Difference Between IAS and IPS

IAS vs IPS

IAS and IPS are two of the most sought after career in India. IAS is the Indian Administrative Service while IPS is the Indian Police Service. Union Public Service Commission in India is an autonomous body that conducts examinations for various government sector jobs in India and the most notable among these are the posts of IAS and the IPS. A career in IAS is considered to be a status symbol in India and it is seen with respect and admiration from all segments of the society. It is a career that offers influence as well as great responsibility to carry out administrative objectives of the government. While the same cannot be said for IPS, it certainly is a much sought after category with the police being responsible for maintaining law and order in the society. Both careers are full of growth opportunities and students crave to join these services.

IAS

Indian Administrative Service or the IAS, as it is called in India is the dream of a vast majority of students as it is considered to be the most coveted career prospect in the country. Only about 150 students get to join IAS cadres in India every year but millions aspire to be a part of this bandwagon that is seen as the most rewarding career in India. Despite private sector offering better pay and perks, a career as an IAS is still considered by the youth to be the most glamorous one in the country. The post of an IAS offers opportunities to be a part of the administrative setup and do something worthwhile for the society. It is indeed a very challenging career that also holds a lot of promise for the aspirant. It provides a lot of respectability and influence in the society. The exam consists of three parts. Any applicant has to clear the preliminary, exam, the main exam and then the interview to hope to be an IAS. Students of all streams after graduation can appear in the exam to become an IAS.

IPS

Indian Police Service or IPS is a career that is fast catching up with IAS in terms of popularity today. As the name suggests, a person who becomes an IPS, starts with the rank of a Superintendent of Police which is a high ranking post in the police set up. The career of IPS is considered to be more challenging than an IAS as it is a tough job and the person is responsible for maintaining law and order in the district or city where he is posted. An IPS is a very influential post and there are many who opt for IPS despite holding a high rank in the exam conducted by UPSC. This is because they think they are more suitable for job in IPS.

Difference between IAS and IPS

Both IAS and IPS are streams that are a part of the joint exam conducted by UPSC. The selection procedure is similar and all applicants have to pass through the same screening procedure. High rank holders become an IAS while those having lower ranks have to join IPS. However, of late situation is changing and police service is also gaining a lot of popularity. There are top ranking students who themselves opt to become an IPS. There are reasons behind this phenomenon. Post 1993, police has become very important in the administrative setup and their influence in the society has increased manifold because of terrorism and Naxal activities in the country.

If we were to differentiate between IAS and IPS, their duties are clearly demarcated. IAS personnel handle governmental affairs and are absorbed in the administrative setup, while IPS are personnel that take up the challenging responsibility of maintaining law and order in the society.

While an IAS can hold posts like Cabinet Secretary, Under Secretary, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary, IPS officers clearly belong to the police force and hold posts like Superintendent of Police, Deputy Inspector General and Inspector General. These officers can be posted in different wings of police department such as CBI, CID etc.