• Selected candidates in IAS are sent for foundation course and professional training at LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration). In LBSNAA, the trainees are taught about Public Administration, Governance, Ethics, Code of Conduct, etc. and are exposed to various personality development programs including Sports, Bharat Darshan, Cultural Activities, Workshops, etc.

• After the training, the trainees are allocated the Zone cadres (state cadre before policy change). The trainee is sent to the district of allocated cadre where the trainee learns about the practical aspects of the District Administration. After the completion of the District training, the trainee becomes an officer and is given the post of SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate). The major responsibilities of an SDM are to look after the administration of the sub-division, law and order and collection of land revenue.

• After two years of service as an SDM, the person is promoted to DM or District Collector. The major responsibilities remain the same, but the area of operation widens. The DM has the power to impose Section 144 (Curfew) of the Criminal Procedure Code under riot like situation. 

• Apart from the post of DM, an IAS officer is given various other designations in other departments of the state government like Revenue department, Development Authority, Municipal corporation, Dairy, Housing Board, Ayurveda, Medical Department, etc. An IAS officer is also given the Central Deputation posting as per the service rules.

• An IAS officer can reach to the post of Chief Secretary of State or Chief Secretary of India, which is the top most bureaucratic post in India.

• From taking care of the law and order situation in a District to the big National Security related issues, an IPS officer holds the responsibility of all the matters. 

• After completing the foundational course at LBSNAA, the IPS trainees are sent to the Indian Police Academy, Hyderabad where they are exposed to physical training and the training related to policing and laws. 

• IPS is a uniformed job and an IPS officer is easily recognized by the general public.

• An IPS officer is given SDPO (Sub-Divisional Police Officer) rank initially and after two years, the SDPO is promoted to S.P (Superintendent of Police) or DCP (Deputy Commissioner of Police).

• The responsibility of the S.P is to hold law and order of the District. In case of an emergency like a riot, the District S.P is assisted by Central Armed Police Force and the Indian Army. 

• An IPS officer can reach to the post of DGP (Director General of Police) which is the top cop of the state. The top rank in IPS in India is held by the Director of Intelligence Bureau.

• IPS Officers are also deputed at the central agencies like BSF, CRPF, CISF, Intelligence Bureau, CBI, RAW and much more.

• With time, the relevance of Indian Foreign Services has increased. India has increased its presence at a global platform. IFS officers hold the responsibility to handle the diplomacy in favor of India with other countries.

• IFS officers are posted to the Embassy and consulates in the countries which have the diplomatic relations with India. 

• An IFS officer starts the career with the post of Under Secretary and can reach to the post of Foreign Secretary of India. 

• An IFS Officer handles the work at the consulate on the Problems related to the Indian Diaspora, Economic sector, Political sector and other diplomatic sectors.

Is there negative marking at Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination?

Candidates should note that there is penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one‐third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted as penalty. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.

What are the minimum educational qualifications prescribed?

The candidate must hold a degree of any of Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or any other educational institution.

What are the provisions for reservation for SC, ST, OBC and Physically Disabled candidates?

Reservation will be made for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes. Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Physically Disabled Categories in respect of vacancies as may be fixed by the Government.

Can a candidate choose an optional subject, which he has not studied at...

Is there negative marking at Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination?

Candidates should note that there is penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one‐third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted as penalty. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.

What are the minimum educational qualifications prescribed?

The candidate must hold a degree of any of Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or any other educational institution.

What are the provisions for reservation for SC, ST, OBC and Physically Disabled candidates?

Reservation will be made for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes. Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Physically Disabled Categories in respect of vacancies as may be fixed by the Government.

Can a candidate choose an optional subject, which he has not studied at graduate/post graduate level?

Yes

Can a candidate write different papers of Civil Service (Main) Examination in different languages?

 The candidate can write the paper in English or any of the Eighth Schedule languages except the Qualifying Language papers Paper‐A and Paper‐B, which they have indicated at the time of filling up of their online application form for Civil Service (Preliminary) Examination.

 What are the Cut‐off Marks for the compulsory language Papers?

The minimum qualifying standards in each of the two Qualifying Papers i.e. English and Indian Languages is indicated in the examination Rules, is at present 25%.