December 1, 2024

Procedure for applying IAS Exam in India

The IAS exam, also known as the Civil Services Examination (CSE), selects candidates for all-India services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and other central services.

  • Conducted annually by UPSC.
  • Comprises three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview.
  • Requires comprehensive preparation, as it tests knowledge, aptitude, and personality

Educational Qualification

  • Minimum Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.
  • Final-year students can apply, provided they produce proof of passing before the Mains exam.

Age Limit

  • General category: 21 to 32 years.
  • OBC: 21 to 35 years (3 years relaxation).
  • SC/ST: 21 to 37 years (5 years relaxation).
  • Persons with Disabilities (PwD):
    • General: 21 to 42 years.
    • OBC: 21 to 45 years.
    • SC/ST: 21 to 47 years.
  • Ex-Servicemen: 5 years relaxation.

Number of Attempts

  • General category: 6 attempts.
  • OBC: 9 attempts.
  • SC/ST: Unlimited until age limit.
  • Candidates from the EWS category are allowed 6 attempts like the General category.

Nationality

  • Indian citizens for IAS and IPS.
  • Citizens of India or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and certain other nationalities for other services.

Exam Pattern

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

  • Objective type.
  • Papers:
    • General Studies Paper I: Current events, history, geography, polity, economics, environment, and science.
    • General Studies Paper II (CSAT): Aptitude, comprehension, logical reasoning, and decision-making.

Marks Distribution:

  • Paper I: 200 marks.
  • Paper II: 200 marks (qualifying with 33% minimum).

Stage 2: Main Examination (Mains)

  • Descriptive/written examination.
  • Papers:
    • Compulsory Indian language.
    • English.
    • Essay.
    • Four General Studies papers.
    • Two Optional subject papers.

Marks Distribution:

  • Total: 1750 marks (7 papers considered for merit).

Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)

  • Conducted for 275 marks.
  • Tests the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and leadership abilities.

Exam Pattern

Preliminary Exam

  1. General Studies I:

    • Current events of national and international importance.
    • History of India and the Indian National Movement.
    • Indian and world geography.
    • Polity, governance, and constitution.
    • Economic and social development.
    • Environmental issues.
    • General science.

  2. CSAT:

    • Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
    • Decision-making and problem-solving.
    • General mental ability.
    • Basic numeracy and data interpretation.
    • English comprehension.

Main Examination

  1. Essay Writing

    • Topics related to current affairs and general interest.

  2. General Studies Papers:

    • GS I: History, geography, society, and culture.
    • GS II: Governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations.
    • GS III: Technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management.
    • GS IV: Ethics, integrity, and aptitude.

  3. Optional Subjects: Choose one subject from the list (e.g., Literature, Public Administration, Anthropology, etc.).

  4. Language Papers: Proficiency in English and any other Indian language.

Physical Qualifications

Physical fitness is essential for candidates opting for specific services like IPS (Indian Police Service):

  • Height: Minimum 165 cm for men, 150 cm for women (relaxation for reserved categories).
  • Chest: Minimum 84 cm (5 cm expansion) for men, 79 cm (5 cm expansion) for women.
  • Vision: Corrected eyesight with glasses is acceptable. Severe conditions like color blindness can lead to disqualification.

Reservation and Relaxation

Caste Reservation

  • Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%.
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%.
  • Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27%.
  • Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%.
  • Physically Disabled (PwD): 4%.

Age Relaxation

  • As mentioned under eligibility criteria, reserved categories enjoy extended age limits.

Marks and Ranking

  • Total marks: 2025 (1750 from Mains + 275 from Interview).
  • Final ranking is based on cumulative scores of Mains and Interview.

 

Application Process

  • Visit the official UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in.
  • Register for the Online Application.
  • Fill in personal and educational details.
  • Upload necessary documents, including photographs and signatures.
  • Pay the examination fee:
    • General/EWS/OBC: ₹100.
    • SC/ST/PwD/Female: No fee.
  • Submit the form and download the acknowledgment.

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