Difference Between IAS And IPS. Who Is More Powerful?

IAS and IPS are the two most powerful and esteemed career goals in India. What is the meaning of Power? Power basically means work done per unit time. To say with exact certainty which job among IAS and IPS is more powerful and prestigious than the other is a bit cumbersome and likely impossible. Because their powers are not just limited to the work done rather it is much more than that.

The word power implies the authority, control, reputation, influence, and the impact that the officers holding these posts have on society.

Here is a brief comparison of both these services:

Foundation of IAS and IPS

IAS – It is one of the most eminent and respected services in India that was first established in the year 1838. On 26^th January 1950 the name was changed from Indian Civil Service to Indian Administrative Service and since then have been the same.

As for IPS, this service was first established in the year 1905 and was known as the Indian Imperial police but by the time India got independence the name was changed to Indian Police Service, in the year 1948.

Prime work and duties of IAS and IPS officers

IAS – The basic and prime work that comes under the supervision and execution of IAS officers is policy formation, policy implementation, public administration, bureaucratic governance, and secretarial assistance for the central as well as state government.

IPS – On the other hand, the basic and prime work that comes under the supervision of IPS is law enforcement, security intelligence, counter-terrorism, public order, VIP protection, disaster management, and crime investigation.

Highest Post of IAS and IPS officers

IAS – The highest post of the Indian Administrative Service is Cabinet Secretary. They get the opportunity to work in different organizations of government, be it state or central. They work and supervise different sectors like land, water resources, electricity department, law and order, tax collection department, and whatnot.

IPS – The highest post of the Indian Police Service is a CBI Director. While IAS officers get to work under different organizations of government the work of IPS officers is more or less under policing or intelligence departments.

Number of Members

IAS – The number of members in the Indian Administrative Service is usually 4,926. IAS officers mainly supervise things as managers. They have the authority to take legal actions against works that are not done with the rules and regulations prescribed by them. The number of members in this service is usually 4,920.

IPS – Under an IPS officer, there is a huge force of police officers whom they directly command and manage. They have the responsibility for the safety and security of people residing in the districts allotted to be supervised by them. It in itself is a very big task.

Differences in training for IAS and IPS

IAS – The training that IAS aspirants go through is based on management, coordination, and administration. Their job is very impactful as they serve the public by regulating and implementing the schemes of government in their allotted districts.

IPS – While the training of IAS officers is based on a more conceptual note, the IPS have more physical training which involves parades, horse riding, and of course Armament training. The reason for such physical training is that in the police department unlike the IAS department they work in the field of criminal arrest, police office, traffic police, and firefights so that they could maintain public peace.

Differences in the salary of IAS and IPS officers

IAS officer salary – Talking about their salary it can vary from 56,100 to 2,50,000 rupees per month for IAS officers.

IPS officer salary – For IPS, it can be from 56,100 to 2,25,000 rupees per month.

Conclusion

After going through their brief job description, criteria and characteristics do you think it is easy to label which one is better than the other? No. Both the jobs are way too prestigious and impactful. No wonder why every Indian citizen looks forward to giving UPSC exam at least once in their lives.

Different schools and colleges in India take immense pleasure to invite both these officers as chief guests on their campus, in order to motivate and encourage the students to be like them. Sure IAS officers might have a little more salary than the IPS officers, it may vary with the post of the officers. But that does not make one’s job a little less prestigious than the other.

Both the services have their specified power in their allotted districts and both of them work together in the best way possible to cater to the needs of the society, in order to bring a bright change in the life of citizens.

So, we cannot compare the jobs in a fair manner. As said, “Powerful is the one who serves the nation and its people with honesty”.