In this article, I am providing information about the career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). I am giving detailed information on how you can join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), what the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is like, and what posts are available in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
To join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), you need to pass the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. The UPSC exam is known as one of the most difficult exams in India. Every year, approximately 8-10 lakh students from across India fill out the application form for this exam. Among the services offered by the UPSC, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) holds the highest priority and prestige. This is followed by the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Foreign Service.
The Union Public Service Commission includes many services, approximately 28 in total, such as the Indian Forest Service, Indian Railway Services, Group B services, etc. However, there is the most competition among students for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in the UPSC exam. Approximately 150 to 180 posts are available every year for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
How you can join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) –
First and foremost, you will have to pass the Union Public Service Commission exam. There are four main stages of the eligibility test for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS): 1. Preliminary Examination, 2. Main Examination 3. Interview 4. Medical Examination and Document Verification. The document verification process is now much stricter than before.
The preliminary examination of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) consists of two papers: 1. General Studies 2. Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Of these, the first paper, the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), is evaluated first. Only if you pass the CSAT paper will your General Studies Paper 1 be evaluated. If a student fails the CSAT paper (Paper 2), their General Studies Paper 1 will not be evaluated.
Therefore, do not take the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) paper lightly. The Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) paper primarily consists of questions on basic mathematics, reasoning, aptitude, and English comprehension. The IAS preliminary exam paper is available in only two languages: Hindi and English.
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) main examination is held three months after the preliminary examination. The IAS main examination is a written examination. The main examination primarily consists of four General Studies papers, one optional subject paper, and one essay paper. Along with these, there is one paper in your chosen regional language and one English grammar paper, making a total of seven papers in the IAS main examination.
The interview is usually held 3 to 4 months after the main examination. The interview is for 275 marks. No special preparation is needed for the interview, but good communication skills are essential. There is no pass or fail system for the Indian Administrative Service interview. To pass the Indian Administrative Service examination, only the marks from the main examination and the interview are considered. The preliminary examination is qualifying in nature.
How to prepare for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam –
Before preparing for this exam, assess your basic knowledge of mathematics and reasoning. Only then should you begin preparing for this exam. After that, read the basic textbooks from classes 7 to 12 of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). After reading the CBSE textbooks, you will not need to read any other state government textbooks. After studying the basic CBSE books, read the advanced books. Since the Indian Administrative Service main examination is a written examination, you will need to practice answer writing daily.
It is advisable not to prepare for the optional subject before the preliminary examination, as your first goal should be to pass the preliminary exam. This is because you will have approximately 3-4 months to prepare for the optional subject after passing the preliminary examination. Most successful IAS exam candidates study for the optional paper only after passing the preliminary examination. But at least practice writing answers to one question every day.
When choosing an optional subject, select one whose syllabus is also included in the main examination. For example, Indian Polity is a subject in both the preliminary and main examinations, and it is also available as an optional subject. Popular and preferred optional subjects include Indian Polity and International Relations, Geography, and Economics. These subjects are the first choice for many students. These subjects can be easily studied in 2-3 months, and their syllabus is also relatively short.
Do not choose difficult and complicated optional subjects for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) main examination. This is because these subjects require more time to study, and study material is limited. Difficult and complicated optional subjects include Mathematics, Law, Medical Science, and Language and Literature subjects. You should choose an easy optional subject because you are taking this exam to pass, not to earn a Ph.D.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Training –
IAS training takes place at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie (Uttarakhand). This training usually lasts for 12 to 13 months. The basic salary for IAS officers begins to be received three months after the training starts. The central government covers all the food and accommodation expenses of the candidates who have passed the UPSC exam. The training is conducted indoors.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer Salary –
IAS officers receive a salary of ₹56,000 during their training. After completing the training, their monthly salary at the first posting is approximately ₹80,000 plus. While the salary for this position is good, the perks and facilities are even better. The pay scale starts from ₹56,000 to ₹150,000. During the training period, there are practically no expenses other than a small amount for food.
IAS Officer Facilities –
The facilities provided to Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers are of the quality of a 5-star hotel. After training, they receive a spacious government bungalow at their first posting location. They also get one government vehicle available 24/7.
They are also provided with at least one driver and two bodyguards. The IAS officer’s bungalow is constantly under police protection. They have free travel facilities for administrative work, such as a free AC first-class railway pass. Similarly, free accommodation is available in government guesthouses. Free air travel is provided for any essential administrative work. An IAS officer’s bungalow typically has 10-12 domestic staff. They also receive electricity, water, and gas facilities at highly subsidized rates.
IAS officers undergoing training can be provided with security by the government even when they visit their hometowns, for security reasons. They receive the highest level of security if they are posted in sensitive areas.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer posting Salary –
IAS officers receive a salary of ₹56,000 during their training. After completing the training, their initial monthly salary at their first posting is approximately ₹80,000 or more. While the salary for this position is good, the perks and facilities are even better. The pay scale starts from ₹56,000 to ₹150,000. During the training period, there are virtually no expenses other than a small amount for food.
IAS Officer Facilities –
The facilities provided to Indian Administrative Service officers, i.e., IAS officers, are of the quality of a 5-star hotel. After training, they receive a spacious government bungalow at their first posting location. They also receive one government vehicle for 24/7 use.
They are also provided with at least one driver and two bodyguards. The IAS officer’s bungalow is constantly under police protection. Free travel facilities are available for administrative work, such as a free AC first-class railway pass. Similarly, free accommodation is available in government guesthouses. Free air travel is provided for any essential administrative work. The bungalow of an IAS officer usually has 10-12 domestic staff. They also receive electricity, water, and gas facilities at very subsidized rates.
IAS officers undergoing training can also be provided with security by the government even when they visit their hometowns, for security reasons. They receive the highest level of security if they are posted in sensitive areas.
Conclusion – Getting into the Indian Administrative Service definitely requires a struggle. But upon passing, you are guaranteed to hold one of the most prestigious positions in India. The IAS position is certainly the best and safest for women. It’s not just for women, but for everyone. This position is the best and safest. This is because state governments cannot permanently suspend officers of the Indian Administrative Service; the power to permanently dismiss them rests with the President of India. Therefore, this position is the most secure.