Difference Between IAS and IPS

Difference Between IPS and IAS

IAS is offered to top-ranking candidates, whereas IPS is the next best alternative in the Civil Services Examination. However, it is also the candidate's choice if they want to opt for IAS or IPS. In the past majority of the candidates passing with higher ranks in the UPSC Exam have opted for Indian Administrative Service. IAS has been the most popular civil service in India, and it can be due to various factors. Below we will be discussing the IAS vs. IPS considering various factors like salary, responsibilities, hierarchy, training, promotion, etc.

Difference Between IAS and IPS- Controlling Authorities

The controlling authority for IAS is the Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pension. The IPS Cadre is controlled by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Difference Between IAS and IPS - Responsibilities

Below we have mentioned the difference between IAS officers and IPS officers in terms of responsibilities.

IAS Roles and Responsibilities

• IAS officers look after the administration of an area, district, or department.
• They also make proposals and have other executive powers to implement policies for the development of their areas.
• IAS officers are also answerable to the State and Central governments.

IPS Roles and Responsibilities

• One of the major responsibilities of IPS officers is to maintain law and order in society, apart from investigating crime and ensuring public safety.
• In simple words, the primary role of IPS is to maintain peace and public safety.

IAS vs IPS Ranks

Hierarchy-wise, IAS is above IPS, mainly because of the nature of the responsibilities. In addition to implementing government policies, several departments of the district also come under IAS. An IPS officer only has the responsibility of one department. However, an IPS officer holds a high position and has enormous power in municipal corporations, municipalities, etc.

IAS vs IPS Selection Process

Both IAS and IPS officers are selected through the Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission. The UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages- UPSC Prelims, UPSC Mains, and Personlity Test. Candidates need to clear all three stages of the UPSC Exam and secure good ranks to become IAS and IPS officers. The eligibility criteria and the selection process for both Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service are almost the same. However, only top-ranking candidates can be recruited as IAS officers, and IPS is the second best alternative.

Difference Between IAS and IPS Training

An IAS cadre officer is trained in the administration, management of manpower, etc. The top-ranking candidate in the training course receives President's Gold Medal for management. IAS officers are trained at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.

IPS training is more rigorous and involves physical training and law enforcement activities. Although a medical exam is common for both, IPS officers also need to meet certain physical requirements like height, weight, etc. The top-ranking candidate in training is rewarded the Prime Minister's Baton. Training of IPS officers is held at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad, Telangana.

IAS officer vs IPS officer Promotion

The highest promotions for an IAS officer in India are:

• Appointment as a Cabinet Secretary for which only one IAS officer is appointed.
• Post of a Chief Secretary.
• Post of a Home Secretary

Highest posts for an IPS officer in India:

• The Director-General of Police of the state is one of the highest posts for an IPS officer.
• However, in Central Government, an IPS officer can also be appointed as the director of CBI, RAW, and IB.
• They can also be India's National Security Adviser.

IAS vs IPS salary

Although the starting salary for both is the same, the scale of pay for IAS officers is slightly higher. The entry-level IAS Salary is INR 56,100 (without TA, HRA, and DA). The salary of an IAS officer is after the 7th Pay Commission.

In comparison to IAS, the pay scale of IPS officers is lower. IPS Salary is also after the 7th pay commission, and it ranges from 56,100 INR per month to as high as 2,25,000 INR per month upon attaining the post of the Director-General of Police (DGP). Both IAS and IPS get the benefits of accommodation, transport, house help, healthcare, etc.

IAS vs IPS Uniform

Both the IAS and IPS officers have different uniforms. The IAS officers don’t have any specific uniform, and they wear formal at events. However, the IPS officer does have a special uniform, which varies with ranks and promotions at every level. But A string, national emblem, and sword are mandatory for every rank. On special occasions like Republic day and Independence day, IPS officers have to be in full uniform.

IAS vs IPS- Who is More Powerful?

Both Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service are high-grade profiles. IAS has a wide range of departments under its control, and IPS is responsible for the administration of specific departments. Both services have different roles and responsibilities to take care of. However, IAS is considered to be more powerful than IPS due to Power and Authority. IAS officers have to deal with the responsibility of all departments existing in their districts, but IPS officer deal with their departments only.

IAS vs IPS- What to Choose?

IAS vs IPS is a hot debate with no conclusion as both services are prestigious in their own field. It depends on the candidate what he/she wants. Candidates must remember that clearing IAS Exam or IPS Exam is not a cakewalk. It requires determination, hard work, and effective strategy.

However, if you don’t like riots, crime, and law and order issues, then IPS is not for you. On the other hand, IAS has harmony in service patterns, and they have to manage the issue on their own. Apart from tons of benefits, both these services are highly challenging. Candidates need to be mindful of what he/she wants and have to be goal-oriented.