- Home
- IAS Officer
Who is a IAS Officer?
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers are among India’s most senior civil servants. They head key departments at both the central and state levels, overseeing law and order, implementing government policies, and addressing major socio-economic challenges. Known for their leadership, integrity, and administrative acumen, IAS officers play a crucial role in delivering public services efficiently and shaping policies that impact millions of citizens. Recruited through the highly competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, they form the backbone of governance and public administration in India.
.jpg)
IAS Officer in a Nutshell
An IAS officer has a crucial role to play in the government. IAS officers are responsible for applying the government policies, managing district administration, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the successful delivery of public services.
IAS officers also help in policy formulation, act as coordinators between multiple departments, and represent the government at national and international forums. Their decisions have a huge impact on administrative efficiency, development outcomes, and public welfare at the district, state, and central levels.
Quick Facts for IAS Officer
-
Average Salary in India
₹131200
-
Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
A Career as an officer is open to individuals of any gender.
-
Any special needs
Yes
Individuals with certain disabilities can also pursue a career as an IAS officer. For example, D. Balanagendram is a visually impaired Indian Administrative Services officer.
Table of Contents for IAS Officer
What is the role of IAS Officer?
The work of IAS officers varies depending on the three types of assignments given. They include field, state secretariat, or public sector undertakings, and central secretariat assignments. This also includes handling government affairs, drafting, framing, implementing, and reviewing policies. They are required to consult various departments and elect representatives.
IAS officers are responsible for supervising the implementation of government schemes and policies. They are also responsible for responding to natural calamities, riots, and major accidents in their jurisdiction.
IAS officers are responsible for supervising the administrative activities within the division assigned to them.
They are responsible for the maintenance of law and order by coordinating and providing necessary support to restore law and order and help individuals affected by natural calamities or riots.
IAS officers manage the staff working under them. He or she is responsible for making reports based on the evaluation of their services.
They advise and help elected representatives formulate and draft policies for making the right decisions.
Types of a IAS Officer
IAS officers have a wide range of roles and responsibilities within the administrative framework of the Government of India. This versatility among the roles contributes to the overall governance and development of the country. We have mentioned below some types of IAS officers and their related careers:
Sub-District Magistrate: A Sub-District Magistrate is responsible for supervising the work of the Tehsildar and can correspond to the government and other departments on various matters. The SDM officer performs development activities at the very local level.
Additional District Magistrate: An ADM is provided with the power of the Executive Magistrate. The Additional District Magistrate enjoys the same powers as that District Magistrate under the rules. He can act as an Additional Collector, Collector, and Land Acquisition Collector, registrar of the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act.
District Magistrate/Joint Secretary: A District Magistrate is a promotional post offered to ADM, Deputy Secretary, or Undersecretary. He or she is responsible for the maintenance of law and order and serves as the executive head of a district's administration in India.
Divisional Commissioner: A divisional commissioner is responsible for the supervision of revenue and development administration of the division. the Commissioner shall bring to the notice of the Corporation any act or resolution of the Corporation which may violate any Government instructions or the provisions of this Act
Chief Secretary: A Chief Secretary acts as the administrative head of the state government. He or she is the central point of interdepartmental coordination at the departmental level.
Cabinet Secretary of India: A cabinet secretary position in the top position in the Indian Administration Services. He or she acts as the executive head of the Civil Services Board of India.
What is the workplace/work environment of IAS Officer like?
The work schedule depends a lot on what kind of responsibilities are given and in which department or location the posting is. IAS officers generally have long working hours due to multiple meetings with key stakeholders in the government or the ministry. During emergencies such as natural disasters, elections, or law-and-order situations, IAS officers are required to coordinate closely with multiple agencies and might work for long hours.
Does IAS Officer require travelling?
Likely
When it comes to travelling, an IAS officer is required to travel on official visits. They also function as vigilance officers and can be posted to underdeveloped regions or areas that are affected by insurgency or internal security challenges. IAS officers are transferred throughout their career and is a regular feature of their jobs. This is done to ensure administrative efficiency, integrity, and exposure to diverse government environments.
Time Pressure
Likely
In most cases, there is a significant time pressure when it comes to working as an IAS officer. During emergencies, IAS officers are required to work for long hours and coordinate with multiple government departments in order to maintain law and order and ensure the safety and well-being of the general public.
How to become a IAS Officer?
Steps to become a IAS Officer
If you have the dedication and the discipline to serve the nation by maintaining law and order and effectively applying government policies and programmes, a career as an IAS officer is one of the best professional as well as personal choices.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an IAS Officer?
Decision-Making Skills: An IAS officer is a part of the government machinery. An IAS officer is quick in analysing the available possibilities and potential outcomes to make decisions accordingly.
Utilitarianism Skills: An IAS officer must be able to follow the principle of utilitarianism in making decisions that lead to the best for the country and its citizens.
Compassion: An IAS officer should be compassionate to eliminate the suffering of people with misfortune. He or she is required to implement the laws to provide support to the people of the underprivileged sections without violating existing laws and rules.
Integrity: In Public Administration, transparency comes with the definition of holding public officials accountable and eliminating corruption. An IAS officer must possess transparency.
Also Read:
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming IAS Officer?
Internship Availability
IAS Officer Jobs and Salaries
IAS Officer
- Average Salary 131200
Job Description
The IAS Officer job description includes framing and implementing the policies and also reviewing them. An IAS Officer manages and responds to emergencies like natural disasters. IAS officers handle diverse responsibilities, from policy formulation to crisis management, and work across various departments to facilitate effective governance at the district, state, or national level.
Salary Description
The IAS Officer's salary in India after 8 years of service is Rs 1,31,200 per month or Rs 15.75 lakh per year.
What is the job outlook for IAS Officer?
The competition conducted by the Union Public Service Commission is extremely intense, with lakhs of aspirants appearing each year. After a rigorous multi-stage selection process, only a few hundred candidates are selected. Around 180 successful candidates then undergo formal training before being posted to their allotted cadres and regions.
The competition to become an IAS officer is quite intense. Lakhs of aspirants give the UPSC exam for a few hundred posts. There is a rigorous multi-stage selection process where only a handful of candidates are selected. Around 180 successful candidates undergo formal training before being allotted to their cadres and regions.
Frequently Asked Questions for IAS Officer
Que. What is the minimum IAS officer qualification requirement?
Ans.Successful completion of an undergraduate degree programme in any specialisation is the minimum requirement of IAS officer qualifications.
Que. What is the average UPSC examination rank cut-off for IAS?
Ans.For the general category, the last rank on the UPSC examination for the IAS role is 92. For the OBC category, it is 457 rank. The last cut-off rank for the SC category ranges from 492. For ST, it is 528.
Que. What are the perks of an IAS officer job?
Ans.The perks of an IAS officer job include residence, service quarter, transportation, security, trips, study leave and numerous unofficial benefits.
Que. How many attempts can one make in the UPSC examination?
Ans.One can make only 6 attempts to clear the UPSC examination including the interview round.
Que. What is the full-form of IAS?
Ans.IAS stands for Indian Administrative Services.
Que. kya d pharma karne ka baad ias officer ban sakte hai
Ans.Hey,
D.Pharm is Diploma in Pharmacy. The eligibility criteria for UPSC IAS exam is as follows:
- Candidates must be Indian citizens or citizens of Nepal/Bhutan. Additionally, candidates must be aged between 21 and 32 years as of August 1 of the examination year, with certain relaxations for specific categories.
- Educational qualifications require bachelor's degree from any recognized university, with no specific field of study specified.
D.Pharm is not a bachelors degree. So, you will not be eligible to sit for the IAS Exam as bachelors degree is a requirement for the same. Know more about the exam over here: https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse
You might also be interested in
Questions related to IAS Officer
mere neet m 125 marks h kya mujhe bams private college mil skta h
Hello student,
With
125 marks
in NEET 2024, getting admission to a
BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
program in a private college is possible, but it largely depends on the college's cutoff and seat availability.
Key Points:
-
Private Colleges :
- With 125 marks , you might secure admission
Answer laterI want to become a IAS officer iam 11th now which books i have to prefer? is it correct time time to start preparation guide me
Hi
Actually, it's too early to start your preparation for UPSC now that you are in class 11 th only. Your focus right now should getting good score in 10+2 and then getting admission in a good college for your graduation.
I would suggest you to start your preparation for
After NDA can I complete my master of surgeon degree and after that can I become a ias officer and what its process ?
Yes, you can definitely complete your masters of surgeon degree after NDA. To become an IAS officer you will have to clear your UPSC exams. You should fall under age 32 category to be eligible to give UPSC exams and in some cases the upper age limit could be 35
Is commerce students eligible to become an IAS officer?
Hello,
Candidate who has a Bachelor's degree (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA, B.Tech etc.) with at least one of the subjects namely Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology or a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Forestry or in Engineering from recognised university is eligible
Please help me to knw how can i become an IAS officer?
Hi
You can become an IAS Officer by clearing the civil services examination conducted by UPSC every year.
There are 3 rounds in the exam
- Prelims
- Mains
- Personality test
Once you passes the intermediate level or class 12th, decide your area of interest in terms of optional subject. Go through
Select your reason of reporting
Explore Related Careers
Did you know?
Fact 1
The IAS began in 1858 as the Imperial Civil Service under British rule.
Fact 2
Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian IAS officer in 1863.
Fact 3
Over 1 million apply for UPSC yearly; only ~180 become IAS officers.
Fact 4
IAS officers can serve with global bodies like the UN and World Bank.
Fact 5
IAS officers retire at 60 but often serve in advisory roles afterward.
