Service

Overview

Roles and Responsibilities

Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

IAS officers play a crucial role in the administration and governance of the country. They work in diverse areas such as policymaking, implementation of government schemes, and management of public sector undertakings.

- District administration as District Magistrates/Collectors
‎- Policy formulation and implementation
‎- Advising ministers, overseeing revenue collection, and managing government affairs

Indian Police Service (IPS)

IPS officers are responsible for public safety and maintaining law and order. They often serve in the state police cadres and in various central police organizations.

- Crime prevention, investigation, and security
‎- Leading and managing police force at state and central levels
‎- Maintaining public order and internal security

Indian Forest Service (IFoS)*

Though the Indian Forest Service is an All India Service, its recruitment process slightly differs: aspirants take the same Preliminary Examination (along with other civil service aspirants) but then appear for a separate Indian Forest Service Mains. Nonetheless, it is often grouped with the other All India Services.

- Conservation and management of forests, wildlife, and forest resources
‎- Policy formulation related to the environment and forestry
‎- Ensuring ecological balance and sustainable development

Service

Overview

Roles and Responsibilities

Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

IFS officers represent India abroad, handling the country’s diplomatic and consular responsibilities.

- Negotiating and shaping foreign policy
‎- Protecting India’s national interests in other nations and international organizations
‎- Promoting friendly relations and trade, issuing visas, and supporting Indian citizens overseas

Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS)

Officers ensure accountability and transparency in government financial matters. They work with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

- Auditing accounts of central and state governments
‎- Providing financial advice to various government organizations

Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)

ICAS officers manage the receipts and payments of the Government of India, ensuring smooth accounting procedures in various ministries.

- Maintaining government accounts
‎- Formulating policies related to payment, receipts, and accounting systems

Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)

Officers administer corporate laws and oversee corporate governance in India. They work under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

- Enforcement of the Companies Act, Limited Liability Partnership Act, etc.
‎- Regulating corporate structures, mergers and acquisitions, and ensuring good corporate governance

Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)

IDAS officers manage the financial aspects of India’s defence services. They work under the Ministry of Defence.

- Audit, payment, and accounting of defence expenditures
‎- Advising defence authorities on financial matters

Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)

IDES officers administer and manage land and cantonment areas under the Ministry of Defence.

- Management of defence land records
‎- Overseeing civic administration in cantonments
‎- Regulating construction and land use in defence estates

Indian Information Service (IIS)

IIS officers act as the government’s communication arm, working in various media units under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

- Disseminating official information and policies
‎- Managing public relations for government departments
‎- Overseeing broadcasting, publications, and advertising

Indian Postal Service (IPoS)

Responsible for managing India’s postal network, which is one of the largest in the world.

- Overseeing postal and related financial services
‎- Coordinating logistics and innovations in mail delivery
‎- Expanding postal insurance and savings schemes

Indian Postal & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS)

Officers manage the finances of the Department of Posts and the Department of Telecommunications.

- Handling accounts and audits
‎- Managing revenue and expenditure of postal and telecom services

Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS)

IRAS officers manage the finances of the Indian Railways.

- Budgeting, cost analysis, and accounting for railways
‎- Ensuring sound financial practices within the railway network

Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS)**

Traditionally, IRPS officers managed personnel-related functions in the Railways. (Now subsumed under the new Indian Railway Management Service – IRMS).

- Recruitment, training, and promotions within the Indian Railways
‎- Managing employee welfare and industrial relations

Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)**

Historically, IRTS officers looked after operations and commercial aspects of the rail network. (Also integrated into IRMS.)

- Managing train operations, scheduling, and safety
‎- Overseeing passenger and freight business aspects

Indian Revenue Service (IRS) – Income Tax

Officers administer direct taxes (Income Tax, Corporate Tax).

- Assessment, collection, and enforcement of direct tax laws

Indian Revenue Service (IRS) – Customs and Indirect Taxes

Officers administer customs, goods and services tax (GST), and other indirect taxes.

- Administration of customs and indirect tax laws
‎- Prevention of smuggling and enforcement of border customs controls

Indian Trade Service (ITrS)

Responsible for promoting and regulating India’s international trade and commerce, working under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

- Formulating policies related to trade and commerce
‎- Facilitating export and import policies, trade negotiations, and liaison with export promotion councils

Railway Protection Force (RPF) – (Group ‘A’)

Under the Ministry of Railways, RPF is responsible for the protection of railway property, passenger areas, and travellers.

- Ensuring the security of railway tracks, infrastructure, and passengers
‎- Preventing theft and vandalism of railway property
‎- Coordinating with state police in law-and-order matters concerning the rail network

Service

Overview

Roles and Responsibilities

Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQ CS)

Officers assist in administrative and clerical support in the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Headquarters.

- Managing secretarial, managerial, and logistical tasks in defence headquarters
‎- Coordinating between various armed forces units and the ministry

Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS)

Officers serve in the Union Territories of Delhi and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. They assist in administrative work under the supervision of IAS officers.

- District administration
‎- Policy implementation at the UT level
‎- Coordination with central ministries for UT-related governance

Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS)

Similar to DANICS, DANIPS officers serve in the Union Territories of Delhi and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, focusing on policing and law enforcement.

- Maintaining law and order in Union Territories
‎- Crime prevention and investigation
‎- Coordination with central police agencies

Pondicherry Civil Service (PCS) & Pondicherry Police Service (PPS)

Officers manage the civil and police administration of the Union Territory of Puducherry (Pondicherry).

- Overseeing governance and law enforcement in Puducherry
‎- Implementing policies and developmental programs in the UT