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IAS Overview & Preparation Guide

What is the IAS Exam?

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the most sought-after civil services in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It plays a crucial role in governance, policy-making, and public administration. Becoming an IAS officer requires strategic preparation, consistency, and expert guidance.

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  •  Exam Conducting Body: UPSC

  • Frequency: Once a year

  • Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen & Paper)

  • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university

IAS Exam Pattern & Selection Process

Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Screening Test

🔹 General Studies Paper I – Current affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Environment


🔹 CSAT (Paper II) – Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation

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📌 Objective Type | Total Marks: 400 | Qualifying in nature

Main Examination (Mains) – Written Test

🔹 9 Descriptive Papers (Essay, General Studies I-IV, Optional Subjects, and Language Papers)


🔹 Designed to assess analytical ability, writing skills & subject knowledge

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📌 Total Marks: 1750 | Determines the Final Merit

Personality Test (Interview) – Final Stage

🔹 Assesses leadership qualities, decision-making, and communication skills


🔹 Conducted by a panel of UPSC experts

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📌 Total Marks: 275 | Final Rank Decider

IAS Syllabus Breakdown

Prelims Syllabus

✔ General Studies (Indian History, Polity, Economy, Geography, Science, Environment, Current Affairs)
✔ CSAT (Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English Comprehension)

Mains Syllabus

✔ General Studies I: Indian Heritage, History, Geography, Society
✔ General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, International Relations
✔ General Studies III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security
✔ General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
✔ Essay Writing: Analytical & Critical Thinking-Based Topics
✔ Optional Subjects: Choose from Literature, Science, Humanities & More

Interview Round

✔ Personality Assessment
✔ Analytical Thinking & Communication Skills
✔ Leadership & Decision-Making

How to Prepare for the IAS Exam?

My name is Alexa Young

🔹 Step 1: Understand the detailed IAS syllabus & exam pattern


🔹 Step 2: Create a structured study plan & focus on weak areas


🔹 Step 3: Read The Hindu, Yojana, PIB reports for current affairs


🔹 Step 4: Practice previous year papers & answer writing'


🔹 Step 5: Take regular mock tests & self-assess your performance


🔹 Step 6: Revise consistently and focus on conceptual clarity

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💡 Pro Tip: Stay disciplined and follow a daily study schedule to cover all subjects efficiently.

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Why Choose GyanDhara RAS Academy for IAS Coaching?

✔ Experienced UPSC Faculty – Learn from subject matter experts with years of coaching experience.


✔ Comprehensive Study Material – Access books, notes, and test series designed for UPSC success.


✔ Personalized Mentorship – One-on-one guidance to help you plan your strategy.


✔ Regular Mock Tests & Answer Writing – Improve time management & accuracy.


✔ Hybrid Learning Model – Attend offline classes in Bikaner or online courses from anywhere.


✔ Proven Track Record – We have a strong selection rate in IAS & RAS exams.

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🔹 Join Our Upcoming IAS Batch Today!

  • What is the IAS exam, and who conducts it?
    The IAS (Indian Administrative Service) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for India's civil services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, and others.
  • How many attempts are allowed for the IAS exam?
    The number of attempts varies by category: General Category: 6 attempts (till 32 years) OBC Category: 9 attempts (till 35 years) SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts (till 37 years)
  • What is the age limit for appearing in the IAS exam?
    The age limit is: General: 21-32 years OBC: 21-35 years SC/ST: 21-37 years
  • What is the IAS exam selection process?
    The IAS exam has three stages: Prelims – Objective Test Mains – Descriptive Papers Interview – Personality Test
  • How many papers are there in the IAS exam?
    There are two papers in Prelims, nine papers in Mains, followed by the Interview round.
  • How should I start my IAS preparation?
    Start by understanding the syllabus, reading NCERT books, following newspapers like The Hindu,
  • Is coaching necessary for IAS preparation?
    Coaching is not mandatory, but it helps with structured guidance, study material, and test series.
  • Why should I join GyanDhara RAS Academy for IAS coaching?
    GyanDhara RAS Academy offers: Experienced UPSC Faculty Structured Study Plan & Test Series Personalized Mentorship & Guidance Hybrid Learning (Offline & Online Classes)
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