The Economics of Professions
Civil Servants
Why lakhs of candidates compete for a few hundred IAS, IPS and other posts through the UPSC exam, and the pay, power and prestige of civil service careers.
Civil service careers are highly sought.
UPSC exam
Lakhs apply for about 1,000 posts each year in the Civil Services Examination.
Services
IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and others.
Pay
Salaries follow Pay Commissions, plus housing and perks.
Why popular
- Power to shape policy.
- Prestige and job security.
- Service to society.
Lateral entry
The government tried lateral entry of private experts into senior posts from 2018.
Opportunity cost
Candidates spend years preparing, often in coaching hubs.
The IAS officer
A young IAS officer becomes a district collector, managing development and law and order.
Thinking civil servants are chosen easily
Competition is intense.
Key takeaways
- Lakhs compete for about 1,000 posts.
- IAS, IPS and others are popular.
- Pay follows Pay Commissions.
- Prestige and power attract candidates.
No recording for this one yet - EconReader can read it aloud for you.