Full Form of IAS

1. Official Mandate, Scope & Background

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the premier All India Service under Article 312 of the Constitution of India. Officers serve in key executive positions across state and central governments, including Sub-Divisional Magistrates, District Collectors, and Union Secretaries.

2. Eligibility Criteria, Qualifications & Age Limits

Must be an Indian citizen holding a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Age Limit: 21 to 32 years for General category (6 attempts), 35 years for OBC (9 attempts), and 37 years for SC/ST (unlimited attempts).

3. Examination Scheme & Selection Procedure

Stage 1: Civil Services Preliminary Examination (GS Paper 1 & CSAT Paper 2). Stage 2: Civil Services Mains Examination (9 Subjective Papers - Essay, GS 1, 2, 3, 4, two Optional papers, and two language qualifying papers). Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview.

4. Core Syllabus & Key Subjects

Broad academic spectrum covering Indian Heritage & Culture, World & Indian History, Geography, Indian Constitution, Governance & Social Justice, International Relations, Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security, and Ethics.