The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a highly prestigious career option in the country and is the administrative arm of the All India Services. Every year lakhs of candidates apply for the UPSC recruitment which appoints IAS officers in various departments of the government of India.
It is one of the most sought after job profiles in the country and a dream of many to achieve. Along with respect and a dignified position, an IAS Officer is also appointed at a handsome pay scale, perks, allowances and various other benefits.For aspirants who are looking forward to applying for the UPSC exam in the coming years can learn more about the life of an IAS Officer discussed below in this article.
How To Become an IAS Officer?
The Union Public Service Commission conducts annual examinations, on qualifying the same candidates who are recruited at officer posts. The exam is divided into three stages:
- Prelims
- Mains
- Personality Test/ Interview
It is believed to be one of the toughest examinations conducted in the country and with just a few hundred vacancies released against lakhs of applicants, qualifying the exam is also a challenge.
Responsibilities
Much of the work involves an administrative charge of a district/area/department, policy formulation, policy implementation, heading PSUs, etc. Other responsibilities include:
- To take care of daily affairs of the government including forming and implementing policy after consulting the minister of the concerned ministry.
- At the district level, officers are mainly delegated with district affairs, including the implementation of developmental schemes.
- Supervision of implemented policies
IAS Posts
Given below is a list of posts at which an IAS officer can be appointed:
| Grade | Post |
| Junior or Lower Time Scale | Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), SDO, or Sub-Collector |
| Senior Time Scale | District Magistrate (DM) or Collector or a Joint Secretary of a Government Ministry |
| Junior Administrative | Special Secretary or the Head of Various Government Departments |
| Selection Grade | Secretary to a Ministry |
| Super Time Scale | Principal Secretary of a Very Important Department of the Government |
| Above Super Time Scale | Varies |
| Apex Scale | Chief Secretary of States, Union Secretaries in charge of various ministries of Government of India |
| Cabinet Secretary Grade | Cabinet Secretary of India |
At the beginning of the career the post of District Officer, variously known as District Magistrate, District Collector or Deputy Commissioner, is the most esteemed and distinguishable post held by the members of the service.
IAS Salary
The basic per month salary of an IAS Officer varies between Rs. 56,000/- to Rs.2,500,00/- based on the post and designation. This is exclusive of the perks and other allowances provided to the employee.It is set based on the 7th Pay Commission and there is a difference in the grade of pay of IAS officers from junior grade to above super time scale. The pay scale is one of the key features that attract candidates to opt for this job profile.
Preparation Strategy for UPSC Civil Services Examination
Considering the standard of examination and the tough competition, given below are a few tips for exam preparation:
- Analyse the syllabus and exam pattern and set a scheduled timetable and strategy which needs to be followed to the core
- Gather the most suitable and best study material, which should comprise books, previous year papers, written notes, magazines, newspapers, etc. Refer to official data for factually correct information
- Look for assistance/coaching, if the need be
- Solve mock tests for a better understanding of the paper and examination
- Read the newspaper on a daily basis. The Hindu and The Indian Express are highly recommended
- Do not make the preparation period stressful, rather devote some time regular to activities one enjoys and keep a healthy environment
Furthermore, candidates aspiring to join the Indian bureaucracy must kick start their preparation now to excel in the upcoming examinations. To know the IAS Salary in detail, visit the linked article.
