The administrative division of the All-India Services of the Indian Government is known as Indian Administrative Services. The UPSC conducts several recruiting exams every year. One way to become an officer is to take the IAS Exam. As a District Collector, an IAS officer is granted administrative control over the entire district. IAS officers speak for the government as well.

What is IAS Officer?

The administrative division of the All-India Services of the Indian Government is the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Along with the Indian Police Service and the Indian Forest Service, the IAS is one of the three branches of the All-India Services and is regarded as India's top central civil service. An IAS officer's job is to assist the federal and state governments in carrying out and overseeing the administration of the policies they have developed.

What is the role and responsibilities of the IAS Officer?

• Handling governmental concerns involving the formulation and application of policy in conjunction with the relevant Minister
• Implementing policies under observation and visiting the locations where the adopted policies are trained.
• Implementing policies includes allocating monies under personal control.
• Accountable to the State Legislatures and the Parliament for any rules broken while on the job
• At several career stages, duties and responsibilities change.
• IAS officials initially join the state government at the sub-divisional level, continuing their services as sub-divisional magistrates, and manage law and order, general administration, and development work in the area allotted to them.
• The IAS officers hold the prestigious and accountable position of District Officer, also known as District Magistrate, District Collector, or Deputy Commissioner.
• An IAS officer manages district issues at the district level, including the implementation of development projects. The officials may also be assigned to positions in public sector organizations, the State Secretariat, or as department heads.
• They might have various jobs at the State, the Center, or both. Deputation is used in this situation. Cabinet Secretaries, Secretaries/Additional Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, Directors, Deputy Secretaries, and Under Secretaries are the highest positions of IAS officers in the Centre. According to seniority, they are assigned to these positions.
• IAS officials significantly influence the creation and execution of policies at the Center specific to sectors like banking, commerce, etc.
• IAS officers operating at different levels, such as joint and deputy secretaries, provide their vital inputs while formulating policies and making decisions.
• Depending on the problem's seriousness, either the Minister in question or the cabinet makes the final decision that defines the policy.

How to Become IAS Officer? Qualifications

Leadership

IAS officers serve as the government's representatives wherever they are stationed. The IAS officer must demonstrate excellent leadership to lead others toward a common objective of India's people's development and improvement.

Administration

Managing the daily administrative issues of their jurisdictional region is one of the essential duties assigned to an IAS officer by the government. The IAS officer must be a skilled administrator to carry out this duty and accomplish all administrative responsibilities by forging a broad consensus.

Determined in Method

An IAS officer frequently finds himself in a challenging scenario requiring swift resolution. IAS officers must deal with such situations; the officer must be quick to think, weigh all available options, and consider potential outcomes. Based on this, a decision based on consensus should be made and implemented to fix the issue. As a result, an IAS official must also approach their work decisively.

Knowledgeable

The most valuable resource on earth is knowledge; hence an IAS officer is informed in every aspect of the activities they supervise. They will be better able to solve issues because of their knowledge, which will also help them grasp all administrative matters and close any gaps in the functioning of the government machinery.

Hardworking and devoted

If you find IAS preparation difficult, you will realize what lies ahead will be even more difficult. An IAS officer is responsible for managing their administrative region, which includes various duties in law enforcement, development programs, administrative work, and money management. The officers must be diligent and devoted to their work to handle and excel in all these.

Exceptional Communication Skills

An IAS officer must have practical verbal and written communication abilities to be a good administrator. By doing this, the officer can provide their subordinates with clear instructions and prevent any confusion resulting in administrative issues. Additionally, an IAS officer will encounter essential dignitaries, and strong communication skills will be helpful in this situation as well.

Unconventional Thinking

Being a part of the governmental apparatus in a diverse nation like India is the biggest challenge because the issues in each region and field vary greatly and may not all be amenable to a single solution. The job becomes more difficult when you include the difficulty of managing limited resources. In this circumstance, creative problem-solving will assist the IAS officer in coming up with adequate answers targeted to the case.

Other Skills

• Patriotic person.
• Unique thinking.
• Leadership quality.
• Curiosity.
• Perseverance.
• Analytical ability.
• Time management.
• Communication skills.
• Decision making.

Also Read: How to Become Radio Jockey

Steps to Becoming a Successful IAS Officer

Academic Requirements

• Any student from any background is eligible to enroll in a degree program linked to the IAS Officer Carrier.
• Candidates must have passed their 10+2 exam or any equivalent exam from CBSE or any recognized board.
• Political science, geography, economics, sociology, psychology, public administration, and philosophy, among other subjects, must have been studied by the students.
• The candidates must graduate from an accredited university after completing their 12th-grade education. The candidates have a wide range of degree options.
• A BA degree in a topic that aligns with the IAS syllabus or any other degree whose syllabus primarily aligns with the IAS syllabus will benefit the preparation.
• The IAS admission exam is also open to individuals who obtained their undergraduate degrees through correspondence or distance learning.

Acquire more knowledge after high school

After graduating from high school in three years, students pursue a BA, or Bachelor of Arts, degree. It is possible to follow it as a full-time course, a part-time course, a correspondence course, or through remote learning. If your score falls within the criteria established by colleges and universities, you are qualified to apply for admission to the BA program. The cutoff list for Bachelor of Arts programs increases to 98% in prestigious institutions and universities like Hindu College, Miranda House, Gargi College, etc. 

The minimum requirement for a BA degree program admission is a Class XII GPA of 40 and 50 percent from an accredited university. One must receive more than 90% of the possible points in their 10+2 to attend Delhi University, Mumbai University, or other famous universities.

Experience (work and related fields)

To become an IAS official, candidates must train for two years after selection. The Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Training Academy in Masurrie offers a two-year training program to each selected candidate. All the staff members from the various departments are given in-depth training on keeping their jobs for the full two years. A thorough tour of the entire nation is also taken to acquaint them with the current state of affairs in the country.

Training (job or related fields)

The training period coincides with the academic module for applicants chosen for the IAS officer post. In addition, it encompasses project management, national security, e-governance, soft skills, and policymaking. 

Exercise routines begin at six in the morning. After that, there are evening lectures and cultural events. During their Phase 1 training, the IAS probationers shared and discussed their experiences. Officers can express their opinions on various developmental programs, problems, and solutions. Officers are given their specific deputation once the induction training session has been completed. They work in the ministries for a few months under a joint secretary.

Career

IAS officers receive district training with their home cadres at the start of their careers, followed by their first posting. They are given control of a district subdivision in their initial position as an assistant collector/sub-district magistrate. Below are some places and job titles for an IAS officer.

Employment areas

• IAS Trainee Job titles
• Sub District Magistrate
• Deputy Secretary/ Undersecretary
• District Magistrate/
• District Magistrate/
• Special Secretary cum Director/Deputy Secretary
• Principal Secretary/ Additional Secretary
• Chief Secretary
  Cabinet Secretary of India

Job Titles

• World bank
• Asian development bank
• Who
• Commonwealth
• SAARC
• International court of justice

Salary of IAS Officer 

Let us see the average annual salary of IAS officers in some India.

Training Course for IAS Officer

Let us talk about some degrees to become a successful IAS Officer.

Pros and Cons of Becoming IAS Officer 

Indian Administrative Service, or IAS for short, is one of the top careers for young people in India. 

Below are some advantages and disadvantages of being an IAS officer.

Advantages of becoming an IAS Officer

• One can become an inspiration for millions of people.
• IAS or Ex-IAS status for life.
• Ability to change and improve society.
• Even a tiny change you make has a significant impact.
• Constitutional authority is available for lawful use.
• Can travel or study abroad.
• Can present guest lectures at the top venues.

Disadvantages of becoming an IAS Officer

• Political Meddling.
• Life threat, if you are honest.
• Promotions are made only based on experience and not on excellence.
• Corruption Issues.
• Recurring transfers.
• Because it's a sensitive position, there may be additional work pressure.
• Low salary and workload.
• Every transfer disrupts family life and the education of children.
• Less room to discuss issues.
• Less family time is available.

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How to Become IAS Officer? FAQs

What are the working hours of an IAS Officer?

An IAS Officer is not required to work a set number of hours. Although the official hours are stated to be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., they may change depending on their position, duties, and the moment's needs.

Is an IAS officer's lifestyle luxurious?

 Along with the money, the perks and privileges that IAS officers receive make the position so well-liked and draw in applicants. However, the task can be difficult and demanding professionally because the employee is directly responsible to state or federal authorities.

What is an IAS officer's way of life?

The typical lifestyle of an IAS officer is quite strict. They receive all the advantages and benefits, including lodging, assistants, security, transportation, etc. They play an essential function in society's administrative sector and are in charge of managing government issues on several different scales.

How is life after becoming an IAS Officer?

After enlisting in the military, the actual labor begins since IAS Officers are required to carry out various duties and always abide by government regulations. Even though there are many benefits on the personal front, the professional show is more complicated.

What is the minimum IAS officer qualification requirement?

The prerequisite for IAS officer credentials is completing an undergraduate degree program in any specialization.

Can IAS take vacations?

Yes, they get in Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayant, Muharram, Buddha Purnima, Christmas, Dussehra, Diwali, etc., which are among the national holidays that members of the Indian Administrative Services are entitled to each year.