Career in Civil Services

Civil service, the backbone of the Indian government machinery constitutes all the departments that run the State administration. A highly competitive and challenging area, it involves a variety of jobs in different departments The power and social status along with job security attached to these top-notch jobs is a definite reason for anybody to join this profession. The salary, allowances and facilities like healthcare, housing, conveyance etc. also make it a lucrative profession. 

The Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) selects candidates for various central services, including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

Some personality traits that you should look for in yourself when you consciously make a decision to opt for civil service are -Mental alertness; interest in a variety of subjects; good intellect in order to be able to tackle any subject or situation; an ability to sift, weigh and apply differing opinions from various people; leadership qualities; the ability to inspire others and to channalize available talent; tact and diplomacy; and, integrity. If you are thinking of taking up civil service you should have an idea of how difficult it is to get in as lakhs of candidates apply for the 400 to 500 vacancies that may arise. So once you decide to appear in civil service exam, you should be prepared to slog endlessly. 

Working for the Civil Service is both a challenging and fulfilling career. The great thing about a career here is the range of opportunities provided. New opportunities arise constantly and you have the flexibility to develop your own career path. It provides enough scope for a dynamic person with zeal and desire to bring qualitative changes in the functioning of the government and even opportunities that could ameliorate the lives of millions of Indians.

Eligibility 

The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility condition for admission to examination.

Educational Qualifications:

A graduate in any discipline from a recognized university or institution, between 21-30 years of age as on 1 st August of the examination year, is eligible to sit for the Civil Services Examination. Candidates having professional and technical qualifications recognized by the government are also eligible. 

Personal Attributes: 

The aspiring candidates are expected to have keen interest in the General Studies and are supposed to have a good amount of interest in current affairs. Regular and detailed reading of a good national newspaper, a standard competition magazine and a basic book on general knowledge is the essential pre-requisite. Another important point is efficient time planning.

Physical Standards:

Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to Civil Services Examination.

Reservation will be made for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and physically disabled categories in respect of vacancies as may be fixed by the Government.

Career Prospects 

Depending upon the rank, a candidate is recruited to services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and other departments including Finance, Post and Telegraph, Revenue, Secretariat and so on. The appointment offers executive power. Promotions are time bound and increase in privileges are automatic. Selected candidates are first put through a training session for a short period. They are usually sent to an academic staff college associated with the service to which they are allocated.

The greatest thing about civil service is the job security. Special facilities include subsidized accommodation, telephone and transport facilities, medical benefits, leave travel concession, etc. After retirement, there are very good social welfare facilities. Last but not the least is the immense satisfaction one derives at being able to participate in the development process of the country.