How Many IAS Officers Are Selected Every Year
Wondering how many IAS officers are selected every year? The answer is 180. Find more information on the number of IAS officers selected every year.
Deeksha Dixit16 Sept, 2025
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How Many IAS Officers Are Selected Every Year ? Do you also wonder about this? Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) with the dream of becoming an IAS officer. However, only a select few make it to the final list.
For those curious about how many IAS officers are selected every year and what the competition looks like, the answer is approximately 180 . The number of IAS officers selected every year can vary slightly due to factors like the number of vacancies. Keep reading to learn more!How Many IAS Officers Are Selected Every Year?
On average, around 180 IAS officers are selected every year through the UPSC Civil Services Examinatio n. This number is fixed according to the recommendations made by the Baswan Committee and may vary in the future depending on the number of vacancies available, administrative needs, and retirements.How Many IAS Officers Are Selected in Previous Years?
On average, around 180 candidates are selected every year to join the IAS. This can be seen in the previous year’s data. For instance, in the 2023 results, a total of 180 IAS officer vacancies were indicated:
Looking back at previous years, we see a similar pattern: Year 2022: 
Year 2021: 
The year-wise data can show trends that help aspirants understand the chances of selection and how the competition has evolved.
Sanctioned Strength of IAS Officers
The total sanctioned strength for the IAS is 6,858 officers . This is the maximum number of IAS officers the government plans to have in service to ensure adequate administrative coverage across the country. However, the actual number of IAS officers in position varies due to factors such as retirements, promotions, and vacant posts. According to a reply by Union Minister Jitendra Singh in the Rajya Sabha, as of January 1, 2024, 5,542 IAS officers were in position , indicating that there are still vacancies to be filled. To fill these 1,316 vacant posts, the total number of IAS officers selected is recommended to be increased to 200-250 from the current 180.Category Wise Details of IAS Officers Selected in 2023
Every year, the UPSC releases a detailed list of candidates selected for various services, including IAS after the result of CSE. The selection is done based on categories like General (GEN), Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST). In 2023, the distribution of IAS selected across categories was as follows:| Category | Selected IAS |
| GEN | 73 |
| EWS | 17 |
| OBC | 49 |
| SC | 27 |
| ST | 14 |
| Total | 180 |
Last Rank to Be Selected as an IAS Officer
Another important question that often arises among UPSC aspirants is, "What is the last rank selected for the IAS?" The answer can vary each year depending on the difficulty of the examination, the number of candidates, and the vacancies available. The last rank selected for the IAS is determined based on the merit list, which is created after the candidates have gone through the Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. In 2023, the last rank selected for IAS was as follows:| Category Wise Last Rank for IAS in 2023 | |
| Category | IAS Last Rank |
| General | 78 |
| EWS | 278 |
| OBC | 435 |
| SC | 567 |
| ST | 625 |
Baswan Committee on Civil Service Reforms
The Baswan Committee was formed to review the structure and functioning of the Civil Services in India. In its recommendations, the committee suggested several key reforms aimed at improving the recruitment process, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring fairness in the civil services:- Reduction in the Upper Age Limit: To bring more young candidates into the services.
- Changes in the Exam Pattern: Focus on analytical abilities rather than rote learning.
- Increase in the Training Period : For better administrative preparedness.
- Annual Vacancies for IAS Officers: The committee suggested maintaining a fixed annual recruitment of around 180 officers to address the shortage of IAS officers.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Prelims Questions | IAS Training | UPSC Interview Language |
| IAS Officer Salary | How to Become an IAS Officer? | Famous IAS Officers |
How Many IAS Officers Are Selected Every Year? FAQs
How many IAS officers are selected every year in India?
Around 180 IAS officers are selected annually through the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
What is the last rank selected for IAS?
The last rank selected for IAS typically ranges from 70+ to 600+, depending on the category.
How is the IAS selection done?
The selection process includes three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
What are the categories in which IAS officers are selected?
IAS officers are selected from categories such as General (GEN), Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
What is the Baswan Committee?
The Baswan Committee is a government body that proposed reforms in the civil services examination and recruitment process to make it more efficient and inclusive.
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