IAS FULL FORM

Indian Administrative Services is the foremost administrative civil service of the government of India. It acts as a foundation for the bureaucracy and administration of this country. To become an IAS officer is the dream job of many aspirants. Rankinmg wise, IAS is on the top of the list of 24 services which is offered by the UPSC through the civil services examination(CSE). Members of the IAS are employed in union government, state government, even in the public sector undertakings(PSU) and international organizations like United Nations(UN), International Monetary Fund(IMF) ,World bank etc. Jobs offered to the IAS officers are the post of SDM, Collector, Commissioner, Chief Secretary, Cabinet Secretary to name a few. Unlike Politicians who are temporary executives ,IAS is part of the permanent executives’ branch of India.

IAS Exam is conducted by the UPSC every year to select suitable candidates for India’s premier civil services. It is conducted in three stages i.e., Prelims, Mains and Interview. Every year, approximately 1000 candidates are selected for the overall 24 posts. Let's dive into the details of the process.

• Preliminary Examination: In this stage, there are 2 papers (GS I & GS II/CSAT) that are based on objective type questions with multiple choice answers. Prelims exam is qualifying in nature and used to select candidates for the mains examination. Marks scored in the prelims exam are not considered to decide final list of selection. Details of the prelims examination are given below:

  Paper	Type	No. of questions	Marks	Duration
  General Studies I	Objective	100	200	2 hours
  General Studies II (CSAT)	Objective	80	200	2 hours

• Mains Examination: This exam has a total of 9 papers. Of these 9 papers, 2 are compulsory papers(English and Indian Language papers), 1 Essay Paper, 2 Optional Papers & 4 GS Papers. Except compulsory 2 papers remaining 7 papers mark are calculated to rank the candidate and Mains stage selection. Only after clearing the Prelims exam, a candidate becomes eligible for the Mains exam. All the papers in the Mains exam are descriptive in nature. Details of the UPSC Mains examination are given below:

  Paper	Subject	Duration	Total marks
  Paper A	Compulsory Indian language(QUALIFYING)	3 hours	300
  Paper B	English(QUALIFYING)	3 hours	300
  Paper I	Essay(MARKS CONSIDERED FOR MERIT)	3 hours	250
  Paper II	General Studies I(MARKS CONSIDERED FOR MERIT)	3 hours	250
  Paper III	General Studies II(MARKS CONSIDERED FOR MERIT)	3 hours	250
  Paper IV	General Studies III(MARKS CONSIDERED FOR MERIT)	3 hours	250
  Paper V	General Studies IV(MARKS CONSIDERED FOR MERIT)	3 hours	250
  Paper VI	Optional I(MARKS CONSIDERED FOR MERIT)	3 hours	250
  Paper VII	Optional II(MARKS CONSIDERED FOR MERIT)	3 hours	250

• PERSONALITY TEST: This is the last stage of the UPSC selection process. It is conducted by the UPSC board. The main focus in this final stage is to check various personality traits of candidates like confidence, honesty, integrity, empathy, understanding of ground realities etc. Generally, the question asked in the interview stage is based on the situation based to test administrative skills, Realistic to test the candidate's integrity, Timely to test the candidate's smartness, and current international events to check the general awareness and inquisitive mind of the candidates. It comprising 275 marks.

It is important to note that your attempt will be counted only when you appear for the examination. Merely filing the form is not considered an attempt. This is the major reason for absenteeism (nearly 10 Lakhs students apply but nearly 5 Lakhs students appear in the exam) in the UPSC Prelims exam. Candidates fill out the form but skip the prelims exam to save their attempt in case of lack of preparation or any other issues. It is also important to note that if a candidate has been selected for IAS or IFS (Indian Foreign Service) and he/she opted to join that service then that person can't write the UPSC CSE exam again. However, an IPS can write the UPSC CSE exam again to compete for IAS rank.

The role of an IAS officer depends on the types of assignments they get. The assignments are categorized into 3 types.

• Field
• State Secretariat
• Central Secrerariat

• Managing Central and State Government affairs like framing, implementing, and revising policies. .
• Consultations with various departments.
• Distribution of funds of Central Government allocated for various schemes.
• Supervision of the already implemented schemes and policies of the government.
• Providing immediate assistance and handling immediate situations during emergencies like natural disasters, major accidents, and riots.

• Field Assignments : An IAS officer’s first posting after training is usually a field assignment.Their function depends on their rank and postings.
• Sub-divisonal Functions : Sub-divisional Officer is the chief civil officer of the Sub Division. He enjoys adequate powers to coordinate work in sub-division. He has direct control over the Tehsildar & their staff.His main duties include revenue, executive, magisterial, developmental works and judicial work.In the case of revenue matters, he is Assistant Collector Ist grade but the powers of Collector have been delegated to him under certain acts.
• District-level Functions :: The collector or deputy commissioner has similar functions as sub-divisional officers. The role & responsibilities of the office of District Collector(DC) has changed significantly since independence. From enforcement of law & order and collection of revenue, the responsibility of the DC office has increased to implement the national & state policies on welfare & planned development. DC serves as a channel of communication between the government and residents of the district.Currently, DC's duties & functions are as mentioned below.
  • As a Collector
  • As a District Administrator
  • As a District Magistrate
  • As a District Development Officer
  • Responsibility of Disaster management
  • Elections related functions
  • Food & Civil supplies
  • Residua functions,

• State Secretariat : In this position, IAS officers use their previous field experience to advise the representative policies and make decisions for the government.
• Public Sector Undertakings : IAS officers get a job at Public Sector Undertakings(PSU) & become a part of higher management. These undertakings include power stations, industrial units, defence units, coal sector and many more.
• Central Secretariat Assignment : IAS officers who get secretarial level postings at the Central government look after policy reviews, formulation, and implementation for different ministries. Many IAS officers are also deputed to international bodies like the United Nations, World Health Organisation, World Trade Organisation etc. Also, there are certain provisions to transfer IAS officers to private organisations for a limited time.

Almost everybody knows that there are a number of benefits and perks of being an IAS officer. But before the realisation of IAS dream, you need to clear the UPSC exam with a good rank which is not an easy task. Firstly, candidates should have a long-term strategy and proper guidance. Secondly, goal-oriented students start preparing for the exam 12 months before the exam date. However, there are some students who have been ranked at the top after only a few months of preparation. Hence, the quality of your study matters the most. IAS exam is much more than the verbal, written and personality test exam. It reflects the personality and the hard work of the candidate. Further, you may also choose the best institute to prepare for the UPSC CSE exam. But don't forget that just choosing a good institute is not enough you have to be extremely hard working and focused on your end to be an IAS officer. The exam is the reflection of where candidate stands. Extreme hard work will do wonders for you and help you to achieve your IAS dream.

Below are a few tips to crack the IAS Exam fast in a timebound manner. Follow these and do the hard work.

• Read the Syllabus thoroughly and understand the pattern : Planning is the key for you because to cover the entire syllabus, you must plan accordingly. Divide the syllabus on the basis of easy, medium, and difficult.Focus on the daily target and compete for chunk by chunk as it is said that 100 miles walk is completed steps by steps.
• Limited Sources : Candidates should fix their standard source and stick with that limited source.Do not fall into trap of multiple new sources coming every day in the market.
• Previous Year Question(PYQs) Papers : By analysing PYQ candidates get an idea of what to read and what to exclude.Knowing what to exclude is more important than what to read because of the vastness of the UPSC CSE syllabus.So, do not skip on these because it is very important to understand the patterns and mindset of examiners.
• Discussion is key : To remember each and everything, you must develop the habit of discussing current affairs on a daily basis.
• Mock Paper : Solving Mock papers helps to understand the possible traps of examiners.It helps you to judge your current preparation level and provides an opportunity to rectify your mistake before the final exam day. As it is said that ‘The more we sweat in peace, the less we bleed in war.’ further The candidate should create an examination-like situation during solving the mock test.
• Newspaper : UPSC is keen on the dynamic portion of the syllabus for all the three stages of the exam especially Prelims. Therefore, develop daily newspaper reading habit and make notes out of them. Candidates should also update their current affairs notes with a monthly current affairs compilation of coaching.
• Aptitude Test(CSAT Paper II Prelims): Covering aspects like English comprehension, mental ability, logical reasoning, Data interpretation etc. Although it is only a qualifying paper getting the required 33% marks is not easy at all due to increasing difficulty levels over the last few years. Acing this test requires intense practice.
• Diet and Sleep : Candidate must follow a healthy diet and have a sleeping pattern too. Ensure that you sleep for at least 7-8 hours per day. You can have dry fruits which are necessary for your mind to sharpen your memory.
• Do not Waver : Finally, the Candidate must work hard with passion and perseverance and think about your dream. Remember the prelims are only half the battle. You cannot afford to lose enthusiasm just after the prelims exam. So mentally prepare yourself that you have to achieve the complete goal. As Swami Vivekananda said, "Arise awake and stop not until the goal is reached." Do not look at the exams as a burden but as a golden opportunity to improve and sharpen your talent and intelligence. It is very important to look at this exam as a process or path which you must have to complete to reach your final destination to become an IAS officer and enjoy it in the fullest way.

An IAS officer enjoys a lot of benefits and perks which makes it one of the most lucrative career option in India. They have the power to make a difference in the lives of millions of people. They also get huge respect in society. They have the power to influence policies in the areas of social projects, education, health, and the economy. This is an unrivalled ability to serve the people and the country. Only the Indian Administrative Service provides the opportunity to participate directly and actively in the country's development. The income and benefits of an IAS officer, together with the power he or she possesses, are pretty impressive. It also provides an opportunity to use one's talents and abilities to help the country.
Let’s discuss a few of the benefits available to IAS officers in detail:

• Accommodation: IAS officers get big houses as accommodation according to their ranks, pay scale and seniority provided by the government. Accommodation is free of cost and gets additional services as well. It includes house help, gardener, cook, security guard, and security for the family as well.
• Transport: Government vehicles and chauffeurs are provided to them. Also, more than one vehicle can be provided depending on their responsibility.
• Security: As the IAS position is the highest position in civil service and so the danger is a part of the job. However, required security based on threat perception is provided to the officer and his/her family to protect them. Also in case of emergency situations, STF commandoes provide extra protection.
• Bills: The bills are generally free or highly subsidized and it includes water, electricity, phone and gas connections
• Trips: IAS officers are provided with heavily subsidised housing in government bungalows. Whether the trip is official or non-official it does not matter. However, when they visit Delhi, they can stay in their cadre’s State Bhavans.
• Study Leaves : An IAS officer can get study leaves for 2 years. they can also apply to reputed foreign universities. The government bear the expenses but there are restrictions too. After serving 7 years IAS officers can apply for this facility. Also, they have to sign the bond declaring that after returning they will serve as IAS for a certain number of years.
• Job Security: An IAS officer enjoys a great sense of job security because it is not easy to fire an IAS officer as per Article 311 of the Indian Constitution. If an IAS officer is found guilty, there is a proper process for investigation before any decision is finalized.
• Retirement Benefits
  • Lifetime Pension: After retirement, an IAS officer enjoys many other benefits song with lifetime pensions.
  • Post Retirement: After retirement, IAS officers can easily be appointed to commissions. Furthermore, Government can avail their services to other departments.

The Central Government elects a Pay Commission to finalize the salary of central government employees. However, it depends on the Central government whether the recommendation of the Pay Commission accepts or reject. Also, the inflation rate affects salary. it means that the salary of IAS officers keeps fluctuating according to the economy. However, the salary keeps on increasing with time. And from transport to house-related help, everything is under government expense.

Apart from the IAS salary, the IAS officer has great power and responsibilities. Also, even if the IAS salary is less than or equal to the private sector, the power and command are incomparable to other professions.

1. Firstly, an IAS officer holds the administration charge of the entire district/state/department/ministry.
2. Secondly, many people depend on them for their grievance redressal.
3. Moreover, they have the authority for bringing positive changes to society. They have the authority to influence education, health & economic policies In other words, their un comparable power to serve the country is unique.
4. The Indian Penal Code's(IPC) criminal procedure Section- 107,108, 109, 110, 144 and 176 empowers the IAS officer for maintaining law & order issues.
5. Law of tenancy regarding revenue powers is also dealt with by the collector.
6. Also, Arm, Drug License and essential commodities act lie under the IAS officer.

It is very important for candidates to look at the syllabus thoroughly to understand the depth of the syllabus and the actual demand of UPSC before starting the preparation. The syllabus of Prelims and Mains mostly match but the demand for the knowledge base for both is different. Broadly Prelims exam contain History, Geography, Polity & Indian Constitution, Economy, Environment & Current affairs. In Mains exam apart from the Prelims syllabus, there are some more sections in GS paper 1 like World History & Society, in GS paper 2 extra section include International Relations, in GS Paper 3 include Security and a whole new paper GS Paper 4(Ethics), Essay & Optional also include in Mains exam.Prelims exam is based on objective types of questions, Mains are based on subjective exams and the interview is a viva exam that checks the personality of candidates. The candidate is chosen on the basis of the marks of the Main exam and Interview. The total marks for the Mains exam which include 4 GS Paper,2 Optional Paper & 1 Essay paper are 1750. The interview stage contains marks 275. Therefore, the student should prepare wisely because of the vastness of the UPSC CSE syllabus and questions appearing in exams from a wide range of subjects.

The first paper of the Prelims (General Studies) exam covers the following topics:

• Current events of national & international importance.
• History of India & Indian National Movement.
• Indian & World Geography- Physical, Economic, Social Geography of India and the World.
• Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Panchayati Raj, Political System, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Social & Economic Development – Sustainable Development, Inclusion, Poverty, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental Ecology, Climate Change & Biodiversity – that do not require subject specialisation
• General Science

The second paper of Prelims (CSAT) covers the following topics:

• Engish Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills
• Analytical ability & Logical reasoning
• Decision-making & problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers & their relations, orders of magnitude, average ,age etc.) – Class X level
• Data interpretation (charts,tables, graphs, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level)

The Mains exam covers the following subjects-

• Compulsory Indian Language(language which is mentioned in Schedue VIII of Indian Constitution.Only 25% marks is required to pass. Total 300 Marks)
• English compulsory (Only 25% marks is required to pass .Total 300 Marks)
• Essay Paper (Total 250 Marks)
• Current Affairs
• Indian History & World History ,Geography , Art and Culture,Society are part of GS Paper 1 (250 Marks)
• Polity & Indian Constitution ,Governance ,Social & Economic development & International Relations are part of GS Paper 2 (250 Marks)
• Economy ,Environment , Security & Science & Technology are part of GS Paper 3 (250 Marks)
• Ethics are of GS Paper 4 (250 Marks)
• Optional paper - There are total 26 subjects,out of which you have to select only 1 subjects as your Optional Paper in UPSC CSE Exam(Optional contain 2 Paper from same subject each comprise 250 Marks ,So total optional marks is 500)

The remaining 7 papers each contain 250 Marks making a total of 1750 Marks.

In the final stage of the UPSC CSE exam, UPSC wishes to test your personality and not merely your knowledge because your knowledge base has already been tested in Mains written exams. So for the interview stage candidate should read as much as possible you can about the happenings around the world to brush up on their knowledge. Consequently, you will perform well.

Clearing the IAS exam is not a cakewalk. Therefore, it requires a lot of hard work, dedication and focus on your part. You must study the syllabus thoroughly and come up with a detailed strategy for covering all the subjects given in the syllabus. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and prioritise things accordingly. Apart from regular studies, pay attention to your health too. Indulge in regular exercise, Yoga, Meditation, a minimum of 6 to 7 hours of sleep and also maintain a balanced diet along with dry fruits for the mind. Apart from this, follow your daily schedule properly & be aware of the happenings around you.Don't forget to read the newspaper daily. Practice mock tests, analyse your weak areas and rectify issues in the weak areas so that weak areas ultimately become the strong areas in actual exams. Revision is key to get success in UPSC CSE Exam so revise your subject's content as much as possible to become an IAS Officer and achieve your dream.
The position of an IAS officer gets huge respect and prestige in society. Apart from various perks & benefits, IAS officers get a huge opportunity to serve the nation and bring change at the grass-root levels and give huge satisfaction for becoming a change agent. Therefore you should put in all your hard work and prepare for this exam with full dedication and focus and achieve your dream to become an IAS officer.

1.What is the Full Form of IAS?
The Full Form of IAS is Indian Administrative Services .

2. What is the cut-off of the prelims?
The cut-off for paper 1 is set by UPSC and it varies as per the complexity of GS 1 paper as well as difficulty levels of CSAT.In the recent past few years due to the increased complexity of CSAT paper, the overall cut-off of Prelims scores is decreasing. But for paper 2 the cut-off is 33% and it is only qualifying in nature.

3. How many papers are there in the UPSC CSE main exam?
The main exam has 9 papers. However, 7 papers are used for ranking. And 2 papers are qualifying in nature. You have to secure a minimum mark of 25% in Indian Language & English Papers to qualify.

4. What are the other duties of an IAS officer apart from the task in India?
Apart from the above-mentioned duties, an IAS officer also has to represent the nation on an International level for negotiation like in UN, WHO, WTO etc.

5. What is the starting salary of an IAS officer after completion of 2 years of training?
Approximately Rs 56,100 is the starting salary of an IAS officer. However, it fluctuates and can go high after a few years of experience based on performance.

6. What are the additional perks apart from salary for an IAS officer?
The additional perks include travel, transport, accommodation, and many other facilities. these are just a few perks out of many perks. IAS officers also get the facility of subsidized rates in many foreign countries.

7. What is the maximum salary of an IAS officer in their tenure?
2,50,000 is the maximum salary of an IAS officer. An IAS officer can reach up to the top through promotions to become a Cabinet Secretary(highest position for Civil Servants in the government of India). But it fluctuates according to the inflation of the economy. Also, the officer gets a promotion every 4-5 years based on their performance.

8. What is Special Pay Advance?
Special pay advance is a term that is used for a stipend amount that IAS officers receive during training. It is the salary that trainees get on behalf of their cadre. It is supposed to be Rs 45000/- But the final amount received is Rs 38,500 after deducting Rs 10,000 for miscellaneous expenses.