KNOW ALL ABOUT IAS EXAM

 

Know All About IAS Exam – Q&A Format

1. What is the IAS Exam? 

The IAS Exam refers to the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for the Indian Administrative Service and other central services like IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.

2. Who conducts the IAS Exam? 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a constitutional body under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, conducts this exam annually.

3. What are the civil services under this exam?

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS), etc. (over 20+ services)

4. What is the structure of the IAS Exam? It has three stages:

• Prelims (Objective MCQs)
• Mains (Descriptive Answers)
• Interview/Personality Test

5. What is the eligibility for IAS?

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India for IAS and IPS
• Age: 21 to 32 years (as of August 1 of exam year, with relaxations for reserved categories)
• Education: Graduate from a recognized university

6. How many attempts are allowed?

• General: 6 attempts
• OBC: 9 attempts
• SC/ST: Unlimited (until age limit)

7. What is the IAS Preliminary Exam like? It consists of two papers:

• General Studies I (GS)
• CSAT (Qualifying Paper) Both are objective type and held on the same day.

8. Is there negative marking in Prelims? 

Yes. For every wrong answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to that question are deducted.

9. What subjects are covered in Prelims? 

Topics include History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Tech, and Current Affairs.

10. What is the CSAT paper? 

Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) tests comprehension, logical reasoning, and basic numeracy. You need 33% (66 marks out of 200) to qualify.

11. Is Prelims qualifying only? 

Yes. Prelims marks are not counted in final ranking. They are only for Mains eligibility.

12. What is the format of IAS Mains Exam? It includes 9 papers:

• 2 qualifying papers (English and Indian language)
• 7 papers that count for merit (Essay, GS I-IV, Optional Paper I & II)

13. How much weightage is given to Mains papers? 

The Mains written exam is worth 1750 marks.

14. What is the Interview/Personality Test?

 It assesses your personality, communication skills, ethical depth, and awareness of national issues. It’s worth 275 marks.

15. What is the total score for final IAS ranking? 

1750 (Mains) + 275 (Interview) = 2025 marks

16. Can you choose your optional subject?

 Yes. You can choose one subject from a list of around 25 (e.g., Sociology, Geography, History, PSIR, Anthropology, etc.)

17. Can engineering or medical graduates appear for IAS?

 Absolutely. Graduation in any discipline is sufficient. UPSC welcomes diverse educational backgrounds.

18. Is coaching necessary for IAS? 

Not mandatory, but strategic guidance can help. Many toppers prepare through self-study.

19. Is current affairs important? 

Yes. Vital across all three stages. Daily news, editorials, and government schemes are highly tested.

20. What books are recommended for IAS?

 Start with standard NCERTs (Class 6–12), followed by books like Laxmikant (Polity), Spectrum (History), Ramesh Singh (Economy), etc. 

21. Can you write the IAS exam in Hindi?

 Yes. You can choose any of the 22 official languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution for Mains and Interview.

22. What is the significance of the DAF (Detailed Application Form)? 

DAF is submitted after clearing Prelims. It contains personal info, preferences, educational background, and service choice — used during Interview stage.

23. What is the role of UPSC Notification? 

The annual notification outlines key dates, vacancies, syllabus, and rules for that year. Always read it carefully for updates.

24. What is the syllabus for GS Paper I in Prelims?

 Includes History of India, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, and Current Affairs.

25. What is the syllabus for Mains GS Paper I? 

Covers Indian Heritage & Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.

26. What is GS Paper II about? 

Focuses on Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

27. What is GS Paper III about?

 Includes topics like Economy, Agriculture, Science & Technology, Environment, and Disaster Management.

28. What does GS Paper IV test?

 It evaluates Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude through case studies and theoretical questions.

29. How is the Essay Paper structured? 

Two essays must be written — one from each of two sections. Each essay is worth 125 marks.

30. What happens if you fail the qualifying language paper in Mains?

 Your Mains papers won’t be evaluated. You must pass both English and Indian language qualifying papers.

31. What kind of questions are asked in IAS Interview? 

Mostly situational, opinion-based, and personality questions — from hobbies to national policies.

32. Who conducts the Interview? 

A panel of experts appointed by UPSC, which includes serving and retired bureaucrats, academicians, and psychologists.

33. Where is the IAS Interview held? 

At the UPSC office in Dholpur House, New Delhi.

34. Is there a dress code for IAS Interview?

 Formal attire is expected. For males: shirt and trousers or suit. For females: saree or formal salwar-kurta. Keep it modest and professional.

35. How are the final rankings decided?

 Based on total marks of Mains (1750) and Interview (275) out of 2025.

36. What is the ideal IAS preparation timeline?

 Generally, 1 to 2 years of consistent, structured preparation. Early starters may begin in final year of graduation.

37. Can you prepare for IAS while doing a job? 

Yes. Many working professionals crack UPSC with disciplined time management and smart planning.

38. How often does the UPSC CSE take place? 

Once a year. The full cycle (Prelims to Interview) takes about a year.

39. What is the expected cut-off for Prelims? 

• Varies year to year. Typically:
• General: ~90–100 marks
• OBC/SC/ST: Lower depending on competition

40. What are the stages of UPSC result declaration?

• Prelims result
•  Mains result
• Final merit list after Interview

41. What is the best way to stay updated with current affairs? 

Read daily newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express, watch debates, and use monthly magazines like Vision IAS or Insights on India.

42. Are NCERT books enough for IAS? 

They’re foundational, but should be supplemented with reference books and current affairs for full coverage.

43. Can you change your optional subject later?

 Yes, before submitting the DAF. Once submitted, optional subject is locked for that attempt.

44. What is the success rate in UPSC CSE? 

Very low. Around 0.2% to 0.3%. Out of ~10 lakh applicants, only ~700–1000 get selected.

45. What are cadre allocations in IAS? 

Your posting is based on merit, rank, preference, and availability — assigned to a state cadre.

46. What happens after clearing IAS exam? 

You undergo training at LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration) in Mussoorie for about 2 years.

47. What is the Foundation Course? 

Initial training for all civil services recruits. Includes classroom sessions, outdoor activities, and district visits.

48. What is the salary of an IAS officer? 

Starts around ₹56,100/month (Level 10) + allowances. With promotions, it can reach ₹2.5 lakhs/month.

49. Is social media activity considered during Interview? 

Not directly, but ethical conduct and public behavior may be assessed. Avoid controversial posts.

50. What is the role of an IAS officer? 

Implement government policies, manage administration, advise ministers, and ensure governance reach es the grassroots.

Closing Note for IAS Aspirants 📝

Dear IAS Aspirants,

Embarking on the journey to become an IAS officer is more than just preparing for an exam — it’s a commitment to transforming society, leading with integrity, and shaping the future of India. The path may be challenging, but every hour of study, every moment of doubt, and every breakthrough brings you closer to a life of purpose and service.

If you found this FAQ helpful, I invite you to follow my blog — Aryan Dev IAS — where I share strategic insights, curated resources, and motivational guidance tailored for serious aspirants like you. This platform is built not just to inform, but to empower.

Wishing you unwavering focus, clarity of purpose, and the courage to keep going. May your dedication lead you to the rank you deserve and the impact you’re destined to make.

Thank you for trusting this blog as your companion in this journey. Together, let’s build a legacy of excellence.

Warm regards , Aryan Dev 🙏