Which Degree or Stream is Best for Your UPSC Journey to Become an IAS Officer?

Choosing the right undergraduate degree after 12th is not easy, especially when you dream of becoming an IAS officer. Your degree will play a huge and vital role in your UPSC journey.

Therefore, it is essential to carefully choose the degree that will help you become an IAS officer and serve as plan B for you. 

If you struggle to choose a degree that aligns with your IAS goal, this article is especially for you. In this blog, we will figure out which stream/ degree is best for the IAS exam.

We will discuss the top 5 most sought-after degrees for the IAS exam and some case studies. We will also tell you what factors to consider when choosing your degree program for an IAS exam. 

By the end of this article, you will be very clear about which degree program you should opt for. But before diving into the topic, it's essential to understand the structure and pattern of the UPSC exam.

What is the UPSC/ IAS exam?

Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) is the central body of the Indian Government, solely responsible for conducting exams for IAS, IPS, and other class I posts. UPSC conducts exams every year for IAS posts.

There are 3 stages involved in the IAS exam, which are Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test. Each stage demands specific skills, including analytical thinking, in-depth knowledge, and strong communication.

Also, the syllabus of this exam is exceptionally vast and dynamic, covering subjects like Polity, Economics, History, Geography, Ethics, etc.

To become an IAS officer, you need a UG degree, though UPSC doesn’t specify any particular degree or stream. Choosing a degree aligned with the UPSC syllabus can greatly enhance your preparation.

Top 5 Degrees Preferred for IAS Preparation

Here is the list of the top 5 undergraduate degrees many UPSC aspirants prefer. Each degree has some advantages and disadvantages, which are discussed below. After carefully analyzing all the information below, you will know which stream is best for the IAS exam.

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA):

Bachelor of Arts is often considered the best UG degree program by UPSC aspirants, as its syllabus closely aligns with UPSC’s syllabus. This allows students to prepare for UPSC and pursue the degree. 

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2. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)

Subjects like physics and chemistry will not directly help with IAS exam preparation but will help you develop logical reasoning and analytical skills.

3. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

B.Com will build a solid foundation in the Economy. Economics & Accountancy are some of the high-scoring optional subjects, and B.Com will make it much easier for you. 

4. Law Degree (LLB)

Law is one of the best streams you can opt for after the 12th. Studying major high-scoring topics of UPSC, such as polity and governance, will be very easy for you. It sharpens critical thinking, debating, and analytical skills, which are essential for Prelims and Mains. But, you must put extra effort into geography and essay writing.

Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech)

Historically, a significant number of UPSC toppers have come from engineering backgrounds. For instance, from 2016 to 2020, most top rankers were engineers, indicating a trend where engineering graduates excelled in this competitive examination.

However, recent results have shown a diversification in top ranks, with graduates from humanities backgrounds also performing exceptionally well.

Does a Specific Degree Guarantee IAS Success?

No, the specific degree does not guarantee success in the IAS exam. Success primarily depends on the quality of preparation rather than the degree itself.

However, many UPSC aspirants choose a BA degree as its syllabus closely aligns with the UPSC curriculum. BA degree enables aspirants to easily balance their degrees and UPSC preparation. For example, Ansar Shaikh, the youngest IAS in India, holds a BA degree. 

Many students admire officers like Ansar Shaikh, the youngest IAS,  and follow their path blindly, believing BA is the only guaranteed path to an IAS post. Due to this, aspirants opt for BA even when they genuinely do not want to. 

This poor decision-making badly affects both their BA studies and UPSC preparation. Also, unfortunately, apart from teaching & research, there are not many job opportunities available in India for BA degree holders.

As mentioned above, the syllabus and the pattern of UPSC are very dynamic, and current affairs also have a considerable weight. Therefore, some degrees, such as a BA, can provide some advantages but do not guarantee success. Your preparation is the only thing that can guarantee you success.

Here is the list of some of the UPSC toppers with their degree - 

Ishita Kishore –   Bacher of Arts in Economics (BA)

Dr. Shena Aggarwal –  MBBS from AIIMS, New Delhi.

Kanishak Kataria –   B.Tech in Computer Science (B. Tech)

Donuru Ananya Reddy –   Bachelor of Science in Geography (B.Sc)

Garima Lohia –   Bachelor's degree in Commerce (B.Com)

This list clearly shows that your degree does not matter in the UPSC journey. It’s your efforts and hard work that make the difference. 

Seven Factors You Need to Consider When Choosing a Degree for UPSC Preparation

Now, here are some factors you can consider while choosing the UG degree, keeping your IAS goal in mind. 

1. Your Interest in the Subject

Choose a degree that genuinely interests you because your interest will keep you motivated and engaged throughout your UPSC journey.

2. Overlap with UPSC Syllabus

Opt for a degree with subjects that overlap with the UPSC syllabus, as it minimizes your preparation efforts and helps you build a strong foundation.

3. Future Career Opportunities:

While aiming for IAS, selecting a degree that offers stable backup career options is essential, ensuring long-term security. The degree should work as a plan B for you, as the success rate in the UPSC exam is only around 2%.

4. Resource Availability:

Ensure your degree program provides access to relevant study materials, coaching, or mentors who can guide your UPSC preparation.

5. Study Workload Flexibility:

A degree with manageable coursework allows you to dedicate time to self-study and UPSC preparation without feeling overburdened. Nowadays, many students prefer Online or Distance graduation over traditional learning, as online learning offers more flexibility and is cost-effective.

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6. Relevance of Optional Subjects:

Choose a degree that aligns with high-scoring UPSC optional subjects, such as Political Science, History, or Economics, for a strategic advantage.

7. Exposure to Current Affairs:

A degree encouraging awareness of social, political, or economic issues naturally integrates UPSC-relevant knowledge into your studies.

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With our academic advisors' unbiased and FREE recommendations, you can significantly increase your chances of becoming an IAS officer. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which stream/ degree is best for becoming an IAS officer?

A: The best degree aligns with your interests and overlaps with the UPSC syllabus, like a BA in Political Science or History. However, success depends on preparation, not just the degree.

Q2: How do I become IAS after the 12th?

A: After the 12th, complete a bachelor's degree from a recognized university, as it's the minimum eligibility for UPSC. Start building your knowledge of current affairs and the UPSC syllabus early.

Q3: Which college is best for IAS after the 12th?

A: No specific college guarantees success in IAS. However, reputed institutions like Delhi University and JNU are famous for their courses and resources, which align with the UPSC syllabus.

Q4: Is BSc good for IAS?

A: Yes, a BSc can be good for IAS preparation, especially if you excel in science subjects. However, you’ll need to make an extra effort to cover the humanities topics required for UPSC.

Q5: What is the salary of IAS?

A: An IAS officer's basic starting salary is approximately ?56,100 per month, excluding allowances. With experience, it can exceed ?2.5 lakh per month for senior positions.