What is the Eligibility of IAS Exam

Are you preparing for the civil services exam? Simply joining courses and spending time may not be enough to pass such a difficult exam. It is important to work smart. In addition to studying and applying for civil service preparation, candidates should also be aware of the eligibility criteria for the IAS exam.

UPSC Exam Eligibility:

To appear for the IAS, IFS, and IPS exams, candidates must be Indian citizens.

For IRS and other services, candidates must fall into one of the following categories:

– They should be an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Kenya, Zambia, Vietnam, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Uganda with the objective of settling permanently in India.

UPSC Exam Age Limit:

Candidates appearing for the UPSC exam should be at least 21 years old and not exceed 32 years. The upper age limit for OBC candidates is 35 years, and for SC and ST candidates it is 37 years.

Number of Attempts for UPSC Exam:

General category candidates can attempt the exam up to 4 times, OBC candidates are limited to 7 attempts, and SC/ST candidates can appear for the exam an unlimited number of times.

How to Start Civil Services Preparation:

Get Familiar with the Basics of the Civil Service Exam:

Before starting your civil services preparation, whether through self-study or with the help of external resources, it is important to gather information about the exam syllabus, the specific exam you will be appearing for in the UPSC, and the eligibility criteria. This will help you understand how to approach the exam in an integrated manner and increase your chances of success.

Develop a Study Schedule and Stick to It:

When preparing for the civil services exam, it is essential to have a well-planned study schedule. This is especially important if you are studying from home. Plan to cover the entire GS syllabus in 10-12 months, giving more focus to Paper 1 of the prelims. Allocate at least 3 hours for Paper 2 and around 30-60 minutes for reading current affairs and newspapers for Paper 1.

Assess Your Preparation Level:

Testing your preparation level is crucial, especially if you are preparing for the IAS exam without any coaching. By attempting mock tests, you can gauge whether you are on the right track and improve your time management skills, which are important for tackling the negative marking system. Therefore, it is highly recommended to take as many mock tests as possible during your preparation.

By understanding the UPSC exam eligibility criteria and following these smart steps in your IAS preparation, you can increase your chances of achieving your goal.