A Glimpse of an IAS Officer’s Life

Everyone who has grown up in an Indian home must have seen the charisma and charm of an IAS officer. Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is an enticing job path that is considered by many young students in India. The IAS Exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is considered the most prestigious examination in the country, which is taken by millions of candidates every year. Only a few, however, are able to make the leap that leads to the position of IAS Officer. 

We frequently see the exam’s top scorers in interviews, sharing their success mantra and exam techniques. But very few know what it is like to be an IAS Officer. Being an IAS is more of a service than a career, and it is dynamic in every way and full of difficulties. To put it simply, with pride and pleasures come a slew of obligations that fall within the purview of IAS Officers. In the given article, we will have a glimpse of the role and responsibilities of IAS Officers, which makes the job so fascinating.

Responsibilities of an IAS Officer

Before the aspirants start their preparation for the toughest exam in the country, it is important to know about the powers and responsibilities that come with being an IAS Officer. Despite the fact that the IAS duties and responsibilities provide numerous challenges, the respect and powers that come with the position outweigh all other difficulties. Given below is a list of responsibilities of an IAS:

• Management and disbursement of various central government funds designated for various initiatives.
• Responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, major accidents and riots in their jurisdiction and coordinating relief activities.
• Handling affairs of the government, including framing, implementing and reviewing policies.
• Supervising the implementation of various schemes and policies of the government.
• Consulting with various departments and elected representatives for the above functions.
• There are around 300 laws that define the power of IAS Officers on a case-by-case basis. There are some key laws that deal with IAS power, according to Indian constitutional law:
  • The Drugs Licence Act, Essential Commodities Act, Arms Act, and other acts define the Officers’ authority to implement restrictions in various scenarios.
  • The National Disaster Management Act defines the authority of Magistrates and Chief Secretaries in disaster relief efforts.
  • Tenancy Laws define the powers of a collector regarding revenue.
  • Sections 107, 108, 109, 110, 133, 144, and 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (1973) explain the magistrate’s authority to uphold law and order.

IAS Officer’s Authorities and Managerial Duties

An IAS Official has a lot of responsibilities. These responsibilities change according to their job profiles. The authorities and managerial duties of the IAS Officers are given below as per their role:

• Sub-division level

The fresh IAS Officers start their careers by joining as the Sub-divisional Magistrates (SDMs). At this level, the Officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, as well as general administration and duties connected to the development assigned by the local jurisdiction.

• District level

After a few years of service, the IAS Officials are assigned to the posts of District Magistrate, District Collector or Deputy Commissioner at the district level. The tasks remain the same as those of the Sub-division level, which is to maintain law and order, as well as general administration and activities connected to the development as given by the local jurisdiction.

• State-level

In their next promotion, the IAS Officers are assigned to the state-level administration. They can be either assigned as a bureaucrat in the state secretariat or as head of departments at this level. This is where the responsibilities and duties multiply as they must apply their field experience to the development of policies and support executives in policy-related choices.

• Public Sector Undertaking

With years of experience at this level, nowadays, many IAS Officers are also appointed to the high-level administrative posts at government-owned Public Sector Undertakings. They use their experience and managerial skills to run these PSUs successfully.

• Central level 

An IAS Officer’s responsibility is to formulate policies for several central government departments like finance, defence, and commerce, among others. At this level, IAS Officials can serve as Cabinet Secretary, Secretary, Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, Director, Deputy Secretary, and Secretary in several central government agencies or ministries. Central level posting is the topmost post where an IAS Officer can be promoted.

For a dedicated person, the life of an IAS Officer is both demanding and rewarding. It is an excellent chance for young people to participate directly in the administration and development of their nation. The grassroot problems of India can be only taken care of by joining the civil service. Irrespective of various development schemes of the government, even now, there are isolated hamlets in our country where people’s lives are terrible due to a lack of basic necessities, and they need more attention.

Despite popular belief that the IAS exam is difficult and only a few brilliant students can clear it, the truth is that anyone who puts in rigorous efforts may get passed through the exam. The only requirement is understanding the demand of the exam. Getting advice from specialists in the industry would increase a candidate’s chances of passing the IAS exam on the first try. You, too, can become an IAS Officer and do your bit to make a positive change in peoples’ lives.