IAS vs IPS Power: Both IAS and IPS are among the most prestigious and respected jobs in India. While IAS officers handle administration and policy, IPS officers are responsible for law and order and security. Find out which one is superior.
Becoming an IAS or IPS officer is the dream of millions of students. Both are among the most respected positions and jobs in the country. Every year, a large number of students prepare for these positions by taking the UPSC exam, but only a few are selected. People often wonder whether IAS or IPS rank is more important. Both officers serve the country, but their duties and powers differ. Let's understand in simple terms who is more important and what power each one holds.
Who is an IAS?
IAS stands for Indian Administrative Service. Officers holding this position are considered the backbone of the country's administrative system. The IAS officer's job is to formulate policies, implement them, and manage administration from the district to the state and central governments.
The main duties of an IAS officer are:
Working as a Collector or DM in a district
Implementation of government schemes
Coordinating with the police and other departments in maintaining law and order
Policy decision making at the state and central level
IAS officers are appointed through the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Who is an IPS?
IPS stands for Indian Police Service. IPS officers are responsible for the country's security and law enforcement. While IAS officers make administrative decisions, IPS officers implement them on the ground. The
main duties of an IPS officer are:
Preventing crime and punishing criminals
Maintaining law and order in the state and district
Overseeing traffic, intelligence and VIP security
Playing a key role in agencies like state police, CRPF, BSF
To become an IPS, one has to pass the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Who has what power in IAS and IPS?
An IAS officer has greater administrative control. In a district, an IAS officer serves as the District Magistrate (DM). They are superior to the Superintendent of Police (SP or IPS). This means that IAS officers have greater power at the district level. However, when it comes to security and law enforcement, the IPS officer plays a crucial role. In cases of riots, crime, or security, IPS officers are in charge.
Salary and Benefits
Both positions receive excellent salaries and benefits under the 7th Pay Commission. The starting salary of an IAS officer is ₹56,100, which can rise to ₹2.50 lakh upon becoming Cabinet Secretary. Their grade pay is ₹16,200. The starting salary of an IPS officer is the same as that of an IAS officer and can reach a maximum of ₹2.25 lakh upon becoming DGP. The grade pay is also the same. Furthermore, both receive a government bungalow, car, staff, security, and other perks.
How do IAS and IPS officers work together?
In a district, both the IAS and IPS officers jointly handle administration and law and order. The IAS heads the district administration, while the IPS heads the police department. During major decisions or crises, coordination between the two is essential for the system to function properly.
