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How to become an IAS officer requires success in UPSC stages—Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Learn how to become an IAS officer step by step, from exam pattern to final selection and training.
Madhavi Gaur
June 19, 2025
How to Become an IAS Officer: Becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is a prestigious aspiration pursued by thousands of young minds each year. The IAS stands as one of the most respected and sought-after services in India, offering authority, responsibility, and an opportunity to make significant contributions to society.
Candidates who want to appear for the Civil Services Examination must read on and understand how to become an IAS Officer step by step process, covering eligibility, preparation strategy, examination structure, and more.
How to Become an IAS Officer is a question that inspires countless aspirants each year. Becoming an IAS officer requires meeting eligibility criteria, clearing the Civil Services Examination, and undergoing rigorous training.
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to become an IAS officer step by step to help you pursue this esteemed career in public administration:
The first requirement in the journey of how to become an IAS officer step by step is fulfilling the eligibility conditions set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the body responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination (CSE).
How to Become an IAS Officer Age Limit?
Educational Qualification
Number of Attempts
Each year, UPSC releases an official notification inviting applications. Candidates must apply online via the official UPSC website. It’s crucial to keep track of notification dates through newspapers or the UPSC site to avoid missing deadlines.
The Preliminary Exam is the first level of the Civil Services Examination and is qualifying in nature.
Each paper carries 200 marks and the duration is 2 hours. Only candidates who clear the Prelims qualify for the next stage.
Upon clearing the Prelims, candidates must fill out the DAF for the Mains Examination, providing personal, academic, and service preference details. This form is submitted online and is mandatory for appearing in the Mains.
The Mains exam is descriptive and evaluates in-depth knowledge and writing skills. It includes:
Total: 9 papers
This is the most comprehensive and challenging phase in the how to become an IAS officer step by step process.
The final stage is the Personality Test or Interview, which carries 275 marks. It evaluates your personality traits, ethics, awareness, and suitability for public service. This phase is conducted at the UPSC headquarters in New Delhi.
Candidates who make it to the final merit list are selected as IAS officers and begin their training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The training lasts approximately two years and is divided into multiple phases involving academic sessions and field training.
UPSC Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
Understanding the IAS Officer Selection Process is fundamental for those aspiring to serve in the Indian Administrative Service. How to become an IAS officer is a question that begins with qualifying the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The process is conducted in three distinct stages:
| IAS Officer Selection Process Overview | |
| Stage | Description |
| Preliminary Examination (Prelims) | This is the first stage of the exam and acts as a screening test. It includes two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). While Paper I is considered for merit, Paper II is qualifying in nature. |
| Main Examination (Mains) | This is a descriptive written exam that includes nine papers, of which seven are counted for ranking. It assesses the candidate’s academic knowledge, critical thinking, and understanding of key issues. |
| Personality Test (Interview) | This is the final stage, commonly known as the UPSC Interview. It carries 275 marks and evaluates the candidate’s personality traits, clarity of thought, decision-making, and suitability for public service. |
To succeed in these three stages, an aspirant must exhibit consistent preparation, in-depth understanding of national and international affairs, and strong ethical grounding.
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025
Once selected, an IAS officer undertakes a wide array of responsibilities that vary depending on the nature of their assignment. How to become an IAS officer involves not just passing the exam but also understanding the weight and scope of the duties involved:
Each level of assignment offers a different perspective of governance, making the role of an IAS officer both dynamic and impactful.
A critical aspect of knowing how to become an IAS officer is gaining familiarity with the exam pattern and syllabus of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE). The structure is designed to assess a candidate’s intellectual aptitude, comprehension skills, and decision-making capabilities.
Understanding this structure thoroughly helps aspirants align their preparation effectively across all stages.
Though direct entry into the IAS is not possible after Class 10, early planning is beneficial. If you’re wondering to become IAS officer what to study after 10th, consider the following strategic steps:
After completing your 12th, the road to becoming an IAS officer involves pursuing higher education and strategic preparation. Here’s how you can begin:
Yes, commerce students can definitely become IAS officers. How to become an IAS officer does not depend on your academic background but on your ability to understand the UPSC syllabus and prepare accordingly.
Commerce graduates bring analytical and financial perspectives to administrative roles, which is an asset in governance.
Understanding how to become an IAS officer requires more than just academic excellence. It demands consistency, dedication, and a genuine passion for public service. Whether you are a school student exploring early or a college graduate planning your next steps, begin your journey by meeting the eligibility requirements, preparing strategically, and believing in your goal. The path may be tough, but the reward—serving the nation as an IAS officer—is truly worth it.
Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!
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