How to Build a Career in Civil Services – A Definitive Guide

Government workers, especially those in administrative roles, have had rank, prestige, and power since colonial rule. We also respect people who are willing to join the governmental machinery, also known as the Civil Services. Civil servants enforce government and developmental policies, uphold law and order, and function as a conduit between the public and the government. They wield influence and are well-liked for the work they do. They are all well compensated, with lush bungalows and caretakers, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Many of these aspects have piqued the curiosity of the youth people in pursuing a career in civil services.

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is an Indian Civil Service division. It is one of the governments of India’s most important facilities. After passing the necessary entrance exams, one may apply to become an IAS officer and work for the government. Many aspirants who want to work for the government choose IAS as one of the most prestigious and successful job options.

The fact that, in addition to monetary payment, the work of an IAS officer comes with many benefits and advantages that no other job can match makes it a common career in civil services. An IAS officer’s job is to oversee the government’s numerous administrative matters. An IAS officer’s responsibilities include formulating policies and advising ministers on a variety of issues, maintaining law and order, supervising the implementation of state and central government policies, collecting revenues and serving as revenue courts, supervising the expenditure of public funds in accordance with financial propriety standards, and managing the government’s day-to-day operations.

If you or someone you know is considering a career in civil services, you should read this article carefully. Here’s what you need to know about the examination and the following years.

Eligibility – Civil Services

Getting into the Indian Administrative Service and becoming an IAS officer is difficult due to the high level of competition; however, someone with the right mindset and strategy will succeed. An applicant must pass the UPSC civil services exam (UPSC CSE), which has three stages: prelims, mains, and interview, in order to become an IAS officer.

Civil servants are generalists with a well-rounded disposition and understanding of the society in which we live. If you wish to be a civil servant, you can take this test if you have a 12th-grade certificate in any subject and a graduate degree in any subject.

Many aspirants, however, choose to study Humanities in high school and college because the exam trend is focused on subjects like Indian politics, constitution, geography, world news, history, and so on. You can pick whatever degree and subject you want; the only thing that matters is that you are interested in it and that you have more career in civil services opportunities based on that subject and degree.

• You must have a graduate bachelor’s degree in some subject from a recognized university (or be about to take final year exams).
• On the date of the test, you must be at least 21 years old and no more than 32 years old (relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and individuals with a Jammu & Kashmir domicile; 3 years for OBC and defence personnel; 10 years for the blind, deaf-mute, and orthopedically handicapped persons).
• General Category candidates have six chances to take the test, OBC candidates have nine chances, and SC/ST candidates have an infinite number of chances.
• To apply for the IAS and IPS, you must be a citizen of India, Nepal, or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam.

Different Roles in Civil Services

Indian Administrative Services (IAS)

Due to the dignity attached to this role, it is one of the most prized in the Civil Service. People in these roles are provided with services such as a home, servants, and a car, and the government pays for their living expenses. IAS officials are in charge of law and order as well as the day-to-day enforcement of government policies.

• Job Roles- IAS officers begin their careers as Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM) in a state and progress to roles such as District Magistrate, Divisional Commissioner, and so on. They are named as the heads of government organizations and public service undertakings, as well as the Secretary to the Indian Government.
• Work-Life- There is no “set” operating hours for an IAS officer. They have a lot of work to do because introducing policy and working to improve the country is complex, but fascinating, and has a significant influence. Meetings with ministers trip to a nearby village, and devising new tactics to address any problem will all be part of their day (such as, work related to elections, or building a big dam, road, etc.) 

Indian Foreign Services (IFS)

A career in foreign service entails becoming a diplomat and travelling the globe while representing the country. It might seem too good to be real, but Indian Foreign Services will provide you with all of that and more.

• Job Roles- IFS officers work in foreign missions and multinational bodies such as the United Nations as Third Secretary, Second Secretary, First Secretary, Diplomat, High Commissioner, and other posts. They are granted proper accommodation, a motorcycle, as well as other housing and basic amenities. The government of India pays for the education of children up to the age of two, which is only one of the benefits that an IFS Officer receives.
• Work-Life- IFS officers are often stationed in foreign countries, primarily in capital cities. IFS officers work 9 to 5, and their days consist of making phone calls to embassies/international organizations, reading and responding to emails from foreign delegates or back home, keeping up with the Ministry of External Affairs, and holding meetings and other relevant social activities.

Indian Police Service (IPS)

Officers of the Indian Police Service (IPS) are the guardians of law and order in our country. They are responsible for assisting in the smooth running of the government, thanks to their extensive preparation, expertise, and power vested in them by the state. Due to their active part in the government, IPS is normally the chosen option of job for Civil Servants after IAS.

• Job Role- At the start of the career in civil services, IPS officers are often assigned to the positions of Assistant Superintendent of Police and then Assistant Commissioner of Police. They go on to become Joint Commissioners and Commissioners of Police, among other roles. An experienced IPS Officer is still in charge of the Intelligence Bureau.
• Work-Life- IPS officers begin each day by doing a general review of the law-and-order situation in their region (which can include reading reports from various sources), speaking to juniors/IGs in their districts, or any ordinary citizens who may contact them with their issues, and so on. They must work closely with ministers while still coping with media demands and public attention. They always work on-the-ground and must be alert for unforeseen law-and-order issues. They have defined working hours, but they work long hours because their job demands a high degree of effort and obligation.

Indian Revenue Services (IRS)

Among the central civil services, the Indian Revenue Service is the largest. They perform one of the most important tasks, namely, the collection of taxes and other forms of revenue for the economy’s growth.

• Job Roles- As IRS officers are hired, they are assigned to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax. They serve as the Joint Commissioner and Additional Commissioner of Income Tax after a few years of service and promotion. IRS officers go on to lead the Central Economic Intelligence Bureau, which is in charge of enforcing the country’s economic rules.
• Work-Life- IRS officers are often stationed in large cities, which generate the most income. They usually work a certain amount of hours per day and spend most of their time reading tax collection records. They’re also in charge of performing inquiries and arrests on criminals (who do not pay taxes or pay a nominal amount). They have a greater work-life balance than IAS/IPS police.

Many other government services, such as Indian Exchange Service, Indian Security Accounts Service, Indian Information Service, Indian Railway Staff Service, and so on, may be applied for via the Civil Service Review.

Conclusion

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a pan-India service. One may contribute to society by seeking a career in civil services. It is a safe role with various rewards and rights. The work of an IAS officer is widely respected, and it offers a deep sense of accomplishment because you will be making a major contribution to society.

In India, the position of an IAS officer is closely linked to political leadership. Obtaining a place in the Indian Civil Service is a near-impossible job. When you serve in the Civil Service, though, you make the country proud.