Many people think that clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam is a herculean task requiring many attempts. It is true that it is a highly competitive exam, and many don’t clear it on their first attempt. However, it is also not impossible to crack the exam on your first chance. In fact, approximately 1 out of 10 make it on their first attempt every year.  

Eligibility and Number of Attempts Allowed in UPSC CSE

You become eligible to take prelims only after the age of 21. The minimum academic eligibility to appear for the exam is a recognized college degree in any subject. You can appear in prelims even when you are in the final year of college. However, before submitting the DAF (Detailed Application Form) for the Main Examination, you need to make sure you meet the requirements for educational qualification.

Although UPSC allows a candidate more than one chance to appear for the civil services examination, many seek guidance on how to become IAS on the first attempt.

 Restrictions on the number of attempts:

• General category candidates (including Economically Weaker Section) - The maximum permitted age limit is 32 years, and the maximum number of attempts allowed is 6.
• OBC category candidates - The maximum age limit is 35 years and can take 9 attempts within that time.
• Person with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) (including General & OBC): The maximum age limit is 42, and the total number of attempts permitted is 9.
• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes: The maximum age limit is 37 years, and there is no restriction on the number of attempts.

What are the Advantages of Becoming IAS on The First Attempt?

The advantages of becoming an IAS officer on the first attempt depend on your age. If you clear UPSC in the later part of your permitted age bracket, then benefits are limited when considering your service period. However, candidates clearing UPSC on the first attempt in their early 20s can enjoy multiple advantages.

• Long-term career growth opportunities -

An IAS officer needs nearly 24 years of seniority to become a Joint Secretary, 34 years to become a chief secretary, and over 37 years to get the post of cabinet secretary. The lower the entry age as an IAS officer, the better the opportunity for career progression.

• More confidence and self-esteem as a young administrator

To succeed as an administrator, you need confidence, conviction and capability to lead people. Clearing UPSC in the first attempt builds immense self-esteem and confidence. So, it directly impacts your IAS career growth.   

• Sufficient time to reconsider career options

Many people who have cleared UPSC once and joined as an IAS consider retaking the exam to switch to a different cadre or change their career entirely. People in their early 20s get more time for a career change if they clear UPSC in the least possible attempt. 

Strategy to Become IAS on the First Attempt

People who clear the UPSC Civil Services Exam on the first attempt claim a different kind of celebrity status. It makes them seem like super-geniuses to society. This is why many CSE aspirants try to find out how to become IAS on the first attempt.

Anyone can clear UPSC CSE on their first attempt. The secret to success lies in the preparation strategy.

1. Start preparing early

The most critical factor behind clearing IAS in the first attempt is taking sufficient time to prepare. This means you should start your UPSC study as early as possible. If you are determined to pursue a career in public services, start studying the UPSC syllabus in your first year of college. Choose your optional subjects wisely. Many people plan their graduation accordingly to avoid clashes between college studies and UPSC preparation.   

2. Identify weakness and strength

It is important to know where you need to focus your maximum time. So, before you get into UPSC preparations, try to learn about your weaknesses and strengths. Taking mock Prelims, like Prelims Mirrors, is the best way to identify academic weaknesses. For performance anxiety, exam phobia, and other psychological weaknesses, you can consult counselors. 

3. Set time-defined goals

You might say the goal is, obviously, to clear UPSC, but reaching that end requires achieving smaller objectives and milestones. Take the example of setting a target to score 100% in mini-tests and quizzes on current affairs for UPSC. When you define such goals before you start a journey, visibility becomes a lot easier. You also get a sense of achievement and confidence. Also, divide the syllabus into parts and plan to cover each in a fixed period.

4. Prioritize UPSC preparation

You can start preparing for UPSC CSE during your graduation, while working in full-time jobs or engaged in other commitments. However, if you want to become an IAS on the first attempt, then you have to give priority to UPSC preparation. It takes solid hard work to clear the exam in the first attempt.

5. Prepare support group

It takes almost two years to complete the journey of clearing UPSC in the first attempt. If you add the time you invested in preparation, the total duration might go up to 3 to 4 years. Everyone needs a support group during such a long period to discuss, interact, and reflect on various issues related to the preparation. It’s the reason many opt for the best online coaching for UPSC CSE. They usually have an online forum or community of CSE aspirants where you can interact with your peers.

6. Collect and use essential resources

Joining any reputable coaching institute can easily solve the issue of finding essential study materials. Otherwise, you can get them individually from different sources. However, be careful to choose only authentic sources to avoid wasting time and energy.

7. Take test series from reputable institutes

UPSC mock tests have multiple benefits. They help you overcome exam phobia, practice, and keep track of your performance regularly. So, take the prelims and mains test series, preferably from reputable institutes. 

8. Stay motivated and mentally prepared

To clear CSE in the first attempt, you will have to prepare diligently for more than a year or two. It is a long time for demotivation to set in. So, you must stay motivated and mentally agile.

Conclusion

This blog answers the question “How to Become IAS in First Attempt.” It takes hard work over a long period, perseverance and maintaining mental strength to sail through the preparation time to clear the prestigious and highly competitive exam in your first chance. Attending the best online coaching for UPSC CSE and taking their mock tests will help you prepare better.  Check https://www.iasgyan.in/ for online coaching, test series, and the right guidance.