Everything about IAS Exam includes the Number of Attempts too

The attempts offered to candidates are based on categories. The general category can attempt up to 6 times. The OBC can attempt up to 9 times. However, SC/ST can attempt for any number of times. On the other hand, SC/ST can attempt it until their maximum age is reached. The limited attempts make it more difficult and the toughest exam in India. Also, the minimum age to appear for the exam is 21 years. But the age varies on the basis of category too. The General Category can attempt till 32 years, OBC can attempt till 35 years whereas SC/ST can attempt up to 37 years.

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Role of an IAS officer

The role of an IAS officer depends on the assignment they get. The assignments are categorized into 3 types.

• Field

• State Secretariat

• Central Secretariat

Field assignment is the most difficult task among all. That's why the Civil Service Exam is so tough. On the other hand, functions of Civil Services include:

• Managing Government affairs like framing, implementing, and revising policies.

• Meeting various representatives for the stated functions.

• Distribution of funds of Central Government allocated for various schemes.

• Supervision of the implemented schemes and policies of the government.

• Immediately handling emergencies like natural disasters, accidents, riots and acting upon relief policies.

 

The role of a Civil Servant is discussed below:

• Field Assignments : The Role of an IAS officer includes field management too. However, the levels are quite complicated.

• Sub-divisonal Functions : The sub-divisional magistrate manages law and order and looks after the development activities in the sub-divisional department.

• District-level Functions : The collector or deputy commissioner have the same functions as the sub-divisional ones. They also look after all the activities in the District-level department.

However, the role of an IAS officer ends at the district level. But many of them work at the State Secretariat too.

• State Secretariat : The position involves advising the representative policies and make decisions for the government by using the experience of field assignments.

• Public Sector Undertakings : Firstly, officers get a job at Public Sector Undertakings and are a part of higher management. Secondly, the undertakings include power stations, industrial units and many more.

• Central Secretarial Assignment : These appointed officers tackle the review of policies and formulate their implementation for various ministries.

These duties are very difficult to manage and need a candidate with the utmost intelligence. That's why the exams are so difficult to crack. Prepare for the exam at home.

 

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How to Become an IAS officer?

Everything about the IAS exam has to include the process of how to become an IAS officer. To be at this prestigious position, you have to clear the UPSC exam. Moreover, it consists of 3 stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Every year, less than 1000 candidates are selected for the overall 24 posts. Let's dive into the details of the process.

• Preliminary Examination : It is well known as Prelims. Also, it has 2 papers, Paper 1 is of General Studies and has 100 questions. Whereas, paper 2 is CSAT - It is an aptitude test and has 80 questions. However, both papers are of 2 hours and are of 200 marks.

• Mains Examination : This exam has a total of 9 papers. The marks of only 7 papers are calculated to rank the candidate and the rest 2 are qualifying in nature.

The results are declared towards the end of May. And from there, the training begins of the chosen candidates at different training centres. Candidates who clear the IAS exam are trained at LBSNAA, located in Mussorie. Duties are allocated after that.

 

How to Clear the Civil Service Exam?

There are a number of benefits of an IAS officer. But before that, you need to clear the UPSC exam which is not an easy task. Firstly, candidates should have a long term strategy. Secondly, goal-oriented students start preparing for the exam 12 months before the date. However, there are students who have been ranked at the top by only a few months of preparation. The quality of your study matters the most. IAS exam is much more than the verbal and written exam. It showcases the personality and the hard work of the candidate. Further, you may also choose the best institute to prepare for the exam. But don't forget that you have to be extremely hard working and focused to be an IAS officer. The exam is the reflection of where you stand. Extreme hard work will do wonders for you.

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Passing Percentage

Every year, lakhs of people attempt the Civil Service Exam but only a few can pass it. Due to the benefits of an IAS officer, everyone wants this prestigious position. But not everyone clears it, only 26% of the total candidates clear the first exam. Moreover, the test isn't easy the percentage of the exam matters the most. If you don't already know, only 15% of candidates reach the interview stage. Shockingly, only 1% crack the last round and get selected. Only proper guidance and hard work can help you. This is the reason why it is the toughest exam in India. On the other hand, the preparation of the exam is time-consuming. But it entirely depends on the candidate's intelligence - some can prepare it in months but some take 2 years also.

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Tips and Tricks to Crack IAS Exam

Here are the few tips to crack the IAS Exam fast. Follow these and do the hard work.

• Read the Syllabus thoroughly : Planning is the key for you because to cover the entire syllabus, you must plan accordingly. Divide the syllabus on the basis of easy, medium, and difficult.

• Previous Year Question Papers : You will get to know the exam pattern and understand what to read and what to exclude. So, do not skip on these.

• Discussion is key : To remember each and everything, you must develop the habit of discussing current affairs on a daily basis.

• Mock Paper : Also, develop a habit of solving mock papers regularly. This will make your mind sharp.

• Newspaper : UPSC is keen on the dynamic portion of the syllabus for all the three stages of the exam especially Prelims. Therefore, develop daily newspaper reading habit and make notes out of them.

• Diet and Sleep : You must follow a healthy diet and have a sleeping pattern too. Ensure that you sleep for at least 7-8 hours. You can have dry fruits to sharpen your memory.

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

• The candidates should have a degree from a recognized University.

• Degree of correspondence or distance education.

• Finally, the degree must be recognized by the Indian Government.

The mentioned candidates are also eligible but must submit the required documents of their institute at the time of the Mains examination.

• Students who have graduated in MBBS but have not completed their internship.

• Students who have passed ICAI, ICSI, and ICWAI.

• A private University degree.

• A foreign university recognized by Indian University.

 

 

Benefits of an IAS Officer

Firstly, there are a number of benefits of an IAS officer. Secondly, let us look at the benefits and powers of an IAS officer.

• The Indian Penal Code's criminal procedure Section- 107,108, 109, 110, 144 and 176 empowers the IAS officer for maintaining law and order.

• Law of tenancy regarding revenue powers the collector.

• Also, Arm, Drug License, essential commodities act is in the hands of an IAS officer.

These are the main powers of the IAS officer. However, there are around 300 laws on the basis of the case. Also, the department of personnel and training keeps updating the manual. Moreover, the civil servants are answerable to the State and Central government.

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IAS Exam Syllabus

It is very important to look at the syllabus before starting the preparation. Because nothing should be left behind. The prelims is an objective type paper, The mains is a subjective exam and the Interview is a viva- exam. The candidate is chosen on the basis of the marks of the Main exam and Interview. The total marks for the Mains exam is 1750. The total marks for the Interview is 275. Therefore, the student should prepare wisely. The syllabus has questions from many subjects. On the other hand, other exams don't have these many subjects.
 

The first paper of Prelims (General Studies) covers the following topics:

• Current Affairs

• Indian National Movement

• History of India

• Geography

• Social and Economic Development

• Climate Change

• Art

• Culture

• General Knowledge of Science

• Environment

 

The second paper of Prelims (CSAT) covers the following topics:

• Communication

• Decision Making

• English

• Comprehension

• Data Interpretation

• Basic Maths

 

The Mains exam covers the following subjects

• Compulsory Indian Language

• English

• Essay

• Current Affairs

• History

• Geography

• Art and Culture

• Polity

• Governance

• Social and Economic Development

• Economy

• Science and Technology

• Ethics

• Optional paper - There are 26 subjects that you can choose your optional from.

 

Number of Attempts

• The general category has 7 attempts.

• However, there is no limit for SC/ST

• But, for other backward classes there are 9 attempts.

 

Interview Stage

UPSC wishes to test your personality and not merely your knowledge. So, relax and read as much as you can about the happenings around the world to brush up your knowledge. Consequently, you will perform well.
 

Conclusion

IAS exam is not easy at all. So, lots of hard work and focus is required. Also, you must focus on the syllabus properly. Apart from hard work, pay attention to your health. Indulge in regular exercise, sleep well, and also maintain a balanced diet. Moreover, follow the rules properly and be attentive. On the other hand, be aware of what is happening around you. In other words, you have to know everything. Don't forget to read the newspaper daily. Also, divide the syllabus wisely and focus on your goal.

 

 

FAQ Regarding IAS Full Form

1. Is there any negative marking for wrong answers?
Only the Prelims paper is objective in nature and has negative marking. For every wrong answer. 0.66 marks will be deducted.
2. What is the cut-off of the prelims?
The cut off for paper 1 is set by UPSC. But for paper 2 the cut off is 33%.
3. How many papers are there in the main exam?
The main exam has 9 papers. However, 7 papers are used for ranking. And 2 papers are qualifying in nature. You have to secure minimum marks to qualify.
4. What are the other duties of IAS officer?
Apart from the above-mentioned duties, an IAS officer also has to represent the nation on an International level for negotiation.