IAS (Indian Administrative Services) and IPS (Indian Police Services) are the most privileged and significant services in the country. They are the two pillars of development and are an indispensable ingredient of growth of the country. This write-up will highlight the difference between IAS and IPS.
The glory and the aura of the administrative services are carried by both the IAS and IPS posts. The candidates chosen for the post are regarded as the torch bearer of the democratic country.
These posts hold the prestigious badge but are challenging too. With the position and the authority also comes the accountability towards the society. Both the jobs have a common gateway to enter and that is the Civil Services Examination.
The examination is the only similarity between the two posts. Although both IAS and IPS administrative constitutes the government machinery but have different roles and responsibilities.
There are different and specific roles assigned to both the IAS as well as the IPS officer in the management.
An IAS officer handles the administrative department whereas the IPS officer is in charge of the Law and Order. The duties and responsibilities pertaining to central government are handles by an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and thus a candidate willing to serve the central government can opt for IAS.
The seekers or candidates who are the best or top the civil service examination are provided with the opportunity to join the IAS post which is regarded as the top ranked civil service post.
The other best career choice after the IAS job role is the Indian Police Service (IPS) which is also regarded as ideal career alternative by majority of the citizens. The thing to notice is that IPS job requires to maintain order and peace in the entire state. IPS is a technical job role and the officers have to deal with anti-social elements too.
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Evolutionary Changes in IAS and IPS
Ahead of independence, Civil Services Exam was dominated by the Europeans as only less number of Indians were proficient to clear the test.
After the attainment of independence, the IAS and IPS services were open to Indians after amending the eligibility requirements. IAS is thus an extension of Imperial Civil Services (ICS) existed during the colonization.
Similarly, IPS is an extension of Imperial Police (IP). The concept of civil services was mainly related to the collection of revenues from the land meant for agriculture and thus the term “Collector” was coined.
Collector was the job role more prevalent during the British rule and was the part of the coveted civil services. The necessityfor Police Bureau was mentioned in the 1861 Council Act for the first time.
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Role of a IAS (Indian Administrative Service) Officer
IAS is referred to as Indian Administrative Service officer and to become an IAS officer, a candidate has to qualify the exam led by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC). The UPSC possesses the power to recruit officers for All India Administrative Civil Service.
Out of the huge amount of aspirants which are in lakhs, only approximately 150 get the opportunity to turn into an IAS official. Furthermore, the minimum educational criteria needed to qualify for the IAS exam is to hold a Bachelor’s degree from a government recognized university or institution.
The power of an IAS officer is in the administrative department. The duties of an IAS officer encompass the organization and management of government meetings and agendas.
Furthermore, they have to manage the implementation part in accordance with the law and order. The IAS role demands the official to maintain synchrony with the agendas of the government. The administrative role is fundamental to the IAS post.
The young generation of India considers IAS as one of the most empowering occupation. Taking into account the other relative roles such as IFS or IPS, IAS is the most vital and respected role.
The structure of IAS can be used by State governments and Union governments at various levels. IAS can look into administrative activity of the district as a district collector. Also, an IAS officer represent the government at a global level in certain instances.
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Role of a IPS (Indian Police Service) Officer
IPS or Indian Police Service possess the capability of amending rules and enforcing any constitutional rule for the betterment of the society and the country. The IPS officer has the power to influence any government institution both at the central as well as state level.
An IPS official is responsible to maintain peace and order with the law and the entire police department. Thus, an IPS officer is obliged to incorporate harmony among the general population of the country.
An IPS official heads the Central Police Organizations and Indian Intelligent Agencies such as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), among others.
In order to become an IPS officer, candidate requires to qualify the Civil Services Examination organized every year by the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC). To turn into an IPS official, it is essential to hold a Bachelor’s degree from a government recognized institution.
Key Difference Between IAS and IPS
The roles of an IAS and IPS officers are completely different starting from the training, background, powers, cadre controlling authority, salary, recruitment, and power.
- The prime choice for major candidates appearing for the Civil Service Examination is to become an IAS officer. The top rank holders in the examination are only appointed as IAS. IPS is the subsequent alternative for the candidate who are not selected for the IAS role.
- An IAS official aids in making the policy and implementation together with public administration. IPS officer on the other hand have the responsibility to maintain the law and order in the society and to investigate various crimes in the posted area.
- The IAS officer is controlled by the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension. Conversely, IPS officials are regulated by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
- IAS officers are trained at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. On the other hand, IPS officials are trained at SardarVallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy situated in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The post of IAS officer is superior to an IPS official both in terms of authority as well as salary.
Hierarchy
The hierarchical structure places IAS official over the IPS official. The candidate securing top positions in the Civil Service Examination have the option to choose the between an IAS or IPS officer. The rank of an IPS officer is lower to that of an IAS official.
Education and Eligibility
It is essential to meet the necessary requirements to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Academics is of priority for a candidate planning to go for Indian Administrative Service and thus it is essential to hold a graduate degree in order to be eligible for the exam.
In case of an IPS officer, together with the academics it is essential for the candidate to meet the physical requirements such as weight, height, and other fitness standards.
In addition to this, a medical test is a prerequisite for both the IAS and IPS examinations. A candidate targeting the IPS exam is looked for NCC (National Cadet Corps) background in the past. Studying in any Sainik (military) school is also an added advantage for an IPS aspirant.
Uniform
A uniform is the separating factor between an IAS and an IPS. An IAS does not have any particular uniforms. They have to wear formal clothes for official functions. But, an IPS has to wear a uniform and the uniform changes as per the seniority level. Additionally, the uniform of an IPS officer consists of Ashok symbol at the shoulders.
Top Posts
The highest position in the Indian bureaucratic structure is occupied by an IAS officer as a Cabin Secretary. Additionally, the post of Chief Secretary of State and Union Home Secretary is also held by an IAS officer.
At the state level, an IPS officer can become the Director General of Police (DGP). In Union government, an IPS can take the position as a Director of IB (Intelligence Bureau), RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) among others. An IPS can also be placed as a National Security Adviser.
Salary Difference between IAS and IPS
The basic salary of an IAS officer after the 7th Pay Commission starts at Rs. 56,100 per month which also comprises HRA, DA, and TA. The salary can go up to Rs. 2,50,000 per month for a Cabinet Secretary.
The starting salary of an IPS officer is Rs. 56,100 per month which includes DA, HRA, and TA as per the 7th Pay Commission structure. The salary can reach to Rs. 2,25,000 per month for a Director General of Police (DGP) or Director of CBI or IB.
The salary difference between both the post role is not major. The entry level salary for both IAS and IPS officer is same, however, the salary increases with seniority and tenure of the services. Comparing both the service roles, an IAS officer receives high salary than an IPS officer.
Who is more Powerful – An IAS or IPS?
IAS and IPS are significant functionaries in the administration of the government. Both the job roles don’t compete for attaining more powers but instead complement each other in every possible way. The profile of both the roles is very broad and powerful. However, an IAS officer is more powerful as compared to an IPS officer.
After a certain service tenure, selected IAS officers get the post of District Magistrate or DM which holds the power to take decisions at the district level. DM serves as an essential authority for every district and departmental level meetings and committees. The entire police system is also controlled by the DM and the decisions pertaining to curfews are taken by DM. Additionally, DM holds the power to order open fire to control mob and also has the authority to transfer police officers.
On the contrary, an IPS officer can become Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) at the district level. The SSP deals majorly with law and order of the particular city and needs approval from IAS officers for certain warrants.
Both the roles are powerful but an IAS officer as a DM is much more authoritative as compared to an SSP role of an IPS officer. An IPS (SSP) is responsible only for the department while an IAS (DM) is responsible for all the departments of the particular district. DM is thus the head of all the departments including the police department. Thus, IAS is more powerful than an IPS post.
Conclusion
When all the things are taken into account, an IAS as well as an IPS role is inspiring in nature. Both the job roles urge an individual to serve the country. Together with the authority and power, both the title roles offer regard and acknowledgement in the midst of population. The pride and honour of being a civil diplomat (IAS or IPS) also comes with lots of power and responsibilities towards the country.
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