IAS Exam 2024: Admit Card OUT, Exam Centre, Syllabus & Pattern

The Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC IAS 2025 prelims and main exam date. The Commission will release the IAS 2025 notification online on January 22, 2025. The last date for the IAS 2025 application will be February 11, 2025. The Commission will conduct the IAS 2025 prelims exam on May 25, 2025.

The IAS main exam 2025 will be conducted from August 22, 2025. The Commission preponed the main exam by one month.

The Union Public Service Commission is expected to release the UPSC IAS admit card 2024 soon on its official website - upsc.gov.in. The Commission will conduct the IAS main exam 2024 from September 20, 2024. The IAS main exam will be conducted at the weekends only. 

The Commission selected around 13 thousand candidates for the main exam. There are over 1,100 vacancies in the IAS 2024 exam.

The Union Public Service Commission has released the IAS prelims result 2024 on its official website - upsc.gov.in. The Commission. The Commission did not release the UPSC IAS cutoff with the result. The Commission conducted the UPSC IAS prelims exam on June 16, 2024.  The UPSC IAS prelims exam was postponed because of the General Elections in the country. 

The Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC Exam Calendar 2025 on April 25, 2024. The Commission released the notification, application and the exam dates in the official exam calendar. The IAS 2025 prelims exam will be conducted on May 25, 2025. The Commission preponed the IAS main exam by one month to August. The IAS main 2025 exam will be conducted from August 22, 2025.

The Commission do not mention the dates for the UPSC admit card in the official exam calendar.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the UPSC IAS prelims result 2023 on June 12, 2023. The preliminary exam was held on May 28, 2023. The result announced the roll numbers of the candidates who qualified for the next stage of the selection process, the UPSC Mains Exam 2023.

A total of 14,624 candidates were shortlisted for the prelims exam. The UPSC Mains exam is being conducted from September 15. There are 1,105 vacancies in the IAS 2023 exam.

The Union Public Service Commission conducted the IAS prelims 2023 exam on May 28. The Commission released its results on June 12. On the exam day, the candidates were required to follow all the instructions given at the official website on the day of examination and any variance from them could result in the disqualification of the candidate. The Commission selected 14,624 candidates for the IAS 2023 main exam.

There are 1,105 vacancies in the IAS 2023 exam and the Commission will select the appropriate number of candidates for the interview phase too.

The Union Public Service Commission has released the IAS prelims result 2024 on its official website - upsc.gov.in. The Commission. The Commission did not release the UPSC IAS cutoff with the result. The Commission conducted the UPSC IAS prelims exam on June 16, 2024.  The UPSC IAS prelims exam was postponed because of the General Elections in the country. 

The Commission released the IAS 2022 cutoff after the declaration of final result. The candidates can see here the IAS cutoff 2022 for prelims exam.

*Cut off marks on the basis of GS Paper-I only. GS Paper-II was of qualifying nature with 33% marks as per Rule-15 of Civil Services Examination, 2022.

The Union Public Service Commission released the IAS result on 23 May and after its declaration, the Commission also released the IAS cutoff for prelims and main exam. The Commission released the separate cutoff for the IAS main (written) and the final IAS cutoff. The candidates can see below:

The expected cut-off for the UPSC Prelims 2023 is 82-85 marks. The official cut-off will be announced once the final exam results are published.
The UPSC Prelims 2023 was held on May 28, 2023. The difficulty level of the question paper was reported to be moderate to difficult.
The UPSC Prelims cut-off for 2022 was 88.22 for the General Category. The UPSC Final Cut Off 2022 for the General Category was 960.

The IAS 2023 Prelims exam was held on May 28th, 2023. The exam was moderately to difficult overall, with the General Studies Paper 1 being moderate to difficult and the GS Paper 2 CSAT being very lengthy. The exam also included more questions from the Environment and Geography section, and fewer questions from current affairs and international relations. The exam pattern changed, with altered Assertion and Reason questions, and a new format for multiples.

The cut-off for the exam was expected to be between 82 and 85, compared to 88 in 2022. Only 14,624 students scored above the cut-off and were eligible to proceed to the Mains round.

Some students who took the CSAT paper said it was very difficult, and some even approached the courts against the UPSC. Even some candidates files a petition against the difficulty level of the IAS prelims GS-2 (CSAT) paper.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) asked a few factual questions in the 2023 IAS Prelims exam. The questions were moderate in difficulty and required both conceptual understanding and factual knowledge. The questions covered topics such as presidential elections, money bills, due process of law, and emergency provisions. Some say that the questions were difficult to answer and had limited scope for using the elimination method.

The UPSC Prelims exam syllabus has not changed for many years, so the paper setters tend to repeat questions.

Yes, the UPSC asked conceptual and analytical questions in the IAS prelims exam in 2023. The CSAT paper tested analytical skills, reasoning ability, and aptitude. The questions included permutations and combinations and analytical reasoning.

The difficulty level of the exam was moderate. The paper was lengthy because it included statement-based questions. The questions were a mix of static and current affairs. The majority of the questions were from Environment and Geography.

The CSAT was more difficult than previous years. Students with Science and IIT backgrounds found the exam tough.

The Union Public Service Commission release the IAS prelims answer key after the declaration of final result. It implies that the Civil Service prelims answer key is released next year of the prelims exam. The candidates can download the UPSC Civil Service (IAS) answer key in the follwing manner:

Step 1.Visit the official website of UPSC-upsc.gov.in

Step 2. Click on the Examination tab, a dropdown list will appear 

Step 3. Click on the Answer Key button

Step 4. Click on the Download button of the exam for which answer key needs to be seen.

The Civil Service (IAS) prelims exam is an objective type exam where the candidates are required to choose the correct answer from the multiple answer options. The Union Public Service Commission released the IAS prelims exam answer key after the declaration of the final result. 
The Commission mention the answer option in the official answer key. The candidates will be required to refer to the question paper booklet to know the answer. 
The Commission will release the official answer key for all the sets of question papers distributed to the candidates on the day of the prelims exam.
The Commission also removes the question from the prelims exam where either more than one option is correct or where there is no answer correct.

Yes, the Union Public Service Commission released the UPSC CSE (IAS) 2023 answer key on May 9, 2024. The Commission also dropped one questions from the IAS prelims General Studies Paper 1. The Commission only considered 99 questions from the General Studies -1 paper. 

The Commission dropped question number 34 (SET A) of the General Studies paper.

The UPSC age limit for the 2024 exam is 21-32 years for the general category. Candidates must have turned 21 by August 1, 2023. The upper age limit for general category candidates is 32 years. There are age relaxations for reserved categories.
The minimum educational qualification required to apply for the IAS exam is to graduate in any discipline from a recognised university. Candidates appearing in their final year can apply if they can produce the passing certificate with the Detailed Application Form (DAF).

The UPSC is required to take approval of the Ministry of Personnel to make any changes in the Civil Service (IAS) notification.

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a legacy of the British Raj. The IAS was originally called the Indian Civil Service (ICS). The ICS was often called the "steel frame" of British rule in India. After India's independence, the name was changed to IAS, but the substance of the service remained the same. The IAS continues to have a significant impact on India's present and future.

The first IAS officer in India was Satyendranath Tagore. He was appointed to the Bombay Presidency in 1864 and served for 30 years.  The British equivalent of the IAS is Her Majesty's Civil Service, also known as the Home Civil Service. But, After independance, the IAS has changed its nature from supressor to facilitator.

The UPSC IAS 2024 notification was released on February 14, 2024. The notification included important dates, the number of vacancies, the syllabus, and all the criteria for appearing in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Candidates can apply for the UPSC IAS application form until March 5, 2024.  There are 1056 UPSC vacancies in the IAS 2024 exam.

The IAS Exam for 2024 prelims phase will take place on May 26, 2024. The minimum age to fill the IAS 2024 application is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years. Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to certain categories.

The Indian Administrative Services (IAS) exam is considered one of the toughest exams in India. The exam has a low pass rate and a rigorous selection process. The syllabus is vast and varied, making it difficult for even the most experienced candidates to prepare.
Here are some reasons why the IAS exam is considered difficult:

• The IAS syllabus is vast and varied, covering a variety of topics.
• The competition is high.
• The selection process is rigorous.
• The pass rate is very low.
• The number of vacancies is limited.

It may take more than one attempt and multiple years to get into the service.
Every year, Lacs of people take the IAS prelims exam. Only about 25% of those who take the prelims exam move onto the IAS mains. The success rate of candidates appearing for the exam is less than 1%.

The full form of IAS is Indian Administrative Services. The IAS is the administrative arm of the All India Services and is considered the topmost position among all the administrative services. The IAS is one of the three arms of the All India Services, along with the Indian Police Service and the Indian Forest Service. The IAS was formerly known as the Imperial Civil Service (ICS) and was founded in 1858 during British rule.

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the IAS exam every year to choose and recruit eligible candidates to the posts offered by the Government of India. The IAS exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. The minimum education qualification is a bachelor's degree from a government-recognized university/institution. The minimum UPSC age limit is 21.

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the All India Services (AIS). The other two AIS are the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS). The IAS is considered the premier civil service of India.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services examination to recruit IAS officers. The minimum age to take the exam is 21 and the maximum age is 32. The UPSC receives thousands of applications each year, but only 180 candidates make it to the final merit list.

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a national competitive exam in India. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CSE to recruit candidates for various civil services of the Government of India. The CSE is also known as the "IAS exam".
The CSE is the toughest competitive exam in India. Only a few thousand students can successfully clear the exam out of Lacs of aspirants.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually. The CSE is also known as the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) exam. The CSE is a common exam that recruits candidates for about 24 top government services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS.

The CSE is conducted in two phases: UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains. The prelims exam consists of objective-type questions, while the Mains exam requires descriptive and essay-type answers. The CSE started in 1922 and is offered once a year.

The UPSC is the central recruiting agency for the CSE. The PSC in each state fills the State Government job vacancies.

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted in three phases: Prelims, Mains, Interview.

The preliminary exam consists of two papers:

• General Studies I
• Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

The CSAT paper is qualifying in nature, while marks in GS I will decide whether a candidate is eligible to appear for the UPSC Mains exam.

The exam window extends over a year (from June month of a year to June month next year when the results are announced).
Candidates who clear the prelims can appear in the second stage, i.e. Mains. Candidates who clear Mains are called for the Interview rounds.

The IAS notification contains information about the UPSC IAS vacancies, application process, application fee, eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, and selection process. It also includes the exam date, age limit, job profile, and last date.

The notification is the only authentic source of information on the total number of vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam date, exam pattern, syllabus, selection procedure, and any proposed changes in the upcoming examination.

The eligibility criteria for the UPSC IAS exam include:

• Nationality
• Age limit
• Educational qualification
• Number of attempts

The UPSC IAS 2024 notification was released on February 14, 2024. The notification included important dates, the number of vacancies, the syllabus, and all the criteria for appearing in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Candidates can apply for the UPSC IAS application form until March 5, 2024.  There are 1056 UPSC vacancies in the IAS 2024 exam.

The IAS Exam for 2024 prelims phase will take place on May 26, 2024. The minimum age to fill the IAS 2024 application is 21 years and the maximum age is 32 years. Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to certain categories.

The age limit to appear for the Civil Service (IAS) exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is as follows:

For the IAS exam's general category candidates, the minimum age limit is 21 years, and the maximum age limit is 32 years. This means that candidates must have attained the age of 21 but must not have reached the age of 32 as of August 1 of the year of examination.

There are certain age relaxations provided for candidates belonging to specific categories:

• OBC (Other Backward Classes): Maximum age limit is 35 years.
• SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes): Maximum age limit is 37 years.
• Ex-servicemen: Maximum age limit varies based on their service period and other factors.
• Physically handicapped/disabled candidates: Maximum age limit is 42 years for general category, 45 years for OBC, and 47 years for SC/ST candidates.

To apply for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), candidates need to meet certain educational qualification criteria. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, here are the educational qualifications required for the IAS exam:

A Bachelor's Degree: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institution. There is no specific subject or stream requirement for the undergraduate degree. Candidates from various academic backgrounds, including science, engineering, commerce, humanities, and others, are eligible to apply.

Candidates in the Final Year: Candidates who are in the final year of their bachelor's degree programme are also eligible to apply for the IAS exam. However, they must ensure that they can provide proof of passing the required examination and obtaining their degree before the specified dates mentioned in the UPSC notification.

The nationality requirements for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) are as follows:

Indian Citizen: The candidate must be a citizen of India. Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for All India Services.

Other Nationalities: Foreign nationals, including citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, are also eligible to apply for the IAS exam. However, they must possess an Eligibility Certificate issued by the Government of India.

Please note that these nationality requirements are based on information available up to September 2021. UPSC may update its eligibility criteria, so it's essential to check the latest UPSC notification or the official UPSC website for the most up-to-date information regarding nationality requirements for the IAS exam.

The age limit to appear for the Civil Service (IAS) exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is as follows:

For the IAS exam's general category candidates, the minimum age limit is 21 years, and the maximum age limit is 32 years. This means that candidates must have attained the age of 21 but must not have reached the age of 32 as of August 1 of the year of examination.

There are certain age relaxations provided for candidates belonging to specific categories:

• OBC (Other Backward Classes): Maximum age limit is 35 years.
• SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes): Maximum age limit is 37 years.
• Ex-servicemen: Maximum age limit varies based on their service period and other factors.
• Physically handicapped/disabled candidates: Maximum age limit is 42 years for general category, 45 years for OBC, and 47 years for SC/ST candidates.

The UPSC age limit for the 2024 exam is 21-32 years for the general category. Candidates must have turned 21 by August 1, 2023. The upper age limit for general category candidates is 32 years. There are age relaxations for reserved categories.
The minimum educational qualification required to apply for the IAS exam is to graduate in any discipline from a recognised university. Candidates appearing in their final year can apply if they can produce the passing certificate with the Detailed Application Form (DAF).

The UPSC is required to take approval of the Ministry of Personnel to make any changes in the Civil Service (IAS) notification.

The Union Public Service Commission notifed 1056 vacancies in the Civil Service Exam (CSE) 2024 notification on February 14, 2024. The Commission notifies the tentative number of Civil Service vacancies for the exam. The Commission can increase or decrease the number of vacancies in the final result. 
In normal circumstances, the Civil Service vacancies increase because the Commission includes the requisition received from the Central Government Ministries till the prelims exam is conducted.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the IAS 2023 application form on February 1, 2023. The application form was available on the UPSC website, upsc.gov.in. The last date to apply was February 21, 2023 at 6 PM.

The IAS 2023 prelims were held on May 28, 2023. The main exam was held on September 15, 2023. The interview date is expected to be in January-March 2024. The final result date is expected to be in April 2024.

The last date to apply for the UPSC IAS 2024 exam was March 6, 2024. The application form is available at upsc.gov.in. Union Public Service Commission released the IAS 2024 notification on February 14 and with its release, the Commission also activate the IAS 2024 application link for the candidates.

Candidates between the ages of 21 and 32 are eligible to apply. The IAS 2024 preliminary exam will be held on May 26, 2024 and the main exam will be held on September 20, 2024.

The Union Public Service Commission released the IAS 2024 notification on February 14, 2024. The Commission provides time of 20 days for the IAS applications. The IAS applications are filled online only and no application of any type is accepted physically for the IAS exam. The UPSC mention all the details related to the IAS application in the official notification. The candidates are suggested to read the official notification before applying for the exam.

The last date to apply for the IAS 2024 exam is now March 6, 2024. The candidates will be allowed to make corrections in the IAS 2024 application form from March 7 to 12, 2024.

There are three stages in the IAS selection process namely

1. IAS prelims
2. IAS main (written) 
3. IAS main (personaity test)

The IAS 2024 notification was released online on February 14 and the last date to apply for the exam will be March 4, 2024.

Also Read: UPSC 2024 Interview Questions

IAS selection process takes more than one year to complete. The official IAS notification is released in February and the final result is declared in May-June next year. The Commission conduct the exam in offline mode and the candidates are required to appear and clear all the stages of IAS selection process. IAS 2023 notification was released on February 1, 2023. There are three stages in the IAS selection process. These are

1. IAS prelims
2. IAS main (written) 
3. IAS main (personaity test)

No,  IAS syllabus is same in last few years and before changing the syllabus, the UPSC needs to take approval from the Ministry of Personnel and Training before changing the IAS syllabus. The candidates should prepare the UPSC IAS syllabus in its present form and do not fear the change that will be made in the syllabus because in any way, the topics prepared will be relevant to the IAS exam irrespective of any change in UPSC IAS syllabus. 

 The candidates should prepare the five fundamental subjects as mentioned for the IAS prelims exam. These fundamental subjects are

• History
• Geography
• Economy
• Polity
• Current Affairs
• Environment issues
• General Science

The candidates should also prepare the Environmental issues because they have gained more importance in the recent years.

 As the name suggest, the IAS main exam has 9 descriptive papers. The details of these papers are given below:

The IAS prelims exam is an objective type exam. The IAS prelims is conducted offline and the candidates need to mark their answers on the answer sheet (OMR). There are two papers in the IAS prelims exam. The details of IAS prelims exam is given below:

• General Studies Paper 1
• General Studies Paper 2 ( Aptitude Test)

The Aptitude paper is qualifying only and the passing marks in the aptitude paper is  67.5 marks out of 200.

In the IAS interview test, candidates will be judged on different skills mentioned below:

• Mental Alertness
• Critical Powers of Assimilation
• Clear and Logical Exposition
• Balance of Judgement
• Variety and Depth of Interest
• Ability for Social Cohesion and Leadership
• Intellectual and Moral Integrity

Also Read: UPSC 2024 Interview Questions

All the IAS toppers and mentors suggest that a consistent and quality study of 8-10 hours over a period of over one year is required in IAS preparation. The number of hours does not matter, it is the quality of study that matters. The candidates should read, understand, learn extensively. Moreover, the candidates should think the solution of the ongoing Socio-Economic problems of the Common man and devise a sustainable solution to those problems.

The Study of hours will also depend on the affinity of the candidate towards a subject, their previous knowledge and the stage of exam for which they are preparing. 

The Union Public Service Commission releases the IAS question papers for prelims and main exam. The Commission releases the question papers on its official website - upsc.gov.in. The candidates can download the IAS prelims and Mains question paper from the official website.

The candidates are not required to login with their credentials to download the IAS question papers. The Commission release the question papers in PDF.

 IAS question papers are extremely helpful for aspirants preparing for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam. Here are some ways in which IAS question papers can be useful:

• Familiarity with the exam pattern
• Time management
• Identifying important topics
• Developing a strategy
• Improving accuracy

Preparing for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam requires a systematic and focused approach. Here are some steps to help you in your preparation:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus of the IAS exam. The exam consists of three stages: the Preliminary examination (Objective), the Main examination (Descriptive), and the Personality Test (Interview). Understand the subjects, topics, and weightage for each stage.

2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan that covers all the subjects and topics mentioned in the syllabus. Allocate time for each subject, giving more attention to areas where you feel less confident. Ensure that your study plan is realistic and balanced, allowing for regular revisions and practice.

3. Study Materials and Resources: Collect relevant study materials, including textbooks, reference books, previous years' question papers, and online resources. Choose reliable sources that cover the syllabus comprehensively. The NCERT books for relevant subjects are a good starting point for building foundation knowledge.

4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Current affairs play a crucial role in the IAS exam. Stay updated with national and international news, government policies, economic developments, and social issues. Read newspapers, magazines, and online platforms dedicated to current affairs. Make notes and revised them regularly.

5. Develop a Strong Foundation: The IAS exam requires a deep understanding of various subjects, including history, geography, polity, economics, science and technology, and current affair. Focus on building a strong foundation of knowledge in these areas, with a special emphasis on the topics mentioned in the syllabus.

6. Practice Answers Writing: The Main examination includes essay writing, subjective questions, and case studies. Practice answers writing regularly to improve your writing skills, time management, and ability to express your thoughts coherently. Analyze previous years' question papers and practice writing model answers within the prescribed word limit.

7. Join a Coaching Institute (Optional): If you feel the need for guidance and structured preparation, you may consider joining a reputed coaching institute. Coaching institutes provide study material, guidance from experienced faculty, mock tests, and a competitive environment. However, it is important to note that joining a coaching institute is not mandatory for success in the IAS exam.

8. Mock Tests and Self-Evaluation: Take regular mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas for improvement. Mock tests will help you understand the exam pattern, manage time effectively, and gauge your performance. Analyze your mistake, learn from them, and work on enhancing your strengths and overcoming weaknesses.

9. Develop Analytical and Critical Thinking: The IAS exam evaluates your analytical and critical thinking abilities. Practice solving analytical reasoning questions, case studies, and practice comprehending complex issues from multiple perspectives. Develop a logical and systematic approach to problem-solving.

10. Time Management and Discipline: The IAS exam requires consistent and disciplined preparation. Manage your time effectively, allocate specific time slots for each subject, and maintain a balance between revision, practice, and current affairs. Avoid procrastination and maintain a regular study routine.

11. Stay Motivated and Positive: Preparing for the IAS exam can be a long and challenging journey. Stay motivated and positive throughout the process. Surrounded yourself with supportive peers and mentors who can encourage and guide you. Take a break, engage in hobbies, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid burnout.

Remember, success in the IAS exam depends on perseverance, dedication, and continuous learning. Stay focused on your goal and remain committed to your preparation. Good luck.