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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.

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Category-wise List of 21 UPSC CSE Posts

Category Services
All India Services
  • Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  • Indian Police Service (IPS)
  • Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
Group ‘A’ Civil Services
  • Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
  • Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)
  • Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
  • Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)
  • Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)
  • Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)
  • Indian Information Service (IIS)
  • Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)
  • Indian Post & Telecommunication Finance Services (IP&TAFS)
  • Indian Postal Service (IPoS)
  • Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
  • Indian Trade Service (ITS)
  • Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQ CS)
Group ‘B’ Civil Services
  • DANICS
  • DANIPS
  • Pondicherry Civil Service
  • Pondicherry Police Service

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.

  • Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

  • Indian Police Service (IPS)

  • Indian Forest Service (IFoS)

Detailed information regarding various aspects of these three All India Services (AIS) is provided in the sections that follow.

Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.
  4. Services Allocation

    Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 1,2,3,4, etc.

  5. 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.
  6. 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).

  7. 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)

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.
  4. Services Allocation

    Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 87, 91, 92, 93, etc

  5. 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.
  6. 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.

  7. 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)

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.
  4. 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.

  5. 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.
  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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.