How to become an IAS Officer?

"Work hard in Silence, let your POSITION make the noise."

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the administrative branch of the Indian Civil Service. It is one of the premier services of the Government of India. IAS is one of the 3 arms of the All India Services, with the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) being the others. Members of these 3 services serve the Government of India and the states. IAS is one of the sought after career choices among aspirants aiming to grab a Government job. The earliest origins of the Civil Service in India is traced back to 1757 when the East India Company was ruling the nation. During this time, Warren Hastings laid the foundation for Civil Service, which was later reformed, modernized, and rationalized by Charles Cornwallis. Due to his immense contribution to the entire structure, Charles Cornwallis is popularly known as the Father of Civil Service in India. IAS was earlier known as the Indian Civil Service (ICS). The first ICS exam was held in 1922 in Allahabad. After independence, ICS became the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). The Public Service Commission of India was established under the chairmanship of Sir Ross Parker in 1926. Later in 1935, it was renamed as Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).  UPSC is the official conducting body for Civil Service Examination, which is mandatory to become an IAS officer. 

How to Become an IAS Officer?

Students aspiring to become IAS officers have to complete their formal education. They must strive to gain the required skills and knowledge to pass the series of examinations, which will be followed by an Interview process. Following are the education qualifications and entrance exam required to become an IAS Officer:

• Higher Secondary Education: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with a minimum aggregate score of 50% from any academic stream. The pursued education must be from any recognized board.   

• Degree: Applicants must have completed an Undergraduate Degree with a minimum aggregate score from any recognized institute or university.

• UPSC Exam: Aspirants must have to pass all the stages of the UPSC Exam to become IAS officers. The stages include: 

• Stage I: Preliminary Examination (2 MCQ Papers)
• Stage II: Mains Examination (9 Theory Papers)
• Stage III: Interview (Personality Test)

Eligibility Criteria for Civil Service Exam:  

Aspirants applying for the UPSC exam must satisfy the following academic conditions to be eligible:

• Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India. Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan or Tibet settled in India before January 1st, 1962, are also eligible.

• Education Qualification: The candidate holding an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree from a recognised university or institute is eligible to apply.

• Age limit: Students must attain a minimum of 21 years of age and should not exceed more than 32 years of age. The age limit for reserved category candidates may vary.

Scope of IAS Officers in India:

The job role of being an IAS officer includes framing policies, maintaining law and order, advising political authorities on multiple issues, implementing and supervising the State and Central government policies for the betterment of society, etc. IAS is one of the most reputed Jobs in India. It provides a rich scope to function in multiple responsibilities. 

• Respect and Authority:

IAS officers are the most respected professionals where they can have ultimate authority. Civil Service Exams is one of the toughest entrance exams in the country, thus aspirants who pass the exam are respected and praised by the entire nation.   

• Job Security:

IAS is a Central Government providing ultimate job security for the passing candidates. Once the candidates clear the examination and are positioned as IAS officers, it is not easy for them to be terminated, unless in extreme situations. These professionals retire at the age of 60 and shall be provided with a wide range of facilities. 

• Multiple Benefits:

IAS officers in India have various benefits. They are paid well and are provided additional benefits that include residential, health, and other amenities. 

• Contributing for the society to be a better place:

IAS is a position suitable for candidates whose aim is to make a difference in the country. Being an IAS officer provides tremendous power and opportunity to create and implement policies for the betterment of the people. Professionals can contribute to making effective policies and taking action against any unwanted activities.

• Sense of Self Satisfaction: 

Aspirants entering the field are trained well to become patient, perfect, and disciplined citizens. They are also enlightened with other qualities such as being focused, making effective decisions, excellent communication skills, time management, analytical ability, etc. Becoming an IAS officer ensures to provide a sense of satisfaction to be able to contribute for a better tomorrow.   

Job Roles:

Being a public servant an IAS officer can be assigned job roles across various administrative fields. Qualified candidates begin their careers as Deputy Collectors and rise up to the level of Cabinet Secretaries.

Salary of an IAS Officer in India:

The salary of an IAS officer in India may vary according to their designation and level of superiority. As per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), the basic salary of an IAS officer is Rs. 56,100 per month. The base salary of an IAS officer increases as the experience increases. Apart from the base salary, an IAS officer shall be offered several allowances such as Travel, Dearness, and House Rent Allowances. The salary of an IAS officer in India can reach up to Rs. 2,50,000 per month depending on the designations of the officers. Below mentioned is the list of base salary of IAS officers in India:

Now that you know how to become an IAS officer in India, achieve your dream by laying the foundation by academically training yourself to serve the Nation.