PROSPECTS OF CIVIL SERVICE IN CONTEMPORARY INDIA

The Indian Civil Services today, as always, is one of most prestigious and sought after career options available in India. The power, charm and respect an IAS officer holds makes it nothing less than a dream job. The emergence of multinational companies offering plump salaries and perks after the dawn of liberalization, privatization and globalization in India has not affected the demand for this career, as is proven from the sheer number of aspirants appearing for the preliminary exam every year. On the contrary it is seen that more and more bright young minds from streams like engineering, medicine and management are getting attracted to this field.

The civil services offer a right mix of challenging opportunities and the best work conditions and perks. As a member of the Indian Civil Services, one will be in close contact with people and the decisions taken by a civil servant directly or indirectly impact the common man in a significant way. There is a general belief that there is a lot of political interference and control over the civil servants. The fact is that any position with a lot of authority and responsibilities is bound to have controls along with it. This is true with private sector jobs as well.

As a civil servant, one will receive the opportunity to interact with distinguished individuals and institutions from around the world. Being able to participate in policy formulation and high level decision making brings a great deal of satisfaction and pride. Apart from being one of the most stable employers, the Government of India provides other benefits to civil servants including health, housing, transportation and sufficient leave. The Indian Government also encourages higher studies among civil servants by fully funding education of officers at the best universities in India and abroad.

The possibilities of reaching the highest echelons of administration at the state and national level- including positions like cabinet secretary, home secretary, chief secretary (state), CAG and CEC, add to the lure of the civil services. The civil services offer the bright young minds of India the best opportunity to utilize their potential and excel. A member of the Indian civil services will get the rare and invaluable opportunity to contribute to the transformation of our country into a global superpower.