Career Opportunities in Indian Civil services
Civil Services Exam or Indian Administrative Services acts as the inner strength of Indian government system that runs the local administration of different states. The job profile comprises of a wide variety of jobs in diverse departments with highly competitive and challenging area. However, in contrast with private sector, the job of civil services is highly rewarding and offers job security. Along with the power, comes kudos for these top-jobs that offers a definite reason for everyone to join the same. One of the reasons that make this profession a lucrative one is that it offers facilities like good salary, allowances such as healthcare, housing, conveyance etc.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) was founded in the year 1946 and is one of the three All India Services, with the other two being Indian Forest Services and Indian Police Services. The cadre size of IAS is 5159 posts (direct recruitment – 66.67%, promotion 33.33%) and the cadre controlling authority is Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, Department of Personnel and Training. Those who get selected have their training ground at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration.
Eligibility :
A graduate in any discipline from any university across the country can appear for the Indian Civil Services examination. Being a citizen of India is a pre-requisite. The age should be between 21 and 28 years old as on August 1, and for the Forest Service, as on July 1 of the year of the examination. In order to appear for the combined services examination, the candidate must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university. In order to apply for the Forest Service, a candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in any of the science subjects. The Civil Service Exam includes 3 levels. The first is a preliminary test consisting of two multiple choice question papers. It is not difficult to pass this stage. The next is the main examination which is subjective and detailed. Qualifying for the final step to the dream job that is the interview, on the basis of the written exam, is an exceptional task.
Course Details :
Training begins in the last week of August with a foundation training course of 4 months duration for probationers of all civil services. The foundation course is followed up by specific job -oriented training, conducted separately by each service in different parts of the country. This training is partly institutional and partly hands on. For most cadres, the training is of 12 months duration Once appointed, all probationary officers of the All India and Central Services undergo a compulsory foundation training course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.
Remuneration :
The Government of India has fixed salary grades for Civil Servants. Approximately the range of salaries drawn at various levels is as follows:
Junior Officers: Rs.8000-275-13500
Senior Officers: Rs.10650-325-15200
Junior Administrative Grade: Rs.12,750-375-16,500
Selection Grade: Rs.15,100-400-18,300
Additional Secretary: Rs.22400-525-24500
Secretary/Cabinet Secretary: Rs.26,000/30,000
(The above scales only provide an idea of the pay scales. Different branches of the service have different scales of pay.)
In addition to the salary civil servants receive various allowances such as Dearness Allowance, City compensatory Allowance, Leave Travel Allowance, Medical and subsidised housing.
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