Civil Servant (IAS/PCS)

There is no objective answer to this question. It depends on various factors which are beyond the control of the candidates. Every year is different and so the UPSC Prelims question paper. The Commission does not mention the weightage to any section and can ask any number of questions from any section. This is the reason, the candidates find it difficult to predict the questions and the difficulty level is also a subjective factor.

None the less, we can say Good attempts vary by subject. For instance, in the General Studies Paper I, good attempts might be:

• Geography: 10-13 questions
• History: 8-12 questions
• Polity: 9-11 questions
• Environment: 6-10 questions

Provided that the candidates is able to answer the above questions correctly.

In the initial stages of CA careers while working in the private sector, especially with top firms or multinational corporations, often starts with a higher salary package compared to an entry-level IAS officer. External reports suggest that the average starting salary for a CA can range from INR 6 to INR 10 Lacs per annum, and even higher in Big 4 firms. The starting salary for an IAS officer, as per the 7th Pay Commission, begins at aprrox. INR 56,000 per month, which translates to roughly INR 6.7 Lacs per annum, excluding allowances.  

Hence, from a monetary perspective, a well-placed and experienced CA in the private sector generally has the potential to earn more than an IAS officer.