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IAS – The Dream Career: A Complete Guide to Start Preparing from School

For many Indian students, becoming an IAS officer is a lifelong dream. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) represents power, prestige, and the opportunity to make a real difference in society. But preparing for this competitive journey requires a solid foundation—starting early gives you a strategic advantage.

This 15-page guide will walk you through how to start preparing from school, what books to read, how to stay informed, select the right subjects, and build confidence for the final IAS interview.

Introduction – Why IAS is the Dream Job of India

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the most prestigious civil service in India, selected through the UPSC Civil Services Exam. IAS officers serve in key leadership roles—District Magistrates, Secretaries, Commissioners—and are responsible for shaping government policy and delivering public services.

Why students dream of IAS:

  • High status and respect

  • Direct role in governance and public welfare

  • Opportunity to serve the nation

  • Leadership and decision-making authority

Overview of the UPSC Journey

The UPSC Civil Services Exam is conducted in three phases:

  1. Preliminary Exam – Objective type (GS + CSAT)

  2. Main Exam – Descriptive papers (GS, Essay, Optional Subject)

  3. Personality Test – Interview

To become an IAS officer, you must:

  • Understand the syllabus and exam pattern

  • Master a wide range of subjects

  • Develop reading, writing, and speaking skills

  • Build a strong personality

Starting Early – The Advantage of Preparing from School

Most toppers agree—starting early in school helps you:

  • Build a strong base in NCERTs (used in UPSC)

  • Develop reading habits

  • Understand basic concepts in polity, history, and geography

  • Form opinions about society and governance

Classes 8–12 are ideal for:

  • Forming habits

  • Discovering subjects of interest

  • Exploring general studies topics gradually

Building a Foundation with NCERT Books

NCERTs are considered the backbone of UPSC preparation. They are written in simple, clear language and cover topics from the actual syllabus.

Recommended NCERTs to Start With:

Subject

Classes

History

6–12

Geography

6–12

Polity/Civics

6–12

Economics

9–12

Science (Basics)

6–10

Sociology & Psychology

11–12

Start reading 1 chapter a day from any subject you like—make notes in your own words.

How to Plan Your Studies (Class 8–12)

Studying for IAS in school doesn't mean cramming UPSC-level content. It means:

  • Understanding concepts, not memorizing

  • Balanced routine with school subjects, UPSC basics, and rest

Suggested Weekly Plan (Class 9–12):

Day

Task

Mon–Fri

1 hr: NCERT reading or newspaper

Sat

Watch documentary (e.g. RSTV, BBC, UN videos)

Sun

Revise or write 200-word short essays


As you move to Class 11–12, increase study time to 1.5–2 hrs per day.

Newspaper Reading – Developing Awareness

Reading the newspaper is essential to develop:

  • Awareness of current events

  • Knowledge about national & international affairs

  • Critical thinking and balanced opinion

Best Newspaper:

📰 The Hindu or Indian Express

What to Read:

  • Front page (important national/international news)

  • Editorial & Op-Ed pages (opinions and analysis)

  • Economy page (budget, inflation, policies)

  • Science/Environment/Tech news

How to Read:

  • Spend 45 minutes daily

  • Highlight new terms or topics

  • Make short notes (1–2 lines per topic)

Making Notes – A Lifelong Habit

Good note-making helps with:

  • Quick revision later

  • Better memory retention

  • Organized preparation for UPSC

Tips:

  • Keep 4 notebooks: History, Polity, Economy, Environment

  • Write in your own words

  • Revise notes every 2–4 weeks

Use diagrams, mind maps, timelines to simplify information.

Choosing the Right Stream and Subjects in School

Recommended Stream: Humanities/Arts

It aligns directly with the UPSC syllabus.

Best Subjects for IAS:

  • Political Science

  • History

  • Geography

  • Economics

  • Psychology/Sociology

  • Public Administration (if available)

If You’re from Science/Commerce:

You’re still eligible! Focus on building general studies through self-learning, and choose a UPSC-relevant optional later.

Building Answer Writing Skills Early

In UPSC mains, writing clear, analytical, and well-structured answers is critical.

Start Practicing:

  • 200–300 word short essays

  • Answers to questions like:

    • What is democracy?

    • Should social media be regulated?

    • Why is environment conservation important?

Ask teachers to review your writing. Practice structure: Introduction, Body, Conclusion.

Developing Interview Readiness Over the Years

The UPSC interview tests your:

  • Confidence

  • Communication skills

  • Ethical values

  • Awareness of current affairs

From school, start building:

  • Public speaking: debates, elocutions, MUNs

  • Group discussions with peers on current events

  • Confidence through practice and real conversations

Record yourself answering questions to improve clarity and body language.

Habits of Future IAS Toppers

Toppers aren’t born—they're made through habits.

Build These Habits:

✅ Daily reading (books + newspaper)
✅ Asking questions and researching answers
✅ Journaling or note-taking
✅ Staying updated
✅ Staying curious about your surroundings
✅ Practicing humility and leadership

Books to Read in School to Build the IAS Mindset

Here’s a list of non-academic books to build critical thinking, ethics, and awareness:

  1. "India After Gandhi" by Ramachandra Guha – Modern history

  2. "Discovery of India" by Jawaharlal Nehru

  3. "Ignited Minds" by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

  4. "Introduction to the Constitution of India" by DD Basu

  5. "The Hindu Young World" – For beginners

Plus: autobiographies, biographies of civil servants, reformers, freedom fighters.

Using Technology and Resources Wisely

There are many apps, channels, and online platforms to boost your learning.

Apps:

  • PIB (Press Information Bureau)

  • Unacademy / StudyIQ / BYJU'S IAS

  • InShorts for daily current affairs

  • Evernote or Google Keep for note-taking

YouTube Channels:

  • Rajya Sabha TV (now Sansad TV)

  • Drishti IAS

  • PM e-Vidya

Use these smartly, not as replacements for reading.

Staying Motivated and Managing Pressure

Preparing for IAS is a marathon, not a sprint.

Stay Motivated by:

  • Watching topper interviews

  • Reading inspirational stories of IAS officers

  • Setting small weekly/monthly goals

  • Celebrating small wins

Avoid burnout. Balance studies with hobbies, sports, and family time.

Final Words – Dream Big, Start Early, Stay Consistent

Becoming an IAS officer is not only about clearing an exam—it's about building the personality, mindset, and vision of a true public servant.

Final Steps for School Students:

  • Build habits of learning, reading, writing

  • Choose subjects that interest you and relate to UPSC

  • Start small, be consistent, and enjoy the journey

Every great IAS officer was once a student with a dream—like you.

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