IAS vs PCS: Key differences in power, salary, and roles explained

 Becoming an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) or PCS (State Administrative Service) officer is a dream for many, but it is not easy.

To become an IAS, one has to take the UPSC exam, while for PCS, the State Public Service Commission exam.

The UPSC exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Successful candidates are made IAS officers based on their rank.

To become a PCS, one has to take the State Public Service Commission exam, which is held every year. The syllabus is similar to UPSC, so many UPSC aspirants also take the PCS exam.

• IAS officers are under the Central Govt, while PCS officers are under the State Govt.
• IAS are appointed by the President, while PCS are appointed by the Governor of the State.

• IAS officers can work all over the country, while PCS officers can only work in their state.
• IAS officers usually work as Sub-Divisional Magistrates after training.

The salary of an IAS officer ranges from Rs 56,100 to Rs 2.5 lakh per month (as per the 7th Pay Commission).

The salary of a PCS officer is as per the pay of the state government. For example, in Uttar Pradesh, the salary of PCS officers ranges from Rs 56,000 to Rs 1,32,000 per month.