In India, the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations for recruitment to various civil services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and several other central government services.
Typically, candidates appear for the Civil Services Examination after completing their graduation, as the eligibility criteria require a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. However, there are certain entry points into the civil services for candidates who have completed their 12th standard education:
- NDA Examination: The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is conducted by the UPSC for admission to the Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the NDA for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme. Candidates who have completed their 12th standard or equivalent education can apply for this examination. Successful candidates undergo training at the NDA and later may have the opportunity to appear for the civil services examination during their service.
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination: The CDS examination is conducted by the UPSC for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers Training Academy (OTA). Candidates who have completed their 12th standard education can apply for the Indian Naval Academy, and those who have completed their graduation can apply for the other academies.
While these are avenues for joining government services after completing the 12th standard, candidates interested in appearing for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC typically pursue their graduation before attempting the examination due to the eligibility criteria. However, it’s essential to note that early preparation, strong academic foundation, and participation in extracurricular activities can contribute positively to one’s eligibility and performance in competitive examinations like the Civil Services.