Eligibility for IAS Exam

In order to become an IAS officer, candidates will have to meet the following eligibility criteria laid down by the UPSC.

The minimum education qualification for IAS is that a candidate must hold a bachelors degree in any discipline.

The UPSC age limit, which is the age criteria for IAS exam is 32 years. Although, this limit can be exceeded for SC/ST candidates for up to 5 years and up to three years for OBC candidates.

The minimum age requirement to sit in the exam is 21 years.

Candidate must be of Indian nationality.

 

Syllabus for IAS Exam

Stages of IAS Exam

  Stages Exam Type Total Marks
I Preliminary Exam Objective Type 400
II Mains Exam Descriptive Type 1750
III Interview Round Personality Test 275

 

Stage I: Preliminary Exam 

  • The Preliminary Examination is the first round of the selection process, candidates must clear prelims to qualify for the Mains Exam.
  • It is mandatory for candidates to appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Preliminary) examination.
  • Each exam is of 2 hrs (20 mins extra for a candidate with Locomotor Disability & Cerebral Palsy).
  • Medium of paper is Bilingual (Hindi and English).
Paper No. of  Questions Marks Duration
General Studies Paper I 100 200 2 hrs (Morning session)
General Studies Paper II (CSAT) 80 200 2 hrs (Evening Session)
Total 180 400 4 hrs

  • General Studies Paper I

In GS Paper I, each correctly answered question is awarded with 2 marks and for each wrong answer 1/3rd of the marks allotted to the question are deducted. Marks obtained in Paper I will be counted for the merit rank.

S.No. Subjects Topic-wise Analysis
1. Current Events Current Affairs of national and international importance
2. History Ancient History of India

Medieval History of India

Modern History 1857 to 1947

Indian National Movement
3. Geography

(Indian and World Geography)

 Physical Geography

Social Geography

Economic Geography

World Geography
4. Indian Polity and Governance Constitution

Political System

Panchayati Raj

Public Policy

Rights Issues
5. Economy (Economic and Social Development) Sustainable Development

Poverty

Inclusion

Demographics

Social Sector Initiatives
6. Environment and Ecology General issues on Environmental ecology

Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization
7. General Science General Principles

Latest Science and Technological Development

  • General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

In GS Paper II also known as Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), each correctly answered question is awarded with 2.5 marks and for each wrong answer 1/3rd of the marks allotted to the question are deducted. Marks obtained in Paper II will not be counted for the merit rank in Prelims but will be considered as a qualifying paper with 33% as qualifying marks.

Reading Comprehension Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability Decision making and problem-solving ability
 General mental ability Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level)

Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level)

 Stage II: Mains Exam

The Commission releases the list of candidates shortlisted for the Civil Services Mains Exam based on merit and reservation.

Around 12-13 times the total number of vacancies will be shortlisted to take the Mains Exam.

No. of Papers 9 papers
Type of Questions Subjective
Marks 1750
Duration of Exam 3 hrs each
Medium of Exam Hindi and English (other than the literature of language papers)

 Subjects and Marks Distribution

Marks obtained in Paper-I to Paper-VII are considered for merit and marks obtained in optional papers just need to be qualifying marks.

Paper Category Marks
Paper-A (Qualifying Paper) Indian Language (One of the Indian Language to be selected by the candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution) 300
Paper-B (Qualifying Paper) English 300
Paper-I Essay writing 250
Paper-II General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) 250
Paper-III General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) 250
Paper-IV General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio‐diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) 250
Paper-V General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) 250
Paper-VI Optional Subject – Paper 1 250
Paper-VII Optional Subject – Paper 2 250
Sub Total    Written Test 1750

  • Paper A & B: Indian Language and English

The aim of the paper is to test the candidates’ ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express his ideas clearly and correctly, in English and Indian language concerned. The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:

  • Comprehension of given passages
  • Precis Writing
  • Usage and Vocabulary
  • Short Essays

Indian Languages

  • Comprehension of given passages
  • Precis Writing
  • Usage and Vocabulary
  • Short Essays
  • Translation from English to the Indian Language and vice-versa.

Note: The syllabus for Indian Language and English will be of matriculation or equivalent standard. These papers are of qualifying nature and marks obtained will not be counted for final merit. Aspirants should answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the respective Indian language (except where translation is involved).

  • Paper-I: Essay Writing

Aspirants should write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression. The topic can be on current issues.

The language for the paper is English thus candidates have no option of answering in any other language.

  • Paper-II: General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)

Topics Details
Indian Heritage Indian culture

Aspects of Art Forms. Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
Modern Indian History Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities, issues

The Freedom Struggle its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country

Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
World History  History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
Indian Society Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. Effects of globalization on Indian society. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Geography Salient features of world’s physical geography. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

  • Paper-III: General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)

 Topics 

Details
Indian Constitution Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Indian Polity Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the polity. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Social Justice Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Indian Governance Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.  Role of civil services in a democracy.
International Relations India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

  • Paper-IV: General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio‐diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

Topics Details
Indian Economy  Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Government Budgeting. Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issue of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing. Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management. Land reforms in India. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Investment models.
Science and Technology Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Environment & Bio-diversity Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Disaster Management Disaster and disaster management.
Security Linkages between development and spread of extremism. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention. Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism. Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

  •  Paper-V: General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)

Topics  Details
Ethics and Human Interface Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Attitude Content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non- partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Emotional Intelligence  Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
Probity in Governance  Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. Case Studies on above issues.

  • Paper-VI: Optional Subject – Paper 1

Candidates may choose any optional subject from the list of optional subjects. Aspirants can also choose one Indian language as an optional subject amongst the list.

Topics
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce and Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science and International Relations, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics and Zoology

  • Paper-VII: Optional Subject – Paper 2

Candidates may choose any optional subject from the list of optional subjects. Aspirants can also choose one Indian language as an optional subject amongst the list.

Topics
Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English

Stage 3: Interview Round 

  • Candidates who have qualified in the Civil Services Mains Examination will be called for the final stage of the selection process, i.e., Personality Test (Interview).
  • It will carry a total of 275 marks.
  • The board will test the candidates on various areas starting from his/her career to general interest.
  • The qualities to be judged are intellectual qualities, social traits, mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
  • Candidates must secure at least 55% in this round.
  • A candidate securing 60% and above will most likely get a service of his choice.
  • Marks obtained by a candidate in IAS Interview will be added in the Main stage. This will form the basis of the final merit list.

Note: There is no specific syllabus for IAS Interview, hence, we advise candidates to work more on their personality. The final merit will be based on marks obtained in the Main Examination and Personality Test.

Notification for IAS Exam

Event Dates Salient Features
IAS Exam Notification From 2nd week of February to Last week of February
Start of Online Registration During mid of February Online Form Filling starts at official website of UPSC.

https://www.upsc.gov.in/apply-online
Last date to apply for IAS Exam  1st week of February The IAS online application will be accepted until this date.
Admit Card (Preliminary Examination) Last week of May (5-6 days prior to the IAS Preliminary Exam) Admit card of IAS Preliminary Exam will be available on official website of UPSC.

https://www.upsc.gov.in/apply-online
IAS Prelims Exam  Between last week of May and 1st week of June IAS Prelims Exam will be conducted in offline mode across the nation.
Admit Card (Mains Examination) Between 1st and 2nd  week of September Admit card of IAS Mains Exam for the IAS Prelims qualified candidates will be available on official website of UPSC.

https://www.upsc.gov.in/apply-online
IAS Mains Exam 2nd to 3rd week of September The IAS Mains Exam will be conducted by UPSC.
IAS Personality Test/Interview 3rd week of February Interview Round of IAS Mains qualified candidates will take place.

Results for IAS Exam

Title Dates Salient Features
Result of Preliminary Examination 1st to 2nd  week of July The result of the IAS Prelims Exam will be announced by UPSC.
IAS Main exam Result 3rd week of December The result of the IAS Mains Exam will be announced by UPSC.
IAS final Result 4th week of April The Final Result along with merit list will be out.