The Indian Administrative Service is the premier administrative Civil service of India. The most sought after dream of millions. IAS provides an absolute opportunity to bring real-time changes in the lives of people. Hard work plays a major differentiating factor between aspiring to be and actually becoming an IAS officer. UPSC conducts the toughest exam of India to handpick a few brightest individuals. After qualifying the Mains aspiring IAS officers go through a rigorous interview sessions. UPSC declares the final merit list of qualified individuals after the tally of marks secured in written examination and personality test was fully done.

Successful candidates join the beautiful Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) for further training. Life of an officer trainee is very disciplined and starts at 6 am sharp.

• 6 am: Morning exercise/horse riding training for 60 minutes
• 7 am to 9 am: Free time for morning activities.
• 9:30 am onwards: 8-10 hours of educational activity including lectures, sports, and extracurricular activities.

The training of IAS officer also includes Bharat Darshan(a study tour of India). This tour help officer trainees to learn to cope with diversity. They get the actual concept of challenges available on the ground.

Once a trainee graduates as an IAS officer, their schedule changes consistent with their allotted posts.

Lifestyle of an IAS officer can be broadly classified into 3 categories:

• Field assignments (SDM, DM,etc.)
• State Secretariat
• Central Government

Field assignments can be extremely demanding. Day of an IAS officer usually starts at 9 am. Handling affairs of the Government, meeting with the public , consulting with elected representatives and various departments, ensuring the implementation of various Government policies and schemes, Working as a first responder to natural disasters and calamities.

• Sub Divisional Magistrate(SDM) exercise powers of Executive Magistrates. They are responsible for operating preventive Sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure. SDMs also oversees the developmental and administrative activities within the Sub-Division.
• The District Magistrate(DM) or the Collector is the chief executive of a district. He is responsible for running the administration of the district smoothly and properly. District Magistrate is liable for the gathering of revenue from the district. DMs also look after the maintenance of land records, land reforms, consolidation of holdings, etc.

Field assignments usually end at the district level for many IAS officers. Many of them move to positions within the State Government and work at the State Secretariat. Many IAS officers also are deputed to International bodies like the United Nations.

Field assignments are considered the toughest roles because sometimes there may be a conflict of opinions between IAS officers and Public Representatives. IAS officers still carry an image of authoritarian among Citizens. Deeper penetration of Government schemes and facilities can only be achieved if people view IAS officers as their representatives. IAS officers toil their energy in establishing trust among citizens. Many times their professional advice also succumb to despair. A diplomatic trait is a must-have for an IAS officer.

State Secretariat postings: An IAS officer shares his expertise gained during the field assignment with elected representatives. The advice of an IAS officer helps the representatives to formulate better schemes and policies for the public.

Central Secretariat postings: Civil services officers work as deputy secretaries, directors and joint secretaries with the Central government. Here they deal with policy review, formulation, and implementation for different ministries.

Powers Of an IAS officer:

• As per the Code of Criminal Procedure (1973) of the Indian Penal Code: Sections 107,108,109,110,133,144 and 176 lists out powers for maintaining law and order given to Magistrates
• Tenancy Laws define the powers of a collector regarding revenue
• National Disaster Management Act lists out powers of Chief Secretaries and Magistrates while directing disaster relief operations.
• Arms Act, Drug Licenses Act, Essential Commodities Act, etc. list out IAS officers’ power to enforce regulations in different situations.

Salary & Perks of an IAS officer:

The 7th Central Pay Commission has stipulated a basic pay of Rs 56100 for newly inducted IAS officers. There is a complete of 18 pay levels for IAS with the Cabinet Secretary of the Union getting the very best pay at Rs. 250000. In addition to the present, IAS officers usually get the subsequent perks while in service:

• Subsidized government accommodation. District level postings get the simplest houses among any government service in India.
• Household help such as cooks, gardeners, etc. depending on the requirement.
• Security cover depending on the requirement.
• Government transportation is provided within the most district and state-level postings. Central deputations have less vehicular facilities extended to IAS and only officers above a particular rank get government vehicles.
• Mobile, internet, and telephone charges are reimbursed.
• Free stay in government rest houses and bungalows during the course of duty.
• IAS officers also are entitled to a monthly pension after retirement supported their rank and length of service.

This service takes sustained hard work, continued dedication, and tones of self-belief to fulfill the responsibilities which were shouldered upon the IAS officer.