TheIndian Administrative Service(abbreviated asIAS) (Hindi: ) is the premier[2]administrativecivil serviceof theGovernment of India. IAS officers hold key and strategic positions in theUnion Government,States[2]andpublic-sector undertakings.[2]Like in various countries (exampleUK) followingParliamentary system, IAS as the permanentbureaucracyinIndiaforms an inseparable part of theexecutivebranch of the Government of India thus providing continuity andneutralityto the administration. Unlike Candidates selected to othercivil services, a person once appointed to Indian Administrative Service orIndian Foreign Service(IFS) becomes ineligible to reappear inCivil Services Examinationconducted byUnion Public Service Commissionbecause there are no higher civil services other than aforementioned two services under Government of India.[3]Along with the IPS andforest services, the IAS is one of the threeAll India Servicesits cadre can be employed by both - theUnion Governmentand theStates.[2]Upon confirming to service after probation asSub-Divisional Magistrate, an IAS officer is given administrative command of entiredistrictasDistrict collector. On attaining the upper levels of Super Time Scale to Apex Scale, they can go on to head whole departments and subsequently entire Ministries of Government of India and States. IAS officers represent Government of India at the international level in bilateral and multilateral negotiations. On deputations[4]they work atIntergovernmental organizationslikeWorld Bank[5]andUnited Nationsor itsAgencies.[4]IAS officers at various levels of administration play vital roles in conducting free, fair and smoothelections in Indiaunder the direction ofElection Commission of Indiaand states.[6]