How many years does it take to become an IAS Officer?

Becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer typically requires dedicated preparation and perseverance. The timeline to become an IAS officer can vary based on individual circumstances. Generally, it takes around 5-6 years to complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by 1-2 years for postgraduate studies or preparation for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). After successfully clearing the three stages of the CSE, which includes the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview, candidates undergo a training period of about 2 years at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. Thus, the overall timeline to become an IAS officer can span approximately 8-10 years.