The rise in growth of administrative jobs has been exponential since the past few years. Surprisingly, even the youth population of the country is taking active interest in the jobs. This major shift is happening due to the good pay scale as well as the luring job responsibility that such jobs offer. Two of the most popular positions are IAS and PCS. Both are administrative jobs and applicants for both these positions are surging rapidly. Even though the chance of success is extremely low in UPSC IAS exams which need to be cleared for these jobs, students are trying their luck every year.
Difference Between IAS and PCS
However, if you are confused between the two and are looking for differentiators, you will find them below.
1. Selection Process
The selection process for both the posts differ and they are selected by separate government entities. The primary recruitment for IAS happens through the examination held by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It is a nationwide examination and all those who aspire to become an IAS officer must appear for it. The central government has established the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) which looks after all the original jurisdiction that relates to recruitment as well as all the service matters that happens with regards to public servants.
As for the PCS recruitment and examinations, it is conducted by the State Public Service Commission every year. All the original jurisdiction for the recruitment and service matters are looked after by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT). The IAS is on a national level whereas the PCS is on a state level which differs in each state.
2. Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The exam pattern and syllabus of both the jobs are quite different in nature as they are handled by different authorities. The exams for IAS is conducted throughout the country and a singular board handles them as well as announces the results. Whereas, the PCS exams are conducted in each state differently and as per the guidelines by that particular state’s government. Thus, the IAS exams are said to be more difficult than the PCS.
Both the exams are conducted in 3 different phases but key priorities and syllabus differs in both. The three phases are: preliminary, mains and the interview. In the IAS exams, a lot of importance is given to conceptual questions rather than the factual. On the other hand, PCS exams focus more on factual questions rather than conceptual. Thus, if you are proficient in either of them, you will have that particular exam simpler. For IAS, the UPSC conducts a qualifying CSAT exam which tests the reasoning skills of a candidate. Whereas the PCS exams doesn’t necessarily have a qualifying exam and it might depend on the state you are appearing the exam from. The IAS exams have a single regional language paper but the PCS might compulsorily have a regional language or a statistics paper.
For the syllabus, you need to refer the books as per the state you are studying from for the PCS exams. But for IAS exams, the syllabus is same nationwide.
3. Job Appointment
The IAS officers are one of the most respected administrative officers and they are directly appointed by the President of India. However, they work under the state government as per the job assigned to them. The PCS officers are appointed the job by the State Governor and work fully under the particular state’s government. Both professions are highly revered and they are appointed by top people of the government.
4. Job Termination
Termination of the job rarely happens in IAS and PCS the positions as they are already on a very high level. But violations of the job responsibility along with other kind of discrepancies can lead to termination of the officers in this position. An IAS officer can only be terminated by the Union Government, in most cases the President himself. As for the State government, it holds all the rights to transfer, suspend or terminate the services of a PCS officer in case of any violations.
5. Salary
An IAS officer is one of the best paid administrative services officer in our country and the pay is extremely high. No matter which state cadre they are serving for, the pay scale is uniform throughout the country. All the classification of services along with the pay scale and cadre management as well as training for IAS officers is taken care of by The Department of Personnel and Training under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The minimum pay for an IAS officer of a Junior scale starts from Rs. 50,000 and that for the Cabinet Security Grade is around Rs. 2,50,000.
The payment of a PCS officer is completely handled by the state government and they may vary according to the state. The pensions as well as salary as calculated and given by the state government. The classification, training and pay scale is managed by the The Department of Personnel or General Administration Department. When comparing to the IAS, the salary for a PCS officer is way lower but the responsibilities handled by them is quite low as well. The basic salary for a PCS officer in most states is Rs. 15,600 and the grade pay is around Rs. 5,400. Although the salary is low, career opportunities for a PCS officer are quite good as well.
6. Promotions
Promotions for both; IAS and PCS the fields are quite gradual but an IAS officer dedicated to his work can be promoted to a district collector in around 5-7 years. But the PCS officer might take around 15-16 years to reach a position as prestigious as the IAS through promotions. An IAS officer might become the Secretary to the Government of India at the apex of his career. Whereas, the PCS officer might become a union administrative officer such as the IAS, IPS or IFoS. The government also has a rule where the senior state officers get a preference in promotions where they can become a union administrative officer.
These are the major differentiators of IAS and PCS officers.
Hope this article helps you understand the major differences between IAS and PCS officer. Do share with your friends who are looking for such information and comment below if you have liked or if you have any questions/suggestions. Happy Studying!
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