UPSC CSE Posts: Group A Civil Services
The Civil Services Examination (CSE), conducted annually by the UPSC, recruits for 21 different civil services in India. Among these, Group A Civil Services holds a special place within the government bureaucracy, setting them apart from other positions.
Each of the services under the list of Group A Civil Services offers a unique set of challenges and responsibilities, allowing individuals to leverage their strengths and interests in serving the country. Understanding the roles and responsibilities associated with these services can enable aspirants to make more informed choices aligned with their career goals and personal inclinations.
About Group A Civil Services
Group A Civil Services refers to a group of civil services in India that represent the highest tier of positions within the central government. These services play pivotal roles in policy formulation, implementation, and administration across various sectors of the government. Each service has a specialized function, ranging from governance, law enforcement, finance, foreign relations, and more.
List of Group A Civil Services under UPSC CSE Posts
Various Group A Civil Services, coming under the UPSC CSE Posts, are listed below.
Detailed information regarding various aspects of these Group A Civil Services is provided in the sections that follow.
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
-
About the Service
The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is the diplomatic service of India. It is a Group ‘A’ Civil Service of India and is controlled by the Ministry of External Affairs.
-
Roles
The role of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) is to represent and promote India's interests abroad. They engage in diplomatic relations, negotiate treaties, handle international affairs, protect Indian citizens abroad, and contribute to foreign policy formulation and implementation.
-
Responsibilities
- Representing India in its Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, and Permanent Missions to multilateral organizations like the UN
- Protecting India’s national interests in foreign countries
- Promoting friendly relations with foreign countries and the Indians living there
- Reporting accurately on developments in the country of posting which are likely to influence the formulation of India’s policies
- Bilateral and multilateral diplomacy by engaging in negotiations, discussions, and agreements with other nations.
- Handling and resolving diplomatic crises, emergencies, and conflicts involving Indian citizens or interests abroad.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 5,6,13,29, etc
-
Training
- Foundation Course: Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie.
- Specialized Training: Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi
- This part of the training involves lectures, attachments with various wings of the Government as well as familiarisation tours both within the country and abroad.
- Compulsory Foreign Language (CFL) Training:After the conclusion of specialized training, the IFS recruits are assigned a Compulsory Foreign Language (CFL), which happens to be the native language of the country of posting. The recruit is enrolled in a language course in the country of posting and is expected to pass the requisite examination of the CFL before he is confirmed in the service.
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of IFS officers is Rs. 56,100, and it reaches up to Rs. 2,25,000 at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Household staff
- Official vehicles for official duties
- Security guards
- Free electricity, water, and telephone connection
- Coverage of medical treatment expenses
- Opportunity for study abroad
Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IA&AS)
-
About the Service
The Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) is a Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service. It constitutes the middle and top-level management of the Indian Audit & Accounts Department. It is through this service that the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) exercises its mandate.
-
Roles
IA&AS officers promote accountability, transparency, and good governance through high-quality auditing and accounting and provide independent and timely assurance to the legislature, the public, and the executive, that public funds are being collected and used effectively and efficiently.
-
Responsibilities
- Conducting Financial Audits of central and state government departments, public sector enterprises, and other government entities.
- Conducting Performance Audits to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of government programs, schemes, and activities.
- Conducting Compliance Audits to verify whether government departments and organizations adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
- Conducting audits of the revenue collection and management processes of government departments, such as tax departments and customs authorities, to ensure proper accounting, compliance, and revenue realization.
- Conducting audits of the expenditures incurred by government departments and organizations to ensure that funds are utilized efficiently and are in accordance with approved budgets and financial rules.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2021 got this service: 99, 232, 262, 275, 276, 420, 448, 523, 524, 529, 534, 535, 541, 620, 621, 625, 662, 664, etc.
-
Training
- Stage 1: 1.5 years at the National Academy of Audit and Accounts, Shimla.
- Stage 2: Includes exposure to practical work through visits to various government organizations such as RBI, the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies, and premier institutes like IIM-Lucknow and the London School of Economics (LSE).
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of IA&AS officers is Rs. 56,100, which reaches up to Rs. 2,25,000 at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Household staff
- Government vehicle for official purposes only
- Air travel entitlement for official trips
- Posting mostly in metros or small cities, not in rural areas
Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
-
About the Service
The Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) was established in 1976, to handle accounting and auditing tasks for the Government of India. It operates under the Indian Civil Accounts Organization, which falls under the Ministry of Finance.
-
Roles
They administer an effective, credible, and responsive system for budgeting, payment, and accounting. They provide a robust and government-wide integrated financial information system.
-
Responsibilities
- Monitoring and reconciling the cash balances of the Government of India held by the Reserve Bank of India.
- Creating and optimizing manuals, rules, and procedures for the accounting of receipts and payments in accordance with the Government Accounting Rules, 1990.
- Preparing monthly and annual account statements and conducting regular audits of revenue, deficits, and borrowings.
- Maintaining and managing the accounts and finances of various government departments.
- Developing human resource augmentation programs for related organizations.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2021 got this service: 277, 474, 485, 509, 546, 549, 559, 629, 631, 667, etc
-
Training
- 1st stage: 6 months at the National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM), Faridabad.
- 2nd stage: Held at the Institute of Government Accounts and Finance (INGAF).
- 3rd stage: On-The-Job-Training at Pay & Accounts offices spread across the country
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of ICAS officers is Rs. 56,100, which reaches up to Rs. 2,50,000 at the apex level of career (Controller General of Accounts).
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Free electricity, water, gas, and phone connection
- An official vehicle with a driver
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Subsidized accommodation on official as well as non-official trips.
- Study leaves
Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)
-
About the Service
The Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS) is one of the Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service. It functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. This service was established in 1967 to ensure good corporate governance in the country.
-
Roles
The officers in these services are entrusted with the responsibility of the implementation of the Companies Act 1956, the Companies Act 2013, and the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008.
-
Responsibilities
- As Regional Directors (RD): Administrative and supervisory control over all offices of Registrar of Companies (RoC) and Official Liquidators (OLs) within their respective regions.
- As Registrar of Companies (RoC): Overall administration of the Companies Act and the Limited Liability Partnership Act, incorporation of Companies and LLPs, custody of the records, issue of certified copies, inspection of records, approvals and certifications assigned to the ROCs as per the respective Acts.
- As Official Liquidators (OLs): Liquidating the companies as ordered by the courts. Taking control of the companies’ assets, recovering debts, selling the company assets via public auction, settling creditors’ claims, etc.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 654, 691, 698, 766, 864, 891, etc
-
Training
- Training to ICLS officers is imparted by the ICLS Academy, Manesar.
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of ICLS officers is Rs. 56,100, which reaches up to Rs. 2,05,100 at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Free electricity, water, gas, and phone connection
- An official vehicle with a driver
- Security guards
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Study leaves
Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)
-
About the Service
The Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) is a Group 'A' Central Civil Service. Coming under the Ministry of Defence. It constitutes the management cadre of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) and ensures effective and efficient utilization of defense funds and resources.
-
Roles
IDAS Officers provide financial advice, payment, internal auditing, and accounting functions to the defense services - the Army, Air Force, and Navy, as well as other allied organizations such as Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ordnance Factories, Border Road Organisation, etc.
-
Responsibilities
- Defense Procurement: They evaluate and scrutinize the financial aspects of defense contracts, including their pricing, payment terms, and financial viability.
- Financial Management: They prepare and manage the defense budget, and allocate funds to different defense units and departments.
- Accounting and Auditing: They handle financial transactions, maintain accounts, and prepare financial statements.
- Financial Advice and Consultation: They assist in financial planning, policy formulation, and decision-making.
- Internal Controls and Financial Discipline: They implement financial rules, regulations, and procedures to prevent financial irregularities.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 285, 586, 288, 292, 293, 295, 298, 299, 303, 497, 532, 545, 550, 556, 561, 574, 575, 627, 636, 644, 652 and 670.
-
Training
- 1st stage: Initial training is held for a period of 4 months at LBSNAA.
- 2nd stage: It is held at the Center for Training and Development (CENTRAD), New Delhi.
- 3rd stage: Final training is held at the National Academy of Defence Financial Management Institute, Pune.
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of IDAS officers is Rs. 56,100. It reaches up to Rs. 2,25,000 at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Household staff
- Free electricity, water, gas, and phone connection
- An official vehicle with a driver
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Option to wear army uniform.
Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)
-
About the Service
The Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) is a Group ‘A’ Civil Service under the Government of India in the Ministry of Defence. The Department came into existence on 16th December, 1926.
-
Roles
The IDES officers are responsible for the management and administration of the country’s cantonments and defense lands.
-
Responsibilities
- Administration of Cantonment Boards.
- Development of Cantonments as modern townships.
- Survey, audit, and effective management of defense lands.
- Acquisition, hiring, and requisitioning of immovable properties for defense purposes.
- Maintenance of accurate, digitized records of lands, including regular updation.
- Exercise of quasi-judicial functions conferred under special laws.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 334, 338, 347, 348, 351, 647, 673, 696, 730, 860, 833, etc.
-
Training
- The IDES officers are imparted professional training at the National Institute of Defence Estates Management (NIDEM), Delhi. The officers are also sent to other training institutes to attend specific courses.
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of IDES officers is Rs. 56,100. It reaches up to Rs. 2,18,200 at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- House staff
- Free electricity, water, gas, and phone connection
- An official vehicle with a driver
- Coverage of medical expenses
Indian Information Service (IIS)
-
About the Service
The Indian Information Service (IIS) is a Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service. It acts as a vital communication link between the Government and the people by way of disseminating information regarding various Government policies and schemes to the public at large.
-
Roles
IIS officers manage media-related matters for the government. They are assigned to various media units under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, such as Doordarshan News, All India Radio, etc.
-
Responsibilities
- Developing a media strategy to promote awareness about various government programs and schemes.
- Guiding news services units of All India Radio and DD News, including regional news units, to ensure that they convey government messages effectively.
- Coordinating with the Public Information Bureau (PIB) and managing day-to-day publicity tasks of the government.
- Supervising and directing the field publicity units located across the country.
- Organizing press conferences and visual publicity campaigns about the government's activities and policies
- Monitoring the legal complexities involved in verifying titles, registrations, and circulation for newspapers in India.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 763, 869, 877, 917, etc.
-
Training
- Stage 1: Foundation Course is held at the LBSNAA for a duration of 3 months.
- Stage 2: It is held at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication for a duration of 9 months.
- Stage 3: It is held for a period of 1 year at various media wings of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, such as DD News, All India Radio, Press Information Bureau, etc.
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of IIS officers is Rs. 56,100. It reaches up to Rs. 2,25,000 at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Household staff
- Free electricity, water, gas, and phone connection
- Security guards
- Coverage of medical expenses
Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)
-
About the Service
Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS) is a Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service. There are two types of posts within this service - Technical and Non-Technical. The recruitment process for the non-technical positions is conducted through the UPSC Civil Service Examination, while for the technical positions, it is done through the UPSC Engineering Service Examination.
-
Roles
The Indian Ordnance Factories Services (IOFS) plays a crucial role in the management and operation of the Indian Ordnance Factories (IOF). Their primary role involves ensuring the efficient functioning of the ordnance factories, meeting production targets, maintaining quality standards, and implementing technological advancements in the manufacturing processes.
-
Responsibilities
- IOFS officers perform diverse functions at the ordnance factories, including product research and development, production planning and control, quality control, project management, supply management, materials management, labor welfare, personnel management, industrial relations, management, industrial safety, and maintenance of residential estates, etc
- They also hold managerial positions in various PSUs and SEZs.
- They can serve as secretaries and advisors to Union Cabinet ministers, the Prime Minister, and the President of India.
- IOFS officers may also have opportunities to work as scientists for the DRDO.
- They can be assigned to serve the armed forces as Commissioned Officers for a duration of four years.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2018 got this service: 321, 740, etc
-
Training
- Foundation Course: It is held at the LBSNAA, Mussoorie
- Induction Training Program: It is held at the National Academy of Defence Production (NADP), Nagpur for a duration of 64 weeks. It involves training in the areas of management, public administration, and technology.
- On-the-Job Training: It is held at the Ordnance Factories.
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of IOFS officers is Rs. 56,100. It reaches up to 2,18,000/- at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Household staff
- An official vehicle with a driver
- Coverage of medical expenses
Indian Communication Finance Service (ICFS)
-
About the Service
The Indian Communication Finance Service (ICFS) was previously known as the Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS). It is a Group ‘A’ Central Service, which provides accounting and financial services to the Department of Posts and the Department of Telecommunications.
-
Roles
The ICFS officers ensure that the financial administration and other relevant works of the Department of Posts and the Department of Telecom are carried out smoothly.
-
Responsibilities
- Assessment and collection of License Fees and Spectrum Usage Charges from the Telecom Licensors.
- Conducting spectrum auction.
- Policymaking, financial management, accounting, and internal audit of in the Department of Telecommunications and the Department of Posts.
- Pension management of the departments of posts and telecommunications and associated agencies such as BSNL and MTNL.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 299, 570, 573, 578, 584, 607, 635, 663, 703, 714, etc.
-
Training
- Foundation Course: It is held at a DoPT-designated institution for a duration of 16 days.
- Departmental Training: It is held at the National Institute of Communication Finance, Ghitorni, New Delhi for a duration of 36 weeks.
- Professional Training: It is held at the National Institute of Finance Management, Faridabad for a duration of 44 weeks.
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of ICFS officers is Rs. 56,100. It reaches up to Rs. 2,50,000 at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Household staff
- Free telephone and internet service
- An official vehicle with a driver
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Opportunities to implement the latest technologies in the country
- Opportunities to work with international organizations.
Indian Postal Service (IPoS)
-
About the Service
The Indian Postal Service is one of the Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service. The Ministry of Communications, Government of India is the controlling authority of this service.
-
Roles
They are responsible for running ‘India Post’, which provides services such as traditional postal services, banking, and e-commerce services, as well as non-commercial services such as disbursal of MGNREGA wages, etc.
-
Responsibilities
- Managing and monitoring postal services and operations efficiently.
- Exercising control over all Post Offices and Mail Offices.
- Marketing the services offered by India Post, including insurance and banking.
- Planning the optimization and expansion of the postal network.
- Handling personnel management, recruitment, transfers, promotions, and disciplinary matters concerning employees and staff.
- Working on assignments abroad with organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme, Universal Postal Union, etc.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2021 got this service: 312, 314, 544, 577, 626, 660 etc
-
Training
- Stage 1: The foundation course is conducted at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration(LBSNAA), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNA), and National Academy of Direct Taxes.
- Stage 2: Professional training in management and administration of postal services is held at Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy (RAKNPA).
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of Indian Postal Service (IPoS) officers is Rs. 56,100. It reaches up to Rs. 2,25,000 at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Household staff
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Option for Government-funded postal studies
Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
-
About the Service
- The Indian Revenue Service (IRS) is a Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service. It has the primary responsibility of collecting and managing both direct and indirect taxes.
- The IRS is divided into two distinct branches: the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) and the Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes). These branches are overseen by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) respectively.
-
Roles
IRS officers serve the Government of India in different capacities/roles. The two branches of the IRS ensure the smooth administration of Direct and Indirect Tax Policies in the country.
-
Responsibilities
- Formulating and implementing policies regarding taxes.
- Ensuring proper collection of taxes.
- Ensuring the prosecution of tax evaders.
- Combating black money, smuggling, etc.
- Discharging the functions of an investigator, quasi-judicial authority, and prosecutor w.r.t. cases related to taxation, customs, and narcotics.
- Negotiating international agreements with other tax jurisdictions to address the tax issues effectively.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 exam got this service: 97, 98, 99, 101, 102, etc.
-
Training
Training of the IRS (IT) officers is held at the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), Nagpur, and that of the IRS (C&IT) officers is held at the National Academy of Customs Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN), in Faridabad, Haryana.
-
Salary
The initial salary for an IRS officer is Rs. 56,100 per month. It reaches up to Rs. 2,25,000 per month at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- An official vehicle, along with a driver (for higher-grade IRS officers)
- City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
Indian Trade Service (ITS)
-
About the Service
- The Indian Trade Service (ITS) is a Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service. It was created as a specialized cadre to handle India's international trade and commerce.
- The Department of Commerce is the Cadre Controlling Authority. The day-to-day management of the Cadre has been delegated to the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
-
Roles
ITS officers protect the interests of the country's trading community and act as guides and mentors to both budding and established exporters. They play a crucial role in promoting India's foreign trade and hence, earning foreign exchange.
-
Responsibilities
- Formulating India's negotiating position in preferential/regional/bilateral trade agreements, trade disputes, and trade policies.
- Assisting in multilateral trade negotiations covering areas such as non-agricultural market access (NAMA), trade remedy measures, etc.
- Representing India at organizations like WTO, UN ESCAP, and Trade Boards.
- Regulating and enforcing the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, including investigation and adjudication.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 346, 779, 870, etc.
-
Training
- Foundation Course: It is held at various designated academies in coordination with LBSNAA.
- Professional Training: It is held at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi.
- Mid-Career Training: It includes training in India as well as in an internationally acclaimed university outside India.
- WTO-related Training: The officers are also sent for short-term WTO-related training.
-
Salary
As per the 7th Pay Commission, the entry-level salary of ITS officers is Rs. 56,100. It reaches up to Rs. 2,18,200 at the apex level of career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Household staff
- Opportunity to travel globally as part of official duty
- Coverage of medical expenses
Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQCS)
-
About the Service
The Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQ CS) is a Group ‘A’ Central Civil Services with induction at Group B grade. It provides administrative and support services to the armed forces headquarters. The cadre was established in 1968.
-
Roles
Its primary roles include managing personnel, budgeting, logistics, procurement, and other administrative functions of the armed forces headquarters. Overall, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the armed forces by providing the necessary support for their operational readiness and effectiveness.
-
Responsibilities
- Assisting higher authorities in administrative and operational tasks to ensure the smooth functioning of the armed forces.
- Handling correspondence, reports, and data management to maintain accurate records and facilitate effective communication.
- Conducting research and analysis on specific subjects to provide valuable insights and support decision-making processes.
- Coordinating with different departments and units within the armed forces to ensure collaborative efforts and streamlined operations.
- Assisting in policy formulation and implementation by contributing expertise and providing necessary inputs.
-
Services Allocation
Candidates with these ranks in the UPSC CSE, 2022 got this service: 904, 930, etc
-
Training
The training of AFHQ civil servants is conducted at the Defence Headquarters Training Institute (DHTI). After a brief foundation course, the newly recruited candidates undergo elaborate training through in-house modules.
-
Salary
An officer trainee starts his/her career as a Section Officer with a pay scale of Rs. 44,900 - 1,42,400. This increases with the progression of the career.
-
Perks
- Government accommodation
- Household staff
- An official vehicle with a driver
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Benefit of Army Canteens
Group A Civil Services, coming under UPSC CSE Posts, offers a distinguished career path for those who aspire to lead, shape policy, and contribute meaningfully to the nation's progress. With such a wide range of options, selecting the right service depends on your interests and skills. Therefore, it is advisable for UPSC aspirants to go through the details of these Group A Civil Services offered under the UPSC CSE to understand their work cultures, responsibilities, and career trajectories.
