Are you in search of “What is the eligibility for IAS exam?” in 2023? If yes, then you are in the right place. This article explains all you need to know about eligibility for the IAS exam in 2023.
Therefore keep reading to get all the necessary information in order to apply for the UPSC Civil Services exam in 2023. The IAS or the Civil Services Exam process starts with the official IAS notification issued in February every year.
The Eligibility for IAS Exam notification elaborates on the eligibility criteria for the IAS exam. This document explains the IAS eligibility criteria such as nationality, educational qualification, and IAS Exam age limit. The Eligibility criteria for IAS Exam can be divided into the following categories:
| The age limit for IAS Exam |
| The Nationality for IAS Exam |
| The Educational Qualification or IAS Exam |
An Overview of What is the Eligibility for IAS Exam?
| Education Qualification for the IAS exam | Graduation from a recognized University |
| IAS Exam Age limit | Between 21 years of age and 32 years of age |
| IAS Exam Age Relaxation | As per UPSC rules |
| IAS Exam Nationality | Indian Nationals only |
| IAS Exam level | All India level |
| IAS Exam type | Offline (Pen and paper-based) |
| Name of the Exam | IAS Exam (Civil Services Examination-UPSC CSE) |
What is the Eligibility for IAS Exam?
UPSC Exam age limit is an important factor because of the limited number of attempts permitted in the IAS Exam.
As of now, the lower UPSC Exam age limit for the IAS exam is 21 years and the upper UPSC Exam age limit is 32 years for the general category candidates.
However, relaxation of the age limit for the IAS Exam is permitted for candidates belonging to the reserved categories.
Therefore, it is advised that candidates should verify the age limit For IAS Exam specifications accurately before filling out the UPSC online application form. Any Indian citizen is eligible to appear for the UPSC exam.
The IAS Exam Notification of the UPSC does not mention any minimum percentage. Therefore, a candidate who passed a University Degree Examination is eligible to apply for IAS Exam.
The (IAS) Civil Services Exam is a national-level competitive exam for all university degree-holding candidates irrespective of the marks obtained in the university examination.
Education Qualification for IAS Exam
What is the educational eligibility for IAS Exam? (Education Qualification for IAS Exam) A candidate must be a graduate or a degree holder from a Government recognized University to appear for the IAS exam.
Therefore the educational qualification needed to apply and appear for the IAS Exam is a Degree from a recognized Indian university.
A candidate who is in the final year of the degree course and is waiting for the results is also eligible to apply for IAS Exam.
A Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Science, Medicine, Technology, Engineering etc all are equally eligible to appear in the IAS Exam.
IAS Exam Age Limit
The IAS Exam age limit of a general category candidate has to be 21 to 32 years at the time of the UPSC exam. The Prescribed IAS Exam age limit varies for candidates belonging to reserved classes.
This means that candidates above 21 years of age are eligible to write the IAS exam. A relaxation of IAS Exam age limit is permitted for candidates belonging to the following categories.
| The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Candidates (SC/ST) |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) Candidates |
| Physically handicapped Candidates |
IAS Age Limit for Female
The IAS age limit for female applicants: The lower age limit for IAS Exam is 21 years and the upper age is 32 years for the general category female applicants
Relaxation for IAS Exam Age Limit
A relaxation of the IAS Exam age limit is permitted for all candidates belonging to the following categories.
| . The upper age limit for the applicants of Other Backward Castes (OBC) is 35 years |
| . The age limit for applicants of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) is 37 years |
| . Defence Personnel disabled in operations the age limit is 40 years |
IAS Exam Age limit relaxation for OBC SC/ST
| . Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) or a Scheduled Tribe (ST) get an extension of a maximum of five years |
| . Candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC) get an extension of a maximum of three years |
| . Candidates belonging to Defense Services personnel disabled in operations during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area get an extension of a maximum of three years |
| . Candidates belonging to differently-abled groups like blind, hearing-impaired and orthopedically handicapped persons get an extension of a maximum of ten years |
IAS Exam Pattern
IAS Exam Pattern: The Union public service commission conducts the IAS exam in three different stages. A candidate has to clear all these three stages of the IAS exam to become a civil servant.
IAS Exam pattern
The IAS Exam pattern is broadly divided into two. They are given below.
| 1. IAS prelims exam pattern |
| 2. IAS Mains Exam pattern |
IAS Prelims Exam Pattern
| 1. IAS Prelims Exam Paper – I (General Studies – 2 Hours) |
| 2. IAS Prelims Exam Paper -II (General Studies (CSAT) – 2 Hours) |
IAS Mains Exam Pattern
| 1 | Paper – A | Compulsory Indian Language (3 Hours) |
| 2 | Paper – B | English (3 Hours) |
| 3 | Paper – 1 | ESSAY (3 Hours) |
| 4 | Paper – 2 | General Studies (I) (3 Hours) |
| 5 | Paper – 3 | General Studies (II) (3 Hours) |
| 6 | Paper – 4 | General Studies (III) (3 Hours) |
| 7 | Paper – 5 | General Studies (IV) (3 Hours) |
| 8 | Paper – 6 | Optional Paper (I) (3 Hours) |
| 9 | Paper – 7 | Optional Paper (II) (3 Hours) |
IAS Exam Syllabus
IAS Exam Syllabus: The IAS Exam Syllabus consists of two sections. They are IAS Preliminary exam syllabus and the IAS Mains Exam syllabus. You can Download the IAS Exam syllabus at www upsconline nic in
IAS Exam Syllabus For Prelims and Mains
Here is the complete IAS Exam syllabus for the Civil Services. UPSC has a common UPSC exam syllabus pattern for all the civil service exams such as the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service and Indian Revenue Service.
The IAS Prelims Exam syllabus focuses on general studies, whereas the IAS Mains Exam syllabus comprises nine theory papers.
IAS Prelims Exam Syllabus
The IAS Preliminary Examination is the primary step of the UPSC Exam selection process. An aspiring candidate has to attend two general studies papers for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam.
| 1. IAS Prelims Exam syllabus for general studies (GS) Paper (Prelims Paper- I) |
| 2. IAS Exam Syllabus for Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper (Prelims Paper-II) Exam |
IAS Mains Exam Syllabus
The IAS mains exam syllabus consists of nine papers. They are as follows.
| 1 | Paper-A | Indian Language (Qualifying Paper) |
| 2 | Paper-B | English (Qualifying Paper) |
| 3 | Paper – 1 | ESSAY |
| 4 | Paper – 2 | General Studies – 1 |
| 5 | Paper – 3 | General Studies – 2 |
| 6 | Paper – 4 | General Studies – 3 |
| 7 | Paper – 5 | General Studies – 4 |
| 8 | Paper – 6 | Optional Subject — Paper 1 |
| 9 | Paper – 7 | Optional Subject — Paper 2 |
IAS Interview Syllabus
IAS Interview Syllabus: Qualified candidates in the Civil Services Main Examination(IAS exam)are called for the Personality Test or the Civil Services Examination Interview.
The UPSC Exam board evaluate the leadership qualities, intellectual and moral integrity and knowledge of the current affairs of the candidate during the Personality Test or Interview.
Note: The IAS Interview has no specific syllabus, hence, candidates have to work more on their personality traits, leadership qualities, intellectual and moral integrity, knowledge of current affairs etc.
IAS Full Form
The IAS full form is the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the top All India Services. The IAS is the top All India Service along with the Indian Police Service and the Indian Forest Service.
Personnel of these three services serve the Government of India and the states. In the initial days of service, an IAS officer serves as a sub-divisional officer.
On completion of the probation period, an administrative role was assigned in a district as a district collector and later on promoted to head a whole state administrative division.
UPSC Exam Eligibility Educational Qualification
UPSC exam (IAS Exam) eligibility educational qualification: A candidate must be a graduate or a degree holder from a Government recognized University to appear for the UPSC exam.
This implies that a candidate must degree holder of any University incorporated under the University Grants Commission Act.
A candidate who is in the final year of the degree course and is waiting for the results is also eligible to apply for UPSC Civil Services Exam.
A Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Science, Medicine, Technology, Engineering etc all are equally eligible to appear in the UPSC Civil Services (IAS) Exam. Visit the official website of the UPSC to learn all about the recently updated answers to frequently asked questions.
UPSC Exam Eligibility Educational Qualification Percentage
What is the Eligibility for IAS Exam? The UPSC Civil Services Notification for the UPSC Civil Services Exam does not mention any minimum percentage.
Therefore, a candidate who passed his Degree Examination is eligible to apply for the UPSC Civil Services (IAS) Exam.
The UPSC Civil Services Exam is a national-level competitive exam for all university degree-holding candidates irrespective of the marks obtained in their university examination.
What is the IAS/IPS exam eligibility?
The IAS/IPS Civil Services Exam eligibility is divided into three categories. They are as follows.
| The IAS/IPS Exam Age Limit |
| The IAS/IPS Exam Nationality |
| The IAS/IPS Exam Educational Qualification |
What is the Age limit Eligibility For IAS/IPS Exam?
The lower age limit Eligibility For IAS/IPS Exam is 21 years and the upper age is 32 years for the General Category candidates.
What is the Nationality Eligibility for IAS/IPS Exam?
Any Indian citizen is eligible to appear for the IAS/IPS exam.
What is the Educational Eligibility for IAS/IPS Exam?
Educational Eligibility For IAS/IPS Exam: A candidate must be a graduate or a degree holder from a Government recognized University to appear for the IAS/IPS exam.
The Educational Qualification needed to apply and appear for the IAS/IPS Exam is a Degree from a recognized Indian university.
This implies that a candidate must be a degree holder of any University incorporated under the University Grants Commission Act.
A candidate who is in the final year of the degree course and is waiting for the results is also eligible to apply for IAS/IPS Exam.
A Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Science, Medicine, Technology, Engineering etc all are equally eligible to appear in the IAS/IPS Exam.
IPS Age Limit
What is the age criteria for UPSC? As mentioned above, The eligible Age Limit for IPS Exam for the general category is between 21 and 32 years.
This means that candidates above 21 years of age are eligible to write the IPS exam. Relaxation for the Age Limit For IPS Exam is permitted for candidates belonging to the reserved categories.
Therefore, it is advised that candidates should verify the Age Limit For IPS Exam specifications accurately before filling out the IPS online application form.
What is the Age Criteria for UPSC
What is the age criteria for UPSC? As mentioned above, The eligible Age Limit For UPSC Exam for the General Category is between 21 and 32 years.
This means that candidates above 21 years of age are eligible to write the UPSC exam. Relaxation for the Age Limit For UPSC Exam is permitted for candidates belonging to the reserved categories.
Therefore, it is advised that candidates should verify the Age Limit For UPSC Exam specifications accurately before filling out the UPSC online application form.
How to Give UPSC Exam after Graduation?
Candidates with the required qualifications can register and apply to appear for the UPSC exam at the official UPSC website after completing their graduation.
Age Limit for UPSC 2023
Age limit for UPSC 2023: Age Limit For UPSC 2023 is an important factor because of the limited number of attempts permitted in the IAS(UPSC) Exam.
As of now, the lower Age Limit For UPSC 2023 for the IAS exam is 21 years and the upper UPSC Exam Age Limit is 32 years.
This implies that the Age Limit For UPSC 2023 Exam for the General Category is between 21 and 32 years. Similarly, The UPSC Exam 2023 Age Limit is also between 21 and 32 years
Average Preparation Time for IAS
The IAS Examination is based on the British Imperial Civil Services. An IAS Examination attempt needs two full years of training – one year prior to the prelims and one year after the prelims to interview.
In total, an IAS aspirant sits in the real exam for 32 hours from prelims to the interview. The IAS Prelims result is declared in mid-August, while the final result of the IAS examination is announced in May of the next year.
| . The IAS Preliminary Examination is held in June every year and the results are announced in August |
| . The IAS Mains Examination is held in October every year and the results are announced in January |
| . The IAS Personality Test or the IAS interview is held in March and the final results are usually announced in May |
| . The IAS training program for the selected candidates usually commences the following September of the same year |
Resources for UPSC Exam
The newspaper is the greatest resource for UPSC Exam or the civil services exam aspirants. It is very useful for qualifying for the union public service commission Exam.
Most of the service commission exam questions are based on Current Affairs. Good knowledge of the latest happenings can help you crack the civil services India Exam.
Current Affairs are very important for the India IAS Prelims, UPSC mains as well as the UPSC Personal interview rounds. The best IAS coaching centres offer coaching at affordable fees.
They provide very effective information about the IAS exam, official notification, civil service registration, IAS careers, IAS post UPSC preparation, IAS syllabus, study materials, UPSC notes and the answer key to model exam qualification.
Moreover, These coaching centres are also highly experienced in providing very effective instructions and the best information about the previous IAS Exam, eligibility for the IAS exam, examination date, expected questions for UPSC prelims, IAS syllabus, UPSC civil services notification, e-admit card or hall ticket.
So that a candidate can have conclusive, effective and best information about IAS Exam.
Even an average student can crack the UPSC India Exam. An average student also has a bright chance of getting an IAS job, if he is dedicated and hardworking.
The only thing you need to do is work hard to get good UPSC results in the UPSC Exam. The UPSC EXAM is considered one of the toughest IAS officer preparation examinations in India.
Yet, students apply for IAS online at the IAS portal to become IAS officers. Finally, the IAS full form is the Indian Administrative Service.
How can you improve your preparation strategy?
You can take admission to the best IAS India Exam coaching centres to get help from experts and professionals on IAS India UPSC Exam.
These experts and professionals can provide you with very effective instructions on all aspects of the UPSC Exam.
UPSC Examination Notification
Every year, the UPSC releases a notification for the UPSC Exam to recruit civil servants. The UPSC releases UPSC Notification along with the release of the UPSC Calendar of the particular year.
Usually, The Union Public Service Commission releases the UPSC Notification of the year for the Civil Services Examination (UPSC exam) on its official website, upsconline. nic. in.
The IAS aspirants can check the UPSC notification for IAS Exam at the official website at upsc.gov.in. The official notification explains eligibility for IAS, the UPSC online application age limit and the number of UPSC civil services attempts. The IAS exam process starts with the release of the UPSC online Notification.
Any changes in the IAS Eligibility, the number of attempts, CSAT, UPSC IAS exam pattern, IAS syllabus and optional subjects are notified in the official notification. The candidates should carefully read the UPSC IAS notification.
UPSC Notification online Admit Cards download PDF
The candidates who register at the official UPSC website (www upsconline nic in) is issued UPSC online Admit Cards for the IAS exam (Prelims) before the commencement of the UPSC exam.
Candidates can download the e- Admit Cards from the UPSC official website by using their UPSC online login credentials.
UPSC Civil Services Exam Notification
The UPSC notification contains all the necessary details about the civil services exam that a candidate needs to know about the IAS exam.
The UPSC notification clearly answers the following frequently asked questions about UPSC Examination.
| 1. How to apply for the UPSC exam? |
| 2. What is the UPSC Exam Pattern? |
| 3. What are the UPSC posts? |
UPSC Vacancies notification
The UPSC notification gives information on the present-day vacancies in the government.
UPSC Eligibility Conditions notification
The IAS eligibility criteria can be broadly divided into the following categories:
| 1. Nationality |
| 2. Age Limit |
| 3. Minimum Educational Qualification |
UPSC Exam Fees notification
The UPSC notification gives clarification on the quantum of fees that candidates have to pay while registering(UPSC online application) for the IAS exam.
Things to note while filling out the UPSC online form
The UPSC notification gives information on things to note while filling out the UPSC online form for both the prelims and the mains exams.
Civil Services Exam (CSE) & UPSC Syllabus
The UPSC notification gives information on Civil Services Exam (CSE) & UPSC Syllabus for both the prelims and the mains exams.
UPSC Previous UPSC Notifications
candidates can check the UPSC Notification of 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015 for further reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on What is the Eligibility for the IAS exam?
Question. What are the subjects in IAS?
Answer. There are a total of 48 subjects in the IAS exam. Candidates can select the suitable subjects of their choice from the list of 25 optional subjects and 23 literature language subjects.
Question. Which degree is best for IAS?
Answer. There is no correct explanation for this question, as the best degree for IAS depends on your unique credentials and goals. However, some of the most common degrees that are popular among UPSC aspirants include Bachelor’s degrees in law, engineering, medicine and business administration.
Question. How many papers are there in IAS?
Answer. There are a total of 48 papers in the IAS exam. Candidates can select the suitable papers of their choice from the list of 25 optional papers and 23 literature language papers.
Question. Is maths compulsory for UPSC?
Answer. No, maths is not mandatory in the UPSC exam. However, it is strongly recommended that candidates understand basic concepts of mathematics to have a better understanding of the questions asked in the exam.
Question. Is the IAS exam difficult?
Answer. IAS exams are difficult, but they are not impossible to pass. Many IAS officers have passed their exams with good grades.
Question. Which is the highest post in IAS?
Answer. The highest-ranking positions within IAS include the cabinet secretary and the State chief secretary.
Question. Can an average student crack IAS?
Answer. As we all know that IAS exams are difficult, but they are not impossible to pass for a dedicated and determined average student. Many average students have passed the IAS exams with good grades.
Question. Is physical fitness required for IAS?
Answer. There is no definite answer to this question. However, in general, IAS officers require a good level of physical fitness in order to carry out their duties effectively.
Question. Is IAS and collector the same?
Answer. IAS and Collector are not the same. IAS is an Indian Administrative Service, while Collector is a government officer in charge of a district in a particular state or union territory with IAS is an Indian Administrative Service credential.
Question. Is BA good for IAS?
Answer. A BA degree from a top-tier university is considered a prestigious credential as far as an IAS aspirant is concerned. Therefore, BA degree is also considered as good for IAS.
Conclusion
What is the Eligibility for IAS Exam? A candidate must be a graduate of a Government recognized University to appear for the IAS exam.
One who is in the final year of the degree course and is waiting for the results is also eligible to apply for IAS Exam.
A Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Science, Medicine, Technology and Engineering are all equally eligible to appear in the IAS Exam.
As of now, the lower UPSC Exam age limit for the IAS exam is 21 years and the upper UPSC Exam age limit is 32 years for the general category candidates.
However, relaxation of the age limit for the IAS Exam is permitted for candidates belonging to the reserved categories.
We know by now that the UPSC conducts the IAS Exam to select qualified young personnel for Indian administrative services. The commission offers excellent career prospects to the youth of the day.
Are you eager to join the Indian civil service as an able officer? Let us know in the comment box below.