IAS stands for Indian Administrative Service. It is a civil service of the Government of India and one of the most prestigious and sought-after career opportunities in India. IAS officers are considered the backbone of the Indian administrative machinery and are responsible for the implementation of government policies and programs at the district, state, and national level.
The process of becoming an IAS officer begins with taking the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annually. The CSE consists of two stages: the preliminary exam (also known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test or CSAT) and the main exam. Candidates who clear the preliminary exam are eligible to take the main exam, which is a written test that covers a wide range of subjects such as Indian polity, international relations, and economic development.
After clearing the main exam, candidates are required to appear for an interview, which is conducted by the UPSC. The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the main exam and the interview.
IAS officers are appointed as district collectors, sub-divisional magistrates, and various other administrative positions at the district, state and national level. They also have the opportunity to serve in different departments such as revenue, home affairs, and general administration. They are responsible for the implementation of government policies and programs, School Analytics, maintenance of law and order, and overall development of the district.