SDM (Sub Divisional Magistrate) is higher rank officer of Indian State Administrative Services. It’s duty of SDM to preserve law and order, receive revenue, and enforcement of government policy at sub-divisional level of district.
Privilege job isn’t just doing to become an SDM, but do good at grass-root level
🎓Prescribed Educational Qualification
You are required to have the recommended educational qualification at the beginning of your working life as an SDM
✅ Minimum Requirements:
Graduation in any good university in any stream
The students can opt for Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, or any other option stream.
It is not a specific subject, but General Studies, Indian Polity, History, and Current Affairs will prove useful later while providing the examination.
ðŸ§How to be an SDM in India?
There are mainly two ways through which you can be an SDM:
1. UPSC Civil Services Exam (IAS)
Step 1: Simply go and report and submit the application form for UPSC Civil Services Exam.
Step 2: Clear Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.
Step 3: You get a high rank so that you will get deputed in Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Step 4: You become Assistant Collector or SDM after successfully clearing training in your cadre.
Note: IAS officers become SDMs generally after a couple of years of service years.
2. State Public Service Commission (PCS/State Civil Services)
There is a State Civil Service Exam in each Indian state (e.g., UPPSC, MPPSC, BPSC, RPSC).
Step 1: Clear your respective State Civil Service Exam.
Step 2: You will clear all three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Step 3: You will be a Deputy Collector or SDM, as per state law, if you are selected high enough.
This is the quickest way to become an SDM without having to become an IAS officer first.
Age Limit and Attempts
📅 Age Limit and Attempts
| Category | Age Limit | Number of Attempts |
| General | 21–32 years | 6 (UPSC) |
| OBC | 21–35 years | 9 |
| SC/ST | 21–37 years | Unlimited |
Overview of Syllabus for Civil Services Exams
- General Studies (Polity, Geography, History, Economy)
- Current Affairs
- Aptitude and Logical Reasoning
- Optional Subject (for Mains)
- Essay Writing
- Interview Personality Test
- Training and Posting
After being selected
- You are trained at LBSNAA (if you belong to IAS cadre) or State Training Institute (if you belong to State Civil Services cadre).
- You are posted as SDM or officer of the same rank.
- Qualifications needed to become an SDM
- Decision-making skills and leadership
- Administrative skill and legal knowledge
- Effective communication and empathy skills
- Public policy and governance skills
Conclusion: Why SDM is a Career Worth Pursuing
SDM is not sitting for—an exam, that is—it’s becoming a part of an institution that gets to make contact with human beings themselves. If change, leadership, or justice fuels your passion, the SDM career provides one of the toughest in public service to offer.
The dream is within reach with dedication, proper training, and determination.
