Career guides · Law & Government

How to join the IAS, IPS and other Civil Services

Civil servants run the government: a district, a police force, an embassy or a ministry. The way in is the UPSC Civil Services Exam, which you can take after any degree.

The route from Class 10

  1. Class 10
    Choose your stream
  2. Class 11–12
    Any stream

    Any stream works in Class 11–12.

  3. After Class 12
    UPSC CSE

    The UPSC Civil Services Exam is taken after graduation, from age 21. Any stream and any degree are accepted.

  4. Then
    Study, skills and first job

    Set out step by step in the Career Blueprint.

  5. Where this path leads
    Civil Servant

What the work involves

  • Running a district's administration, policing or revenue
  • Turning government schemes into work on the ground
  • Handling emergencies, from floods to elections

You might enjoy it if

  • You follow the news and want to know how the country works
  • You want to work for the public, not for a company
  • You can prepare for one very competitive exam for a year or more

Is it right for you?

This page is the same for every student. The free Career Sketch looks at your interests, personality and learning style, and shows the career that matches you best. It takes about 20 minutes.

Take the free Career Sketch

Still choosing a stream? Compare all four in the Stream Matrix, or talk it through with a counsellor.

Also check

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Exam rules checked October 2026. They change from year to year, so confirm with the official body before you apply.