Role and Hierarchy of an IAS

India is a vast country with different systems to be managed accordingly to ensure even functioning. Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is just a branch of the Indian Civil Service. The responsibility of an IAS officer is to see through the administrative matters of the government for the welfare of the society. Having qualified all the required examinations, only the top 80/100 IAS officers are posted in the government establish.

Although, the service is hierarchical, one has to gradually come across all the ranks but the promotion level is fixed. Experience is only the key factor which matters. An IAS officer has to carry out the following functions:

• Throughout their service, at various ranks, the IAS officers are responsible for managing several problems confined to administrative functioning of various systems
• They quote policies and also counsel ministers on several issues
• They are accountable to maintain the law and order in the area, where they are posted.

Most of the IAS officers kick-start their career as a sub-divisional magistrate at the sub-divisional level ensuring law and order of that particular city along with general development work under their supervision. Then comes the District officer who is also known as the District Collector or the Deputy Commissioner and it is the most identifiable position in the IAS.

Hierarchy

In the hierarchy of IAS officers at the centre, the Cabinet Secretary holds the top level that is followed by Secretary or the Additional Secretary then the Joint Secretary, Director, Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary. All these posts are filled up on the basis on seniority.

Comparison of equivalent positions at the centre and state respectively:

Under Secretary : Deputy Secretary, Additional District Magistrate

Deputy Secretary : Joint Secretary, District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner

Director : Special Secretary Head of departments

Joint Secretary : Secretary

Additional secretary : Principal Secretary, Financial Commissioner

Secretary : Chief Secretary

It is very important to note that an officer belonging to the Indian Administrative Services is liable to serve any part of India and could be under the State or Central government. Although the pay is not that fat when you compare to the corporate pay-scale, it is the respectable and responsible position to serve the nation what matters.

As versed by Margery Williams, “It doesn’t happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time.” This statement from a great person is totally suitable to students who aspire to be IAS officers. All the IAS aspirants, hold on your gears, prepare yourself, and march ahead as the administration of the nation rests on your shoulder!