Are you preparing to become an IAS officer? Well, the IAS full form is Indian Administrative Services. Earlier known as the Imperial Civil Services during British rule, the service was soon changed on the occasion of Republic Day, 1950 to what we know it as today. The UPSC examination is conducted so candidates can enter the Indian Administrative Services by clearing one of the toughest exams, UPSC-CSE. Further, it comprises of three stages – The Prelims, Mains, and Interview. So, in this article, we have discussed everything about the Indian Administrative Services – from IAS officer salary to the formula to become an IAS officer. Yes! There are certain things that you have to inculcate in your life to become an IAS officer and we have just the right push to get you closer to your dreams.
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Indian Administrative Services
The full form of IAS is Indian Administrative Services and it is the dream job for almost all youngsters in India. Moreover, it is on the top of the hierarchy among the other 24 services (followed by IPS, IFS, IRS, etc.), the sole reason why only the top rankers get into them. Selected IAS candidates get employed in the Union Government, State government as well as in the public sector. Apart from the opportunity to work for the country, there are also various aspects to the role of an IAS officer. Also, IAS officers enjoy varying perks and benefits, power, and respect in a society that is to be utilized for the upliftment of the poor and the country.
Role of an IAS officer
The role of an IAS officer is very dynamic and one can expect daily tasks full of challenges. The job thus requires serious dedication and motivation to fulfill the duties with honesty. Of all, the most difficult task is on the Field. Further, these assignments test the mental capacity of the officer to deal with real-life and grassroot situations. These duties demand hard work and dedication and the workload may also even increase depending on situations. Further, functions of IAS officers include:
- Managing govt. affairs like framing and implementing policies.
- Meeting various representatives for the listed functions.
- Also, the distribution of funds of the Central Government allocated for various schemes.
- Overlook the implemented schemes and also the policies of the government.
How to Become an IAS officer?
The IAS full form is Indian Administrative Services. Further, the first and foremost step to becoming an IAS officer is to crack the infamous UPSC – Civil Services Exam. Also, the exam is composed of 3 stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
- Preliminary Examination: This is the first stage of the UPSC exam. Also, there are 2 papers – Paper 1 – General Studies with 100 questions and paper 2 – CSAT, an aptitude test with 80 questions. However, both papers are of 2 hours and are of 200 marks. Also, there is negative marking in both the papers.
- Mains Examination : This exam has a total of 9 papers. Further, there are 2 papers that are qualifying in nature and the marks of the rest 7 papers are calculated to rank the candidate.
Usually, the results are declared towards the end of May, after the interview process is over (which usually happens around April). Selected candidates soon begin their training at different training centers. Further, candidates who clear the IAS exam are trained at LBSNAA, Mussorie. after completion of the training, IAS officers start off the duty with their first posting.
Also read about how you can prepare for the exam from home.
How to Clear the Civil Service Exam to become an IAS Officer?
The only way to start off the preparation journey for the Civil services is a planned strategy. Although there are no full-proof plans for this exam, you must always prepare a strategy suited to you so you can be productive to your maximum potential. So, your first focus should be on preparing a strategy. start as early as possible or the moment you decide to sit for the exam. The quality of your study matters the most. Also, Revision is the key to clearing the exam and this has been the sole reason why people who revise more have been able to crack this exam even in their first attempt. Finally, hard work and dedication will help you become an IAS officer.
You can go through our article on how to prepare for UPSC exam.
Success Ratio
Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for the Civil Service Exam but only around 26% of the total candidates clear the Prelims. Moreover, only 15% of these selected lot candidates reach the interview stage. Finally, only 1% crack the last round and get selected. So, our tips and tricks will help you boost your preparation for the exam, which may take at least a year to 1.5 years, depending on your speed.
Tips and Tricks to Crack the IAS Exam
There are certain tips that make candidates triumph in this battle of the competitive UPSC exam. Let us glide through some of the most important ones –
UPSC Syllabus
Read the syllabus thoroughly because this is the only way to ensure that you know what exactly you need to read for the exam. In fact, memorize the syllabus so you know what portion a specific topic is from whenever you come across it in the news or your books. Subsequently, prepare a strategy based on the syllabus and stick to only the topics that are mentioned in it. You can take the help of teachers, friends to prepare a timetable and a plan so you can be productive throughout your journey.
Previous Year Question Papers
The importance of going through Previous Year Question papers is that you get to learn about the examiner’s view and what he/she seeks from a UPSC aspirant. You will also understand the exam pattern and understand what to read and what to exclude. So, skipping these would be a huge mistake.
Newspaper
UPSC is keen on testing candidates on the dynamic portion of the syllabus for all three stages. So, you must read ‘The Hindu’ or ‘Indian Express’ or both if time permits. Moreover, ‘The Hindu’ is the most reliable source of current affairs and candidates consider it as the bible for the dynamic portion of the entire UPSC exam. So, make sure that you read the newspaper daily to become an IAS officer.
Solve mock papers
Solve mock papers regularly. You will not only develop the habit of solving papers on time but also confidence which is very essential for a service of this kind.
Adequate sleep and exercise
You must follow a healthy sleep cycle (7-8 hours) and exercise regularly so you can concentrate and retain whatever you study. So, remember that a healthy mind and body will produce excellent results. Candidates often tend to skip on these minute details which would put anybody at an edge over everyone else.
You can also read about the tips to choose the best coaching institute for IAS.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree from any stream or any degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from a recognized University.
- Also, degree of correspondence or distance education.
- Finally, the degree must be recognized by the Indian Government.
Number of attempts
General category candidates can attempt the UPSC-CSE up to 6 times. OBC candidates can attempt up to 9 times. However, SC/ST can attempt any number of times. But, there is a cap on their attempts on the basis of their age i.e. they can attempt the exam until their maximum age is reached. So, the limited number of attempts is one of the reasons that make this exam difficult to crack. Further, the General Category candidates can attempt till 32 years, OBC can attempt till 35 years whereas SC/ST can attempt up to 37 years. you may check the Official Site of UPSC for detailed information.
Powers related to an IAS Officer
IAS officers enjoy multiple benefits during their term. So, let us look at the benefits and powers of an IAS officer:
- The Indian Penal Code’s criminal procedure Section- 107,108, 109, 110, 144, and 176 empowers the IAS officer in order to maintain law and order.
- ‘The Tenancy law’ regarding revenue is under the jurisdiction of the collector (IAS officer).
- Further, Arm, Drug License, essential commodities act is under the jurisdiction of IAS officers.
The above powers are some of the important and relevant powers of an IAS officer. Also, there are multiple laws in relation to the power of an IAS officer. You can also check them in the manual which is regularly updated by the department of personnel and training. Since IAS officers are civil servants, they answerable to the Central and State government.
IAS Officer Salary According to 7th Pay Commission
The government of India elects a Pay Commission to determine the salary of central government employees. Also, the discretion lies with the govt. whether to accept the decision or not. Further, the salary keeps fluctuating according to the economy. Also, like any other govt. job, the salary keeps on increasing with time and promotion. Also, IAS officers get the benefit of concession on electricity bills, house help, discounts on varied hotels around the country and abroad, and tickets to some of the famous events like cricket matches, cultural evenings/functions, etc.
IAS officer Salary structure
According to the 7th Pay Commission, IAS officers get 56,100 as the basic pay at the entry-level. Then, the grade pay amounts to around 16,500 rupees. Further, the maximum IAS officer salary at a senior post during the entire course of the IAS journey is 2,70,000. Some of the additional allowances include:
- Dearness Allowance
- Travel Allowance
- Medical Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
The final estimated IAS officer salary is:
Gross Salary = Basic Pay + Grade Pay + DA + HRA + CA + other allowances
The IAS officer salary for class A cities is 24%. For class B, it is 16% and 8% for class C cities. So, the salary of an IAS officer is enough to fulfill the basic needs and even lead a comfortable life. The Indian govt. takes care of most of the basic necessities which is why it is possible for the officers to save adequate till they attain retirement.
Salary during Training
IAS probationers get paid during the training. Technically, it is not a salary. It is rather termed as Special Pay Advance. The total amount is 45,000 per month but officers receive 38,500 rupees after the bill of mess food, uniform, tracksuit, horse riding costumes, and others.
Basic Pay and Grade Pay of IAS on the Basis of Rank
The whole IAS cadre is divided into 8 Ranks/Grades. Also, IAS officer promotion happens on a service record basis which takes place every 4-5 years. We have assorted a table for your perusal so you can have an idea of the posts and the amount it will fetch as your salary.
| Pay Grade | Grade | Basic Pay | Grade Pay | Service Period | Post |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Junior Scale | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 | ₹16,500 | 0-4 years | SDM, SDO, ADM (after 2 years probation period) |
| 11 | Senior Time Scale | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,001 | ₹20,000 | 5 years | DM, DC, Joint Secretary |
| 12 | Junior Administrative Grade | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,002 | ₹23,000 | 9 years | Special Secretary, State Government Department Heads |
| 13 | Selection Grade | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 | ₹26,000 | 12-15 years | Ministry Department Head |
| 14 | Super Time Scale | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 | ₹30,000 | 17-20 years | Director of any Ministry |
| 15 | Above Super Time Scale | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 | ₹30,000 | Not Fixed | Commissioner, Additional Secretary |
| 16 | Apex Scale | ₹2,40,000(fixed) | NA | Not Fixed | Chief Secretary in Ministries |
| 17 | Cabinet Secretary Grade | ₹2,70,000 | NA | Not Fixed | Cabinet Secretary |
FAQs Regarding IAS Full Form
The full form of IAS is Indian Administrative Services. Also, it is one of the toughest services to get into since the success ratio is less than 1 %.
Yes. IAS officers enjoy several benefits like travel allowances, concessions on electricity bills, air/railway tickets, invitation to concerts and cricket matches, etc. Since the job is very demanding and requires a lot of hard work, the govt. makes sure that the officers are taken care of in other ways through perks and benefits.
Apart from the regular duties, an IAS officer has to represent India at the global level as and when the need arises. Moreover, it is the duty of every IAS officer as an Indian citizen to protect the integrity of the nation.
COVID-19 Update | IAS Officer
The Covid situation all around the world has held the entire world in its grip. Nonetheless, people are trying to get back into their regular schedule and so are students who were hoping to sit for the UPSC-CSE 2020. As exams got postponed, students got extra time to prepare and fulfill their dreams of becoming an IAS officer. Although the IAS dream seems really fulfilling, one must know about what the job brings, salary, perks, etc. so there is surety about accepting the job as a whole. It is important to do the research before diving in at full speed.
