Every year, many students or aspirants take the UPSC exam to acquire prestigious job positions in the government sector. These job positions are well-respected, well-paid, and have an essence of their own. IAS and IPS are the two most popular job roles that aspirants opt for when considering the UPSC exam. However, what are these job positions, what are these job roles, what are their responsibilities, and powers, and how are they different from each other? This guide will provide you with complete details and comparisons on both IAS and IPS.
IAS- Indian Administrative Service
IAS is one of the most challenging and prestigious jobs in India. Every year many candidates take the Civil Services Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to qualify for IAS officers. Millions of students prepare and appear for the exams but only 150 students are able to qualify as IAS candidates.
IAS is considered one of the prestigious careers in India as it is the highest among the designations of top services employed by the union government, state government, and different public sectors. An IAS officer is responsible for the administration activities for the entire district and represents the Government of India on different occasions at the international level. To qualify or be eligible to appear for the IAS exam candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
IPS- Indian Police Service
IPS is another one of the most physically challenging and prestigious jobs. Just like IAS, IPS officers are selected from the CSE exams taken by the Union Public Service Commission. An IPS officer is one of the top-ranked positions after IAS as he leads the police force at Union and State levels. The officers are also heads of intelligence agencies and organizations like the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Central Bureau of Investigation, and Central Reserve Police Force.
The key duties of IPS officers include maintaining law and order and the safety of the general public as well as investigating crime. The minimum educational qualification or the eligibility for an IPS officer is bachelor’s degree from a recognized University
IAS vs IPS
Both IAS and IPS officers have different departments and are responsible for different activities in India. IAS is the primary civil service for administrative activities while IPS is responsible for the police department. The candidates who secure the top ranks in civil services exams can become IAS officers or IPS officers. An IAS officer has the power to take action against the issues or problems without any complaint being registered. However, IPS officers only take action after a complaint has been filed. There can only be one IAS officer in a district or area, however, there can be more than one IPS officer in a district or area. IAS officers are superior to IPS officers of the district or the area.
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Here is the distinct difference between IAS and IPS on different criteria:
Roles and Responsibilities
IAS and IPS both have different criteria and departments to handle, the job roles and responsibilities are different for both officers due to their different departments. Here is the list of roles and responsibilities of IAS and IPS officers:
IAS officer job roles and responsibilities
- IAS officers are responsible to handle the administration of their district, area, and departments.
- IAS offers the power to make proposals and policies that are implemented for the development of their district or area of work.
- The IAS officers are accountable and answerable to state and central governments.
IPS officer job roles and responsibilities
- The role and responsibilities of an IPS officer are to maintain the law and order of the area or district they are appointed. They are also responsible for investigating the crime and ensuring that public safety is maintained.
- IPS officers are mainly responsible for peace and public safety throughout.
Selection Process
There is a huge difference in both IAS and IPS selection criteria. Candidates who clear the UPSC exam with a top ranking are selected for IAS and IPS processes. IAS is the first top-rank choice while IPS is the second alternative for top-rankers. Both have to give UPSC civil services exam and attain top ranks to get selected for IAS or IPS. The selection process for both is as follows:
- The UPSC CSE(Civil Services Exam) is conducted in three levels- Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test or Interview.
- To secure good marks or a ranking in CSE, candidates have to clear all exam stages with flying colors to become IAS and IPS officers.
- The process for selection is the same, but to get a chance for selection and training, candidates have to get a high ranking.
Controlling Authorities
IAS and IPS have separate controlling authorities. IAS officers or job positions are controlled by the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, personnel grievances, and pension. However, the IPS cadre’s controlling authority is the Ministry of home affairs.
Training
Due to different job roles and responsibilities, both IAS and IPS officers have different training. IAS officers are trained to manage manpower, administration, and other related activities. IAS officers get training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, Uttrakhand. The officers who rank higher during their training get the president’s gold medal for management.
IPS officers on the other hand have completely different training, their training includes physical activities and law enforcement activities that are practiced and performed rigorously. A medical examination is important for both IAS and IPS officers, but IPS officers have to meet certain criteria which include height, weight, etc. The IPS officers get training at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad, Telangana. IPS officers also receive ranking during their training and top-ranked candidates get the prime minister’s Baton.
Promotions
Both IAS and IPS officers have different promotions in their careers depending on their job roles and responsibilities. Diligent officers can get promoted to high job roles and responsibilities. Their promotions of both IAS and IPS are described below:
- The highest promotion for IAS officers is the appointment as cabinet secretary where only 1 IAS officer is appointed, post as chief secretary, and post as home secretary.
- For IPS officers, the Director General of Police is the highest post. However, the officers can also be appointed as part of RAW, IB, and CBI. They also have a chance to become the National security advisor of India.
Salary of IAS & IPS
IAS and IPS both have similar starting pay scales which means both officers start their training and job positions with the same salary. The entry-level pay scale for the IAS officer is Rs 56,100 without DA, HRA, and TA. Both IAS and IPS have a 7th pay commission. However, IAS have salaries slightly higher than IPS officers. The pay scale of IPS officers can range from Rs 56,100 per month to Rs 2,25,000 per month depending on their promotions and rank. DGP( Director-General of Police) receives the highest pay scale from the range. In addition to in-hand salary, both IAS and IPS officers receive benefits such as house help, transport, accommodation, healthcare, etc.
Uniform
Uniforms are an important part of government departments especially when they belong to a certain department like the Police. When it comes to uniforms, both IAS and IPS have distinctive differences between their uniforms. IAS officers do not have any specified uniform, they can wear any formal attire for events. However, IPS officers have a special uniform that comes with different ranks and promotions at different levels. IPS officers are required to be in their full uniform, especially on specified days like republic day, independence day, etc Both uniforms are different, but there is a common aspect. A string, a national emblem as well as a sword is compulsory for all ranks.
Powers of IAS & IPS
Both IAS and IPS are powerful and prestigious positions that aspirants desire through UPSC. However, being specialized in different sectors, both have their own set of powers. If you compare both, IAS is more powerful compared to IPS in authority. IPS officers deal with the roles and responsibilities of their department, which is the police department of their district. Their responsibilities are limited to that department. However, IAS officers have responsibilities and authority over all departments in their district. For instance, if an IAS officer is appointed in Mumbai they are responsible and authorized for all departments in Delhi.
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Which one is best IAS or IPS and what you should choose?
There is no certain conclusion or definite answer to which one is the best or which one you should choose. Both services are prestigious and have challenges of their own depending on the candidate’s caliber, hard work, determination, and interest they can choose between IAS and IPS. However if you are confused or contemplating choosing between the two here are a few things you need to look at:
- If you do not like crying law and order problems and riots then IPS is not the right choice for you.
- IAS officers on the other hand have to manage harmony in different patterns and handle the issues independently
Both job positions have their own benefits and challenges so depending on your goal and understanding you can select between IAS & IPS and clear the civil services exam.
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