Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

1. What is Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in Government?

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the premier civil services of the Government of India. IAS officers hold key administrative positions in the Indian government and are responsible for implementing policies, managing governmental affairs, and assisting in the governance of the country. They work across various departments and states, ensuring the smooth functioning of the bureaucracy and governance.

2. Education Eligibility

To be eligible for IAS, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. There is no requirement for a specific stream of study, so candidates from various academic backgrounds can apply.

3. Handicapped Eligibility

The IAS exam has specific provisions for differently-abled candidates:

Candidates with disabilities like visual impairment, hearing impairment, or locomotor disabilities can apply, but they must meet the physical standards required for the role.
There is a reservation for the differently-abled category in the examination and in appointments.

4. Age Eligibility

The minimum age for IAS exam candidates is 21 years.
The maximum age limit is 32 years for general category candidates.
Age relaxations are provided for reserved categories:
- OBC: 35 years
- SC/ST: 37 years
- Differently-abled: 42 years
- Ex-servicemen: 35 years (with certain relaxations)

5. Physical Eligibility

There are certain physical standards required for IAS candidates, particularly in terms of height, vision, and overall fitness. However, the exact standards can vary based on the category of candidates (general, SC, ST, etc.) and the specific position within the civil services.

6. Pay Grade

IAS officers receive a competitive salary based on the pay scale set by the government. The pay grade depends on the level of the officer’s seniority:

Junior Scale (Level 10): ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month
Senior Time Scale (Level 11): ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700
Junior Administrative Grade (Level 12): ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200
Selection Grade (Level 13): ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100
Super Time Scale (Level 14): ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 Salaries also include various allowances like house rent, dearness, and travel allowances.

7. Ex-soldier Eligibility

Ex-servicemen are also eligible to apply for IAS, with age relaxations provided for them. However, the physical standards and fitness requirements must be met. They are often given priority for certain roles that require administrative or leadership experience.

8. Reservation

IAS recruitment provides reservations in the examination for certain categories:

Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27%
EWS (Economically Weaker Sections): 10% in recent years
Physically Handicapped (PWD) candidates also receive certain relaxations.

9. Sportsperson Eligibility

Sportspersons with outstanding achievements in recognized competitions can also be given a relaxation in the eligibility criteria for the IAS exam in terms of age or physical standards, depending on their category. This is in line with the government’s policy of encouraging talented individuals from various fields.

10. Promotion in Career

Once selected, IAS officers can expect regular promotions as they gain experience and seniority. The promotion typically goes as follows:

Junior Scale (Entry-level): After selection through the Civil Services Exam.
Senior Scale: After 4-5 years of service.
Super Time Scale and above: Based on further experience, merit, and vacancies.

Promotions are often linked to the officer’s performance, seniority, and vacancies in higher posts.

11. Special Eligibility for Persons

Some categories of individuals (like ex-servicemen, differently-abled individuals, and others with special circumstances) are given specific considerations, such as age relaxations, additional attempts in the examination, and relaxation in physical standards.

12. What work will I have to do at my workplace?

IAS officers typically work in administrative, policy-making, and decision-making roles within various departments of the government. Their work can include:

Implementing government policies.
Managing government projects and schemes.
Overseeing administration at various levels of government (state, district, or central).
Handling public grievances and ensuring law and order.
Monitoring financial matters and budgeting.
Advising the government on various issues and drafting reports.

13. Which department does this recruitment with notification original website link?

IAS is recruited through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The official UPSC website is www.upsc.gov.in. You can find the official notification for the IAS exam on the website, which includes detailed information on eligibility, the application process, and the syllabus.

14. In which department do you join?

After passing the IAS exam, officers are allocated to different departments based on their rank, preferences, and vacancies. Common departments and roles include:

District Collector (in the district administration)
Secretariat roles (in various government ministries)
Public Enterprises (in managing state-owned enterprises)
Policy advisory (in central and state government ministries)
Revenue Department (in tax collection and land management)

The specific department depends on the cadre (state or central) and the officer’s preference during the allocation process.