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IAS vs IPS

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In India, IAS & IPS posts are the two topmost admirable and mighty civil services. In the development and security of the country, both services play a significant role. Also, both services have their glory and responsibilities. However, the power and functions of IAS differ from IPS. What criteria candidates should apply in selection between these two services? Which service is more powerful between IAS & IPS services? The age-old debate of IAS vs IPS is never-ending. Further in this article, we will dive deep to find out the major dissimilarity between IPS & IAS.

Table of Contents:-

    1. Role of IAS
    2. Role of IPS
    3. IAS vs IPS Salary Structure
    4. Eligibility and Education for IAS vs IPS
    5. Hierarchy
    6. Training
    7. Power And Responsibilities
    8. Uniform
    9. Promotion IAS vs IPS
    10. Why Indian Administrative Service(IAS)
    11. Why Indian Police Service(IPS)
    12. Conclusion
    13. FAQ Regading IAS vs IPS

Role of IAS

In India, IAS & IPS posts are the two topmost admirable and mighty civil services. In the development and security of the country, both services play a significant role. Also, both services have their glory and responsibilities. However, the power and functions of IAS differ from IPS. What criteria candidates should apply in selection between these two services? Which service is more powerful between IAS & IPS services? The age-old debate of IAS vs IPS is never-ending. Further in this article, we will dive deep to find out the major dissimilarity between IPS & IAS. Maintaining law & order, law enforcement, crime investigation, maintaining public order etc. are duties of an IPS officer. To ensure the safety of the public & maintain peace is the primary duty of IPS officers. Candidates for both the services are recruited through civil services examination. However, hierarchy-wise, IAS is above the IPS. IPS officials are administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs. In addition to that, In a particular region, there can be only one IAS officer but the number of IPS officers in that region depends on the requirement.

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Role of IPS

The duties of an IPS officer generally include maintaining law and order, law enforcement, public order, crime investigation, etc. In short, his or her primary duty is to ensure the safety of the public and peace. Candidates to both the services are recruited through civil services examination. However, hierarchy-wise, IAS is above the IPS. IPS officials are administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Along with that, there is only one IAS officer in a region while the number of IPS officers in a region is as per the requirement.

IAS vs IPS Salary Structure

Salaries of both IPS & IAS officers came under the same range after the 7th pay commission recommendation. The basic salary of both(IAS & IPS) begins at Rs. 56,100 Travel Allowance (TA) & House Rent Allowance (HRA). The increment of salary for both is done on the basis of experience, promotions, performance etc. After reaching the position of Cabinet Secretary IAS officers get their highest salary of Rs 2,25,000. IPS officers’ salary also varies between Rs 56,100 to 2,25,000. In addition to salary, they both get other advantages like Healthcare, house help, PF, study leaves, accommodation, transport & many more.

Eligibility and Education for IAS vs IPS

UPSC through its exam CSE(civil services examination) select both IAS & IPS annually. A graduation degree from any recognised university is the minimum educational qualification for both IPS & IAS. There are certain physical requirements for IPS like height, weight, etc. Furthermore, For both services(IAS & IPS) medical test is required.

Hierarchy in IAS vs IPS

IAS officers are ranked at the top and after that IPS officers rank comes. However, it is a personal choice of the individual what he/she wants to become IAS or IPS. The difference between these two services is made by their salary, powers, benefits etc. Furthermore, the duties of both are different.IAS officers perform their duties in the implementation of government policies whereas IPS officers maintain law & order situations. In this debate between IAS vs IPS, as far as the hierarchy is concerned IAS ranks higher than IPS.

Training in IAS vs IPS

For the foundation course which lasts for 3 months, All officers trainees related to IAS and IPS posts join (LBSNAA). After the completion of the foundation course, all trainee officers other than IAS go to their respective training institutions however IAS trainee officers stay at LBSNAA even after completion of their foundational course. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), Hyderabad is the training academy for IPS trainees for the rest of the training. IPS trainee officers experience stringent training for two & a half years whereas IAS trainee officers involve in 2 years of training.
President’s Gold Medal is awarded to the topper of the IAS trainee officers & the Prime Minister’s Baton is awarded to the topper of the IPS trainee officers during the course.
Administration, management and coordination of manpower & resources, are the main responsibility of the IAS officers. IPS training includes physical training and various laws necessary for law enforcement activities. Physical activities-related training is more in the case of IPS trainees in comparison to IAS trainee. Hence IPS officers' training is more difficult than IAS trainees. It includes parades, armaments training, horse riding and other important things required for law enforcement.

IAS or IPS - Which is better?

Power and Responsibilities

In their respective fields, Both IAS & IPS are very decisive positions but IAS is much more powerful in comparison to IPS. IAS officers deal with the responsibility of all departments existing in their district whereas IPS officers deal with their departments. The police department is also headed by an IAS officer. During the meeting between IPS & IAS officers, the IPS officer salutes the IAS officer as per the protocol. However, this protocol will be applicable when the IPS officer is in uniform. If an IPS officer is without the cap then a salute to an IAS officer is not mandatory. Enormous powers like municipal corporations, municipalities etc are enjoyed by IPS officers in the case of commissionarate system.

Uniform

Both IAS vs IPS have different uniforms. Firstly, there is no specific uniform for IAS officers but they have to wear formals in events. Secondly, the IPS officer has a proper uniform code. Moreover, it varies with promotions as it differs at every level. A string, national emblem, and sword are mandatory for every rank. On days like Independence and Republic day, IPS officers have to be in full uniform.

Promotion IAS vs IPS

Cabinet Secretary is the top position for an IAS officer in India. Only one IAS officer can be appointed to the Cabinet Secretary position. Furthermore, in the case of the States top position is the chief secretary, the IAS officer is also appointed to the chief secretary position.The IAS officer is also appointed to the position of home secretary.

In the state, the position of Director-General of policeis held by an IPS officer. On the other hand, an IPS officer can also be the director of CBI, RAW, and IB in the central government. Also, IPS can be promoted as National Security Adviser.

Why Indian Administrative Service(IAS)

Firstly, if the candidate wants the power to manage government affairs then go for IAS. Secondly, you should be clear about what you want to be. If power is your choice then IAS is your way to go. Moreover, there is a sense of job security too as an IAS officer can not be removed easily which provides a feeling of job security. IAS officers work for 60 years of age or more if their tenure is extended. Apart from this, most respect is achieved by IAS officers in society. This is the reason most of the aspirants aspire for IAS as their dream job. The selected candidates can also bring positive changes in society as they hold a lot of power and authority.

Why Indian Police Service(IPS)

It is a post that includes power, influence, management of crime, and order. So, candidates who want to enter these areas should go for IPS. However, don't forget that you have to be physically strong and fit to join the service. Also, an IPS officer is specialized in police investigation and has expertise and efficiency. Moreover, the most powerful bureaucracy of the country is lead by the IPS officer. With respect to power, one doesn't want to mess with an IPS officer. As they can put an IAS officer in trouble too. CBI which is managed by IPS officers can arrest ministers too.

In conclusion, no society can have peace and harmony without a powerful IPS officer and his/her team. The police department is the reflection of government power and authority. The IPS position is not an ordinary job.

Conclusion

IAS vs IPS is a debate that has no conclusion as both the posts are prestigious in their own field. Moreover, it depends on the candidate whether he/she wants to be an IAS officer or an IPS officer. But candidates must note down that clearing this exam is not a cakewalk. It requires years of hard work and focus to be either of them. Also, not everyone can be IPS, if you are the one who doesn't like crime, law and order issues, and riots then IPS is not for you. Moreover, the IPS officer has to overcome many levels to get finalized. There are no fixed working hours for IPS. An IPS officer has to prioritize citizen's safety first.

On the other hand, IAS has harmony in service patterns. They have to administrate and manage the issues on their own. The IPS officer handles the police department but the IAS has a part in bureaucracy. Therefore, the candidate has to be mindful of what he/she wants and has to be goal-oriented.

FAQ Regarding IAS vs IPS

1. Why is IAS better than IPS?
In the ranking wise, an IAS officer ranks at the top whereas an IPS officer comes after IAS officers in the second position. Also, the IAS officer enjoys more benefits than the IPS officer. But, it depends on your interest and motive. Depending on your career choice, the service should be chosen. No service is above or below. Selecting between IAS or IPS depends on what candidates want to become & what changes candidates want to do in society and country.

2. When we talk about IAS vs IPS, who has the job security?
Well, both of the positions are at the top. Both have job security as they are central govt jobs. But according to regulations, it is not easy to fire an IAS officer.

3. Who gets more salary - IAS or IPS officer
IAS is paid higher as compared to the IPS officer. However, the difference is not much. The starting salary is almost the same.