UPSC Civil Services: List of Group A and Group B Services with Details

Group A services are generally considered more prestigious and offer a higher level of administrative responsibility. These services are associated with top-level positions in the government, where officers are expected to manage and implement policies, oversee operations, and represent India both domestically and internationally. Below are the detailed descriptions of Group A services:

1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

The IAS is the most prestigious service under the UPSC exam. IAS officers hold key administrative positions at the district, state, and central government levels. They play a crucial role in governance, policymaking, and public administration.

• Key Responsibilities: Overseeing the implementation of government policies, managing law and order, and administering government programs at the local and national level.
• Perks: High social status, attractive salary, and power to influence national and regional policies.

2. Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

The IFS represents India’s interests abroad. IFS officers work in Indian embassies and consulates across the world and are responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations, handling foreign policy, and representing the government in international affairs.

• Key Responsibilities: Conducting diplomacy, negotiations with foreign governments, managing India’s relations with other countries, and dealing with international trade agreements.
• Perks: Prestigious postings abroad, diplomatic immunity, and allowances for working in foreign nations.

3. Indian Police Service (IPS)

The IPS is tasked with ensuring the maintenance of law and order in India. Officers of the IPS serve at various levels, from the district police chief to the Director General of Police (DGP) at the state and national levels.

• Key Responsibilities: Law enforcement, managing security, counter-terrorism, and crime prevention.
• Perks: Authority over law enforcement, security allowances, and an influential role in maintaining public order.

4. Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)

IAAS officers are responsible for auditing government accounts and ensuring financial accountability. They work in departments that monitor the proper use of government funds.

• Key Responsibilities: Conducting audits, financial management, and ensuring transparency in government expenditure.
• Perks: Job security, competitive salary, and a central role in ensuring financial discipline.

5. Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)

The ICAS is responsible for managing the accounts of the government of India, ensuring effective financial control and adherence to policies.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing the finances of the central government, ensuring proper budgeting, and overseeing financial reporting.
• Perks: Stability, growth opportunities in the finance sector, and attractive pay.

6. Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)

The ICLS deals with corporate governance, laws, and policies. Officers in this service ensure that businesses and corporate entities comply with Indian laws and regulations.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing corporate laws, advising the government on policy matters related to corporations, and ensuring compliance with corporate regulations.
• Perks: Career growth in the legal and business sectors, competitive salary, and responsibility in shaping corporate law policies.

7. Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)

The IDAS handles the financial management of the Indian Armed Forces. Officers in this service are responsible for budgeting, auditing, and ensuring proper expenditure in defense-related matters.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing defense expenditure, auditing accounts, and overseeing financial operations within the Ministry of Defence.
• Perks: Opportunities to work closely with defense agencies, stable career, and high salary.

8. Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES)

The IDES is responsible for managing the estates and properties of the Indian defense forces. This includes overseeing land acquisition, property management, and dealing with land disputes related to defense.

• Key Responsibilities: Administration of land and buildings owned by the Ministry of Defence, managing defense land policies, and resolving legal disputes related to land.
• Perks: Opportunities to work in the defense sector with stable career prospects.

9. Indian Information Service (IIS)

IIS officers handle media and public relations for the government. They work with agencies like Doordarshan, All India Radio, and the Press Information Bureau to manage the dissemination of government information.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing government communication, media outreach, and promoting government policies and initiatives.
• Perks: A career in media and communication, opportunities for growth, and competitive pay.

10. Indian Postal Service (IPoS)

The Indian Postal Service is one of the oldest and most extensive services in India. Officers in this service manage postal operations across the country, ensuring efficient mail delivery and expansion of postal services.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing postal operations, overseeing the delivery of mail, and innovating postal services.
• Perks: Stable job with opportunities for promotions, good salary, and security.

11. Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS)

This service focuses on managing the financial operations of the postal and telecommunications departments. Officers in this service handle financial management, accounting, and auditing in the postal and telecom sectors.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing accounts and finance for India Post and telecommunications services, ensuring proper auditing, and financial reporting.
• Perks: Opportunities to work in two large sectors (postal and telecommunications) with good pay and career stability.

12. Indian Railway Protection Force Service (IRPS)

The IRPS is responsible for ensuring the security and protection of Indian Railways’ passengers, properties, and assets. Officers in this service work to prevent crimes related to railways.

• Key Responsibilities: Railway security, crime prevention, and managing law enforcement in the railway system.
• Perks: Career stability and responsibility in ensuring public safety.

13. Indian Revenue Service (IRS) (Customs & Indirect Taxes)

The IRS (Customs & Indirect Taxes) is responsible for enforcing customs duties and indirect taxes, including Goods and Services Tax (GST). Officers in this service play a key role in revenue collection and enforcement of fiscal policies.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing customs duties, indirect taxes, overseeing taxation policies, and investigating tax evasion.
• Perks: Good pay, job security, and the opportunity to contribute to India’s financial system.

14. Indian Revenue Service (IRS) (Income Tax)

The IRS (Income Tax) department handles the collection of income tax from individuals and businesses. Officers investigate tax evasion, conduct audits, and enforce tax laws.

• Key Responsibilities: Overseeing tax collection, investigating tax offenses, and managing income tax audits.
• Perks: High salary, career growth, and influence in the financial sector.

15. Indian Trade Service (ITS)

The ITS is responsible for promoting Indian trade and managing the country’s trade policies. Officers work to enhance India’s trading relationships with other countries and monitor the progress of the export and import sectors.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing trade policy, promoting exports, and analyzing economic data related to trade.
• Perks: Opportunities to work in international trade, competitive salary, and career progression.

16. Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS)

The IRMS manages the administration of Indian Railways and oversees its operations, including planning, logistics, and safety management.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing the railway infrastructure, ensuring operational efficiency, and overseeing safety standards.
• Perks: Attractive salary, job stability, and the chance to work in one of the largest railway systems globally.

Group B Services

Group B services offer important administrative roles but are generally more specialized and come with lesser authority compared to Group A services. Here is the list of Group B services:

1. Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQCS) (Section Officer’s Grade)

This service involves working in the administrative wings of the Indian Armed Forces, supporting military personnel with logistical and clerical work.

• Key Responsibilities: Administrative support, management of records, and assisting in military operations.
• Perks: A rewarding career with the Armed Forces, stable job, and government benefits.

2. Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service (DANICS)

DANICS officers serve in administrative positions in the Union Territories. They work in a variety of government departments at the district and state levels.

• Key Responsibilities: Managing administrative tasks in Union Territories, overseeing law and order, and implementing government schemes.
• Perks: Stable career in Union Territories, with benefits and allowances specific to each location.

3. Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS)

DANIPS officers are tasked with maintaining law and order in the Union Territories. They manage police operations and ensure the safety and security of citizens.

• Key Responsibilities: Law enforcement, crime prevention, and maintaining peace in Union Territories.
• Perks: Competitive salary, job security, and a role in maintaining public order.

4. Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS)

This service involves working in administrative roles within the Union Territory of Pondicherry. Officers in PONDICS are responsible for implementing government policies and managing local administration.

• Key Responsibilities: Handling administrative functions, implementing government schemes, and managing public services.
• Perks: Stable job with benefits and a decent salary package.

5. Pondicherry Police Service (PONDIPS)

PONDIPS officers serve in the police force of Pondicherry, responsible for maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety.

• Key Responsibilities: Crime investigation, law enforcement, and maintaining order in the Union Territory.
• Perks: Career growth in the police sector, job security, and competitive salary.