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UPSC CSE Posts
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) stands as one of the toughest exams in India, with a success rate of just around 0.2%. This means that of every 1000 candidates who appear for the exam, only about 2 get the final selection. Despite this cut-throat competition, the exam attracts lakhs of aspirants each year because of the diverse range of prestigious UPSC CSE Posts it offers.
The candidates selected through the UPSC CSE occupy the top posts in the Indian administrative framework and perform roles and responsibilities that have a profound impact on the governance and administration of the country. They directly influence policy-making and the execution of government projects across the country.
List of UPSC CSE Posts
The UPSC conducts the Civil Service Examination (CSE) to recruit candidates for 21 types of UPSC Posts. The successful candidates are allotted one of these UPSC CSE Posts based on their ranks in the final merit list. A broad understanding of the nature, roles, and responsibilities of each service is a must for aspirants to make informed decisions regarding their service preferences.
The 21 types of UPSC Posts filled through the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) have been categorized into 3 categories. These categories and the UPSC CSE Posts coming under them are listed below.
Category-wise List of 21 UPSC CSE Posts
| Category | Services |
|---|---|
| All India Services |
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| Group ‘A’ Civil Services |
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| Group ‘B’ Civil Services |
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The UPSC CSE Posts offer a unique opportunity for individuals to serve the country at the highest levels of governance. They are not just jobs, but platforms to effect substantial positive changes in society. Moreover, the diverse array of UPSC Posts means that each UPSC Post offers a unique way to make one’s contributions.
An understanding of various aspects of the different services under the list of UPSC Posts can help aspirants find a niche area where their talents and service inclinations align with the needs of the nation. Thus, it is advisable for the UPSC aspirants to go through the details of all the services in the list of UPSC CSE Posts to get a thorough understanding of various services filled through the UPSC Civil Services Exam (UPSC CSE). This will help one make informed choices as per their career goals, skillsets, and lifestyle preferences.
With such a vast array of UPSC CSE posts, it's crucial to identify the service that aligns with your interests and aspirations. Here are some factors to consider:
- Work Domain: Do you see yourself leading administrative functions (IAS), tackling crime (IPS), or formulating foreign policy (IFS)? Consider which field excites you the most.
- Skillset Match: Analyze your strengths and weaknesses. Does your skillset align with the demands of a particular service? For instance, the IRS requires strong analytical and financial acumen.
- Lifestyle Preference: Some services, like the IPS, involve demanding schedules and transfers. Evaluate your preferred work-life balance.
List of All India Services (AIS) under UPSC CSE Posts
All India Services (AIS) refers to a group of civil services in India that are common to both the central government and the state governments. Members of these services have the mandate to serve in any part of the country and are employed under the authority of both the state and the central governments.
As of now, three services coming under the UPSC CSE Posts, are categorized as All India Services (AIS). The three All India Services are listed below.
Detailed information regarding various aspects of these three All India Services (AIS) is provided in the sections that follow.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
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About the Service
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the three All-India Services. IAS officers hold top positions in the administrative structure of the Central as well as State Governments. They are famously known as the ‘Steel Frame of India’ as they ensure that the administrative machinery of the government remains robust and responsive.
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Roles
The application process begins following the notification, allowing candidates to submit their applications online within the specified timeframe. Usually, the deadline for filling application form is around one month after the date of release of the official notification.
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Responsibilities
- Formulating and implementing government policies at various levels.
- Managing and overseeing the functions of government departments and agencies.
- Decision-making related to public administration, finance, law and order, and development, among others.
- Improving public service delivery in healthcare, education etc., and ensuring smooth governance.
- Ensuring prudent finance management and proper utilization of public funds and resources.
- Coordinating relief and rehabilitation efforts for effective crisis management during emergencies or natural disasters.
- Providing expert advice to the government on various policy matters.
- Liaisoning and coordination between the government and the public, and between different government departments.
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Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 1,2,3,4, etc.
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Training
- Training Institute: Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie (Uttarakhand)
- Duration: The total duration of the IAS training is 2 years, including the Foundation Course and the specialized training.
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Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of IAS officers is 56,100 INR. With promotions, it reaches up to 2,50,000 INR (Cabinet Secretary level).
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Perks
- Government bungalow
- Household staff, such as gardener, cook, etc.
- Free or highly subsidized electricity, water, gas, and phone connection.
- An official vehicle with a driver
- Security guards.
- Subsidized accommodation in Government guest houses throughout India during official or non-official visits.
Indian Police Service (IPS)
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About the Service
The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the three All India Services. IPS officers hold top positions in the state police machinery, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and other security agencies. They ensure that the various security agencies of the center and states function robustly and responsively.
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Roles
IPS plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring public safety and security in India. They also lead and manage police forces at various levels, from the state to the district and local levels. They enforce laws, protect citizens, and maintain peace in society.
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Responsibilities
- Maintainenace of law and order
- Crime prevention and detection
- Traffic management
- Security and Intelligence
- VIP protection
- Coordination with other agencies such as the CBI, NIA, etc.
- Leading and commanding the elite central police organizations like IB, CBI, RAW etc.
- Leading and commanding the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) such as BSF, CRPF, ITBP, etc.
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Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 87, 91, 92, 93, etc
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Training
- Foundation Couse: Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie (Uttarakhand)
- Phase-I Training: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad.
- District Practical Training: In a district of the state cadre allotted.
- Phase-II Training: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad.
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Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of IPS officers is Rs. 56,000 and it reaches up to Rs. 2,25,000 at the DGP level.
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Perks
- Government bungalow
- Household staff, such as gardener, cook, etc.
- An official vehicle with a driver
- Security guards.
- Free or highly subsidized electricity, water, gas, and phone connection.
- IPS officers and their dependent family members are entitled to free medical facilities at government hospitals across India.
Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
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About the Service
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is one of the three All-India Services. It was constituted by the Government of India in 1966 for scientific management and protection of the forest and wildlife resources of India.
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Roles
IFoS plays a crucial role in the conservation, management, and sustainable development of forests and wildlife in India. They work towards maintaining ecological balance, promoting afforestation, and combating deforestation and forest degradation. They ensure the sustainable use of forest resources and promote environmental awareness.
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Responsibilities
- Management and conservation of forests and wildlife in India
- Protection and preservation of biodiversity
- Afforestation and reforestation initiatives
- Combating deforestation and illegal logging
- Implementation of government policies related to forest and environmental protection
- Promotion of research and surveys on forest and wildlife
- Collaboration with government agencies, local communities, and international organizations for forest protection and ecological balance.
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Services Allocation
The UPSC declares a separate result for the Indian Forest Services (IFoS). The IFoS service allocation depends on the vacancies mentioned in the notification and ranks in the final merit list.
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Training
- Foundation Course: 15 weeks at LBSNAA (Mussorie).
- Core Training: Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA).
- On successful completion of the training, the IFoS recruits are awarded a master's degree in Science (Forestry) by the Forest Research Institute of India.
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Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of IFoS officers is Rs. 56,100, and it reaches up to Rs. 2,56,000 at the apex level of career.
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Perks
- Government bungalow
- Household staff such as gardener, cook, etc
- Free electricity, water, gas and telephone connection
- Official vehicle for official use
- Security guards for personal safety
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Opportunity for study abroad
A comprehensive exploration of these All India Services (AIS) under the list of UPSC CSE Posts can significantly aid aspirants in identifying a specific area where their abilities and interests align with national requirements. Therefore, it is advisable for UPSC candidates to go through the details of these All India Services (AIS) offered under the UPSC CSE. This will enable them to make well-informed decisions regarding service preferences that align with their professional aspirations, skill sets, and lifestyle choices.
Cadre and Service Preferences in UPSC Civil Services
Cadre and Service Preferences is an important decision for a UPSC CSE aspirant. While the exam tests knowledge, skills, and temperament, cadre and service preferences shape your entire career and lifelong opportunities. Unfortunately, many candidates make these decisions casually or based on incomplete information.
Service Preferences for UPSC CSE Aspirants
After clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates are allotted to one of the 24 civil services based on:
- Exam rank
- Category (GEN / OBC / SC / ST / EWS)
- Vacancy position
- Service preferences submitted in the DAF
The most preferred services for many aspirants include:
- IAS (Indian Administrative Service)
- IFS (Indian Foreign Service)
- IPS (Indian Police Service)
- IRS (Income Tax/Customs)
But every service has its unique work culture, exposure, challenges, and perks. Understanding them in depth is essential before ranking them.
Cadre Preference in All India Services
Cadres correspond to states or groups of states where IAS and IPS officers serve. Examples include:
- AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh–Goa–Mizoram–Union Territories)
- Uttar Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Rajasthan
- West Bengal
- Assam–Meghalaya
Cadre allocation determines where you will spend most of your career. Unlike central services, IAS/IPS officers build their professional identity within the socio-political fabric of a particular region.
Impact of Cadre and Service Choices on Career, Opportunities and Stability
Cadre and service preferences significantly influence an officer’s career path, work environment, responsibilities, and long-term satisfaction. They determine administrative roles, geographic postings, growth opportunities, and lifestyle factors, ultimately shaping both professional development and personal well-being. The cadre and service preferences influence the following.
1. Career Trajectory & Work Environment
- IAS officers handle district administration, policy implementation, and state-level leadership.
- IPS officers lead policing and the law-and-order machinery.
- IRS officers work in tax administration, investigations, and policy formulation.
Each service offers different administrative exposure, responsibilities, and growth patterns.
2. Quality of Life & Family Factors
Cadre choice affects living conditions, language, culture, education, healthcare, and proximity to family. It influences lifestyle, work–life balance, and long-term comfort. Cadre determines the following.
- Language you will work in
- Cultural environment
- Posting locations (urban vs. rural)
- Distance from home state
- Education/healthcare facilities for family
3. Opportunities for Deputation & Special Assignments
Some cadres offer abundant central deputation roles, international collaboration opportunities, or sector-specific exposure (e.g., coastal security, border management, tribal welfare).
4. Professional Stability
In All India Services (IAS & IPS), you grow through the state hierarchy namely SDM, DM, SP, Commissioner, Principal Secretary, DGP, etc. A supportive cadre environment makes your administrative journey more productive.
UPSC Cadre Allocation Policy and the Five-Zonal System
UPSC’s zonal system groups states into five zones, requiring candidates to rank zones and cadres in order. This ensures fair distribution, balanced representation, and transparent allocation of IAS and IPS officers across the country. The Zonal System is applicable since 2017. Aspirants must:
- Select zones in order of preference
- Select cadres within each chosen zone
Zones include:
| Zone I | AGMUT, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana |
| Zone II | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha |
| Zone III | Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh |
| Zone IV | West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam–Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura |
| Zone V | Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh |
Home Cadre Consideration
Your home state is given special consideration but not guaranteed. Only a limited percentage of vacancies are allotted to home-state candidates.
Key Factors to Consider While Choosing Preferences
1. Your Working Style & Professional Aspirations
If you enjoy:
- Policy formulation + field leadership → IAS
- Law enforcement + internal security → IPS
- Taxation, investigations, finance → IRS
- International diplomacy + foreign postings → IFS
Match your personality and strengths with the service’s nature of work.
2. Linguistic & Cultural Compatibility
A cadre where you can learn the language quickly and understand local culture will help you serve more effectively.
3. Connectivity & Family Considerations
Some cadres may be geographically remote (NE states, AGMU regions), while others offer metros and well-connected districts.
4. Exposure & Career Growth
Some states offer:
- High administrative complexity (UP, Bihar)
- Strong governance models (Kerala, Karnataka)
- Rapid development exposure (Maharashtra, Gujarat)
- Sensitive border areas (J&K, Northeast states)
Choose based on where you can grow and contribute meaningfully.
Common Mistakes Aspirants Should Avoid
1. Selecting on Emotional Impulse
Many blindly prefer their home state or certain cadres due to hype—without assessing lifestyle realities.
2. Misjudging Service Profiles
Some choose IAS/IPS/IFS without truly understanding their day-to-day roles. Always research thoroughly.
3. Ignoring Long-Term Impact
Cadre remains for 30+ years, a misaligned choice may lead to dissatisfaction.
4. Being Overly Influenced by Peers
Your choice should reflect your goals, not others’ opinions.
5. Not Considering Family Realities
Education for children, spouse’s career, or health needs require practical thinking.
Beyond the Prestige: A Fulfilling Career
A career through UPSC CSE is more than just prestige. It offers immense satisfaction by allowing you to:
- Make a Difference: You'll have the opportunity to contribute to policy formulation, public service delivery, and national development.
- Diverse Work Experience: The career offers exposure to various regions and facets of Indian society.
- Leadership Opportunities: You'll gain the ability to lead teams and manage complex situations.
The UPSC CSE is a challenging but rewarding path. By understanding the diverse UPSC CSE posts and aligning them with your goals, you can embark on a fulfilling and impactful career in service to the nation.
FAQs
How are cadre preferences considered during IAS and IPS allocation?
Cadre allocation is based on rank, category, vacancies, and the zonal preferences submitted in the DAF. However, preferences are not guaranteed and depend on availability.
What factors should aspirants consider while choosing their service preferences?
Candidates should consider their interests, working style, career goals, nature of job, growth opportunities, and lifestyle expectations before choosing their service preferences.
Can an officer change their cadre after joining the service?
Cadre changes are extremely rare and allowed only under special circumstances such as marriage to another IAS officer from a different cadre or exceptional grounds approved by the government.
Does choosing a home cadre increase the chances of getting it?
Home cadre preference receives limited consideration, but allocation still depends on rank, reservation category, and available vacancies. It is not guaranteed even for high-ranking candidates.
