Full Form of IAS

Full Form of IAS

The full form of IAS is Indian Administrative Service.

Full Form of IAS

What does IAS mean?

IAS or the Indian Administrative Service is the administrative division of All India Services who serves for Indian central government as well the individual state governments. It is one of the three All India Services followed by IPS (Indian Police Service) and IFOS (Indian Forest Service).

The IAS officers also represent India at the international platform in various bilateral and multilateral discussions and conferences. If required, they can assist intergovernmental organizations and also serve the World Bank, Ministry department, the International Financial department, the Asian Development Bank, or various other departments.  Election Commission of India as well as associated the IAS officers in the conduction of elections. In India, the highest position of IAS is the Cabinet Secretary. The IAS examination is conducted every year through UPSC, the central employing government department.

Full Form of IAS

The overviews for Indian Administrative Service are as follows:

Selection ExamCivil Services Examination
FoundedAs Imperial Civil Service (ICS) in 1858As Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in Jan 26, 1950
Formerly known asImperial Civil Service
CountryIndia
Legal BodiesGovernment, Civil Service
Staff collegeLal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India
Involved DutiesPolicy formulation Policy execution Public administration Administrative governance Central and state assistance
AssociationIAS association
IAS officers StrengthTotal strength consists of 4,926 members out of 3,511 officers are directly hired by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) and remaining 1,415 officers are promoted from SCS (state civil services).

How to become an IAS officer?

Full Form of IAS

In India, more than 1 million applicants apply for CSE, and only 0.01% of them are successful in passing the exam. Therefore, the officers appointed for the IAS are called "heaven-born." The minimum qualification mandate to apply for an IAS examination is graduation (in any field) from a recognized university. There are three methods by which you can become an IAS officer in India:

  1. Passing the Civil Services Examination: The primary method to become an IAS officer is by passing the CSE (Civil Services Examination), conducted by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). It is also known as the direct recruitment method.
  2. Recruited and transferred from SCS: Some of the officers are also enrolled as IAS after getting promoted from the state civil services.
  3. Appointed by the president of India: In rare cases, the president of India can also recruit a deserving candidate as IAS.

Becoming an IAS officer is itself a great achievement. With this rank there comes a great responsibility to country, constitution and its citizens. 

Role of an IAS officer

The IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officers uphold vital positions and are the backbone of the administrative machinery and parliamentary system of the Indian Government. The responsibilities and functions of IAS officers are as follows:

  • The IAS officers are responsible for collecting the revenue, and they represent as an executive magistrate or court officials in the affairs of criminal courts and revenue courts.
  • It is their responsibility to check, preserve and sustain law and order in the nation.
  • If the IAS officer is posted to the field positions (unlike district magistrates, divisional commissioners, and sub-divisional commissioners), one of their roles is to implement the central and state government strategies from scratch and check they are executed as per the plan. 
  • They also function as a government agent in the field and act as an intermediary bridge to fill the gap between the public and the Government.
  • IAS officers manage and look after the administration policies and day-to-day government proceedings. They consult and discuss regarding the execution and implementation of policies with the minister of the specific department.
  • When they are posted to a higher level in government roles (usually as a joint secretary, cabinet secretary, chief secretary or equivalent), their responsibilities include creating new policies for society's welfare or carving new ideas and making the decision in crucial matters.

IAS Officer Salary – 7th Pay Commission

IAS officers are entitled to significant powers and pleasures. Their salary is one of the primary reasons to attract millions of applications nationwide. With the assessment of the 7th Central Pay Commission, the pay structure of an IAS officer has also been dispensed.  The Pay Grades for the Levels as per the 7th Central Pay Commission are as follows:

Level of cadreBasic Pay in INRExperience or years of servicePost
District  cadreState cadreCentral Cadre
1056,1001 to 4 yearsSub-divisional magistrateUnderAssistant Secretary
1167,7005 to 8 yearsAdditional district magistrateDeputy SecretaryUndersecretary
1278,8009 to 12 yearsDistrict magistrateJoint SecretaryDeputy Secretary
131,18,50013 to 16 yearsDistrict magistrateSpecial secretary-cum-directorDirector
141,44,20016 t0 24 yearsDivisional commissionerSecretary-cum-commissionerJoint Secretary
151,82,20025 to 30 yearsDivisional commissionerPrincipal SecretaryAdditional secretary
162,05,40030 to 33 yearsNo Designated RankAdditional Chief SecretaryNo Designated Rank
172,25,00034 to 36 yearsNo Designated RankChief SecretarySecretary
182,50,000More than 37 yearsNo Designated RankNo Designated RankCabinet Secretary of India

Frequently Asked Questions

Question1: What does IPS stands for?

Answer: IPS stands for the Indian Police Service.

Question2: What are the powers of an IAS officer?

Answer: An IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer can be a part of the central government or the State government. During the early years of their careers, they look after the district administrative machinery. With time, experience and performance, IAS officers represent India on a broader spectrum internationally.

Question 3: What is the highest rank hold by an IPS officer?

Answer: The highest position that an IPS can hold in a state is Director General of Police (DGP). In the central level, he can uphold the position of DGP and pursue the power to lead armed police forces (CAPF).

Question 4: How can one become an IPS?

Answer: To become an IPS officer, an individual must pass the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and secure a rank within 300 (for the general category).