The Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) recruits for India’s most prestigious cadres that run governance at the Union, State and district levels. Clearing the exam opens entry to the All India Services, Group ‘A’ Central Services, and select Group ‘B’ Services. Below is a crisp, exam-oriented guide to what you can join, what the work looks like, how careers grow, and where you’ll serve.
All India Services (AIS)
These services are unique because officers are recruited by the Union but serve largely in the States, with deputation opportunities to the Government of India.
1) Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- What you do: District administration (as SDM/DM/DC), policy design in State Secretariats, and later Joint/Additional/Secretary roles in the Central Government.
- Why it matters: Generalist leadership—crisis management, development programs, coordination across departments.
- Career path: Field roles → Secretariat posts → Senior administrative leadership (Chief Secretary/Secretary to GoI).
2) Indian Police Service (IPS)
- What you do: Forest & wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, climate initiatives, joint forest management.
- Career path: Field postings (DFO/CF) → State & central policymaking (MoEFCC, research bodies, international projects).
3) Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
- What you do: Forest & wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, climate initiatives, joint forest management.
- Career path: Field postings (DFO/CF) → State & central policymaking (MoEFCC, research bodies, international projects).
Group ‘A’ Central Civil Services
These services primarily serve the Union Government, with specialized mandates. You’ll usually begin with foundational training (e.g., at LBSNAA) followed by service-specific academies.
Economic, Finance & Revenue
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS – Income Tax): Direct & international taxation, investigation, policy inputs; postings in field charges & CBDT.
- IRS (Customs & Indirect Taxes/CBIC): GST, customs, anti-smuggling, trade facilitation; postings in field formations & CBIC.
- Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IA&AS): Public sector auditing (CAG), performance audits, finance oversight.
Diplomacy & External Trade
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS): Diplomacy, foreign policy, trade negotiations; postings at MEA and Embassies/Consulates worldwide.
- Indian Trade Service (ITrS): Trade policy, export promotion, WTO issues, industry interface.
Railways & Infrastructure (as reorganized)
Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) and allied managerial streams: Operations, finance, infrastructure, logistics, public interface.
Accounts, Economics, Statistics & Information
- Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS): Defence finance, procurement, audit.
- Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS): Government accounting, PFMS & treasury control.
- Indian Information Service (IIS): Public communication, media, policy outreach, fact-based messaging.
- Indian Statistical Service (ISS) (via a separate exam) often works alongside: data systems, national surveys, policy analytics.
- Indian Economic Service (IES) (via a separate exam): macro & sectoral policy, economic analysis.
Postal, Telecom & Communications
- Indian Postal Service (IPoS): Postal operations, logistics, financial inclusion, parcel ecosystems.
- Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS) (and allied cadres): Spectrum management, networks, digital governance support.
Group ‘B’ Services via CSE
- DANICS (Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Lakshadweep Civil Service)
- DANIPS (Police)
- Pondicherry Civil/Police Service
These provide strong administrative/policing careers with Union Territories/Delhi, often mirroring State-cadre responsibilities.
Training, Postings & Career Growth
Training Pipeline
- Foundation Course: Common module on ethics, law, governance, public finance, project management.
- Service Academies: e.g., LBSNAA (IAS), NPA (IPS), IGNFA (IFoS), NADT/NACIN (IRS), FSI/FSI-MEA (IFS)—building domain expertise and leadership.
Field to Policy
- Early career emphasizes field command (districts, divisions, commissionerates).
- Mid-career brings policy design, regulatory roles, and inter-ministerial coordination.
- Senior roles lead to top-level decision-making, international assignments, and mission leadership (flagship schemes, G2P platforms).
How to choose the right service
- Aptitude fit: Generalist governance (IAS), command & investigation (IPS), environment & field science (IFoS), taxation/audit (IRS/IA&AS), diplomacy (IFS), trade/industry (ITrS), comms (IIS).
- Work environment: Field intensity (IAS/IPS/IFoS) vs specialized policy & regulatory roles (central services).
- Lifestyle & mobility: Consider transfers, deputations, international postings, and family needs.
- Long-term goals: Leadership in statecraft, security, economy, environment, or global engagement.
UPSC-CSE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which services are considered the most versatile through UPSC CSE?
The IAS is the most generalist and versatile with district-to-policy roles; the IPS and IFoS offer deep field leadership; central services provide specialized national roles.
Do preferences in the Detailed Application Form (DAF) really matter?
Yes. Your service preference order plus rank, category and vacancies determine allocation. Fill preferences after understanding job content, training, and long-term fit.
Can I shift from a central service to an All India Service later?
Typically, no direct inter-service transfers. You would need to re-attempt and secure a rank that fetches your target service in that year.
How do deputations work for AIS and central services?
Officers can go on Central/State/International deputation subject to cadre rules, availability, vigilance clearance, and approval of the controlling authority.
What factors should decide my service choice besides “prestige”?
Work profile, field intensity, family/lifestyle considerations, technical interest, career growth, and your purpose (governance, security, environment, finance, diplomacy).
