The Indian Administrative services(IAS) is the prime services of Indian government. IAS is the branch of Indian Civil Services which was earlier known as Imperial Civil Service. To become an IAS officer, aspirants have to qualify the mandatory exam conducted by UPSC. IAS is a dream of millions. This is one of the most premier and prestigious career choices as an IAS officer is rewarded with countless privileges and perks.
All India Services has three arms: The Indian Administrative Service (IAS), The Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS). IAS is considered as the most toughest exam in government sector. Do you know the reason why? Its because of every year more than 8 Lakh (approximately) aspirants appear for the UPSC exam but only approx. 10419 students are able to make it to the mains examination.
Highlights
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examinations |
| Exam Level | National |
| Organizing Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Admit Card | Online |
| Number of vacancies | 720 (Approximately) |
| Number of registrations every year | More than 8 lakh |
| Minimum age | 21 Years |
| Exam Type | Offline (Pen/ Paper based) |
| 3 Phases of exam | 1. Preliminary 2. Mains 3. Interview (Personality test) |
Through this blog, we will try to understand the Responsibilities, Salary, Eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus and Age Limit to become an IAS Officer.
Roles and Responsibilities of an IAS Officer
The role of IAS officer includes:
- Advising ministers and Policy-making on numerous matters or issues.
- To Maintain the order and law.
- Supervising the executions of policies of the state government and the Central Government.
- To collect the revenues and acts as courts in matters of revenue.
- Overseeing the expenditure of public funds.
Powers of an IAS Officer:
- An IAS has the power to control the whole development work of an area.
- Has the power to guarantee the law and order is maintained always.
- An IAS Officer posted at district level is known as the deputy officer and district magistrate. The main duty of is that an IAS officer has authority to organize programs in the district that is under your control.
- An IAS Officer can also serve as the head of Public Sector Unit or state secretariat.
- At the central level, an IAS officer could be posted as the Deputy Secretary, Cabinet Secretary, Joint Secretary, Under Secretary or Additional Secretary.
Salary of an IAS Officer
The basic per month salary of an (IAS) Indian Administrative Service officer starts at Rs. 56,100 (TA, DA, and HRA are extra) and the maximum pay is Rs. 2,50,000 for a Cabinet Secretary.
Eligibility for IAS Exam
- Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream.
- Those who have appeared for the final examination and are waiting for their results can also apply to appear for the Preliminary Examination.
- Minimum age to appear for the UPSC exam is 21 years.
- Candidate must be Indian only
Age Limits as per different categories are mentioned below:
General
Age Limit: 32
Number of attempts: 6
OBC
Age Limit: 35
Number of attempts: 9
SC/ST
Age Limit: 37
Number of attempts: Unlimited (Up to age limit)
Disabled Defense Services Personnel
Age Limit: 35
Number of attempts: 9
Ex-Servicemen
Age Limit: 37
Number of attempts: 9
EWS (Economically weaker section) – Persons with Benchmark Disability
Age Limit: 42
Number of attempts: 9
