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.

• Formerly known as Central Information Service (CIS), the Indian Information Service (IIS) was created on 1st March 1960 as an organised 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 market.
• Later, in 1987, CIS was divided into IIS Group A and IIS Group B.
• The Indian Information Service comprises posts across India and a few abroad in numerous media organisations.
• IIS Group ‘A’ officers’ service conditions are regulated by the IIS (Group ‘A’) Rules, 2013.

IIS Group A:

The major recruitment mode for the Indian Information Service Group A is via the UPSC CSE. Candidates must 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:

Recruitment to the Senior Grade of IIS Group B is achieved through a specific examination conducted by the UPSC. Typically, the Junior Grade of IIS Group B staff are selected through the Staff Selection Commission examination.

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

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

The training for the Indian Information Service is conducted in three stages.

• Stage 1: A 3-month Foundation Course at LBSNAA (Mussoorie).
• Stage 2: Probationers undergo nine-month training at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
• Stage 3: Probationers receive training at diverse media branches of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for a year.

The various branches are listed below:

• DD News
• All India Radio
• Press Information Bureau
• Registrar of Newspapers for India
• Directorate of Field Publicity
• Publications Division
• Electronic Media Monitoring Centre
• Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity

• To administer and coordinate the work of the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
• Create and deploy communication strategies for government programmes.
• To manage the public relations efforts of the government.
• To control, administer and guide the news service units, including 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 intended to promote awareness among the people about the numerous policies and activities of the government.
• Supervise legal aspects related to 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 basis.

• Once the probation period is completed, the Indian Information Service Officer will be posted in the media wing of the Government of India.
• Initially, the posting is as an Assistant Director (Junior Grade).
• The first promotion is to Deputy Director.
• In the Junior Administrative Cadre, the posting will be as Joint Director or Deputy Secretary to the Government of India.
• Later, officers reach the post of Director in the Junior Administrative Cadre.

The Indian Information Service is a challenging yet rewarding post in the field 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.