Becoming an IAS officer is the dream of thousands of UPSC aspirants across India. One of the most common questions students ask is: “Which rank is required for IAS in 2020?” Understanding the UPSC rank requirement helps aspirants set realistic goals and prepare strategically for the Civil Services Examination.
In this article, we will explain the IAS rank requirement for UPSC 2020, category-wise closing ranks, factors affecting rank allocation, and useful preparation tips for future aspirants.
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the most prestigious services allotted through the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Candidates are selected based on:
A candidate must secure a high All India Rank (AIR) to get IAS because it is usually the top preference among aspirants.
In UPSC Civil Services Examination 2020, the approximate last ranks allotted for IAS were:
| Category | Last Rank for IAS |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | Around AIR 92 |
| EWS | Around AIR 217 |
| OBC | Around AIR 289 |
| SC | Around AIR 418 |
| ST | Around AIR 650 |
These ranks may vary slightly depending on cadre allocation and preferences submitted by candidates.
The UPSC final rank is prepared based on the total marks obtained in:
2025 Marks
Candidates with higher scores receive better ranks and have a greater chance of getting IAS.
Several factors influence whether a candidate receives IAS service:
Reserved categories receive separate cut-offs and rank relaxations.
Candidates who place IAS as their first preference are considered first for IAS allocation.
The total IAS vacancies announced in a particular year impact the closing rank.
Certain cadres are more competitive and influence allocation.
Some of the top rank holders in UPSC 2020 included:
These candidates secured excellent marks in both Mains and Interview stages.
For General category candidates, securing a rank below 100 significantly improves the chances of getting IAS. However, reserved category candidates may get IAS at comparatively lower ranks due to reservation policies.
Still, aspirants should aim for the highest possible rank to improve cadre and service allocation opportunities.
Start with NCERT books for History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Science.
Read newspapers and monthly current affairs magazines regularly.
Daily answer writing improves speed, structure, and analytical thinking.
A strong optional subject score can greatly improve your rank.
Interview preparation plays a major role in boosting final marks.
Knowing the required IAS rank helps aspirants:
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is highly competitive, and securing an IAS rank requires consistent preparation, discipline, and smart strategy. In UPSC 2020, General category candidates typically required a rank within the top 100 for IAS allocation, while reserved category candidates had comparatively relaxed closing ranks.
Rather than focusing only on cut-offs, aspirants should aim to maximize their scores in every stage of the examination. With proper planning and dedication, achieving an IAS rank is absolutely possible.
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