*Civil servants are responsible for the implementation of the government’s policies and programs

*They are responsible for maintaining law and order, managing public funds, implementing welfare schemes

*Civil servants responsible for managing public funds, implementing welfare schemes

JUNE 23, 2023

Civil services in India play a crucial role in the functioning of the government and ensuring the welfare of the citizens. It is considered a prestigious career option and attracts a vast number of aspirants every year. In this article, we will explore the relevance of civil services in India, the history of civil services, the role of civil servants, and the different avenues available for aspirants to pursue a career in civil services.

The History of Civil Services in India

Civil services in India have a long history. The British Raj established the Indian Civil Service (ICS) in 1858, which was responsible for governing India. After independence, the Indian Constitution was adopted, and civil services were restructured to suit the needs of independent India. The constitution provided for a unified civil service, commonly known as the All India Services (AIS), comprising the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), and the Indian Forest Service (IFS).

The Role of Civil Servants

Civil servants in India are responsible for the implementation of the government’s policies and programs. The IAS, IPS, and IFS officers work in various government departments, ministries, and agencies at the national and state levels. They are responsible for maintaining law and order, managing public funds, implementing welfare schemes, regulating trade and commerce, and much more. Civil servants are also required to work in challenging and diverse environments, ranging from remote rural areas to urban centers.

The All India Services (AIS) Examination

The civil services examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and is considered one of the toughest exams in India. The exam consists of three stages – Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. The preliminary exam is objective-based, while the mains exam consists of a written exam and an interview. The exam covers a wide range of subjects, including general studies, mathematics, and language proficiency.

The Different Avenues Available for Aspirants

There are three branches of the All India Services – Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS). Additionally, there are various state-level civil services that aspirants can pursue, such as the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC), Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC), and Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNP