INDIAN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE

Detailed Look Into IAS Officer Roles, Responsibilities and Salary

The Civil Service Examination is conducted every year by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) to fill positions that are listed under All India Services and Central Services Group A and Group B. If you are an aspirant to join All India Services, Central Government Services Group A and Group B, then you should appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Though there are more than 45 Central services functioning under various ministries, the recruitment will happen to around 18 to 24 services in which vacancies arise each year. Among all the services, The Indian Administrative Services (IAS), an All-India Service is the most sought after designation.

IAS – Indian Administrative Services

IAS is certainly a position that every Indian aspires to. However, you should remember that only the top rankers are chosen to become civil servants and serve the nation. Apart from the pride of being selected for the prestigious post, attractive salaries and remunerations offered are more appealing to IAS officers.

Let us delve into the details of the roles and responsibilities of an IAS officer, grades and various pay scales.

Rank required for IAS

So, what can be the last rank for the candidates allocated to IAS?

The last rank for IAS depends on various factors such as:

  • Category of the candidate
  • Number of vacancies for the year
  • Performance of candidates (in both UPSC Mains and Interview)

Category Wise Last Rank for IAS (As per 2023)

 
Category IAS Last Rank
General 78
EWS 278
OBC 435
SC 567
ST 625

 

Duties and responsibilities of an IAS Officer

Those candidates who have successfully cleared their UPSC Civil Services Exam and scored wellcan grab the opportunity to become an IAS officer. The typical roles of an IAS officer vary based on the assignment they are allotted for. In general, there are 3 types of assignments that include:

  • Field
  • State Secretariat/Public Sector Undertakings
  • Central Secretariat

Let us look into the core duties of an IAS officer here.

  • IAS officers are responsible for administering the implementation of government schemes and policies
  • They are liable to supervise administrative activities under the division they are assigned to
  • Consult with various departments and elected representatives to determine different functions.
  • Work in collaboration with other departments for seamless implementation of projects.
  • Deliver immediate assistance in emergency scenarios such as natural disasters, major accidents, and riots.
  • Implement the government policies, monitor them and attend all locations where the policies are brought to effective
  • Work together with law enforcement agencies and initiate relevant measures that prevent criminal activities.
  • Will be authorised to manage all the work being done to develop the territory under his/her supervision
  • Advise and assist the elected representatives in designing and drafting policies
  • Support cultural events, promote traditional arts, and undertake measures to preserve historical monuments.
  • Serves as the District Development Commissioner, along with the role of (CDO)
  • Involves Budget Allocation and Financial Management

IAS Designations during Field Posting

  • Chairman Board of Revenue
  • Member Board of Revenue
  • Divisional Commissioner
  • District Collector/District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner
  • SDO/SDM/Joint Collector/ Chief Development Officer

IAS Designations at Central/State Government Posting

  • Deputy Secretary or Under Secretary for the Indian Government.
  • Director in Government of India
  • Joint Secretary in the Indian Government or Secretary in State Government.
  • Principal Secretary in State Government or Additional Secretary to the Indian Government
  • Secretary to the Indian Government/ Chief Secretary.
  • Cabinet Secretary

IAS Officer Career

The career path of an IAS officer may diverge after probation, which is typically based on the allotted cadre.

The IAS ranks will be determined by the length of service and also it is derived based on the annual performance of the officers.

IAS Grade Pay

Post Pay Scale Grade Pay Years of Services Required
Junior Scale  Rs. 50,000-1,50,000 Rs 16,500 Entry-level
Senior Time Scale Rs 50,000-1,50,001 Rs. 20,000 5 years
Junior Administrative Grade Rs. 50,000-1,50,002 Rs 23,000 9 years

 

There are 8 grades with different pay scales.

Grade Pay Scale Years of experience required Post
Junior 15600 – 39100 Nil Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)

SDO, or Sub-Collector ( after a probation period of 2 years)
Senior Grade 15600 – 39100 5 District Magistrate (DM)/Collector/Joint Secretary of a Government Ministry
Junior Administrative 15600 – 39100 9 Special Secretary or the Head of diverse Government Departments
Selection Grade 37400 – 67000 12-15 Secretary to a Ministry
Super Time Scale 37400 – 67000 17-20 Principal Secretary of an Important Government department

 

The highest grade of an IAS officer is the position of the Cabinet Secretary of India and it gives a pay scale of Rs 2, 50, 000 (fixed) without any predefined years of service.  

Other Perks and Benefits Of An IAS Officer

  • House Rent Allowances – Depends upon the city, ranging between 8% to 24% of the basic pay
  • Dearness Allowance (DA) – Increased at regular intervals by the Government, this can go up to 103% of the basic pay.
  • Medical Allowance – IAS officers can claim for reimbursement for their medical treatments.
  • Travelling Allowances – this cover work travel expenses including accommodation at circuit houses/rest houses or government bungalows
  • Service Quarters – As per the posting city, can get service quarters
  • Benefits after Retirement – become eligible to get a pension and other facilities for a lifetime.
  • Subsidized bills and Transport – A huge subsidy is given for water supply, gas, electricity, telephone and many mor

Additional benefits

  • Official Vehicle and Driver
  • Prestige and Social Recognition
  • Security and Personal Staff
  • Study Leave to pursue higher studies

The life of an IAS officer comes with not only a great compensation package but also filled with huge respect and honour.