Many people want to become IAS officers; for that, you need to crack the UPSC examination. It is a highly respected organization within India’s civil service responsible for various tasks such as creating and implementing policies, managing government funds, and more. Apart from that, there are also other ideas that IAS aspirants must know before preparing for UPSC. IAS Officer is one of the best career options, and in this article, we will help you learn how to become an IAS Officer by following the steps we’ve mentioned.
What are the Steps to Become an IAS Officer?
You can try the following steps that will make becoming an IAS officer easier and also help in UPSC exam preparation.
Understand the Syllabus
It is the first step to becoming an IAS Officer and clearing the UPSC exam. Firstly, just go through the entire syllabus for both Prelims and Mains exam. This will help you understand the first step and how to study for the UPSC examination.
Make Study Plan
It is very important to make a study plan; without it, you won’t be able to focus on one subject at a time. So, you must create a realistic study plan that is also achievable. Assign a proper time for every subject and stick to your schedule.
Read NCERT & Standard books
Always start with the NCERT books first, from 6 to 12, because that helps build a strong foundation in basic concepts. Moreover, you can also use standard books for multiple subjects. For instance, you can use Indian Polity by Laxmikanth and ‘History of Modern India’ by Bipan Chandra which contain important books along with last year’s question papers.
Keep yourself updated with Current Affairs & Editorials
Current affairs for UPSC and editorials are very important things for the UPSC examination. You must stay updated with the latest developments by reading newspapers daily, such as The Hindu Editorials and Times of India. Also following reliable resources for current events.
Practice Answer Writing
Practicing answer writing is very important for clearing the mains exam. You should practice answering questions regularly, which helps in presenting your thoughts clearly and also helps manage time in the actual examination.
Attempt Mock Test
Attempting mock tests will help you review your performance and enhance your preparation accordingly. This will help you know your weaknesses and strengths to compete in the UPSC examination and become an IAS officer.
Who can Become an IAS Officer?
Before you start preparing to become an IAS Officer, you must consider the eligibility criteria. Here are the basic requirements to apply for the UPSC examination.
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of India. Only Indian citizens can apply for the UPSC examination, and you also have to provide some documents and certificates to prove your nationality.
- Age: The minimum age to apply for the UPSC examination is 21 years, and maximum age is 32 years. There are also some age relaxations offered to certain categories, such as:
- The maximum age limit for OBC candidates is up to 35 years.
- SC/ST candidates’ maximum age limit is up to 37 years.
- Education: You just need a bachelor’s degree from any recognized Indian university or institute.
Understanding UPSC Civil Services Examination
To become an IAS officer, you must pass the UPSC examination and know about the three stages.
Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
This is an objective type examination consisting of two papers, i.e., General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). It served as a screening test for the UPSC examination.
Main Examination (Mains)
This consists of nine examinations including essay writing, general studies, and optional subjects. It is a descriptive examination that requires detailed knowledge and understanding.
Interview (Personality Test)
After clearing the mains examination, you will be called for an interview. This stage evaluates your personality, leadership skills, and career suitability in public service.
Conclusion
Choosing IAS Officer as a career allows you to serve the nation and make a difference in people’s lives. You can achieve your dream of becoming an IAS officer by preparing for UPSC examination and fulfilling the eligibility requirements. Remember, constant efforts and a clear strategy are your best friends on this journey of becoming an IAS Officer.