IAS or IRS: What Should Be Your Choice?

As we all are preparing for UPSC Civil services exam sometime it came to our mind that, the services, which we are preparing for is what we want in our life our something different? What happen if I did not get a good rank? What happen if I didn't get IAS? What is the difference between the Life style of an IAS / IPS / IRS etc? Are they suitable for me? and many more. So here I am going to compare in detail between lifestyle of an IAS and an IRS officer in very simple language so that you will get it easily. 

So, let's start....

IAS OFFICER:

1. Bungalow

Huge palatial bungalow if you are in charge of the district as a DM (Collector). But if placed in state secretariat as Under Secretary then you will get a 2 BHK flat or comparatively small residential apartment.

 

2. Security

Get a Personal Security Officer with gun and security at home as DM. Nothing in secretariat.

 

3. Work

Have to do much work as DM. Work hours do extend beyond office hours and have to be 24 hours ready for work. So, there is Camp Office at residence to assist them with several helpers.

 

4.Vehicle

Generally, a good vehicle with beacon at any post with driver.

 

5.Salary

As per rules. Differ minor from cadre to cadre.

 

6.Ground touch

Means touch with public. This is the service which has maximum touch with public since the starting of career. As you go to higher levels the touch may decrease but you will be in charge of the work which enables you to develop a huge section of common people and ensure their welfare at any stage.

 

6.Political Interference

At each and every level of career, it is there. After all you have to work in coordination with them. But generally, it is not as severe as anticipated by public or media or films.

 

7. Hierarchy

If we see it in theoretical terms then IAS is on top because the boss of highest IRS officers - Chairmen of CBDT and CBSE is revenue secretary.

 

8.Diversification of Career

It is the most diversified career of India. You work in so much fields during your long career which others can't even dream. Even at the lowest post i.e DM, you will be in charge of practically each and every field in your district because DM is the coordinating authority.

 

9.Family life

Worst as DM. But there are exceptional people which manage it as a piece of cake. Others take side posting intentionally for a small period to give time to family.

 

10.Uniform

Are you kidding? Of course, no uniform.

 

IRS OFFICER:

1. Bungalow

Not big bungalow but a decent 2 BHK flat in the city in which you are posted.

 

2. Security

Generally, no security. But also, there is no need.

 

3.Work:

Work during office time. But if revenue targets are not completed then may have to work beyond it.

 

4.Vehicle

Generally, a good vehicle (in my state, most officers at IT HQ are allotted Toyota Corolla) at any post with driver. But no beacon at initial posts. Generally, they have a Red Plate above the number plate with the national emblem engraved on it along with indicating the department (IT or C & CE) and the designation of officer. Also, there is Govt. Of India printed on front and back of vehicle.

Above is the scenario of my state. Sometimes, you may get a beacon.

 

5.Salary

As per rules. Generally, same as IAS counterpart.

 

6.Ground touch

It is lesser than IAS but here you deal with big shots-The riches and Industrialists. The power to challenge them and to raid on them may give you satisfaction.

6.Political Interference

Minimal, Because the absolute power is in the hand of IRS officers and there is no ground on which politicians can threaten them. Also, they have generally no direct contact with politicians.

 

7. Hierarchy

If we see it in theoretical terms then IAS is on top because the boss of highest IRS officers - Chairmen of CBDT and CBEC is revenue secretary. But regarding the inter service hierarchy, IRS officers are responsible to their bosses only, which results in almost nil political interference.

 

8.Diversification of Career

Not diversified as IAS. But far more than other private sector jobs at least. You can be posted in ED, on airports, on border check posts, on ports, in other enforcement and investigation agencies and even in international agencies if you have calibre. If, you are exceptional and have good administrative capabilities, you may be posted as a head of any PSU.

 

9.Family life

Best balance of family life and work is in IRS.

 

10.Uniform

No uniform for IRS-IT. But, for IRS-C&CE, the khaki for central excise with stars on the shoulders and I.R.S. tag as shoulder plate same as IPS. For customs-White uniform with black and golden shoulder strips like navy. And yes .no uniform from above the level of Deputy Commissioner. Following image may give some insights.

In the end, I would like to say only one thing, Each and Every service offered under the head of UPSC-CSE is unique and self-contained in itself. Each has its own importance and its own pros and cons. And each of them is Equally important for our great nation.