Indian Information Service

For those aspirants aiming at a rewarding career in information and broadcasting, the Indian Information Service (IIS), a Group ‘A’ Civil Service, is the optimal choice. This option is open to candidates who clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination, and training with a reputed UPSC coaching centre can greatly enhance their preparation.

The Indian Information Service officers serve as the media managers of the Indian Government. This prestigious service plays a crucial role in broadcasting information to the public and managing the nation’s communication strategy.

History of the Indian Information Service (IIS) 

  • Formerly known as Central Information Service (CIS), The Indian Information Services (IIS) was created on 1st March 1960, as an organized service that consisted of Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’.
  • Before 1960, officers were recruited for these posts, individually for every media unit through the UPSC from the open
  • Later, in 1987, CIS was divided into IIS Group A and IIS Group B.
  • The Indian Information Service comprises posts across India that cover a few abroad in numerous media organization
  • IIS Group ‘A’ officers Service conditions are regulated by IIS (Group A’) Rules, 2013

Eligibility for the Indian Information Service (IIS) 

CriteriaRequirement
Age 21-30 years of old, relaxation applicable for reserved categories
QualificationExpected a bachelor’s degree from a renowned university
Applicants having a degree in journalism, mass communication, or public relations are preferable
Number of Attempts 6 – General category
More attempts are allowed as per government rules for OBC and SC/ST candidates
NationalityIndian

 

Recruitment of IIS Officers

IIS Group A:

The major recruitment mode for the Indian Information Service Group A is via the UPSC CSE. The candidates should undergo and clear the different stages of the CSE; Prelims, Mains and Interview. Officers recruited through this mode are called Direct Recruits (DRs). Posts can also be filled via promotions from IIS Group B.

IIS Group B:

The recruitment to the Senior Grade of IIS Group B is achieved through a specific examination of the UPSC. Typically, the Junior Grade of IIS Group B staff will be chosen through the Staff Selection Commission examination.

As of now, there are two recruitment modes for IIS Group ‘A’ service:

  1. Through the UPSC Civil Services Examination (conducted every year – 50%)
  2. By promoting from Senior Grade of IIS Group ‘B’ (50%)

Training

The training for the Indian Information Service will be taken in three stages.

Stage 1:

A 3-month Foundation Course at LBSNAA

Stage 2:

Probationers will undergo nine-month training at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication

Stage 3:

Probationers will have training at diverse media branches of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for a year.

The various branches are listed below:

  1. DD News
  2. All India Radio
  3. Press Information Bureau
  4. Registrar of Newspapers for India
  5. Directorate of Field Publicity
  6. Publications Division
  7. Electronic Media Monitoring Centre
  8. Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity

IIS Officers – Roles and Responsibilities

  • To administer and coordinate the work of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
  • Create and deploy communication strategies for government programs
  • To manage the public relations efforts of the government
  • To control, administer and guide the news service units that include DD News and All India Radio (AIR).
  • Arrange press conferences and media briefings
  • Can be assigned to other countries, especially in collaboration with Prasar Bharati
  • Arrange for press advertising and visual publicity campaigns. These are intended to promote awareness among the people about the numerous policies and activities of the government
  • Supervise legal aspects related to the newspaper circulation, registration, and title verification of the nation
  • To conduct the publicity work of the government
  • Can cater to Personal Secretaries in the Central Government on a co-terminus base.

Grade and Designation of IIS Officers

GradeDesignation
Junior Time ScaleAssistant Director

ANI

News Reporter/ Correspondent

Field Publicity Officer

Assistant Director (Monitoring)

Assistant Regional & Research Officer

Senior Time ScaleAssistant Press Registrar

Deputy Director

Editor

Copy Tester

Research Officer

Campaign Officer

Senior Correspondent-Cum-Editor Regional Officer

Public Relations Officer

Officer On Special Duty

Special Correspondent (Abroad)

Talks Officers

Public Relations Officer

Senior Correspondent

Junior Administrative GradeJoint Director (News)

Deputy Press Registrar

Editor-In-Chief

Special Correspondent (Abroad) Director (Media)

Joint Director

Chief (Media)

Junior Administrative Grade (NFSG)Director
Senior Administrative GradeDirector

Registrar Of Newspapers For India

Additional Director General (News)

Special Correspondent (Abroad)

Higher Administrative GradeDirector General (News)
Director-General

Principal Information Officer

 

Pay Scales

Grade Basic Pay Range For IISPay Level
Junior Time ScaleRs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,50010
Senior Time ScaleRs. 67,700 – Rs. 2,08,70011
Junior Administrative GradeRs. 78,800 – Rs. 2,09,20012
Selection GradeRs. 1,18,500 – Rs. 2,14,10013
Senior Administrative GradeRs. 1,44,200 – Rs. 2,18,20014
Higher Administrative GradeRs. 1,82,200 – Rs. 2,24,10015

 

IIS Career Prospects

Once the probation period is completed, the Indian Information Service Officer will be posted in the media wing of the Government of India.

  • Will be initially in the post of an Assistant Director as a Junior Grade Officer.
  • The first promotion is the Deputy Director.
  • In the Junior Administrative Cadre, the posting will be the Joint Director or the Deputy Secretary to the Government of India.
  • Will be in the Post of Director in the Junior Administrative Cadre.

Final Words

The Indian Information Service is a challenging, yet rewarding post in the segment of communication and media. The post comes with various government perks and allowances. Navigate your path to this post with the right guidance and the best coaching.

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