How to Become an IAS Officer After Graduation
How to become an IAS officer after graduation, aspirants must focus on strategic planning. With disciplined preparation in the right direction, you can become an IAS officer after graduation.
Deeksha Dixit9 Sept, 2024
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How to Become an IAS Officer After Graduation? The answer to this question is simple yet complicated. On one side, the resources you need for preparation are readily available; on the other, the process requires immense dedication, consistency, and a solid strategy.
To become an IAS officer after graduation, you must crack the UPSC Civil Services Examination with a top rank, which involves a thorough understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus, as well as consistent preparation and practice. Find out the answer to how to become an IAS officer after graduation here.Guide to Become an IAS Officer After Graduation
Becoming an IAS officer after graduation is a dream for many aspirants in India. The journey is challenging yet rewarding, requiring dedication, strategic planning, and a clear understanding of the process. Here is the step-by-step guide to becoming an IAS officer after graduation:- Step 1: Decide your target year.
- Step 2: Finalise your optional subject.
- Step 3 : Collect study material for preparation.
- Step 4: Complete the syllabus along with revision.
- Step 5: Clear each stage of the UPSC exam.
Step 1: Set the Target Year for Your Exam
The first step to becoming an IAS officer after graduation is to decide when you plan to take the UPSC exam. Most candidates aim to appear within 1-2 years after completing their degree. Setting a timeline will help you prepare a roadmap and maintain momentum throughout your preparation. For instance, for those who have completed their graduation this year, the UPSC 2025 is the most potential target, while for those who are in the final year of their graduation, it can be UPSC 2026.Step 2: Decide Your Optional Subject
Once you have decided on the target year, the next step is to finalize the optional. Choosing the right UPSC optional subject is a critical decision as it must be completed in 5 to 6 months before the exam cycle begins e.g. by December 2024 for UPSC 2025. The optional subject having a weightage of 500 marks can significantly impact your overall score as seen in the UPSC topper’s marksheets. If you are confused about the optional subject, get the help of experts from the PW OnlyIAS team. Keep in mind the syllabus of optional subjects is vast and demands in-depth understanding.Step 3: Gather Your Study Materials
Once you've decided on your optional subject, the next step is to gather all the necessary study materials. For the IAS exam, you need to begin studying from NCERT textbooks for foundation understanding and then move to advanced books and current affairs. Read one newspaper on a regular basis either The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs, as this forms a crucial part of your preparation. Be careful in this stage as there is a dearth of study material available which can waste precious time, hence opt for quality books like PW UPSC Wallah which filter useful content for exams.Step 4: Complete the UPSC Syllabus
Now start completing the UPSC syllabus of prelims and mains. Many topics in general studies papers are integrated, therefore simultaneous study is recommended. Allot dedicated time to each subject along with optional subjects. Your target must be to finish the syllabus at least 3 to 4 months before the exam date. Make short notes of topics that will assist in the revision process and keep them updated with current affairs. Enroll in a test series for prelims and mains to ensure that no topic is left uncovered while identifying the weak areas.Step 5: Clear Each Stage of UPSC Exam
Your journey from preparing for the Prelims to making it to the merit list is long and requires focus at every stage. The first stage that you need to clear is UPSC Prelims having two objective-type papers. Your goal should be to score above the cut-off mark to secure a place in the Mains. The next stage is UPSC Mains which largely determines your rank, so prioritize thorough preparation for this stage. The final stage is the personality test or UPSC interview , where your overall personality is assessed.Become an IAS Officer After Graduation with Physics Wallah
In such a competitive exam where the success rate is low, it is essential that you are well-prepared for each stage. Physics Wallah experts have created tailored UPSC courses keeping in mind the requirements of aspirants from different backgrounds. As you gear up to begin your preparation, here are some of the most affordable and comprehensive integrated courses designed to cover all aspects of the exam:| UPSC IAS Courses | |
| For Hindi Medium UPSC Aspirants | UPSC Prahar 3.0 |
| For English Medium UPSC Aspirants | Titan 4.0 |
| Target IAS 2026 | UPSC Sankalp 2.0 2026 |
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| Clear UPSC in the First Attempt | NCERT for UPSC Exam 2025 | UPSC Mains Admit Card |
| UPSC Mains Exam Pattern | IAS Officer After 12th | UPSC Result |
How to Become an IAS Officer After Graduation? FAQs
How to crack the IAS exam after graduation?
Focus on strategic planning, consistent preparation, and understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
How many attempts are allowed for IAS?
General category candidates are allowed 6 attempts, while OBC candidates have 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts until the age limit.
How many IAS officers are selected every year in the UPSC exam?
Approximately 180 IAS officers are selected each year through the UPSC exam.
Can I become an IAS in the first attempt?
Yes, with dedicated preparation and a well-structured strategy, it's possible to clear the IAS exam on the first attempt.
How many hours should I study to become an IAS officer after graduation?
On average, 8-10 hours of daily study is recommended, with more time allocated closer to the exam.
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