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Roadmap to IAS: A Guide to Become an IAS Officer

Madhavi Gaur September 12, 2023 11:18 11997 0

Roadmap to IAS: A Guide to Become an IAS Officer

How to Become an IAS Officer?

Guide to Become an IAS Officer: Becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is a dream for many individuals who aspire to make a meaningful impact on society through public service. Known for their crucial roles in shaping government policies and implementing programs, IAS officers play a vital role in the administrative machinery of India. If you’re eager to embark on this prestigious career path, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become an IAS officer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Become an IAS Officer
Step-by-Step Guide to Become an IAS Officer

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Step-by-Step Guide to Become an IAS Officer

Step 1: Educational Qualifications

To be eligible for the IAS exam, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. While there is no specific stream requirement, most candidates choose subjects like political science, history, economics, public administration, or law. It’s important to focus on your academics and maintain a strong educational background.

Step 2: Clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE)

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a rigorous and highly competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It consists of three stages:

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1. Preliminary Examination: This is an objective-type exam testing your general knowledge and aptitude. It comprises two papers: General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).

2. Main Examination: If you qualify for the Prelims, you will appear for the Main Examination, which consists of nine papers covering a wide range of subjects, including essay writing, language comprehension, and optional subjects.

3. Interview (Personality Test): Candidates who clear the Main Examination are called for an interview to assess their personality traits, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role of an IAS officer.

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Step 3: Choose an Optional Subject

The Main Examination includes an optional subject. Choose a subject you’re comfortable with and have a deep understanding of. Your performance in this paper can significantly impact your overall score.

Step 4: Preparing for the Exam

Preparing for the CSE requires dedication, discipline, and a well-structured study plan. Enroll in a reputable coaching institute or create a study schedule that covers all the subjects comprehensively. Stay updated with current affairs, read newspapers, and practice mock tests to improve your time management and problem-solving skills.

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Step 5: Develop Soft Skills

IAS officers need more than just academic knowledge; they require effective communication, leadership, and decision-making skills. Engage in activities that enhance your communication abilities, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.

Step 6: Stay Informed About Government Policies

Being aware of government policies, socio-economic issues, and the challenges faced by various sectors is essential for an IAS officer. Keep yourself updated with current events, policy changes, and developmental initiatives.

Step 7: Maintain Physical and Mental Fitness

The demanding role of an IAS officer requires physical and mental stamina. Engage in regular physical exercise, meditation, and stress-relief techniques to stay healthy and focused.

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Step 8: Apply for the UPSC Exam

Once you feel adequately prepared, apply for the UPSC CSE when the notification is released. Pay attention to the application deadlines and ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.

Step 9: Clear the Interview Round

If you’re selected for the interview round, present yourself confidently and articulate your thoughts clearly. Your ability to express your ideas and views will be assessed during this stage.

Step 10: Persevere and Stay Determined

Becoming an IAS officer requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Stay committed to your goal, learn from failures, and continuously strive to improve yourself.

Becoming an IAS officer is a challenging but rewarding journey that offers the opportunity to contribute positively to the development of the nation. With the right preparation, determination, and a passion for public service, you can realize your dream of becoming an IAS officer and making a meaningful impact on society.

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Process of Becoming an IAS Officer in India

Becoming an IAS officer necessitates successfully clearing the Civil Services Examination, conducted annually by the UPSC. This examination serves to identify qualified individuals for approximately 25 distinct services, including the IAS, IPS, IFS, various Central government services, and related roles. Typically, UPSC releases a notification inviting applications around January-February each year, and the initial phase, known as the preliminary examination, occurs toward the conclusion of May or the start of June.

The Civil Services Examination by UPSC is carried out in a three-tier format:

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Civil Services (Main) Examination
3. Personality Test or Interview

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What Is an IAS Officer?

An IAS Officer holds a prestigious position within India’s civil service. These officers are selected through a competitive examination organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and appointed by the President of India. IAS officers are entrusted with the responsibility of implementing and managing government policies and initiatives, ensuring efficient governance and the delivery of public services. They occupy critical administrative roles at various tiers of government, both at the state and national levels. Their contribution is integral to the advancement and well-being of the nation, spanning fields like finance, law enforcement, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Through their expertise and leadership, IAS officers significantly contribute to the shaping and progressive transformation of the country.

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Responsibilities of an IAS Officer

The duties of an IAS officer encompass aiding both the federal and state governments in executing and overseeing their policies, as well as providing essential input to governmental decision-making processes. Generally, an IAS officer assists the government in policy formulation and execution, ensuring policy implementation, and offering crucial insights to relevant ministries regarding the status of policy execution and its impact.

The duties of IAS officers vary based on their assigned roles, which can be categorized into three types of assignments:

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Assignment Responsibilities
Central Secretariat Assignments Officers at the central level handle secretarial positions involving policy review, formulation, and implementation for various ministries.
Field Assignment In field assignments, officers carry out sub-divisional tasks as Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), maintaining law and order, overseeing developmental and administrative activities. At the district level, they assume roles such as District Magistrates, Collectors, or Deputy Commissioners, performing similar functions and supervising SDMs.
State Secretariat Assignments IAS officers in state secretariat roles leverage their field experience to advise elected representatives and contribute to policy formulation and decision-making for government processes.

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Other Responsibilities of an IAS Officer

  • Handling governmental affairs
  • Formulating, implementing, and reviewing policies
  • Consulting various departments and elected representatives
  • Managing and disbursing central government funds for different schemes
  • Supervising the execution of government schemes and development policies
  • Responding to emergencies like natural disasters, major accidents, and riots within their jurisdiction, and coordinating relief efforts

Several IAS officers are also assigned to international organizations like the United Nations. Additionally, officers can be deputed to private organizations for short-term assignments.

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IAS Officer’s Career Progression

The typical career trajectory for most IAS officers is outlined below. The sequence of career posts changes after the probation period based on the assigned cadre.

  1. Training at the district level in the designated cadre.
  2. Phase I Training at LBSNAA, including a week-long foreign attachment with one of India’s diplomatic missions abroad.
  3. Central Government attachment as an Assistant Secretary for three months.
  4. Posting as SDM/Joint Magistrate/Sub Collector.
  5. Posting as Municipal Commissioner, DDO/CDO.
  6. Posting as DM/Collector.
  7. Posting at State Secretariats at the Director/Joint Secretary level.
  8. Deputation to the Central Government, an option available after serving for a few years.
  9. Principal/Additional Secretary in the State Secretariat/Central Secretariat.
  10. Chief Secretary of a state.
  11. Cabinet Secretary.
  12. The Cabinet Secretary of India is the highest position attainable by IAS officers. Additionally, the highest posts within the state bureaucracy include Chief Secretary of the State.

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Phases of IAS Officer Training

IAS officer training, often referred to as the probationary term, includes a foundational program at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The IAS, IPS, and IFS officers undergo this common foundation program, followed by specialized training in their respective cadres.

Service Institution Venue:  IAS Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) Mussoorie

IAS Training Phase-I

After the foundational course, IAS officers begin their training journey, which progresses in the following manner:

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  1. Study Tour (Bharat Darshan):
    • Officers are grouped for a tour of India.
    • The tour aims to explore India’s diversity, heritage, and culture.
    • Meetings with dignitaries, including the President of India, are scheduled.
    • A week-long stop at the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies in Delhi.
  2. Skill Enhancement:
    • Participation in cultural activities, trekking, adventure sports, horse riding, volunteering, and cross-country runs.
    • Daily exercise sessions starting at 6 am.
  3. 15-week training at LBSNAA:
    • Covering subjects like policymaking, land management, soft skills, project management, national security, e-governance, and more.

IAS District Training

This one-year training takes place in a specific district, focusing on understanding developmental challenges, solutions, and implementation.

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IAS Training Phase-II

Summarizing the knowledge gained from Phase I and district training, Phase II involves subject-based sessions and exploration of various case studies and developmental issues.

IAS Officer

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IAS Officer Salary in India (As per 7th Central Pay Commission)

Indian Administrative Services is one of the most respected jobs from All India Services. IAS Officer salary differs as per the roles. Mentioned below are the salaries of the IAS officers.

Pay level Pay structure (INR) Post Service period (in years)
10 56,100 Assistant Secretary 1-4
11 67,700 Deputy Secretary 5-8
12 78,800 Deputy Secretary 9-12
13 1,18,500 Director 13-16
14 1,44,200 Joint Secretary 16-24
15 1,82,200 Additional Secretary 25-30
16 2,05,400 Additional Chief Secretary 30-33
17 2,25,000 Chief Secretary 34-36
18 2,50,000 Cabinet Secretary of India 37+

The salary of an IAS Officer is contingent upon their position in the hierarchy. As they progress through ranks, both their rank and compensation gradually elevate due to promotions.

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IAS Officer

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Guide to Become an IAS Officer

No, you cannot directly join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) after completing the 12th standard. The eligibility criteria for becoming an IAS officer in India involves a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. This means you need to complete your graduation before you can appear for the competitive civil services examination, which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various civil services, including the IAS.

The UPSC exam requires candidates to possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and adhere to the stipulated age restrictions set by the UPSC. The age criteria for UPSC differ based on categories: for the general category, the upper age limit is 32 years; for OBC candidates, the IAS age limit is 35; and individuals from the SC/ST category must be below 37 years of age.

Annually, a considerable number of candidates submit applications for the Preliminary examination. However, merely a quarter of these applicants successfully pass and progress to the subsequent phase, namely the IAS Mains. This has led some individuals to regard the UPSC examination as one of the most challenging tests globally. Within the interview stage, only 15% manage to proceed, with a 50% success rate.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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