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The Indian Economic Service (IES) exam is a highly competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. The IES exam is conducted to recruit professionals for the Indian Economic Service, which is a Group A service of the Government of India. The candidates appearing for this examination need to first clear a written test. The students who pass the test will have to sit for an interview to be selected successfully.
The Indian Economic Service exam fulfils a student’s ambitions of achieving professional dignity in addition to giving them access to economic engagement and policy-making. In this guide, we provide all the essential details for the IES Exam 2025, including eligibility, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, and more.
Contents
- 1 What is the Indian Economic Service (IES) Exam?
- 2 Important Dates for IES Exam 2025
- 3 Eligibility Criteria for IES Exam 2025
- 4 IES Application Form 2025
- 5 Indian Economic Service Exam Pattern 2025
- 6 IES Syllabus 2025
- 7 IES Best Books to Prepare
- 8 Indian Economic Service Admit Card
- 9 Indian Economic Service Mock Test
- 10 IES Results 2025
- 11 Indian Economic Service Salary
- 12 FAQs
What is the Indian Economic Service (IES) Exam?
Introduced under the vision of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the IES is a Group A administrative service under the Central Civil Services of India. IES officers play a critical role in shaping economic policies, advising on social and economic sectors, and ensuring policy continuity.
The IES officers work in key bodies like the NITI Aayog, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and National Sample Survey, with opportunities for deputation to international organizations like the UN.
Roles and Responsibilities of IES Officers
Various roles and responsibilities of IES officers contribute significantly to the development and functioning of the nation’s infrastructure and technical systems. Here are the essential roles and responsibilities of IES officers:
- Formulate and implement economic policies and programs.
- Provide economic analysis and advice to ministries and departments.
- Work in cadre posts or on deputation to state governments, regulatory bodies, or international organizations.
- Contribute to economic planning in areas like finance, trade, and social development.
- Potential to rise to senior positions, such as Secretary to the Government of India.
Here are the Key Highlights of the IES exam:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | Indian Economic Service (IES) / Indian Statistical Service (ISS) |
| Conducted by | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Days (June 20–22, 2025) |
| Vacancies | IES: 12 (approx.), ISS: 35 (approx.) |
| Test Centers | 19 across India |
| Expected Registrations | Over 2 lakh |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates for IES Exam 2025
The UPSC has released the official schedule for the IES/ISS Exam 2025. The essential dates for the Indian Economic Service Exam are given below in a table format. Students who are appearing for the IES exam can refer to the date schedule.
- Notification Release: February 12, 2025
- Application Window: February 12, 2025 – March 4, 2025 (until 6:00 PM)
- Admit Card Release: June 10, 2025 (tentative)
- Exam Dates: June 20–22, 2025
- Result Declaration: August 2025 (tentative)
- Interview/Personality Test: September 2025 (tentative)
- Final Result: October 2025 (tentative)
Stay updated by regularly checking UPSC’s official website or Careerindia for the latest announcements.
Also Read: List of SSC Exams
Eligibility Criteria for IES Exam 2025
Candidates who wish to apply for the Indian Economic Service exam must know the eligibility criteria before applying for the entrance exam. All females, males, and transgender individuals can apply for the Indian Economic Service Exam. The eligibility criteria are mentioned below:
Age Limit (as of August 1, 2025)
- The candidates applying for IES must be between 21 to 30 years of age.
- Students belonging to the SC/ST castes will get a five-year relaxation.
- Students belonging to the OBC castes will get a three-year relaxation.
- A special ten-year age relaxation will be given to students who belong to benchmark disabilities.
Nationality
- Any Indian National and subjects of Nepal and Bhutan can apply for posts in the Indian Economic Service.
- They need to show nationality proof at the time of document verification or when submitting an application form.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates applying for the IES must have obtained their post-graduation degree from a recognized university in any of the following fields:
- Economics
- Business economics
- Econometrics
- Applied Economics
The degree must be from a recognized university in India (under the UGC Act, 1956) or an approved foreign university.
IES Application Form 2025
The application form for the Indian Economic Service (IES) exam was officially released on the website of UPSC on February 12, 2025. The deadline to fill out the application form was March 4, 2025. The applicants are required to pay an application fee of INR 200. The candidates must know that the application fee is non-refundable.
Steps to Apply for IES
The application process for the IES exam is online via upsconline.gov.in. Follow these steps to apply for IES exam:
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Register on the UPSC OTR platform using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill Application Form: Log in with OTR credentials, select IES/ISS Exam 2025, and complete the form with personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN).
- Pay Application Fee: The application fee for the IES registration form is INR 200 (exempt for SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates). Candidates can pay fees via online modes (credit/debit card, net banking) or offline (SBI bank challan).
- Submit and Save: Review the form, submit it, and save the confirmation for reference.
Indian Economic Service Exam Pattern 2025
The candidates applying for the IES exam must be aware of the exam pattern to score better. Knowing the exam pattern is a crucial aspect of any entrance test as it determines the fairness, validity, and reliability of the exam, and helps the test-takers to prepare and perform well.
The Indian Economic Service is a written exam for a duration of three hours. Students can refer to the exam pattern given below:
| Subject | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| General English | 100 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| General Studies | 100 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| General Economics-I | 200 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| General Economics-II | 200 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| General Economics-III | 200 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| Indian Economics | 200 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| Total | 1000 |
- Exam Dates: June 20–22, 2025 (see schedule below).
- Viva Voce: 200 marks, conducted for candidates who clear the written exam.
- Number of Attempts: General (6), OBC (9), SC/ST (unlimited, if eligible).
IES Exam Schedule
| Date | Subject | Time |
|---|---|---|
| June 20, 2025 | General English | 9 AM–12 PM |
| June 20, 2025 | General Studies | 2 PM–5 PM |
| June 21, 2025 | General Economics-I | 9 AM–12 PM |
| June 21, 2025 | General Economics-II | 2 PM–5 PM |
| June 22, 2025 | General Economics-III | 9 AM–12 PM |
| June 22, 2025 | Indian Economics | 2 PM–5 PM |
IES Syllabus 2025
The IES syllabus 2025 is set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Knowing the syllabus for the exam is an essential component for ensuring that candidates have a fair and comprehensive understanding of the knowledge and skills required for the test.
The subjects that come under the IES Syllabus are mentioned below:
- General English: Essay writing, comprehension, précis, grammar, and vocabulary.
- General Studies: Current affairs, Indian polity, history, geography, environment, and general science.
- General Economics-I: Theory of consumer demand, production, market structures, welfare economics, and quantitative methods.
- General Economics-II: Economic thought, monetary theory, trade, and financial economics.
- General Economics-III: Public finance, environmental economics, industrial economics, and growth theories.
- Indian Economics: Indian economic development, planning, agriculture, industry, trade, and economic reforms.
IES Best Books to Prepare
The students appearing for the IES exam must refer to the books given below while preparing for their examinations. The books are easily available in offline or online markets. Candidates can get it easily.
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author/ Publisher |
| Kalinga Economics | Kalinga |
| Principles of Microeconomics | H. L. Ahuja |
| Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh |
| Programmed Statistics | B. L. Agarwal |
| Indian Economy since Independence | Uma Kapila |
Indian Economic Service Admit Card
The IES admit card was released on May 28, 2025. It is usually released by the UPSC IES a week or two before the scheduled exam. Candidates who are appearing for the IES 2025 must have a copy of their admit card. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The candidates must know that without the admit card, they will not be allowed to sit for the examination. All candidates must carry their admit cards to the examination centre.
Indian Economic Service Mock Test
Practising IES mock test papers before the actual exam helps the candidates understand the pattern of the exam. It will give them a clear idea of the exam that they will appear for. Mock tests are a great way to assess how well you are prepared for the actual exam.
Taking a mock test can give you an idea of your strengths and weaknesses, and help you focus on the areas where you need to improve. It also helps in improving time management skills. By taking mock tests, you can practice pacing yourself and learn how to manage your time effectively.
IES Results 2025
The IES written exam result 2025 is expected to be declared in August 2025. Further, the final result (after the Interview) is expected to be in October 2025. Keep in mind that you have to keep the credentials handy at the time of checking the scorecard of IES 2025.
Must Read: English for Competitive Exams
Indian Economic Service Salary
IES officers enjoy competitive salaries and prestigious postings. However, there are different salaries for different posts of the Indian Economic Service. The salary details for the IES officers are given below in a tabular form.
| Post | Salary (per month) |
|---|---|
| Junior Time Scale (Assistant Director/Research Officer) | INR 56,100–1,77,500 |
| Senior Time Scale (Deputy Director/Assistant Economic Adviser) | INR 67,700–2,08,700 |
| Junior Administrative Grade (Deputy Economic Advisor) | INR 78,800–2,09,200 |
| Senior Administrative Grade (Economic Advisor) | INR 1,23,100–2,15,900 |
| Higher Administrative Grade (Senior Adviser/Principal Officer) | INR 1,82,200–2,24,100 |
The IES Exam 2025 is a gateway to a rewarding career in economic policymaking. With a clear understanding of the eligibility, application process, exam pattern, and syllabus, candidates can prepare effectively. Stay focused, practice regularly, and keep track of updates on upsc.gov.in.
FAQs
The Indian Economic Service (IES) Exam, conducted by UPSC, recruits Group A officers to formulate and implement economic policies in India. Held annually, it includes a 1000-mark written exam (six papers) and a 200-mark interview. IES officers work in ministries, shaping economic and social sectors, with opportunities in international organizations.
The candidates applying for IES must be aged between 21–30 years (as of August 1, 2025) with a postgraduate degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, or Econometrics from a recognized university, and are eligible. Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or specific migrants qualify. Age relaxations apply: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and 10 years for PwBD.
The IES Exam is highly competitive, with around 5,000 applicants for 12 vacancies annually. Its difficulty stems from a rigorous syllabus covering Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Indian Economics, requiring in-depth knowledge and analytical skills. The written exam and interview demand strong preparation, but with focused study and practice, candidates can succeed in 1–2 attempts.
General category candidates get 6 attempts, OBC candidates 9, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts, provided they meet eligibility criteria (age 21–30 years and required educational qualifications). Candidates in their final year of a qualifying postgraduate degree can also apply, provided they produce results before the interview.
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