Nature of Work
Group A comprises the officer-grade employees at the top of the pyramid. Group A is highest in terms of authority and form the managerial cadre. Appointments to this group are the hardest, since this group forms the highest available jobs in the government. Employees are recruited by Public Service Commissions only and include Commissioned officers for the Indian Armed Forces, AIS (All India Services) Officers, Engineers, Bureaucrats, Scientists in organisations like DRDO, ISRO, CSIR, BARC, and Central India Civil Services (IAS, IRS, IPS, IFS, IRS, IRTS).
The Union Civil Services of India is the executive branch of the government and carry out policies determined by cabinet and are responsible for the administration of the country. Note that all government employees are not civil servants. Civil servants include central / state government administrators, emissaries in embassies / missions, tax commissioners, police officers, board members / directors of public sector institutions of various types, etc. Union Civil Services are classified into:
- All India Services comprising 3 civil services, viz.,
– Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
– Indian Forest Service
– Indian Police Service
These employees are recruited by the centre but can serve under both Centre and States. - Central Services
These include Group A and Group B appointments in different departments like Railways, Revenue, Telecommunications, Surveys, etc. under different services like Civil Service, Engineering Services, Natural Resources, Medical, Law and Allied Service. Group A appointees are the executive cadre concerned with the administration of the Union government. Group B appointees are the supervisory cadre and selected by SSC.
Essential Skills and Qualities
A civil servant is guided by absolute integrity, allegiance to the Indian Constitution and law, transparency and lack of bias in the discharge of his duties. They should follow a code of ethics laid down by the government of India. As such, aspirants must have a genuine interest in the welfare of the state, efficient administration, an inclination towards public service, and the capacity to withstand the pressures of politics. Aspirants should be aware that the civil servant’s job is transferable not just by location but also by function – as such, civil servants must be highly adaptable, quick to learn, and confident. They must possess leadership, negotiation and decision making skills. They should have the ability to communicate with all levels of people.
Qualifying Path
Union Public Service Commission or UPSC in short conducts various exams for different job profiles in Group A positions based on educational qualifications.
- CSE or Civil services exam is conducted for recruitment in high bureaucratic posts of central government and the prerequisite is to have degree in any discipline. Any professionals like Doctors, Engineers, and Chartered Accountant can also apply.
- IFoS (Indian Forest Services) is conducted for Group A & Group B positions in Forest Department. The education qualification required is Degree in Science or Veterinary science or Agricultural science or Engineering.
- IES(Indian Engineering Services) Exam is conducted for only Engineering graduates to fill Group A & B Technical posts in various Govt Departments
All these exams are conducted once every year in 3 stages: Preliminary, Mains and Personal Interview. These are very tough Exams and need intense preparation.