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IAS vs IFS vs IPS – Which is Better? Salary Difference among UPSC Posts

Difference Between IAS, IFS & IPS

Difference Between IAS, IFS & IPS: Union Public Service Commission releases the official notification for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Services (IFS), and Indian Police Services (IPS) for various vacancies on the official website. UPSC is one of the preferred career choices after graduation for young candidates because of its perks and benefits and the kind of job role. UPSC conducts the IAS, IFS, and IPS exams every year to recruit eligible candidates for all India Services and various Central Civil Services. Lakhs of students participate in the prestigious exam every year. Serving one’s nation is the most honorable job someone can have. You may serve your country in a variety of ways, but the most difficult task is to be a part of the system and then change it for the sake of the entire country. With this in mind, many people choose to enter the civil service, which requires passing the UPSC test. The field of civil services is wide. It contains several posts, each with its own set of responsibilities and power. Many students training for civil services are perplexed by the distinctions between IAS, IPS, and IFS. Here we are providing you with detailed information about IAS, IFS, and IPS services

IAS vs IFS vs IPS

IAS, IFS, and IPS are three different All India Services in India, which come under the jurisdiction of the Union (Central) Government.

  • IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, development administration, and overall governance at the district level and above.
  • IFS (Indian Forest Service) officers manage and conserve India’s forests and wildlife. They also help in environmental protection and mitigation of natural disasters.
  • IPS (Indian Police Service) officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crime, and ensuring public safety.
IAS IFS IPS
IAS stands for Indian Administrative Services. IFS stands for Indian Foreign Services. IPS stands for Indian Police Services.
IAS officers are involved in overall governance and administration. IFS officers focus on forest and wildlife conservation. IPS officers are responsible for law enforcement.
Age Limit: 21 to 32 years Age Limit: 21 to 32 years Age Limit: 21 to 32 years

IAS vs IFS vs IPS Which is better?

The IFS officer salary structure is also higher than the IAS officer salary structure due to higher allowances. IAS/IPS officers, in contrast, spend their early career in district headquarters and sub-divisional towns which may be in remote areas. It’s up to the candidates what they desire and what are their aspirations according to their preferences.

IAS vs IFS vs IPS Salary

Candidates can check the IAS, IFS, and IPS salary distribution and comparison as shown below. This will help candidates to understand the difference between their salaries.

Salary of an IAS Officer

Basic Pay(INR) Number of years required in service Post
District Administration
10 56100 1-4 Sub-Divisional Magistrate
11 67,700 5-8 Additional District Magistrate
12 78,800 9-12 District Magistrate
13 1,18,500 13-16 District Magistrate
14 1,44,200 16-24 Divisional Commissioner
15 1,82,200 25-30 Divisional Commissioner
16 2,05,400 30-33 No Equivalent Rank
17 2,25,000 34-36 No Equivalent Rank
18 2,50,000 37+ years No Equivalent Rank

IAS vs IFS vs IPS – Which is Better? Salary Difference among UPSC Posts in Hindi

Salary of an IPS Officer

Rank Time-Scale Pay-Scale Grade
SP Junior Scale ₹ 15,600 – ₹ 39,100 (Level 10 in the Pay Matrix) ₹ 5,400
Senior Scale ₹ 15,600 – ₹ 39, 100 (Level 11 in the Pay Matrix) ₹ 6,600
Junior Administrative Grade ₹ 15,600 – ₹ 39, 100(Level 12 in the Pay Matrix) ₹ 7,600
Selection Grade ₹ 37,400 – ₹67,000 (Level 13 in the Pay Matrix) ₹ 8,700
DIG Super time scale ₹ 37, 400 – ₹ 67,000 (Level 13A in the Pay Matrix) ₹ 8,900
IG Super time scale ₹ 37,400 –  ₹ 67,000 (Level 14 in the Pay Matrix) ₹ 10,000
ADG Above super time scale ₹ 67, 000 – ₹ 79,000 (Level 15 in the Pay Matrix)
DG Above super time scale HAG ₹ 75,500 – ₹ 80,000 (Level 16 in the Pay Matrix)

Salary of an IFS Officer

Grade  Pay Band  Grade Pay
Junior scale ₹ 15600 – ₹ 39100 ₹5400
Senior time scale ₹ 15600 – ₹ 39100 ₹6600
Junior Administrative ₹ 15600 – ₹ 39100 ₹7600
Selection grade ₹37400 – ₹67000   ₹7600
Super time scale ₹37400 – ₹67000 ₹10000
Super time scale ₹37400 – ₹ 67000 ₹12000
Apex Pay Scale     ₹80000 No-pay
Cabinet Secretary     ₹90000 No-pay

IAS vs IFS vs IPS: To make a Choice?

Now that you have a fundamental understanding of these postings, let’s look at who should select which posts.

Who should select IAS?
IAS is for you if you think that your ideas could revolutionize the law and improve people’s lives. You should apply for IAS if you are interested in lawmaking, its appropriate enforcement, managing the police force properly, and granting people their civil rights.

 

Who should make IPS decisions?
IPS is for you if you value law and order and want to see it upheld by society. You must possess courage and the capacity to command the whole police force. You cannot live in fear of terrorism or human traffickers because you must eradicate such issues. You can’t just relax and expect to keep your hands clean. You must take action in response to this post. The lives of all police officers as well as citizens will be in your hands, thus you must be both offensive and defensive.

 

Who ought to work as an IFS Officer?
IFS is for you if you have strong communication abilities, a voice that commands attention, and a love for your nation that you can proudly represent anywhere in the globe. In order for India to have excellent connections with other countries throughout the world, you must be able to speak with foreign ministers. You cannot avoid traveling. You need to get along well with both your own people and people from other countries. Respect for various cultures is a must, but you should also never lose sight of your own.

IAS vs IFS vs IPS: Conclusion

  • Aspirants for the UPSC test sometimes have confusion when selecting the appropriate position. They frequently find themselves in the impasse between IAS, IPS, and IFS. Hopefully, this essay will help you find a solution to your predicament and give you a better understanding of the roles, duties, and authority associated with the various jobs.
  • Every post has a distinctive presence in the nation, and each one enables one to serve the country and gain a great deal of respect. So, after passing the UPSC test, one can select any of the open positions if serving the country is their major priority. So being well is the most important thing to accomplish in order to fulfill this desire.
  • By enrolling in one of the top online UPSC programs and receiving professional advice from your own mentor, you may advance your preparation. You may also keep an eye on this page for other useful information about UPSC test preparation that can make the process easier for you.
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FAQs

Which is bigger IAS IPS or IFS?

IFS officers are powerful in their own way but don't have the board administrative powers that an Indian Administrative Officer has inside the country. IAS officers have a bigger impact on policy formation at the state and federal levels than other officers.

Is the salary of IAS IPS and IFS the same?

The salary of every post varies according to their designation. Candidates can check more details above.

Is IFS and IAS exam same?

IFS and IAS officers get selected through the same examination, which is the Civil Services Examination. Services and cadres are allocated as per the Cadre Allocation Policy of the UPSC after the declaration of the UPSC merit list.

Are there any differences in the job responsibilities among IAS, IFS, and IPS?

Yes, the job responsibilities of IAS, IFS, and IPS officers differ based on their respective domains. IAS officers handle administrative duties, IFS officers focus on foreign affairs and diplomacy, while IPS officers are primarily responsible for maintaining law and order.

Which service offers better opportunities for international exposure?

The IFS provides the best opportunities for international exposure as officers serve in Indian embassies, consulates, and missions abroad, representing India in various international forums.

Can candidates switch from one service to another after selection?

It is generally not possible to switch directly from one service to another after selection. However, lateral movement between services is possible through the central deputation process, subject to certain eligibility criteria and government rules.