Indian Administrative Service (IAS), one of the most honorable federal government jobs, is considered by many as an elitist career option. IAS is known for its rigorous qualification process, lengthy training period, and low pay. However, it’s also an unquestionable option for those who are passionate about public service and willing to put in the required time to make a difference.
The Indian bureaucracy has been ranked the most valued profession in India by a recent survey. Also, the IAS has consistently been rated as one of the most attractive government jobs globally across various surveys over the years.
Therefore, it’s no wonder that so many youths aspire to become an IAS officer or take up other opportunities available with the Indian civil services examination. Here’s everything you need to know about being an IAS officer in India and what kind of job opportunities there are for young aspiring candidates in general and women in particular.
What Does An IAS Officer Do?
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a career option for those who want to pursue a career in the Indian Government and serve the country. It is an elite, prestigious service that offers all the perks of a career in public services, like accommodation, salary and allowances, pension, leave, and many more.
It is the third-highest service after the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The IAS officers are appointed by the President of India and work under his/her administrative supervision. The officers are recruited, selected, and appointed by the UPSC courses or by the respective state Public Service Commissions after going through a rigorous examination and interviews.
What Can An IAS Officer Do for The Society?
IAS officers can serve society in a variety of ways. They can be very involved with their local community and help in improving their living and social conditions. They can be actively involved in improving the infrastructure and services in their area.
They can also be involved in the government-citizen interface or even help in making government services accessible to the underprivileged.
Reasons To Become An IAS Officer
The IAS is one of the most prestigious government jobs in India. If one is interested in a career in public service, the IAS is a great option. Moreover, if one is interested in a career in Indian civil services, the IAS is the only option for direct entry. It is ranked third in terms of the highest respect and is highly regarded as the best government job in India.
In addition to the prestige, the IAS is also very well-paid and comes with great benefits and career prospects. The IAS can be a very interesting job for someone who loves public service and wants to make a difference. The job offers great career prospects and allows you to serve the nation in a variety of ways. Moreover, the Indian bureaucracy has been ranked the most valued profession in India by a recent survey.
Steps To Become An IAS Officer
The IAS is considered one of the most prestigious government jobs in India. However, it is not easy to enter this service. You need to go through a rigorous examination and be selected for the IAS. You can also apply for the IAS through the state service entrance examination. If you want to get into IAS as a state servant, you need to qualify for the UPSC exam.
The IAS examination, which is cleared through UPSC prelims online classes, is considered one of the toughest examinations in the world. It is a three-day test covering various subjects from economics to politics and even some non-related subjects like history or geography. The examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Role of an IAS Officer: Field Assignments
When compared to other tasks, field assignments are thought to be the most challenging. The following are some of the IAS jobs and duties related to field assignments:
- Managing government affairs, including the creation, application, and evaluation of policies.
- All functions are discussed with various departments and elected officials.
- Managing and allocating different central government money for different programs.
- Monitoring the execution of several government programs and initiatives.
- Giving timely aid in emergencies like riots, severe accidents, and natural catastrophes.
IAS officers are typically assigned to the field for their initial posting. Field postings for IAS officers often stop at the district level.
IAS Salary: Civil Service Officers Get More Benefits
Following the 7th Central Pay Commission, the minimum wage for IAS officers is INR 56,100. Furthermore, a cabinet secretary currently earns INR 2.5 lakh per month. Aside from the excellent IAS Salary, government officials have access to the following benefits:
- A public housing facility with a subsidy facility.
- Other staff members and security, depending on the scenario and requirement.
- Internet, phone, and mobile phone expenses are reimbursed for IAS officers.
- Household assistance, such as chefs and gardeners, is available.
- While on the job, IAS officers are not required to pay any fees to stay in government hotels or bungalows.
Being an IAS officer is unquestionably a huge accomplishment in one’s life because it allows officials to handle the government’s day-to-day operations. IAS officials are in charge of a wide range of responsibilities, from developing new policies to overseeing specific departmental activities. Students must develop a study strategy and follow the best IAS preparation advice in order to improve their performance in the upcoming IAS 2021 exam.
Conclusion
The Indian bureaucracy has been ranked the most valued profession in India by a recent survey. It is also considered one of the most prestigious government jobs in the world. If you are interested in a career in the Indian Government, the IAS is a great option. Besides, it is also very well paid and comes with great benefits and career prospects.
FAQs
- What are the key responsibilities of an IAS officer?
An IAS officer is responsible for implementing government policies and programs, managing public administration, and ensuring good governance at the state and central levels. They also play a key role in developing their respective states or regions and are often involved in important decision-making processes.
- What is the future growth prospects of an IAS officer?
The future growth prospects of an IAS officer are very good. As they progress in their career, they have the opportunity to take on higher levels of responsibilities and positions within the government. IAS officers typically start as Assistant Collectors and then move on to positions such as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, District Magistrate, Commissioner, Secretary, and finally to the level of Chief Secretary or Secretary to the Government of India.
Along the way, they also have opportunities to specialize in areas such as finance, agriculture, industry, or rural development. They may also be posted to prestigious international assignments, represent India at international forums, or work in organizations such as the World Bank or the United Nations.
- What kind of format does the IAS Preliminary Exam follow?
General Studies (GS) and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) are the two objective-type examinations that make up the IAS Preliminary Exam (CSAT). Knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, economics, politics, and science are tested on the GS. The CSAT assesses a person’s ability to reason, comprehend, make decisions, and solve problems. Each paper carries 200 points and lasts for two hours. A minimum of 40% in GS and 35% for students from the reserved category are needed to qualify for the Main Exam. The ranking is based on CSAT scores; however, Main Exam eligibility is not determined by CSAT scores. Shortlisting applicants for the Main Exam is the goal of the Preliminary Exam. You can see the most recent official revisions to the pattern and curriculum on the UPSC website.
- What is the eligibility criteria for the IAS examination?
To be eligible to appear for the IAS examination, a candidate must be a citizen of India, have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, and be between the ages of 21 and 32 years.
