The Indian Administrative Service officers have all the powers in the field of administration. They look after all the affairs of the government. IAS officers help in public administration, policy formulation, and implementation. They are required to make proposals for the development of their respective areas and are given executive powers to implement all the policies as well as make important decisions. They also represent the government of India at the international level on certain occasions. Moreover, there are around 300 laws on their working and scope of power. The department of personnel and training keeps updating the manual. Moreover, IAS officers are answerable to the State and Central governments. The administrative ministry of IAS is MINISTRY OF PERSONAL, PENSIONS, AND GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL.
The duties of an IPS officer generally include maintaining law and order, law enforcement, public order, crime investigation, etc. In short, his or her primary duty is to ensure the safety of the public and peace. Candidates to both the services are recruited through civil services examination. However, hierarchy-wise, IAS is above the IPS. IPS officials are administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Along with that, there is only one IAS officer in a region while the number of IPS officers in a region is as per the requirement.
After the 7th pay commission recommendations salaries of both IAS and IPS are in the same range. The basic salary of an IAS and IPS begins at Rs. 56,100, exclusive of House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Travel Allowance (TA). The salary increases as per promotions, experience, and timely increments. The top salary is Rs, 2,25,000, upon attaining the post of Cabinet Secretary. The salary of an IPS officer also varies from 56,100 to 2,25,000. Apart from the salary, they both enjoy benefits like PF, Healthcare, accommodation, transport, house help, study leaves, and many more.
The selection of the candidates for both the services is done through the civil services examination conducted by UPSC. The minimum educational requirement for IAS and IPS is a graduation degree from any recognised university in India. There are certain physical requirements for IPS like height, weight, etc. Moreover, a medical test is common for both exams.
Training
All the newly selected IAS and IPS officers join the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) for three months common foundation course. After the foundation course, the IAS officers stay at the LBSNAA and all the other officers go to their specialized training institutes. IPS officer trainees go to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad for the rest of their training. IAS probationers have a two-year training schedule, but the IPS officers undergo rigorous training for two and a half years.
The topper of the IAS training receives President’s Gold Medal and the Prime Minister’s Baton is given to the topper of the IPS training course.
IAS training is more concerned about the management, coordination, and administration of resources and manpower. IPS training includes physical training and various laws necessary for law enforcement activities. IPS training is more difficult and requires more physical activities. It includes horse riding, parade, armaments training, and other important things required for law enforcement.
Power and Responsibilities
Both IAS and IPS are very powerful positions in their respective fields but IAS is much more powerful than the IPS. An IPS has only the responsibility of its department, but an IAS has the responsibility of all the departments of the district. An IAS officer is the head of the police department too. Moreover, according to protocol when IAS and IPS meet then IPS has to salute the IAS. This will happen if the IPS is in the uniform. If he is without the cap then a salute is not mandatory. Also, many cities have given more rights to IPS officers but still less than IAS. In a commissionarate system, an IPS officer enjoys enormous power along with responsibilities against a usual deputation in districts, municipal corporations, municipalities, etc.
Uniform
Both IAS vs IPS have different uniforms. Firstly, there is no specific uniform for IAS officers but they have to wear formals in events. Secondly, the IPS officer has a proper uniform code. Moreover, it varies with promotions as it differs at every level. A string, national emblem, and sword are mandatory for every rank. On days like Independence and Republic day, IPS officers have to be in full uniform.
Promotion IAS vs IPS
In India, Cabinet Secretary is the highest post for which only one IAS officer can be appointed. Moreover, the state has a chief secretary, a top post who is also an IAS officer. At the post of home secretary, the IAS officer is appointed.
The IPS officer becomes the Director-General of police of the state. On the other hand, an IPS officer can also be the director of CBI, RAW, and IB in the central government. Also, IPS can be promoted as National Security Adviser.
Why Indian Administrative Service(IAS)
Firstly, if the candidate wants the power to manage government affairs then go for IAS. Secondly, you should be clear about what you want to be. If power is your choice then IAS is your way to go. Moreover, there is a sense of job security too as an IAS can not be fired easily. The selected officer can work till age 60 and more if the period is extended. Also, the IAS officer gets the most respect in India. That’s why many think about this prestigious position as their dream job. The selected candidates can also bring positive changes in society as they hold a lot of power and authority.
Why Indian Police Service(IPS)
It is a post that includes power, influence, management of crime, and order. So, candidates who want to enter these areas should go for IPS. However, don’t forget that you have to be physically strong and fit to join the service. Also, an IPS officer is specialized in police investigation and has expertise and efficiency. Moreover, the most powerful bureaucracy of the country is lead by the IPS officer. In terms of power, you don’t want to mess with an IPS officer. As they can put an IAS officer in trouble too. CBI which is managed by IPS officers can arrest ministers too.
In conclusion, no society can have peace and harmony without a powerful IPS officer and his/her team. The police department is the reflection of government power and authority. The IPS position is not an ordinary job.
Conclusion
IAS vs IPS is a debate that has no conclusion as both the posts are prestigious in their own field. Moreover, it depends on the candidate whether he/she wants to be an IAS officer or an IPS officer. But always keep in mind that it is not easy to pass the UPSC exam. It requires years of hard work and focus to be either of them. Also, not everyone can be IPS, if you are the one who doesn’t like crime, law and order issues, and riots then IPS is not for you. Moreover, the IPS officer has to overcome many levels to get finalized. There are no fixed working hours for IPS. An IPS officer has to prioritize citizen’s safety first.
On the other hand, IAS has harmony in service patterns. They have to administrate and manage the issues on their own. The IPS officer handles the police department but the IAS has a part in bureaucracy. Therefore, the candidate has to be mindful of what he/she wants and has to be goal-oriented.
FAQ Regarding IAS vs IPS
1. Why is IAS better than IPS? An IAS officer is on the top in the hierarchy whereas an IPS officer comes on second. Also, the IAS officer enjoys more benefits than the IPS officer. But, it depends on your interest and motive. Depending on your career choice, the service should be chosen. No service is above or below. It is all about what you want to be and what you want to do for the country. 2. When we talk about IAS vs IPS, who has the job security? Well, both of the positions are at the top. Both have job security as they are central govt jobs. But according to regulations, it is not easy to fire an IAS officer. 3. Who gets more salary – IAS or IPS officer IAS is paid higher as compared to the IPS officer. However, the difference is not much. The starting salary is almost the same.
