How to become an IAS OFFICER by Prof. D. P. Agarwal (ex Chairman of Union Public Service Commission)

How to become an IAS OFFICER by Prof. D. P. Agarwal (ex Chairman of Union Public Service Commission)

If the Government of India holds the responsibility of making, or breaking, Indian policies, the “All India Services”, within the Civil Services of India, functions to serve the Central and State governments in implementing, and administering, said policies, and in turn providing valuable feedback for any government decision-making process.

There are three major services that fall under the All India Services machinery – the Indian Police Service (IPS), the Indian Forest Service (IFS), and finally what is considered the most competitive of all, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). They form the bureaucratic backbone of the nation, neutral and without any political affiliation.

The Civil Services, or its Civil Servants, date back to ancient times with its mention in the famous governing rulebook, Kautilya’s Arthashatra. In the relatively modern world, the East India Company introduced a system of covenanted (Higher Civil Services) and the uncovenanted (Lower Civil Services) officers, who were selected on patronage rather than merit.

The Charter Act of 1853 did away with the patronage system and introduced a competitive selection to the Indian Civil Services (ICS). Satyendranath Tagore, the elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore, was the first Indian ICS officer.

The structure of the ICS was retained post Indian independence. The modern-day IAS was created under Article 312 and the All India Services Act 1951. Reforms, over the consequent years, were aimed at improving the selection and training of Civil Servants.

The First Administrative Reforms Act (1966) recommended written exams, interviews, and the creation of the Central Training Division. Subsequently, over the years and through various committee recommendations, the current pattern of examination was established.

In 2005, the Second Administrative Reforms Commission introduced accountability through the Right to Information. It also increased local administrative powers, in addition to promoting participation of women in Indian administration.

The Indian Civil Services, and its arm, the Indian Administrative Service, has thus maintained a prominent permanent presence in governance, for years. The individual states in India also have separate state-run Civil Service examinations for recruitment at the State level.

What does an IAS Officer do?
In its most basic definition, an IAS officer assists the ruling government in its policy framing and administration. They are also responsible for implementing the policies and providing feedback to the concerned ministry about the implementation status and effects.

Answerable to the Parliament and State Legislatures, they see to disbursement of funds in their districts, maintaining law and order, crisis management, revenue collection, and more. They begin their career with duties at a sub-divisional level.

At the district level, they become the District Magistrate, Collector, or Commissioner. They may work at the State or Centre with the top-level IAS officers deputed as Cabinet Secretary, Joint Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary, or positions at the State Secretariats. They may also serve as Head-of-Departments of various Public-Sector Undertakings.

The job entails massive responsibilities and a unique opportunity to improve society as a whole.


What is the salary of an IAS officer?
This is one of the most sought after public-sector positions in the country, for good reason. Besides the incredible power (albeit with appropriate regulations and accountability), occasional hob-nobbing opportunities with the political elite, it is also quite financially rewarding. Post the 7th Pay Commission, a junior IAS officer can make about INR 60,000 (per month) plus the possibility of additional allowances like House Rent (HRA) or Travel (TA).

Most candidates are, however, housed in their deputized location, and provided with travel perks, making them ineligible for HRA and TA. A senior IAS officer, such as a Cabinet Secretary, can make about INR 2.5 lakh per month.