Career, Education

What is the Salary of IAS officers? What is the UPSC Exam Pattern?

Photo of author

By Kaleem Ullah

Government jobs are still very much sought-after in India and if the job is in the civil services, nothing like it. UPSC offers handsome IAS Salary along with prestige in the society and a productive role in the country’s administration. As such, cracking the UPSC civil services examination (CSE) is a lifelong goal for many. If you are one of those aspirants, it is essential to know the pattern for the CSE. 

The CSE, also commonly known as the UPSC exam, is a nationwide eligibility test organised by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment to the higher civil services of the central government, including Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, etc. To clear the UPSC CSE Exam, go through UPSC Exam Pattern to get started.  

What is the salary of an IAS officer?

Technically, it depends on which ministry and departments of administration you are working for. But the basic salary of an IAS officer is Rs. 56,100. Still, don’t just go by that number. IAS officers enjoy numerous perks and get massive allowances, including a travel and dearness allowance, over and above the basic salary. So, the average total salary of an IAS officer crosses Rs. 1 lakh per month. 

The senior-most position that can be held by an IAS officer is Cabinet Secretary which comes after a minimum of 37 years in the service. The basic pay of a Cabinet Secretary is Rs. 2.5 lakhs, excluding all the perks and allowances. 

UPSC Exam Pattern

It is essential for all civil services aspirants to know the UPSC exam pattern in detail to prepare well. Since 2013, the UPSC exam pattern has remained the same, which is officially divided into two stages: 

  • 1st Stage- Preliminary and Main Examination
  • 2nd Stage- Personality Development Test or Interview

Candidates who clear the prelims are allowed to appear for mains. Clearing the main examinations opens the gates to the final round, which is the Interview stage.  

UPSC Exam Pattern for Prelims

Let us look at the UPSC exam pattern of Prelims 2022 that is scheduled to be held on 5 June 2022:

  1. General Studies Paper I

The score of the objective type GS Paper I will be considered for the cut-off. This Paper I comprises 100 questions for 200 marks, for which the candidate is allotted a duration of 2 hours to complete. 

  1. General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

The two-hour objective type Paper II consists of 80 questions for 200 marks. The GS Paper II has qualifying nature, implying applicants need to score a minimum of 33% marks to qualify for the CSAT. 

UPSC Exam Pattern for Mains

The UPSC Mains Examination consists of two types of papers: merit-ranking and qualifying. This examination comprises nine papers, all of which are descriptive, out of which Paper A and Paper B (Language Paper) are qualifying in nature. All other papers are evaluated for merit purposes. 

Candidates get 3 hours to complete each paper. Listed below are all the papers that the main examination comprises: 

  • Paper A: The subject for Paper A is compulsory Indian language for 300 marks.  
  • Paper B: The subject for Paper B is English, which is for 300 marks. 
  • GS Paper I: GS Paper I, which has 250 marks, is about essay writing.
  • GS Paper II: The candidate can score a maximum of 250 marks in Paper-II, for General Studies II. 
  • GS Paper III: The General Studies Paper III is for 250 marks. 
  • GS Paper IV: The General Studies Paper IV comprises 250 marks. 
  • GS Paper V: The General Studies Paper V also has 250 marks. 
  • Optional I: Optional I, Paper VI also consists of 250 marks.
  • Optional II: Optional II paper also consists of 250 marks.

Following the UPSC exam pattern and studying accordingly will help you crack the IAS exam on the first attempt. So, go for it. And yes, good luck.Stay Connect with our education blogs & Submit Guest post Education