- a preliminary examination consisting of two objective-type papers (general studies and aptitude test), and
- a main examination consisting of nine papers of conventional (essay) type, followed by a personality test (interview).
Stage I: Preliminary examination – A qualifying test advertisied in Feb-March and held in June-July each year. Results are published in mid-August.
Stage II: Main examination – Held in October every year. Results are usually published in the second week of March.
Stage III: Personality Test (interview) – held in December each year. Final results are usually announced in May .
The candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years (for the General category candidate) on August 1 of the year of examination. Prescribed age limits vary with respect to caste reservations.
General category candidates = 6.[6]
In the initial stages of their career, IAS officers join as the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM) in a state and go on to occupy positions such as District Magistrate, Divisional Commissioner, etc. They are appointed as the heads of Government Organizations, Public Service Undertakings and also act as Secretary to the Government of India.
