IKON
Arvind Bhatikar, a retired IAS officer, has had a distinguished career as an administrator in various parts of India. He has served as the District Collector in Tamil Nadu and as Chairman of the Mormugao Port Trust. Currently, he is associated with several State, Central Government, and non-governmental organizations in various capacities.
A staunch advocate for the recognition and empowerment of the Konkani language, Bhatikar has been actively involved in its movement. He founded Asmitai Pratishtan and participates in various socio-cultural, educational, and environmental activities in Goa. Recently, he was unanimously elected to preside over the 28th Session of the All India Konkani Parishad, marking the first time in 15 years that this session will be held in a major metropolis.
Other notable Goan IAS officers include Swapnil Naik, Sandip Jaques, and Arun Desai.
What is the Job all about?
Civil Services are some of the most prestigious jobs in the Government of India. As an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer, you could eventually become an advisor to the Chief Minister of Goa or even the Prime Minister of India. Similarly, as an IFS (Indian Foreign Service) officer, you could become an ambassador representing India.
There are 3 types of Services:
1. All India Services:
• Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
• Indian Police Service (IPS)
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• Indian Forest Service (IFS)
2. Group “A” Services:
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
• Indian Audit & Accounts Service
• Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service
• Indian Customs & Central Excise Service
• Indian Defence Accounts Service
• Indian Ordinance Factories Service
• Indian Civil Accounts Service
3. Group “B” Services:
• Central Secretariat Services
• Railway Board Secretariat Service
• Armed Forces HQ Civil Service
• Customs Appraisers Service
Visit UPSC website – https://upsc.gov.in/ for more details.
• Junior Officers: Begin with a two-year probationary period, which includes training and an initial posting at the State Secretariat as Field Officers or District Magistrates.
• Senior Officers: Positions include Under Secretary, Directors of Public Enterprises, and Directors of government departments.
Can you go for it?
Strong leadership and administrative abilities are essential. You need to effectively budget and deploy resources, communicate with a diverse range of people, empathize with the underprivileged, delegate authority, and maintain high personal integrity.
For the IFS role, multilingual skills and diplomacy are crucial. As the country’s representative, you must often address issues publicly, requiring astuteness and a good sense of humor.
Selection Process:
1. Preliminary Exam: 400 marks
• Paper 1: General Studies (200 marks)
• Paper 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (200 marks)
• Each year, around 500,000 applicants take the Civil Services Examination held in May or June.
2. Main Exam: 1750 marks, held in October or November
• Qualifying Paper: English (300 marks)
• Qualifying Paper: Regional Language (300 marks)
• 4 General Studies Papers (250 marks each)
• 2 Optional Papers (250 marks each)
3. Interview: The final stage of the selection process assesses your understanding of national and international affairs, current trends, new discoveries, and your grasp of academic subjects.
The Ambassadorial Route (IFS)
• After training at Mussoorie, IFS probationers are attached to the Ministry of External Affairs and must become proficient in a major foreign language.
• In the second year, they are appointed as Third Secretaries at an Indian Embassy or High Commission where the foreign language is spoken.
• Officers progress to roles like First Secretary and, eventually, Counselors in the Selection Grade.
This career offers early responsibility and exposure to a wide range of issues, from law and order to poverty alleviation.
Main Examination
The number of candidates generally admitted for the Main Exam is about 12-13 times the total number of estimated vacancies to be filled in that year. Those obtaining minimum qualifying marks, as fixed by the Commission, are called for an interview. Selected candidates are then allotted to various services, keeping in view their ranks and expressed preferences.
Written Examination
• Paper I: Indian Languages
• Paper II: English
• Paper III: Essay
• Papers IV & V: General Studies
• Papers VI-IX: Two optional subjects from a list including Agriculture, Economics, Engineering, History, Law, Management, Science, and more.
For more information, visit UPSC – https://upsc.gov.in/ and GOI – https://igod.gov.in/
In Goa
The Goa Education Development Corporation offers coaching for UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examinations on Sundays (8 weeks). Contact 2411187/94 for details. Don Bosco Panaji also has a program to prepare youth for these exams.
Outside Goa
Civil Services Institute Bangalore: www.csiias.com
Several correspondence programs are also available through
Aryan Classes – https://aryanclasses.co.in/
IAS 100
Salaries:
As per the VIth Pay Commission, the starting salary is ₹56,100 per month plus allowances, progressing to ₹2,50,000 per month plus allowances.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024