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Hi Shivam, In order to become an IAS Officer, you must apply for CSE exam conducted by the UPSC. You must also crack the exam (preliminary, Mains and interview) in order to get selected for the training. The basic eligibility criteria required to appear for this exam is candidate must possess Graduate Degree from a recognised University/Institution!
So technically, 12th passed students cant appear for this exam right after 12th. After completing 12th, they must complete Graduation first. After completing Graduation programme successfully, they may take a shot and CSE and become an IAS Officer subsequently!
AGE LIMIT
The candidate must be between the age of 21-32 years (for the General category candidate) on August 1 of the year of examination. However, age relaxations dies exist for SC, ST, OBC and Physically Handicapped candidates. For Other Backward Castes (OBC) the upper age limit is 35. For Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), the limit is 37 years. The upper age limit is relaxed for certain candidates who are backward with respect to other factors and physically handicapped (PH) people. Just as one prepares for IIT entrance from 9th standard onwards one should start preparing from school days for IAS entrance. I will suggest reading two regional, two national and two international newspapers everyday. Watching national and international news daily. When you follow events over a decade you develop an enormous mastery over a large number of subjects. Read all these for pleasure and for acquiring knowledge and not under stress racing against the time. You will automatically gain knowledge of national and international affairs, politics, foreign trade, social issues, crime, national development etc. This will become part of your psyche and you do not have to mug up things at the eleventh hour. Apart from your course of studies read other subjects which interest you. It will effortlessly prepare you for IAS exam while it will also break monotony of reading only course related books. Develop a habit of reading in libraries. In case you are in big cities where British Council and American Embassy libraries exit become member there. Attend other events conducted there. Enjoy reading good literature both by Indian, English and regional authors. Watch all the great movies made about important subjects, events or individuals. The cinema is a great way of learning. All the best.