The posting of a collector has its reputation and respect through ages. Yearly lakhs and lakhs of candidates aspire and dream to become a collector by clearing the UPSC Civil Services exam. A District Collector is often known as an IAS Officer. A collector is responsible for managing an entire district, maintaining law and order, and to collect revenue. A Collector is a Central Government official who holds the topmost position in a State and maintains the entire administration of the State. Although a Collector is appointed and placed by the Central Government, it is the State Government that supervises the functioning and roles of the Collector. Many candidates have the question of how to become a collector after completing 12th, this article will throw light on all the information regarding the ways to become a collector.

The article highlights on the following with regards to how to become a collector after completing 12th,

• The education and skill set required by the candidate to become a collector.
• A detailed view on the job description and the responsibilities of the collector.
• Steps that the candidates must follow to become a collector.
• A further insight to career advancements and opportunities after becoming a collector.

How to Become Collector After 12th?

The minimum qualification necessary to become a Collector is Graduation from a recognized and eligible University, Candidates can complete their Graduation Degree in any preferred stream (Arts/ Science/Commerce) to become a District Collector. Candidates who are wondering about how to become a Collector after completing 12th must know that one can only become a collector after a successful graduation from a recognized Institute. 

But candidates can start the exam preparations right after the 12th board exams by reading relevant books, newspapers and by keeping oneself updated and knowledgeable with current affairs. Candidates can also start reading NCERT books for History, Environment and Social Science as they take up a major part. It is important to keep oneself updated with current affairs by reading newspapers and must also have a wide knowledge in International Relations, Economy and Constitution of India.

Check out UPSC 2023 Topper List here.

Educational Qualification and Skills Required to Become a Collector 

Candidates must be aware of the academic qualifications that they should possess in order to become a collector. Candidates can check out the list mentioned below for the educational qualification for candidates who are thinking of how to become a collector after completing 12th,

• Candidates must have completed their Bachelor’s Degree exam in any of their preferred streams (Arts/Science/Commerce) from a recognized University. 
• Candidates appearing for the final year of Graduation exams are also eligible for the Prelims exam. However, to appear for the UPSC Mains exam, candidates must pass Graduation.
• Candidates who have completed Graduation through the Distance Learning program can also apply.
• Working professionals can also apply for the role of a collector provided they meet the desired age limit.
• Candidates who have a ICAI/ICSI/ any technical qualification can also apply for the UPSC exams.

How to Become Collector with UPSC (Civil Services Exam)?

There are 3 steps to becominng a Collector. These are Preliminary( Prelims) or the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), Mains and Interview. You have to qualify all the 3 steps to become a Collector.

Prelims Exam

The Prelims Exam has 2 papers- General Studies I and General Studies II.

General Studies I paper has objective type questions consisting of 200 marks. The Paper has a time duration of 2 hours. The total number of questions the candidate needs to attempt is 100. There is a negative marking of 0.33 marks for each wrong answer.

General Studies paper II has objective-type questions of 200 marks. The duration of the Paper is 2 hours and has objective-type questions. The total number of questions is 80.There is a negative marking of 0.33 marks for each wrong attempt.

Mains Exam

Candidates who qualify the Prelims exam must verify documents on the UPSC website. 

The Mains exam consists of 9 papers and the total marks is 1750. There are a total of 9 papers with subjective questions. Out of these, 7 Papers are compulsory and 2 Language Papers are optional. One Optional Paper is English and candidates can choose the other Paper. 

Interview

Candidates who qualify the Mains exam successfully with top ranks will be called for the Interview. Around 2500 candidates will be called for the Interview round(depends on the number of vacancies). The Interview round is for 275 marks and will be added to the final cut off list. Candidates who are thinking how to become a Collector after completing 12th, it is mandatory to qualify the Interview round.

Candidates can make use of the UPSC Civil Services Mock Tests offered by Testbook to clear the rounds at ease!

Job Description and Responsibilities of a Collector

The collector governs the entire happenings in the state. The responsibilities of a collector are vast, some of the responsibilities are mentioned below,

• A collector maintains law and order in the District.
• Tax and revenue collection of a district is controlled by a collector.
• Act as the Chief Development Officer of the District (CDO) and Grievance Redressal Officer.
• Act as the Rural development and Human Resource Development Officer of a District.
• Manage the Election process of the State Legislature.
• The collector acts as the Officer in charge in times of Emergency.
• Play an important role in the disaster and crisis management of the particular State.
• Implement land reforms and look after the well being of the farmers.

Also learn the Difference Between District Collector And District Magistrate here!

We hope that this article concerning how to become a collector after completing 12th was impressive and informative for the preparation of a competitive exam. For similar content, information and updates on the same exam and other competitive exams, aspirants can install our Testbook App dedicated for all types of exam updates, and mock tests to start their online coaching with us.