The Competitive Landscape of IAS Exam: Candidates and Selection Process

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is part of the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE). This examination attracts a massive number of aspirants every year, reflecting the increasing interest in civil services as a career choice in India. This article explores the number of candidates appearing in the IAS exam and the rigorous selection process.

Number of Candidates

The number of candidates taking the preliminary examination for the IAS varies annually, with a broad range. Typically, around 10-12 lakhs (or approximately 1 million to 1.2 million) candidates register for the preliminary examination, but the number of actual test takers is usually lower, around 50-60% of those registered. Let's break down the total number of candidates at each stage of the examination process:

Preliminary Examination

Approximately 10-12 lakhs (1-1.2 million) candidates register for the preliminary examination annually. The number of candidates who actually appear is slightly lower, about 50-60% of those registered.

Main Examination

About 10,000-12,000 candidates qualify to take the main examination out of those who appear in the preliminary examination. This number can vary depending on the year and the cut-off marks set by the UPSC.

Personality Test Interview

From those who take the main examination, approximately 2,000-2,500 candidates are shortlisted for the final stage, which is the personality test or interview.

Final Selection

Ultimately, around 700-1,000 candidates are selected each year for various civil services, including the IAS. The exact number can vary based on the vacancies available for the year.

Recent Data

Example of UPSC CSE 2020:

Around 10.58 lakh candidates registered for the preliminary exam. About 4.82 lakh candidates appeared for the preliminary exam. Around 10,564 candidates qualified for the main examination. Approximately 2,053 candidates were shortlisted for the interview. Ultimately, 761 candidates were recommended for appointment to various civil services, including the IAS.

Source:

UPSC Annual Reports and Examination Notifications. Official UPSC website and press releases.

These statistics illustrate the competitive nature of the IAS exam and the meticulous selection process. Annual data and official sources from the UPSC offer detailed insight into the number of candidates and the final selection process, providing a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for those aiming to pursue a career in civil services.