How to become IAS without UPSC: Lakhs of youth of the country dream of becoming an IAS one day and playing an important role in the administrative service. It is generally believed that UPSC Civil Services Examination is the only way to become an IAS. Although this is not the whole truth. Actually, UPSC is definitely the most popular and direct path, but apart from this there is some fixed procedure. Through which experienced officers can reach this cadre. In such a situation, let us now tell you how one can become an IAS without UPSC and what is its entire process?

Why is UPSC path the most important?

The main medium of recruitment in prestigious services like IAS and IPS is UPSC Civil Services Examination. Every year lakhs of candidates appear in this examination but seats are limited. This examination is conducted in three stages, which include prelims, mains and interview. The candidates who are successful in this are given training in the training academy located in Mussoorie. Then they are handed over administrative responsibilities in different states.

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Path to become IAS from State Civil Service

Very few people know that one can become an IAS through State Civil Services also. Under this, candidates are first selected in state administrative services like Uttar Pradesh PCS, Madhya Pradesh State Administrative Service or similar services of other states. Officers in these services usually start their career from posts like SDM or Deputy Collector and gain administrative experience at the ground level.

After how many years do you get a chance to become an IAS?

State civil service officers are generally considered eligible for IAS promotion after completing 10 to 12 years of service. However, this promotion does not happen automatically, rather many conditions have to be fulfilled for it.

On what basis is promotion done?

In the process of becoming IAS from PCS, many important things are considered. Further process starts on the basis of all these aspects like the performance and performance of the officer, service code and confidential report, IAS Academy, available vacant posts and recommendation of the state government. Whereas the final decision of IAS promotion is taken by a selected committee. This committee includes the Chief Secretary of the state, senior IAS officers and representatives associated with UPSC. This committee reviews the previous service record and performance of the officers. After this it is decided who will be included in the IAS cadre.

Lateral entry also gives opportunity

Another way to enter the administrative system without giving UPSC exam is lateral entry. This scheme was started by the Central Government in 2018. Under this, experienced professionals are appointed to posts like Deputy Secretary or Joint Secretary. To apply for this, candidates are required to have graduation and about 15 years of experience in the relevant field. Appointment to these posts is usually done on contract basis, which can be extended further also.

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Every year lakhs of youth appear for UPSC Civil Services Examination, but only a few of them are able to reach the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Becoming an IAS is not just a job but a long and responsible career. In this career, officers have to gain experience by working on different posts and then gradually get promotions. After this, an IAS officer becomes DM in about several years. In such a situation, people often have this question that after how many promotions a District Magistrate (DM) becomes the Principal Secretary and how much does his salary increase during this period.

Journey to become DM

After ADM, when the officer gets complete experience, then he becomes the biggest officer of the district. DM is considered the head of the district. In which there is complete responsibility for law and order, development work and government schemes. Usually, an IAS officer becomes DM after 9 to 10 years of service. DM’s salary is around Rs 78,800. Apart from this, after adding allowances (DA, HRA, TA), the salary increases further.

How many promotions are there after DM?

Even after DM, there are many big promotions for officers. The posts coming after DM include Joint Secretary and Divisional Commissioner. Officers usually reach these posts after 13 to 16 years of service. The salary on these posts also ranges from Rs 1,18,500 to Rs 1,44,200.

After how many promotions does a DM become Principal Secretary?

A DM is made Principal Secretary after many years of service. This is the post of one of the most senior officers of the state government. The salary of Principal Secretary ranges from Rs 1,82,200 (Level-15) to Rs 2,05,400 (Level-16). After adding allowances, it often exceeds Rs 3 lakh.

How much does his salary increase?

If we talk about increase in salary, then this change is quite big in the career of an IAS officer. When an officer is a District Magistrate (DM), his basic salary is around Rs 78,800, but as promotions take place and he reaches the post of Principal Secretary, his basic salary increases to around Rs 1,82,200 to Rs 2,05,400, that is, the salary becomes more than two and a half times. Apart from this, an IAS officer in a senior position like Principal Secretary also gets many special government facilities, like a big government bungalow for living, government vehicle and driver for commuting, staff for office and household work, free or concessional medical facilities and traveling allowance for government work, due to which both the total monthly earnings and standard of living become much better.

Read also UPSC Success Story: Poverty did not become an obstacle, hard work became the identity; Read Umesh Ganpat’s journey from selling milk to becoming an IPS.

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