The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam is one of the most prestigious and sought-after competitive examinations in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the IAS exam is held annually to select candidates for top administrative positions in the Indian government. In this detailed guide, we will provide comprehensive information about the IAS exam, including its eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, and preparation tips.
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam is a three-stage selection process conducted by the UPSC to recruit candidates for various administrative positions in the Indian government. The exam is known for its high level of competition and is considered one of the toughest exams in the country. The selected candidates are appointed to serve in different capacities, including the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, and other central government services.
Exam Name | Civil Services Examination |
---|---|
Exam conducting authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Official website | upsconline.nic.in |
Exam occurrence | Once a year |
Exam type | National level |
Mode of examination | Offline (Pen-Paper Mode) |
Application Mode | Online |
Number of Vacancies | TBA |
To be eligible for the IAS exam, candidates must fulfill certain criteria regarding nationality, age limit, educational qualification, and number of attempts. The general eligibility criteria are as follows:
Find the below-mentioned table to check the important dates of the UPSC Civil Service Examination 2023:
IAS/ CSE Exam 2023 Events | Important Dates |
---|---|
UPSC IAS 2023 Notification Date | 1st February 2023 |
Online Application Form Start Date | 1st February 2023 |
IAS 2023 Application Form Last Date | 21st February 2023 |
UPSC CSE 2023 Prelims Exam Date | 28th May 2023 |
Preliminary Exam Result | To be announced |
Detailed Application Form submission | To be announced |
IAS Main Exam Admit Card | Three weeks before the exam |
Date of IAS Main Examination | 15th September 2023 |
Main Exam Result | To be announced |
Interview | To be announced |
The Indian Administrative Service Main exam 2023 is scheduled for 15th September 2023. The CSE Main exam will be a 5-days exam. The schedule will be updated here once announced.
Exam Dates | Forenoon Session (9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) | Afternoon Session |
---|---|---|
To be announced | Paper-I Essay | No paper |
To be announced | Paper-II General Studies-I | Paper-III General Studies-II |
To be announced | Paper-IV General Studies-III | Paper-V General Studies-IV |
To be announced | Paper-A Indian Language | Paper-B English |
To be announced | Paper-VI Optional Paper-I | Paper-VII Optional Paper-II |
The IAS exam consists of three stages: the Preliminary examination (Civil Services Prelims), the Main examination (Civil Services Mains), and the Personality Test (Interview). Let's explore each stage in detail:
Civil Services Preliminary Examination:
The Preliminary examination is the first stage of the IAS exam and is conducted in an objective (multiple-choice) format. It comprises two papers:
Both papers are of equal weightage and are conducted on the same day. However, Paper 2 (CSAT) is qualifying in nature, and candidates need to score a minimum of 33% to qualify for the Main examination. The marks obtained in Paper 1 (GS) are counted for merit ranking.
Civil Services Main Examination:
The Main examination is the second stage of the IAS exam and consists of a written examination followed by a personality test (interview). It comprises nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature:
The remaining seven papers are evaluated for merit ranking and include the following:
Candidates have the option to choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. The Main examination is a subjective (essay) format, and the total marks for the written examination are 1750.
Personality Test (Interview):
The final stage of the IAS exam is the Personality Test, also known as the interview. It is conducted by a board appointed by the UPSC. The interview aims to assess the candidate's intellectual depth, critical thinking ability, leadership skills, and overall suitability for a career in the civil services. The interview carries 275 marks.
The syllabus for the IAS exam is vast and covers various subjects. Here is a broad overview of the syllabus for each stage of the exam:
Preliminary Examination Syllabus
The Preliminary examination consists of two papers:
Paper 1: General Studies (GS)
Paper 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
Main Examination Syllabus
The Main examination includes nine papers, and the syllabus for each paper is as follows:
The selection process for the IAS exam consists of the following stages:
Preparing for the IAS exam requires dedication, hard work, and a systematic approach. Here are some essential tips to help you in your preparation:
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