| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers handle affairs of the government. Therefore, the work of the Civil Services affects virtually all aspects of modern life -environment, education, health, agriculture, law and order, defence, foreign affairs, social welfare, urban development and taxation. In a nutshell, it is the job of an IAS officer to look after civil administration and be involved with policy-making. Career in IAS Service or in Civil Services is big task for everyone in india, here are you will get the complete guide about IAS Service.
IAS is one of the three All India Services (the other two being the IPS and IFS) constituted by an Act of Parliament, namely The All India Services Act 1951, in consonance with Article 312 of the Constitution calling of the creation of all india services common to the Union and the states. Although primarily assigned to a group of state at the point of entry, an IAS officer can serve the central government stipulated in the possession of the county council, after he or she returns to the main draw. This double movement of professional expereince between the center and states and the diversity of service agents benefit not only government but also the officers themselves, as they gain experience of exposure varied. In short, IAS is the premier service for delivering, good governance to society, with the administrators co-ordinating departmental works to ensure holistic development of the state/region they are serving. Only the cream of Indian Students usually enter the IAS, as the first 100 successful candidates from the Civil Services exams are picked from this service.
The scope of work for an IAS officer in the country is immense and much diversified". You start off as a sub-divisional magistrate and go on to man government departments - health, education, technology etc, and then move to nodal co-ordination as secretary. This kind of a work profile is unmatched in the country. The challenges it entails makes it the most interesting career possible." It is, however, not easy to become an IAS officer. The recruitment process is extremely tough. Only the top 80 to 100 candidates in the Civil Services Examination become IAS officers. Out of around 4 lakh aspirants every year, the final acceptance level of about 0.00025 makes it the toughest competitive examination in our country.
With liberalisation, there has been a shift in the role and responsibilities of an IAS officer. "Economic reforms in the country after 1991 ushered in a paradigm shift in the role and responsibilities of IAS officers,". "From regulators, they've become performance managers, whose role in the decision-making process is focused on service delivery and improving governance.An IAS officer today has more challenges and opportunities. Indeed, this is so because while operating within the framework of a democratic welfare state, their focus has shifted further towards development. And this is, perhaps, the reason why youngsters now are showing a renewed interest in the civil services.
There was a period in the decade up to 2005-06 when bright students were disenchanted with the bureaucracy, with private employment looking more lucrative. However, he adds, over the past couple of years, some factors have led to a revival of youth career in the Civil Services - the factors are "job cuts in MNCs due to the economic slowdown; demand for better governance being made and met; accountability and responsiveness of the public administration being perceived positively after introduction of the Right to Information Act; and the pay structure revision."
To serve India better, the "IAS as a service has to modify itself as per the changing ground realities,"It has to become more responsive and resultoriented."
What are an IAS officer's main responsibilities?
The IAS, as the administrative arm of the Indian government, is responsible for management of regulatory and development works, with officers in strategic positions throughout the country. The principal responsibility of an IAS officer is civil administration, planning and formulation of policies and their implementation.
Institutions imparting coaching for the Civil Services Exam. How helpful are these?
My personal view always has been that until the main examination, individual preparation that suits one's schedule is more useful -- except for the personality test. A shortduration course in a coaching institution helps one gain confidence, soothing pre-interview nerves. Mock interviews help one gauge how others are faring.
What are the negatives plaguing the service?
The immense variability of factors associated with working in the bureaucracy, inadequate accountability charters, curbs on independence on some occasions, erosion of command and control on subordinate personnel for creating desired performance pressure, lack of transparency in the work procedure owing to archaic systems, redtapism leading to reduced motivation and cynicism.
What are the challenges facing the IAS? What is its future as a profession in the country?
Emergence as a performing, professionally competent, objective and conscientious service in the country remains the foremost challenge for the IAS. The growing number of brilliant students trying to join the services should be seen as a positive indicator of the necessity of continuing this service. |
