Both the IAS and IPS are quite honorable services and lakhs of candidates appear for the IAS and IPS exams each year. To get into either the Indian Police Services (IPS) or the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), a candidate must sit for the Civil Services Exam. This exam is the common exam for both the IAS and IPS. However, you can rest assured that this is where the similarities between both the IAS and IPS end as both posts have very different powers and functions.
For example, IPS officers generally investigate crime and maintain public order at the places where they are posted. Whereas, an IAS officer is involved in Policy Formulation, Public Administration, and Implementation of Policies. Keep reading to find out more about the key differences between the IAS and IPS.
WHICH IS BETTER- IAS OR IPS?
Since both the IAS and IPS are government services, neither of them is necessarily “better” than the other. However, there are certainly differences in the powers and functions of an IAS and IPS Officer. That being said, you must also note that both the IAS and IPS are extremely powerful positions considering the different fields that they operate in. If asked who holds more power between the two, the answer would be an IAS officer.
(Read: Life on an IAS Officer)
That is because while an IPS officer is only in charge of their department, an IAS officer handles the responsibility of all departments present in the district where they are posted. The IAS officer is also superior to the IPS because according to protocol, when an IPS officer meets an IAS, he/she has to salute them. Though many cities have granted more powers to IPS officers, those are still less than those of IAS officers.
WHOSE SALARY IS MORE- IAS OR IPS?
Just as in terms of power the IAS officer is much superior to the IPS officer, in terms of the salary too, IAS officers are paid more than IPS officers. (Know Salary Structure). As mentioned before, IPS officers are in charge of their respective departments while IAS officers are in charge of all departments included in the district, in which they are posted. This means that the responsibilities of an IAS Officer are quite more than that of an IPS Officer.
Hence, the salary of an IAS Officer is more than an IPS officer. If we talk about the 7th pay commission, an IAS Officer’s salary ranges from around INR 56 thousand to 2.5 lakhs each month. On the other hand, the salary of an IPS officer ranges from around INR 56 thousand to 2.25 lakhs. Along with monetary benefits, both IAS and IPS officers get various other facilities.
(Read: Facilities Provided to IAS Officers)
DO IAS AND IPS HAVE THE SAME EXAM?
Whether you want to appear for the IAS, IPS, or even the IFS examination (and various other services), you have to apply for one common exam called the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This examination is conducted on the national level by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Hence, many people also refer to UPSC CSE as IAS/IPS/IFS exam.
Read: Complete Guide on IAS Officers
Besides these examinations, the commission (UPSC) also conducts examinations like NDA (National Defense Academy), CDS (Combined Defense Services), and more.
UPSC CSE is considered one of the toughest exams in India. It is divided into three parts- the Prelims or Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and lastly, the personal interview. A candidate who qualifies for all three exams is allocated services (IAS/IPS/IFS/IRS/etc.) based on their ranks and preference of services.
WHICH IS EASIER- IAS OR IPS?
Both the IAS and the IPS are considered some of the most challenging jobs in the country. To get a chance to be appointed as either an IAS or an IPS officer, one has to take the Civil Services Exam that is conducted by the UPSC and secure a good rank in the final merit list.
Lakhs of students apply for the exam but only a few hundred qualify for the final merit list. Out of those in the final merit list, only a few (based on vacancies of the year) are allocated IAS or IPS.
Thus, it would be very wrong to say that either IAS or IPS are easy- whether in terms of qualifying rounds or even the job itself. Being two of the noblest jobs in the country, IAS and IPS officers work every day for the betterment of people and the public good.
Final words
To sum up, the Indian Police Services (IPS) and the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) are two of the most important and renowned All India Services that have existed since before independence. The debate about whether the IAS or the IPS is better has been going on for a while. It must be noted that both of these services are needed to support and ensure the development of the country.
(Know: IAS Ranking Structure)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ: What is the primary difference between IAS and IPS?
Answer: The main difference lies in their roles and responsibilities. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) primarily deals with the administrative functions of the government, focusing on policy formulation and implementation. On the other hand, the Indian Police Service (IPS) is responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and managing the police force.
FAQ: Can a candidate choose between IAS and IPS during the Civil Services Examination?
Answer: No, candidates do not directly choose between IAS and IPS. The Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a common exam for various services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, etc. The allocation of services is based on the candidate’s rank in the examination and the preferences they have indicated.
FAQ: Do IAS and IPS officers have different training programs?
Answer: While both IAS and IPS officers undergo a common foundation course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, they have separate specialized training programs afterward. IAS officers receive training on administrative and developmental aspects, whereas IPS officers undergo training related to law enforcement, crime prevention, and maintaining public order.
FAQ: Are there differences in the career progression of IAS and IPS officers?
Answer: While the initial training may differ, both IAS and IPS officers follow a similar career progression. The hierarchy includes positions such as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Superintendent of Police (SP) at the district level, progressing to higher roles like District Magistrate and Director General of Police (DGP). The career advancement depends on performance, experience, and seniority.
FAQ: Can IAS officers work in the police department, and vice versa?
Answer: Yes, there is a provision for officers to work in each other’s departments, but this typically occurs at higher levels of their careers. For instance, an IAS officer may take up the role of a police commissioner or head of a law enforcement agency, and an IPS officer may hold administrative positions. However, such lateral movements usually happen after considerable experience and based on the needs of the government.
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