What Is the Right Age to Start Preparing for the IAS Exam? A Complete Guide for UPSC Aspirants from School

Have you ever dreamed of becoming an IAS officer? Many students think about it at some point, but often don’t know when to start preparing. Should you begin in school? After Class 12? Or during college?

Let’s break it down so you can figure out the best time to start your UPSC journey.

When Is the Best Time to Start UPSC Preparation?

There is no single “perfect” age to begin preparing for the IAS exam. The right time depends on your personal readiness, interest, and ability to stay committed. 

However, most experts and toppers say that the best time to start is between 18 and 21 years old, usually when you're in Class 12 or the first year of college.

But what if you're still in school? Good news, you can start building your foundation even earlier!

Can You Start Preparing in School?

Yes! Many successful IAS officers began their journey in school, especially in Class 11 or 12. At this stage, you can start preparing in small but smart ways.

What You Can Do:

• Read NCERT books from Classes 6 to 12 (History, Geography, Politics, and Economics).
• Start reading newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express to stay updated on current events.
• Practice writing essays or answers to improve your thinking and writing skills.
• Make simple notes for quick revision later.
• Use weekends and holidays to explore UPSC topics or attempt basic quizzes.

Why Starting in School Helps:

• You can build a strong base early.
• It helps develop good habits like time management and consistent reading.
• You get more chances to attempt the exam before the upper age limit.

Is It Too Late to Start in College or Later?

Not at all. Many aspirants start preparing during or after graduation, and still crack the exam. Starting later can sometimes mean better focus and maturity.

The key is how serious, consistent, and well-planned your approach is.

Which Class Is Best to Start UPSC Preparation?

• Ideal age: 18–21 years old (college years are best)
• Minimum age to appear for the exam: 21 years
• Start in school: If you can, begin with basics in Class 11 or earlier
• Start in college: A great time to go deeper into UPSC prep
• Start later: Still possible! With the right effort, success is achievable at any age

Junior IAS: Start Your Child’s IAS Journey Early

There’s no fixed rule. The best time to start preparing for the IAS exam is when you’re mentally ready and committed. Whether you're in school, college, or even working, success in UPSC comes from consistent efforts, smart planning, and self-discipline.

Does your child dream of becoming an IAS officer someday? 

Our Junior IAS course is the perfect place to begin!

Designed for students from Classes 6 to 10, this course builds a strong base for future IAS preparation in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate way. It helps children develop important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and awareness of current events, all while keeping the learning process exciting.

From reasoning and basic maths to social science and general knowledge, our expert-led sessions use interactive methods and activities to make learning easy and enjoyable.

Give your child a head start toward a bright future in civil services. Enroll in the Junior IAS course today at Interval Learning!