The civil services of India are divided between the Union Government and the State Governments to ensure smooth administration. These services help in policy implementation, governance, and law enforcement.
👉 Part XIV (Articles 308 to 323) of the Indian Constitution deals with Services under the Union & States.
👉 Covers recruitment, conditions, and protection of civil servants.
I. Classification of Services in India
The Government Services in India are classified into three categories:
| Category | Controlled By | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| All India Services (AIS) | Both Centre & States | IAS, IPS, IFoS |
| Central Services | Union Government | IRS, IFS (Foreign), Railway Services |
| State Services | State Governments | State Police, State Administrative Services |
II. All India Services (AIS)
✅ Articles 312-315 deal with All India Services.
✅ These services serve both the Union & State Governments.
✅ Officers are recruited by UPSC and assigned to states.
Types of All India Services
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS) – Policy-making, district administration.
- Indian Police Service (IPS) – Law enforcement, security.
- Indian Forest Service (IFoS) – Forest and environmental management.
Example: An IAS officer may serve as a District Collector in a state but can also be appointed to a Central Government ministry.
III. Central Services
✅ Controlled by the Union Government.
✅ Officers work in ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies.
Examples of Central Services
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS) – Taxation & customs.
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS) – Diplomacy & international relations.
- Indian Railway Services – Railway management.
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS) – Government finance & auditing.
IV. State Services
✅ Controlled by the State Government.
✅ Officers work in state departments, public sector units, and police services.
✅ Recruitment by State Public Service Commissions (SPSC).
Examples of State Services
- State Administrative Service (SAS) – Manages state governance.
- State Police Service (SPS) – Law enforcement at the state level.
- State Forest Service – Conservation & management of forests.
Example: A State PCS officer can become a District Magistrate in a state but cannot be transferred to another state.
V. Constitutional Provisions for Government Services
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 308 | Definition of public services under Union & States. |
| Article 309 | Parliament & State Legislatures can regulate service conditions. |
| Article 310 | Government servants serve at the pleasure of the President or Governor. |
| Article 311 | Protection against arbitrary dismissal or reduction in rank. |
| Article 312 | Creation of All India Services by Parliament. |
| Article 315 | Establishment of Public Service Commissions. |
| Article 320 | Functions of UPSC & State PSCs. |
VI. Public Service Commissions (UPSC & SPSC)
1. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
✅ Established under Article 315.
✅ Conducts exams for All India Services & Central Services.
✅ Advises the President on recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
2. State Public Service Commission (SPSC)
✅ Established under Article 315.
✅ Conducts exams for State Civil Services.
✅ Advises the Governor on appointments and disciplinary matters.
VII. Protection of Civil Servants (Article 311)
✅ Civil servants cannot be dismissed without an inquiry.
✅ They have the right to defend themselves before dismissal.
Example: An IAS officer cannot be removed from service without an inquiry, ensuring job security and impartiality.
VIII. Challenges in Government Services
❌ Political Interference – Officers face pressure from politicians.
❌ Corruption – Some officers misuse power for personal gain.
❌ Bureaucratic Delay – Slow decision-making affects governance.
❌ Lack of Training – Officers need continuous skill development.
IX. Recent Reforms in Government Services
✔ Lateral Entry in Civil Services – Experts from the private sector can join senior bureaucratic posts.
✔ Digital Governance – Use of technology for faster administration.
✔ Performance-Based Promotions – More focus on merit and efficiency.
X. MCQs on Services Under Union & States
1. Which Article defines public services in India?
A) Article 308
B) Article 312
C) Article 315
D) Article 320
Answer: A) Article 308
2. Who conducts exams for All India Services?
A) State PSC
B) Finance Commission
C) UPSC
D) Election Commission
Answer: C) UPSC
3. Under which Article can Parliament create All India Services?
A) Article 308
B) Article 310
C) Article 312
D) Article 315
Answer: C) Article 312
4. Who has the final authority to dismiss an IAS officer?
A) Prime Minister
B) President
C) Chief Minister
D) Governor
Answer: B) President
5. Under which Article do government servants serve at the pleasure of the President/Governor?
A) Article 309
B) Article 310
C) Article 311
D) Article 312
Answer: B) Article 310
6. Which body recruits officers for State Civil Services?
A) UPSC
B) SPSC
C) Election Commission
D) NITI Aayog
Answer: B) SPSC
7. Which Article provides protection to civil servants against arbitrary dismissal?
A) Article 308
B) Article 310
C) Article 311
D) Article 315
Answer: C) Article 311
8. What is the highest post in an IAS officer’s career?
A) District Collector
B) Cabinet Secretary
C) Chief Secretary
D) Home Secretary
Answer: B) Cabinet Secretary
9. Which Article defines the functions of UPSC and SPSC?
A) Article 312
B) Article 315
C) Article 320
D) Article 325
Answer: C) Article 320
10. Who appoints the Chairman of UPSC?
A) Prime Minister
B) President
C) Chief Justice of India
D) Lok Sabha Speaker
Answer: B) President
XI. Conclusion
✅ India has three categories of services – All India Services, Central Services, and State Services.
✅ UPSC recruits for Central & All India Services, while SPSC recruits for State Services.
✅ Articles 308-323 govern recruitment, service conditions, and protection of civil servants.
✅ Despite challenges, reforms like lateral entry and digital governance are improving efficiency.
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