When IAS Officer Shakti Dubey secured Rank 1 in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, he shared through the media that he had decided to become an IAS officer right after passing Class 10. From that point onward, he began preparing for the IAS with full dedication. Inspired by his journey, many school and college students have started developing a strong desire to pursue a career in civil services.

This spark that arises in the heart and mind can truly be turned into reality if approached with a disciplined mindset and strategic planning. It proves that the journey towards becoming an IAS officer can begin right after school, and with the right approach, it can become the foundation of a meaningful and impactful life.

In this article, we will explain in detail how students who have passed Class 10 and dream of becoming an IAS officer can start their preparation from this early stage.

Can Someone Become an IAS Officer After 10th Class?

Generally, to be selected for a prestigious post like IAS, one needs to secure a good rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. To apply for this examination, having a graduation degree is mandatory, as it is the minimum eligibility criteria set by the UPSC.

As per the UPSC Civil Services Notification 2025, the minimum age required is 21 years as of 01 August 2025. This means that after completing Class 10, a student still has to go through at least 2 years of schooling (Class 11–12) and 3–4 years of graduation, giving a total of 5–6 years of time before they can apply.

However, this long time span can be an advantage. If students start preparing seriously from this stage by understanding the UPSC exam pattern, syllabus, and strategy, they can crack the exam on their very first attempt.

In the sections below, we will share detailed tips and tricks that can help you prepare effectively for the IAS exam starting right after Class 10.

How to Become an IAS Officer After 10th: A Well-Planned Guide

If you have started dreaming of becoming an IAS officer after passing Class 10, then this is the right time for you. Take the right step in the right direction — this is your opportunity. Your ambition depends on your thoughts, habits, and learning techniques, which can be developed effectively at this stage.

You can begin by studying the complete NCERT syllabus to strengthen your foundation. Regular reading of newspapers and staying updated on current affairs will also help you gain essential knowledge.

This is the right time to choose the correct subjects. Make sure you select the ones that align with your interest and future goals.

Once you've envisioned becoming an IAS officer, you must approach your studies with dedication and motivation. It's going to be a long journey, so stay updated and consistent with time.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Subjects After 10th to Become an IAS Officer

As per the UPSC Civil Services Notification 2025, there is no mandatory subject required to appear for the exam. However, it is often recommended by experts and seniors to choose Arts or Humanities subjects, as they align closely with the topics covered in the UPSC syllabus.

Subjects like History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, and Geography are part of both the prelims and mains stages of the IAS exam. If you choose PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math) or PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) after 10th, you can still prepare for the IAS, but you'll need extra effort in subjects like Mathematics or Science, which are less relevant in UPSC.

It’s important to remember that success doesn't depend solely on the subject you choose but on how well you prepare. However, opting for Arts subjects after 10th may give you an added advantage by building a strong foundation early on.

Step 2: Build Awareness About UPSC CSE Foundation Subjects

One important thing to keep in mind is that when you move from Class 10 to 11 and 12, the subjects you choose may not directly match the core subjects of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. That’s why it is important to build a strong understanding of optional subjects like History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics alongside your regular studies.

Even if these are not part of your school syllabus, you must begin developing a command over them. Start making separate notes for each of these subjects and regularly revise them. Try to learn at least 4–5 questions per subject in your free time, apart from school hours.

After Class 10, if your goal is to become an IAS officer, then developing early awareness of the UPSC competition level and gaining familiarity with important subjects is essential. Read and study these topics seriously, as they will form the foundation of your future IAS preparation.

Also Read >> How to Prepare for IAS Exam After Graduation

Step 3: Understand the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) Thoroughly

Whether you plan to prepare for the IAS exam after Class 12 or after graduation, it is extremely important to understand the UPSC exam thoroughly even after Class 10. Before starting preparation for any competitive exam, the first step should always be to understand its syllabus and exam pattern.

You must carefully go through the UPSC Syllabus 2025, because the Civil Services Examination is conducted in three stages —

1.Prelims Exam: Objective in nature, with two papers.

2.Mains Exam: Descriptive, includes nine papers.

3.Interview: Personality test without any fixed duration.

For the Prelims stage, building a strong base with NCERT books and current affairs is very important. For the Mains stage, you will need to prepare well for your optional subject, as well as other descriptive papers. After that, you must also focus on developing communication and analytical skills for the interview.

If you're in Classes 11 or 12, use your extra time in the morning or night for focused preparation. Once your board exams are over, use the vacation period wisely to start preparing deeply. This way, you will not only understand the syllabus well but also make the most of your time for early preparation.

Step 4: Continue Your Graduation Studies

Keep in mind that merely passing Class 10 or 12 does not make you eligible to apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. If you skip graduation, you may face disappointment later. That’s why it is important to understand early on that after passing Class 12, you must complete your graduation from a recognized university.

So, choose your preferred subjects wisely and pursue your graduation with full dedication, as this is a mandatory requirement to appear in the IAS exam.

Step 5: Prepare for UPSC Civil Services Exam Alongside Graduation

While pursuing your graduation, candidates are advised to begin preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination by including standard reference books in their study routine. These books offer advanced content in a clear and structured format and are aligned with the latest demands of the exam.

In addition, candidates should also develop a habit of reading newspapers daily and following smart current affairs resources, as these have proven effective in helping aspirants tackle tough current affairs questions in the examination. Preparing alongside graduation not only saves time but also builds a strong conceptual foundation for the IAS exam.

Step 6: Apply for the Exam and Appear in UPSC CSE

Candidates become eligible to apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in the final year of their graduation. The UPSC CSE Notification 2025 was released in the last week of January, and the Preliminary Exam is scheduled for 25/05/2025.

Step-up mentorship programs, like those offered by India Sarkari Naukri, are designed to address the specific needs and challenges of students who apply for and clear various stages of the UPSC exam in their first attempt. These programs provide valuable guidance to streamline preparation and boost success rates.

Conclusion:

If you have firmly decided to become an IAS officer after Class 10, then this is a golden opportunity for you. This is the time to strengthen your foundation, choose the right subjects, and study with consistency and motivation while maintaining patience throughout the journey.

Every small step you take now will guide you towards your bigger goal. This early preparation will shape you with the mindset, discipline, and vision of a future IAS officer, ensuring that you are ready for every stage of the journey ahead.

FAQS

Q. What is the minimum age required to become an IAS officer?
Ans. As per the official notification, the candidate must be at least 21 years old.

Q. What qualification is required to become an IAS officer?
Ans. A graduation degree in any stream from a recognized university is required.

Q. Can IAS preparation begin after 12th?
Ans. Yes, you can Start IAS preparation right after Class 12.

Q. Is it possible to prepare for IAS without coaching?
Ans. Yes, you can Prepare for the IAS exam without coaching through self-study and the right resources.

Q. How many stages are there in the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
Ans. The exam is conducted in three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

Q. Which optional subjects can be chosen for the UPSC CSE exam?
Ans. Popular optional subjects include History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics. These subjects are widely preferred and align well with the UPSC syllabus.Bottom of Form

How to Start IAS Preparation After 10th: A Beginner’s Roadmap

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