Nittur IAS Academy

Introduction
 

For aspirants applying for the UPSC exam, it is essential to meet the IAS eligibility criteria as notified by the UPSC, the exam-conducting body appointed by the Central Government. These criteria primarily include three key factors: Nationality, Educational Qualification, and Age. The best IAS coaching centers in Bangalore not only teach but also provide guidance at every step of the preparation journey.

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Nationality

For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), candidates must be citizens of India. For other services, candidates must meet one of the following conditions:

• Be a citizen of India

• Be a citizen of Nepal or a subject of Bhutan

• Be a Tibetan refugee who settled permanently in India before January 1, 1962

• Be a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India

Educational Qualification for the IAS Exam

To appear for the UPSC exam, candidates must hold a degree from a recognized institution or possess an equivalent qualification. The following are eligible:

• Graduates from any discipline

• Undergraduate students in their final semester or year

Candidates must meet at least one of the following educational qualifications:

• A degree from a central, state, or deemed university

• A degree obtained through correspondence or distance education

• A degree from an open university

• A qualification recognized by the Government of India as equivalent to one of the above

Note: Undergraduate students in their final year must submit proof of eligibility from a competent authority at their institute or university at the time of the Main Examination. Failing to do so will result in disqualification.

Age and Number of Attempts

• Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 21 years old.

• Maximum Age and Attempts: These vary based on caste categories as outlined below:

 

Caste/Category/Age Limit/Number of Attempts

General Merit (GM)/32 years/6 attempts

Other Backward Classes (OBC)/35 years/9 attempts

Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribes (ST)/37 years/Unlimited attempts

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For defense service personnel disabled during hostilities, the age limit is 40 years. Additionally, ex-servicemen, including commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs who have rendered military service for at least five years as of August 1 of the exam year, may have specific eligibility relaxations.

 

How are the IAS Exams Conducted?

Though commonly referred to as the "IAS exam," it is officially the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is structured in three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination: A screening test consisting of two objective papers:

   • General Studies (GS)

   • Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

2. Main Examination: A descriptive test comprising nine papers, including General Studies, optional subjects, and essays.

3. Personality Test (Interview): An assessment of a candidate's personality, communication skills, and suitability for administrative roles.

 

The journey to becoming an IAS officer is rigorous but achievable with the right preparation, guidance, and determination. Coaching centers in Bangalore provide tailored support to help candidates navigate the UPSC exam with confidence.