For UPSC aspirants, choosing the right service preference is crucial for a successful career in the civil services. Here are some points to keep in mind when filling out the Detailed Application Form:
- The order of preference of services is important as it determines the services you will be offered if you qualify for the services.
- Candidates should opt for services in order of their interest and popularity.
- Start with the most desirable service, i.e., All India Service, followed by Group A and Group B services.
- Do not underestimate yourself and list less desirable services first.
- Do your research on the responsibilities, posting, and standing of all services before making a choice.
- Be careful with the choice of cadre and services as it plays a role in the allocation of services.
- Remember that posting to a chosen cadre is not a right of a civil servant.
Read also: What is the difference between IAS and the IPS/IFS/ IRS?
Choosing the right service preference can be the key to a successful career in civil services. Make sure to do your research, consider all options, and choose wisely.
Understanding the Cadre Allocation System in UPSC: Know Your Options
For UPSC aspirants, knowing about the cadre allocation system is crucial for a successful career in the civil services. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
Available Cadres:
- The joint cadres or states are divided into five zones: Zone-1 to Zone-5.
- Zone-1 (AGMUT, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab)
- Zone-2 (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha)
- Zone-3 (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh)
- Zone-4 (Manipur, Nagaland, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam-Meghalaya, and Tripura) and
- Zone-5 (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala)
- The aim of the revised policy is to ensure equal participation of officers from different categories and maintain national integration.
- Every cadre has a mix of home cadre officers and outside officers.
System of Allocating Cadre:
- The power of cadre allocation is devised to Union Government in consultation with state governments under the All India Services Act- 1951.
- The government revised cadre allocation norms in 2017 for all-India Services — Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS).
- The states were categorized into 5 zones, and 10% weightage is assigned to candidates’ performance in the foundational course at LBSNAA.
- The cadre controlling authorities, namely, The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) determine the vacancies for each of the cadres.
Choosing the right cadre is important for a successful career in civil services. Make sure to do your research, consider all options, and choose wisely. Understanding the process of cadre allocation will help you make informed decisions about your career in the civil services.
