Types of Civil Services| Class 11 Polity Notes

The group of officials who work in civil professions that are neither judicial nor political is known as the civil service. These workers are employed by local, state, or federal government departments and agencies. The civil service is responsible for carrying out government directives, managing government initiatives, and offering citizens public services.

Let us learn more about the types of civil services!

Types of Civil Services| Class 11 Polity Notes

Types of Civil Services

In India Civil Services are mainly Central Government Services and State Government Services. In the Central Government, it’s further divided into All India Services like IAS, IPS, IFoS, Group A and Group B services. At the State level, we have Group A and Group B services.

Civil Services in India

The administrative services in India that carry out the government’s plans and initiatives are referred to as the Civil Services. One of the most prominent and sought-after job paths in the nation is the civil services. They are essential to the administration and governance of numerous aspects of the country.

All India Services

A group of public services in India known as All India Services (AIS) are regarded as the foundation of the nation’s administrative framework. The Union Government is in charge of these services, which are provided at both the Union (Central) and State levels. 
The Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is the prerequisite for admission to All India Services. Candidates are assigned to these services according to their rank and preference if they pass the exam and fulfil the eligibility requirements. All India Services provides officers with a wide range of options to serve in various areas and fields, promoting the growth and development of the country.

Indian Administrative Services (IAS)

At the district, state, and federal levels of government, among others, IAS officers are in charge of administrative duties. 
They manage the creation, application, and carrying out of government initiatives and policies. IAS officers oversee public administration, tax administration, projects for development, and crisis management. District Magistrate (DM), Collector, Commissioner, Secretary, Chief Secretary, and Cabinet Secretary are among the important roles they occupy.

Indian Police Services (IPS)

IPS officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring internal security. They oversee police forces and law enforcement agencies at different levels, including state police, central police organizations, and specialized units. IPS officers play a crucial role in maintaining public safety, combating terrorism, organized crime, and managing emergencies and disasters. They hold positions such as Director General of Police (DGP), Inspector General of Police (IGP), Superintendent of Police (SP), and Commissioner of Police (CP).

Indian Forest Services (IFoS)

The management, preservation, and sustainable use of animal and forest resources are under the authority of IFoS officials. 
To save forests, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity, they are employed by state and federal forest departments. Activities related to environmental protection, research, forest management, and planning are carried out by IFoS officers. 
They are employed as Chief Forest Conservator, Director of Forests, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO).

Group A – Central Services

• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
  • Responsible for administering and enforcing tax laws in India.
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS)
  • Responsible for auditing the accounts of the central and state governments to ensure financial accountability and transparency.
• 3Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)
  • Manages the operations and traffic control of Indian Railways, ensuring the smooth functioning of train services and freight management.
• Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS)
  • Manages the financial and accounting aspects of Indian Railways, including budgeting, expenditure management, and financial reporting.
• Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS)
  • Responsible for managing personnel matters and human resources in Indian Railways, including recruitment, training, and career development.
• Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)
  • Manages the financial and accounting aspects of the Indian Defence Services, including budgeting and expenditure management.
• Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)
  • Responsible for managing and administering defence land and properties.
• Indian Information Service (IIS)
  • Manages media and communication services for the government, including public relations and dissemination of government information.
• Indian Postal Service (IPoS)
  • Manages postal and courier services in India, overseeing post offices, postal delivery services, and other postal operations.
• Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
  • Manages the accounting and financial functions of various civil departments and ministries of the Government of India.
• Indian Railway Protection Force (IRPF)
  • Ensures the safety and security of passengers, railway property, and infrastructure.
• Indian Trade Service (ITrS)
  • Handles matters related to international trade, trade policies, and export promotion.
• Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)
  • Handles legal matters related to corporate governance, company law, and corporate affairs.
• Indian Economic Service (IES)
  • Provides economic advice, formulates economic policies, and conducts economic analysis for the government.
• Indian Statistical Service (ISS)
  • Collects, compiles, and analyzes statistical data for policy formulation and decision-making.
• Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise)
  • Administers and enforces customs and excise laws to regulate trade, prevent smuggling, and collect indirect taxes.

Group B – Central Services

• Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHCS)
  • Provides administrative support to the headquarters of the Indian Armed Forces.
• Pondicherry Civil Service (PCS)
  • Manages administrative affairs in the Union Territory of Puducherry (formerly known as Pondicherry).
• Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS
  • Manages administrative affairs in the Union Territories of Delhi and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Pondicherry Police Service (PPS)
  • Responsible for maintaining law and order in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
• Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS)*
  • Responsible for maintaining law and order in the Union Territories of Delhi and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Section Officers’ Grade (SOG) of the Organized Group ‘A’ Services
  • Officers in this grade serve as executive assistants and perform administrative functions in various Group ‘A’ civil services of the government.

These civil services are specific to certain regions or territories and contribute to the governance and administration of those areas.

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Civil Services- FAQs

What does civil servant mean?

Someone who works in a department of a country’s government but who is not a part of its military as usually refered to as civil servants.

How can one join the Indian Civil Service?

One can join Indian Civil Service by clearing the civil services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) every year.

Which is the highest post in civil service?

Cabinet Secretary is the highest post in civil service.

What are Indian Constitutional Provisions Related to Civil Services ?

Part XIV of Indian Constitution consists of Articles 308 to 314 on Services Under the Union and the States.

What are the three All India Services?

IAS, IPS and IFoS are the 3 All India Services.

Who is the Father of civil services in India?

Charles Cornwallis is known as ‘the Father of civil service in India’.