What is the Difference Between IAS and PCS? Who is More Powerful and Who Gets More Salary?

Becoming an IAS or PCS officer is often the fulfilment of a big dream for many aspirants, although succeeding in these exams is no easy feat. Every year, lakhs of candidates attempt both exams, but less than 1% manage to succeed.

To become an IAS officer, one must appear for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, whereas to become a PCS officer, one must take the State Public Service Commission (PCS) exam.

How to become an IAS officer?

Top candidates who clear the UPSC exam become IAS officers. The UPSC exam is conducted in three stages — prelims, mains and an interview. In the civil services exam, candidates are tested on a wide range of subjects, including national and international topics. Upon clearing all stages, candidates are designated as IAS officers based on their rank. An IAS officer’s jurisdiction covers the entire nation, as they are part of the All India Services.

How to become a PCS Officer?

The position of PCS officer pertains to a state’s administrative services. To become a PCS officer, candidate must pass the State Public Service Commission exam, which is conducted annually in each state. The syllabus for PCS exam is quite similar to that of the UPSC, which is why many UPSC aspirants also attempt the PCS exam.

What is the Difference between IAS and PCS?

The primary difference is that an IAS officer’s role comes under the central government as it is an all-India administrative post fulfilled through UPSC, a central institution. In contrast, the PCS officer’s role is under the state government, filled through the state administrative service exam.

The PCS officer is appointed by the Governor, while the IAS officer is appointed by the President. A PCS officer can only serve their state, while an IAS can serve in any state on deputation.

After training, IAS officers typically work as Deputy District Magistrates in the state administration before being given charge of a district. In some cases, with the state government’s approval, PCS officers may be promoted to the IAS rank.

What is the Salary For IAS and PCS?

IAS officers receive salary as per the central government’s pay scale. Under the 7th Pay Commission, the salary of an IAS officer ranges from Rs 56,100 to Rs 2.5 lakh per month. Conversely, PCS officers receive salary as per the state government’s pay scale, which varies by state.

For example, in Uttar Pradesh, the salary of a PCS officer ranges from Rs 56,000 to Rs 1,32,000 per month. The highest pay level for a PCS officer is level 15, with salaries ranging from Rs 1,82,200 to Rs 2,24,100.