Right Age and Time to Start IAS Exam Preparation

At the early stage of a career, very few people have a clear vision of what they want to become. Unlike two decades back, there are now ample options available to us. Students and parents are also getting aware and updated to let their pupils set their career goals at the right age.

Right Age and Time to Start IAS Exam Preparation

At the early stage of a career, very few people have a clear vision of what they want to become. Unlike two decades back, there are now ample options available to us. Students and parents are also getting aware and updated to let their pupils set their career goals at the right age. The most important question that often arises is about the right age to start IAS preparation?

According to the UPSC standards, the minimum age to appear for IAS students is 21 years. Usually, it happens that kids are fantasized by the honour and pride of serving the country when they see people around them. The power an IAS holds and the honour he receives from society is one of the major reasons that pupils in their early age dream of serving their nation. By that time, most of the students give up the idea of looking at the high level of competition in the IAS examination and less passing percentage. However, a lot of students wanted to pursue their dream but they are clueless as to when they should start preparing for the IAS exams. It is important to note here that preparing for the IAS exam and appearing for the IAS exam are two different things.

Some students who have a clear vision to their goals, start IAS exam preparation right after the SSC while some wait for completing their graduation. In this article, we're discussing and finding the answer to the question - what is the right age to start IAS preparation?

Preparing IAS Exam From The Age of 16

It has been generally seen that kids are inspired to join civil services if any of their family members are IAS or IPS officers. In that case, they get better guidance also. Such pupils don't wait to complete their graduation and start preparing for the exam at the age of 16 years just after passing their board exams.

Since they belong to a family of civil servants they know the level of intelligence required and the efforts needed to be put by the child. The benefit of starting preparation at an early age of 16 is that they get enough time to understand the selection process and the nuts and bolts of IAS examination. They would be able to build a strong foundation needed for cracking this exam in the first attempt.

Along with benefits, there are some catches as well. UPSC examination pattern is not static, it keeps on changing time and again. The syllabus, subjects, and pattern may change by the time the students attain the age of 21 when they become eligible to appear in the exam. Yes, it is good to prepare the basics! Another thing is that students if after the preparation of 5 years (From the age of 16 to 21) unfortunately fails, the level of frustration is quite high.

Preparation of IAS From The Age of 18 Years - An Ideal Age

18 is the ideal age to embark on the journey of IAS. This is so because at this age students have completed their school exams and step into the college for pursuing graduation. Students pursuing IAS studies along graduation can choose common subjects in both the courses. This will be helpful in both the courses. Most of the students prefer 18 years, to begin with, IAS exam preparation. This is also helpful in choosing optional subjects in IAS exams. This will reduce the stress level and aids in time management. Starting the preparation of IAS at the age of 18 increases the probability to crack it in the very first attempt.

Preparation of IAS From The Age of 21 Years

Some students are there who wait for the completion of their graduation and then start preparing for IAS exams. After graduation, IAS aspirants can devote their 100% time to prepare for UPSC exams. We have a number of examples in the list of IAS toppers who have started their preparation at the age of 21 and now they all are successful IAS Officers. They are also eligible to appear in the examination and plan their studies as per the latest pattern. The only condition is to pour fu dedication toward it. There are many students who do a part-time job along preparing for IAS exams. It is suggested to focus only on exams unless it will be a financial call to do a part-time job.

The level of expertise, maturity, and sincerity toward the exams will also be high at this age. The vision of the students is clear and they will be more dedicated to cracking this examination.

Wrap Up

Well, there is no particular age for starting the preparation of IAS exams. It all depends on an individual, his financial capacity, and the level of mental ability to grasp things. However, it is suggested by the experts that starting it at the age of 18 is ideal because students will get enough time for planning and studies. The upper age limit for appearing in UPSC exam should also be kept in mind