Become IAS and IPS: A Complete Guide for Aspirants to become ias and ips
In India, the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams. Through this examination, candidates are selected for various services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and many others. Among these, IAS and IPS are considered the most sought-after due to their authority, responsibility, and the opportunity to serve the nation directly.
Becoming an IAS or IPS officer is not just about clearing an exam; it requires years of preparation, discipline, and strong determination. This blog will provide a complete roadmap for aspirants who dream of becoming IAS or IPS officers.
Understanding IAS and IPS
IAS (Indian Administrative Service): IAS officers are responsible for implementing government policies, managing administration, and ensuring smooth governance. They often hold high positions such as District Collector, Commissioner, or Secretary in ministries.
IPS (Indian Police Service): IPS officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing crimes, managing police forces, and leading investigations. They may serve as Superintendent of Police (SP), Commissioner of Police, or Director General of Police (DGP).
Both services are part of the All India Services, meaning officers can be posted anywhere across the country.
Eligibility Criteria for IAS and IPS
To appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates must meet the following requirements:
1. Nationality
Must be a citizen of India for IAS and IPS.
2. Educational Qualification
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year students are also eligible.
3. Age Limit
General category: 21 to 32 years
OBC: 21 to 35 years
SC/ST: 21 to 37 years
4. Number of Attempts
General: 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited until the maximum age limit
Stages of the UPSC Examination
Civil Services Examination is conducted in three step following:-
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
Objective type with two papers:
General Studies (GS)
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
This is a pre exam to shortlist candidates for the Mains.
2. Mains Examination
Descriptive exam with nine papers including essay, general studies, and optional subjects.
Requires deep knowledge, analytical skills, and structured writing.
3. Personality Test (Interview)
Conducted to test the candidate’s communication skills, confidence, decision-making ability, and overall personality.
Marks from Mains + Interview decide the final rank.
Candidates securing top ranks usually get IAS, followed by IPS, IFS, and other services depending on preference and availability.
Step-by-Step Preparation Strategy
1. Understand the Exam Syllabus
The UPSC syllabus is vast but well-defined. Aspirants should carefully read the syllabus for Prelims and Mains, which covers subjects such as history, geography, polity, economy, environment, ethics, and current affairs.
2. Build a Strong Foundation
Start with NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 to build basic knowledge in subjects like history, geography, and economics. Then move to standard reference books like:
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
Spectrum’s Modern History
Environment by Shankar IAS
3. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Reading newspapers like The Hindustan,Dainik jagran or Other top news portal daily is crucial. Aspirants should also follow government reports, PIB (Press Information Bureau), and yearbooks.
4. Practice Answer Writing
Since the Mains exam is descriptive, candidates must develop the skill of writing structured and precise answers. Joining test series or practicing previous years’ papers is very helpful.
5. Focus on CSAT and Ethics
While many aspirants focus mainly on General Studies, CSAT (in Prelims) and Ethics (in Mains) can make a huge difference.logical reasoning, comprehension, and ethical case studies. For better know
6. Optional Subject Selection
Choose an optional subject wisely based on your interest, background, and availability of study material. Some popular options include , Sociology,Public Administration, Geography, and Political Science these are famous subject of 90 percent student ready to fight for upsc
7. Prepare for the Interview
Work on communication skills, confidence, and clarity of thought. Mock interviews are useful to practice answering questions on current affairs, personal background, and general awareness.
Tips for Success
Consistency is key: Daily study of at least 6–8 hours is recommended.
Smart work over hard work: Focus on understanding concepts instead of rote learning.
Revision: Multiple revisions of notes and important topics are essential.
Practice MCQs: For Prelims, solving mock tests is the best way to improve accuracy.
Healthy lifestyle: Proper sleep, exercise, and stress management play a vital role.
Life of an IAS and IPS Officer
After 3 phases of exam, candidates go for training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. IAS officers later take charge of district administration, policy formulation, and governance. IPS officers get training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel national Police Academy (SVPNPA) in Hyderabad and take charge of law enforcement.
Both services offer immense opportunities to bring positive change to society. IAS officers often deal with development projects and administrative reforms, while IPS officers directly contribute to safety and justice.
Challenges in the Journey
Vast Syllabus: Covering such a broad range of topics is not easy.
Intense Competition: Lakhs of aspirants apply, but only a few hundred succeed.
Pressure and Stress: The long preparation period requires patience and mental strength.
However, with the right mindset and guidance, these challenges can be overcome.
@Rahul_Yadav
