As we all know, IAS exams are very challenging and at times, it takes many attempts to clear these exams. They are a pre-requisite to gain entry into one of the most prestigious career options available to the youth of today. Therefore, there is stiff competition in this field, and student's takes years to prepare for the IAS exams. These exams take place in stages, IAS prelims followed by IAS mains and finally the interview round. Those students who reach the interview round should consider themselves winners, as only a handful of candidates out of the strength of thousands are selected for the interview stage. The strict recruitment procedure and the low selection rate is due to the high demand of IAS as a career choice. The question papers of IAS exams are designed by a intellectual minds of the highly trained faculty of Union Public Service Commission. However, it is not impossible to clear these exams, which is evident from the number of recruitments in the IAS posts today. We need to work a little hard. Provided below are some major characteristics and some basic tips of IAS exam:

The IAS question paper consists of various standards of questions. Some of them are easy while others are very hard. Sample papers are the only solution to get used to the kind of questions asked.

IAS Prelims is the initial state. However, it should not be underestimated; many students are not able to clear this stage. The questions in the logic portion are very difficult.
CSAT questions require speed and accuracy which can be achieved through continuous practice.
Clearing the IAS mains prelims exam will lead you IAS mains exam, which is tougher. The question paper consists of essays, two optional papers, and one general studies paper.
IAS Mains contains two language paper which are important to clear, in order to reach the next stage. However, scores of these two papers will not be added in the final result.
Most importantly, keep in mind that both IAS prelims and IAS mains emphasize on current affairs questions and vocabulary. You have to excel in both the fields in order to score higher marks than others.

Once you are well prepared and keep in mind some basic tips about the question paper, you can score well in the IAS exam. Also note that, you do not get enough time to prepare for the IAS mains exam, after the Ias prelims exam result is declared, so during your preparation time give equal importance to IAS mains exam.