if you are short on time.
• Take, Clear IAS Mock Exams Prelims: This is a field that separates successful candidates from those who failed to crack the prelims. Mock tests are an integral part of the regular preparation of successful candidates. You get a chance to identify your mistakes by correcting the tried tests. Writing mock tests brings you confidence which is the key to success in any test.
• Invest in the right book for UPSC Civil Service Preliminary Examination: It is essential to pick up the proposed text and the suitable blue study material. NCERT books are considered a must-read by both experts and successful candidates. It helps candidates achieve higher marks in stage prelims and mains.
• The types of questions asked in prelims and mines are different, but there are many areas where overlaps occur. Among the civil service aspects, an integrated prelim-cum-main approach is being drawn, which relies on clearing prelims and mains in a single effort. Good knowledge of the overlapping and non-overlapping areas in the UPSC GS syllabus for Prelims and Mains certainly gives you competitive mileage compared to your peers.
• Go with ease on the day of the test: If you are relaxed on the day of the trial, all your efforts will be in vain. It is relevant to read the questions carefully and make sure that you have not made a foolish mistake. In a comfortable position, you will be able to answer questions accurately and in less time. Rely on your qualifications and be confident that you can clear the Civil Services Preliminary Exam, and you do.

IAS syllabus

The numbers obtained in the prelims will not be counted for the final ranking but only for eligibility for the test.
The rank of a candidate in the UPSC Civil Service Examination depends only on the marks obtained in Maine and the interview. The written test (principal) will contain Niners, but only seven even pieces will be counted for the final merit ranking. For the remaining two parts, the candidate should secure the minimum marks prescribed by the UPSC every year. There are 1750 marks in the main examination and 275 characters in the interview.

Summary

In the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Mains, writing speed plays a crucial role in effectively answering questions within the allotted time. Aspirants who are actively engaged in writing, such as college students, may have an advantage over working professionals who may be less accustomed to using pen and paper extensively.

To address this challenge, working professionals preparing for the UPSC CSE Mains should prioritize improving their writing speed through regular practice. This can involve dedicating specific time each day to handwriting practice, focusing on legibility and speed. Additionally, utilizing techniques such as shorthand or abbreviations for note-taking during preparation can help enhance writing speed during the exam.

Furthermore, maximizing efficiency during exam time is essential. This includes practicing time management strategies to allocate appropriate time to each question and prioritizing answering questions that one feels most confident about first. Additionally, maintaining a calm and focused mindset during the exam can help mitigate stress and allow for better concentration, ultimately contributing to improved writing speed and performance.