IAS Exam: An Introduction

Since the introduction of Indian Civil Services examination in 1855 (then held in London), things have changed beyond imagination including its name from Indian Civil Services (ICS) to Indian Administrative Services (IAS).  But one thing that has not changed is the magnetism of the Civil Services.  Even today IAS examination conducted by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) attracts lakhs of students to test their grit determination and their merit. Power perks, privileges and social status accompanying IAS justify all the hard work. The aura bestowed on this priesthood of bureaucracy of our nation is undoubtedly too hard to resist.

The Civil Service Examination conducted by UPSC consists of two successive stages:
(i)    Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) for the selection of candidates for the Main Examination; and

(ii)    Civil Services Main Examination (Written& Interview) for the selection of  candidates for the various service and posts such as Indian Administrative Service , Indian Police, Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Revenue Service and Indian Custom and Central Excise Service etc. There are twenty-six services (approximately) offered through this single examination.

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds IAS Preliminary Examination in the month of May-June. Notification for Preliminary Examination is generally issued in the month of December- January every year, a candidate must hold a degree of any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or state legislature in India or recognised by University Grant Commission. He must have also attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 30 years on 1st August of the year of the examination. The upper age limit is relaxable up to maximum of five years in case of SC/ST; three years for OBC’s and 10 years for physically challenged persons.

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