Civil Services (IAS / IPS / IFS) via UPSC CSE
The most prestigious career path in India. Any graduate can appear. Requires 1–3 years of focused preparation post-graduation. The route covers IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and 20+ other Central Services.
Duration after Class 10: 8 years
Qualification path
- 1
Class 12 from any stream
2 yrs
Board exams
Any stream accepted — Science, Commerce, Arts all eligible
- 2
Any graduation degree (BA / BSc / BCom / B.Tech — all accepted)
3 yrs
Strong optional subject selection + NCERT grounding
Entry exam: CUET or university entrance
Stream or branch does not matter. Final year students can also apply.
- 3
UPSC CSE Prelims
1 yr
GS Paper 1 + CSAT preparation
Entry exam: UPSC_CSE
4–5 lakh applicants. ~15,000 qualify for Mains. Start prep during or right after graduation.
- 4
UPSC CSE Mains + Interview
1 yr
9 papers including essay + optional subject + personality test
Entry exam: UPSC_CSE
~2,000 qualify for interview. ~1,000 final selections across IAS/IPS/IFS/IRS and other services.
- 5
IAS / IPS / IFS / IRS / Other Central Services
0 yrs
Service allocation based on rank and preference
IAS/IPS: top ~180 ranks. IFS: foreign service. IRS: revenue. All are gazetted Group A officers.
Key exams
UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS/IPS/IFS)
After: After any graduation degree
Difficulty: Extremely High
Unlocks: IAS, IPS …
Staff Selection Commission — Combined Graduate Level
After: After any graduation degree
Difficulty: High
Unlocks: Group B and C Central Govt posts — Income Tax, CBI, Customs, Audit, etc.
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection — Probationary Officer
After: After any graduation degree
Difficulty: High
Unlocks: Bank PO post in 11 public sector banks (PNB, BOB, Canara Bank, Union Bank etc.)
Reserve Bank of India — Grade B Officer
After: After graduation (minimum 60% marks required)
Difficulty: Very High
Unlocks: RBI Officer post — central bank of India