Army Officer vs IAS Officer: Which one is best for You?

Army officers and IAS officers are both highly regarded and prestigious professions in India. However, comparing the two is akin to comparing apples and oranges because they are in completely different fields. In this article, we will look at the differences and similarities between the two professions to help you decide which one is right for you.

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There can be many criteria for achieving equivalence between Indian services, such as Training, selection procedure, pay scale, functioning, status, and so on. In this article, we shall compare one by one which is good for you.

Indian Army Officer/IAS Officer – Selection, Training

Army officers are in charge of the safety and security of the country’s borders. They are members of the Indian Army, one of the world’s most revered and respected armed forces. An Army officer’s role is to lead and command a team of soldiers, plan and execute missions, and ensure that the soldiers under their command are properly trained, equipped, and prepared for any situation.

To become an officer in the Army, one must pass the written exam or appear through direct entry. Candidates must pass the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, medical examination, and physical fitness test after passing the written exam. Army officers undergo rigorous training that lasts between 18 and 24 months.

IAS officers are in charge of the country’s administration and governance. They are hired through the Union Public Service Commission’s Civil Services Examination (CSE) (UPSC). After passing the exam, candidates receive one year of training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie. IAS officers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including the implementation of government policies, the collection of revenue, the maintenance of law and order, and the development of various departments under their jurisdiction.

Pay Scale – Army Officer vs IAS Officer

When it comes to pay, military officers have an advantage over IPS and Civil Service officers because of the additional allowance known as Military Service Pay (MSP). The equivalent ranks between Tri-Services, Civil Services, and IPS according to their pay scale are as follows:

These equivalencies are not true. Because the pay scale was taken into account, defence officers receive additional Military Service Pay, implying that they are superior to their IPS and civil counterparts, which is clearly not the case.

In addition, the time frame for promoting IAS officers was not shortened. This essentially means that after 14 years of service, an IAS officer will be granted the pay scale of a Major General with 33 years of service.

While this does not imply that an IAS officer with 14 years of service is equivalent in status to a Major General, because only those IAS officers in the super time scale who are impaneled and holding posts of Joint Secretary to the Government of India can be equated with a Major General, the monetary package granted to IAS officers with 14 years of service is the same as Major Generals.

Recognition level: Army officer vs IAS Officer

ENTRY LEVEL – In reality, a collector or sub-collector is more powerful than their army counterparts (ie, Major Captain or Lieutenant) because an army officer’s power is limited only within the army base. A collector or sub-collector, on the other hand, has complete authority over the public and the district in which they are appointed. They also have magisterial powers and are involved in maintaining law and order in their administrative area.

TOP LEVEL – The chief of the armed forces receives far more honor and recognition than a cabinet secretary, who is the country’s top civil servant. The defence service chiefs are well-known, and they are regarded as one of the top five powerful individuals holding important positions in India. A cabinet secretary’s authority is only on paper. His position receives no publicity. The vast majority of people have never heard of him. Many people still believe that a foreign secretary or finance secretary has more authority than a cabinet secretary.

Which One you Should Choose?

Well, this is a completely Abstract question, but choosing a profession should depend wholly on the individual. There are many different reasons for choosing Defence as a profession or IAS as a profession. One can say he/she loves the glamour of the uniform or the spark of the stars worn on them. Others might say that it is the adventure, the grit, in the life of an army officer. On the other hand, if you are into the bureaucracy that is working in the core administration, the charm of wearing formal suits, and having contact with high profile people and individuals, that is if you want great power in your hand, you should go with becoming an IAS Officer.

Differences and Similarities

One of the most significant distinctions between Army officers and IAS officers is their job roles. Army officers are in charge of defending the country’s borders, whereas IAS officers are in charge of the country’s administration. Another distinction is the training period. While Army officers are trained for about 18-24 months, IAS officers are trained for two years.

However, there are some parallels between the two professions. Both require a high level of commitment, discipline, and dedication. Both provide a sense of pride and fulfillment in serving the country.

Which is Better?

Choosing between the Army and the IAS is a personal decision that is influenced by a person’s interests, skills, and personality. If you have a strong desire to serve your country, are physically fit, and enjoy leading and commanding a team, the Army may be an excellent fit for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in administration and enjoy working in a bureaucratic environment, IAS may be a better fit.

To summarise, both the Army and the IAS are challenging and rewarding careers that provide a unique opportunity to serve the country. Which one is superior is determined by an individual’s interests, skills, and personality.

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