Students are usually haunted with “What next?” after completion of 10+2. With diverse fields of study and career opportunities it is pretty hard to decide a career path. Government Job in general and Civil Services in particular, is an attractive career opportunity due to the kind of opportunities one is offered and the highly respected nature of the post itself. It gives the person the privilege to work for the society and betterment of the nation. The exposure provides a great scope for overall development of self at the same time enhances one’s self-esteem. A civil servant gets to work in the fields of rural development, taxation, social welfare, policy implementation etc. based on the choice of service.
UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination every year for the posts of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), Indian Revenue Services (IRS) etc. The exam consists of 3 levels, all to be cleared in one year. It is considered one of the toughest examinations in the world due to the vastness of the syllabus. It is a test of knowledge, intelligence, consistency and most importantly patience. Though an aspirant can take the exam any time before he turns 32 years of age, if one has made up his mind to pursue a career in this field, it is highly recommended to start the preparation soon after 10+2.
Conditions of Eligibility to write Civil Services Examination :
- The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from any recognised university or possess an equivalent qualification.
- The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not be more than 32 years of age (relaxation applicable for SCs, STs and OBCs etc.).
- The candidate must not have attempted the exam for more than 6 times (relaxation applicable for SCs, STs and OBCs etc.).
- A candidate appointed to the IAS and IFS is not eligible to take up the examination.
- The candidate must be a citizen of India to be eligible to the post of IAS and IPS.
The UPSC exam demands basic knowledge of Science, Polity, Economy, Geography and the History of India which is covered in class 10 and 12. Since the momentum is set, one can go ahead and start preparing for the Prelims and Mains simultaneously with graduation. As UPSC does not specify any background of study as a criterion for selection, one can opt for Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering or any field of interest. The earlier you start your preparation, the better chances you have of clearing the exam in your first attempt and being exposed to various opportunities at an early age.
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