Indian Administrative Service
Also called: IAS · Topic: Civil Services: Role, Accountability and Reforms · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 4 "Executive"
Meaning
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the premier All India Service. Under Article 312(2), it is deemed to have been created by Parliament. Officers are recruited by the UPSC and allotted to state cadres. They work under dual control: the state supervises their daily work, while dismissal, removal and compulsory retirement need the Centre. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is the IAS's cadre controlling authority. IAS officers hold key posts such as District Collector, state secretary and Union Secretary.
Example
A District Collector is usually an IAS officer. The collector handles revenue and law and order and coordinates development work. The collector is also the District Election Officer and chairs the District Disaster Management Authority.
Don't confuse with
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS): this is a Central Civil Service for diplomacy, not an All India Service.
- State Civil Services: these officers are recruited by the State PSC and serve only in their own state.
Related concepts
- All India Services
- Indian Police Service
- Indian Forest Service
- Central deputation
- Central Staffing Scheme