What Does IAS Officer Do? How To Become an IAS Officer?
What is IAS?
Indian Administrative Service is a top Group-A government administrative service of India, which is also known as IAS.
The primary responsibilities of IAS are policy formulation of state or country, maintaining law and order, implementation of government schemes, and ensuring effective governance.
Recruitment for IAS posts is done every year by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) through the Civil Services Examination (CSE).
This examination includes many posts, in which IAS is counted in the first grade.
This competition is considered one of the most prestigious exams in the country, which is conducted in three phases:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Main Examination (Mains)
- Interview
IAS Post Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
| Post Name | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer |
| Group | A (Gazetted) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Ministry | Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) |
| Pay Level | 10 |
| Basic Salary | ₹56,100 |
| Service Type | Central and State Governments |
| Job Location | All India Service |
| Nature of Work | Administrative, policymaking and leadership |
Eligibility Criteria for IAS
| Sr.No | Criteria | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nationality | Indian |
| 2 | Educational Qualification | Bachelor Degree |
| 3 | Age Limit (as of 1st August of the exam year) |
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| 4 | Number of Attempts |
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How to become IAS Officer?
1. Complete Graduation
First of all, you have to graduate from any stream or field. Graduation is a basic educational qualification; it is mandatory to be a graduate to appear for UPSC CSE.
2. Check Eligibility
Check eligibility by visiting the official website of UPSC.
3. Appear for UPSC CSE Examination
After graduation, you have to appear for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE).
- Give preliminary examination
- Wait for preliminary examination result
- Give main examination
- Appear for interview
- Wait for final result
- Acquire training
4. Cadre Allocation
After training is completed, the candidate's cadre is decided.
Why Choose IAS as a Career?
IAS (Indian Administrative Service) is a very important government service, which is also called the backbone of administration. Without an IAS officer, it is impossible to run a country or state. An IAS officer is the administrator of a district, under whose supervision all the work of the district is carried out.
In addition, any government decision taken by the government is implemented by the IAS.
IAS Officer Selection Process
IAS officers are selected primarily through a four-step UPSC examination.
After clearing the UPSC CSE examination, candidates are selected based on their final ranking and marks (Preliminary Examination, Main Examination + Interview). It is mandatory for candidates to clear all four phases to become an IAS.
About 900-1000 candidates who clear the UPSC exam are ranked, and the top 1-180 candidates, based on their preferences, are allotted the IAS (depending on annual vacancies and government requirements).
Additionally, the state cadre for the candidate is determined based on their rank and preferences, under which they are appointed to particular states or Union Territories.
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Main Exam
- Interview
- Training
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
The Preliminary Examination is the first phase of UPSC IAS. This phase is qualifying in nature, meaning its marks are not added to the final total, candidates just need to clear it. This stage is of 400 marks in total and consists of two papers, each of 200 marks with multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
2. Main Examination (Mains)
After clearing the Preliminary Examination, the candidate is selected for the Main Examination. The Main Examination is the second most important phase. This is crucial because its marks are added to the final total. The Main Examination comprises a total of 2625 marks, with 9 papers in total. Among these, 2 papers are qualifying, while the rest 7 are for merit ranking. The marks of the qualifying papers are not added to the final total; only the merit ranking papers marks are considered.
3. Interview
The Interview is the third phase of UPSC IAS. After clearing the Preliminary and Main exams, the candidate is called for an interview at Dholpur House, New Delhi. This phase carries a total of 270 marks, and in this, the candidate's personality is evaluated to determine whether they are suitable for the IAS post. If the candidate fails in the interview, they must start again from the Preliminary Examination.
4. Training
Training is the fourth and final phase of UPSC IAS. After the final result is announced, the All India Rank (with all categories) is prepared. The candidate whose rank falls within 1-180 is selected for the IAS. The selected IAS officers are then trained at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, before being appointed to various administrative roles across the country.
Posts under IAS
| Position | Posts |
|---|---|
| Entry Level |
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| District Level |
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| State Level |
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| Central Government Level |
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| International Position | India Representatives in United Nation |
| Municipal Position |
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| Election Commission |
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Powers of IAS Officer
1. Administrative Power
- Policy Implementation: Implementing government policies, schemes and programs at various administrative levels.
- District Administration: Managing and supervising all district level administrative functions as District Collector or District Magistrate.
- Coordination: Coordinating with different government departments and agencies.
2. Executive Power
- Law and Order: Maintaining law and order in the district. and serving as the head of the district police force in coordination with the Superintendent of Police (SP).
- Disaster Management: Lead disaster management including preparedness, response and rehabilitation.
- Public Grievance Redressal: Address and resolve public grievances.
3. Financial Power
- Budget Allocation: Oversee allocation and management of government funds for developmental projects and administrative functions.
- Revenue Collection: Supervises revenue collection such as land revenue, taxes and other governmental dues.
- Expenditure Control: Ensuring government expenditures are in line with budgetary provisions and financial rules.
4. Legal and Judicial Power
- Magisterial Function: Conducting inquiries issuing orders for maintaining public peace and adjudicating minor legal disputes.
- Enforcement: Enforce laws and regulations such as municipal laws, public health regulations and land use laws.
- Adjudication: Act as an appellate authority for administrative matters.
5. Developmental Power
- Planning and Development: Implementing developmental plans for infrastructure, health, education and rural development.
- Social Welfare: Oversee the implementation of social welfare schemes aimed at improving the living standards of marginalized communities.
- Urban and Rural Development: Planning urban and rural development initiatives.
6. Supervisory Power
- Personnel Management: Managing and supervising government staff such as recruitment, training, etc.
- Departmental Supervision: Supervising various government departments within their jurisdiction.
7. Regulatory Power
- Regulation Enforcement: compliance with regulations related to environment, trade, land use and public health.
- Licensing and Permits: Issue licenses and permits for various legal and regulatory frameworks.
8. Advisory Power
- Policy Advice: Advise elected representatives and higher officials on policy matter.
- Strategic Planning: Provide strategic insights for long-term planning and development at the district, state and national levels.
IAS Officer Salary Structure
| Rank | Position | Pay Level | Basic Salary (₹) | Allowence | Total Salary (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Scale (Entry-level) | Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) | 10 | ₹56,100 | Yes | ₹1,32,000 |
| Senior Time Scale | Deputy Collector | 11 | ₹67,700 | Yes | ₹160,000 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | District magistrate | 12 | ₹78,800 | Yes | ₹191,500 |
| Selection Grade | District magistrate | 13 | ₹1,18,500 | Yes | ₹214,100 |
| Super Time Scale | Divisional commissioner | 14 | ₹1,44,200 | Yes | ₹2,18,200 |
| Above Super Time Scale | Divisional commissioner | 15 | ₹1,82,200 | Yes | ₹224,100 |
| Apex Scale | Chief Secretary of States or Secretary in Central Government | 17 | ₹2,25,000 | No | ₹2,25,000 (Fixed) |
| Cabinet Secretary Grade | Cabinet Secretary of India (Highest position) | 18 | ₹2,50,000 | No | ₹2,50,000 (Fixed) |
Perks and Allowances for IAS Officer
- Salary Increment: Salaries increase with experience and promotion
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Dearness Allowance (DA) is a cost-of-living adjustment allowance paid to employees by the government. Its purpose is to ensure that the purchasing power of employees remains stable despite rising prices. Dearness allowance is given to them.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): The government gives HRA to those IAS officers who do not live in accommodation provided by the government.
- Travel Allowance (TA): The government gives traveling allowance to IAS officers to cover the expenses incurred during official travel.
- Medical Allowence: IAS officers and their families are given Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) by the government.
- Government House: IAS officers are given a house by the government to live in keeping in mind their rank and posting.
- Official Vehicle: The government provides official vehicles to IAS officers for inspections, meetings, field visits and traveling on administrative duties.
- Security: Being a high officer and government employee, IAS officer is given security by the government.
- Pension: After retirement of IAS officers the government provides them pension facility every month.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC): LTC allowance is given to IAS officers by the government to visit any destination or home town in India.
- Telephone and Internet Expenses: The officers are given additional expenses by the government for recharge and installation of telephone, mobile phone, internet.
- Study Leave: If an officer wants to pursue further studies then he is given study leave by the government.
- Special Duty Allowance: Special Duty Allowance is provided to IAS officers by the government to perform specific duties or tasks like crisis management, election duties, special administrative tasks, etc.
Interesting Facts about IAS
- During the British rule IAS was called Imperial Civil Service (ICS), which was renamed as IAS in 1947.
- Rabindranath Tagore's elder brother Satyendranath Tagore was India's first ICS (IAS) officer in 1863.
- ICS was established in 1858 during British rule. At that time the ICS was known as the "steel frame" of the British administration in India.
- During British rule the ICS was staffed primarily by British officers and its recruitment examinations were held in London but due to pressure from Indian leaders and the need for more effective governance the British government passed the Charter Act of 1853 and gradually indians were also given entry into this service but still Indians had to face obstacles and discrimination.
- The Constitution of India in 1950 provided the legal framework for the IAS.
- LBSNAA was established in 1959 for the training of IAS officers.
- A unique fact is that IAS officers are not selected by the public or politicians they are selected on the basis of merit through the tough examination of UPSC Civil Services.
- V.T. Krishnamachari, who was one of the senior civil servants in the transition from ICS to IAS.
- In 1951 Anna Rajam Malhotra became India's first woman IAS.
- There have been a total of 11,000 to 12,000 IAS in India from 1947 to 2023.
- Every year between 800,000 to 1,000,000 candidates sit for the civil services examination out of which only 180 candidates qualify for IAS, meaning out of 10 lakh candidates only 180 candidates are selected for IAS and its strike rate is only Is 0.018%.
Advantages of Being an IAS Officer
1. Top level government service
Serving as an IAS officer is a high-level administrative role in India, which offers significant responsibilities. IAS officers work closely with top government officials, ministers and chief ministers.
2. Leadership Role
An IAS officer leads the district, state and central level. At the district level IAS officers function as District Magistrates or Collectors who oversee administration, law and order and development. At the state level IAS officers hold key positions such as principal secretary and head of various departments. At the central level IAS officers serve as Secretaries to the Government of India.
3. Public Service
The job of an IAS officer is to implement the government policies and welfare schemes brought by the government, public infrastructure and services like health, education and sanitation while ensuring that the benefits reach the vulnerable populations.
4. Secure Service
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) once recruited gives a stable service till retirement. These services remain stable as long as their performance remains satisfactory.
5. Power
An IAS officer has more power than an IPS officer. An IAS officer works under the administrative structure of the state government, which has the responsibility of managing the entire district. In this, he oversees the security of the district, ban on illegal activities, maintenance of law and order, allocation of resources, working between police and various other departments for effective governance.
6. Respect
Being a district officer is a big thing in itself. It is possible when candidates reach this post on the basis of hard work. That is why IAS officers are respected by the society.
7. Salary
From training to retirement IAS officers are provided with good salary, security, retirement pension, dearness allowance, medical allowance, government accommodation, official vehicles and convoy, staff etc.
Disadvantages of Being an IAS Officer
1. Thoughest Competition
IAS is not like other exams. To become an IAS, a candidate has to work very hard. Every year lakhs of candidates appear for the UPSC IAS exam, but out of these lakhs, only a few get selected for IAS.
2. Transfers
Transfers of IAS officers are done by the Central Government and State Governments. These transfers are sometimes made due to the unsatisfactory work of the IAS officer or due to political parties making arrangements as per their own interests or for speaking against the government.
3. Stress
The job of an IAS officer is stressful, involving government meetings, field visits, paperwork, taking important decisions, resolving public issues, and extensive travel.
4. Risk of Legal Action
IAS officers face risks because of their decision-making roles. Good or bad decisions sometimes have unexpected consequences, due to which officials may face lawsuits, inquiries, bans on illegal activities, instructions to arrest criminal mafias, political revenge, threats, etc.
5. Emergency Situation Management
Many times, IAS officers have to handle emergency situations where they must take quick decisions for crisis management. These crises can include riots, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks. For example, during the 2013 Uttarakhand flood, which caused severe devastation, many people lost their lives and government property was damaged.
6. Limited Personal Time
Due to the roles and responsibilities of IAS officers, they have very little personal time. As a result, they are not able to do everything they used to do before becoming an IAS officer. They have limited time for their family and personal life.
IAS FAQ
An IAS officer (Indian Administrative Service officer) is a top-ranking civil servant in the Indian government who helps in administration, policy-making, and governance at the central, state, and district levels.
An IAS officer's duties include:
- Implementing government policies
- Managing day-to-day administration
- Supervising law and order and development work
- Holding key positions like District Collector, Secretary, or Commissioner
The basic starting salary of an IAS officer is around ₹56,100 per month (Level 10), excluding allowances. With promotions, it can go up to ₹2,50,000 per month (Cabinet Secretary level).
IAS is a service.
DM (District Magistrate) is a post usually held by an IAS officer in a district. So, a DM is an IAS officer posted as the head of district administration.
No, IAS officers do not wear police uniforms. Only IPS officers (Indian Police Service) wear uniforms. IAS officers wear formal civil dress.
The highest post in the IAS is Cabinet Secretary of India, who is the top-most civil servant and directly reports to the Prime Minister.
Yes, it can be. IAS officers face heavy responsibilities, political pressure, long working hours, and handling crises, making it a high-pressure job.
Technically, IAS is the service, and DM is a position held by an IAS officer. So, IAS is the broader rank, and DM is one of the powerful posts an IAS officer can hold at the district level.