Preparing UPSC Exams, The Prerequisites Of

In the hustle and bustle of preparing for the UPSC conducted civil services exam, a lot of the primary criteria get shunted to the side. While IAS hopefuls are very much aware of how much effort and hard work the exam will take, they are unaware of the prerequisites to taking the test. It is why one of the most common questions top IAS academy in Chennai get asked is ‘what are the eligibility criteria for IAS exam?’

The focus of this writeup is solely on this. We take away the noise that often surrounds the UPSC examination and pay attention to some crucial questions.

•     What is the age limit for taking the IAS exam?

The age limit varies from category to category. For OBC, SC, ST, and other classes, there are some relaxations for the upper age. Barring them, a general category individual can sit for the exam if:

o They are 21 years of age or above.

o They are 32 years of age or below.

Make note that the minimum age limit is the same for all aspirants.

•     How many attempts can an IAS aspirant give?

It was in 2015 that UPSC increased the upper age limit for test-takers. This also increased the number of attempts a person can give. For the general category person, there are 6 attempts possible. For others, they are:

o 9 attempts for OBC since age limit is 35.

o Unlimited attempts for SC and ST aspirants since age limit is 37.

o 9 attempts for a physically disabled person of General category as the age limit is 42.

o Unlimited attempts for OBC, SC and ST candidates as the age limit is 45 and 47.

•     What are the academic eligibility criteria for civil services exam?

An IAS aspirant should have a bachelor’s degree with a pass certificate. The university should be:

o Incorporated under Central or State Legislature Act

o Established by an Act of Parliament

o Be a deemed university under the UGC Act of 1956 within Section-3

For the prelims, a candidate can sit as long as they have appeared for their final university exams or going to appear and are awaiting results. For the Mains exam, the candidates who pass the preliminary test need to give proof of passing the bachelor’s degree. The degree is attached to the application for the Mains exam.

•     Are there any exceptional cases for eligibility criteria?

If a student holds a graduate degree from colleges such as Cambridge or Harvard, the UPSC may treat it as an exception and forgo the prerequisites of qualification. The institute should have an examination that meets the standard of the UPSC conducted test.

•     What are some other requirements of CSE?

A graduate with a professional or technical degree such as MBBS or BE can also apply for the UPSC exam as long as the Government recognises the university. For MBBS students, please note the following:

o You can appear for the Main exam even if you haven’t finished your internship.

o You will need to submit a certificate stating that you have passed the final examination of your professional medical field. This should be attached to the application of Mains test.

o If you are chosen for the interview, you will have to give proof that you have completed the entire medical degree, which includes an internship. The evidence is generally a certificate issued by the concerned authority.

The prominent IAS coaching in Chennai says that it is imperative for all IAS candidates that every eligibility criterion is fulfilled. Admission to each phase of the test is provisional. It is subject to conditions. Just because you have cleared the Prelims and Mains doesn’t mean you have sure shot access to an IAS seat. It is as the interview and personality test phase that the UPSC conducts a thorough verification. Any candidate who fails to meet even one of the prerequisites is disqualified.

The gist is: prepare hard and prepare well for the civil services exam but do not discount the pre-requisites as inessential. Each one is mandatory, and if not met, then they will pour your hard work and sweat down the drain.