IAS, IPS, and IFS officers in Rajasthan have been awarded promotions as the new year begins. The state government’s personnel department has issued promotion orders for IAS, IPS, IFS and other service officers. All promotions will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The start of 2026 has brought a wave of motivation and professional growth for the administrative backbone of Rajasthan. In a significant move to strengthen the state’s governance and law enforcement, the Rajasthan government has announced the promotion of over 120 officers across the three prestigious All India Services. This massive reshuffle, effective from January 1, 2026, includes 61 IAS, 40 IPS, and 23 IFS (Indian Forest Service) officers. While this news has sparked discussions across the state, it also serves as a reminder of the vital roles these officers play. Understanding the nuances of these services—their full forms, hierarchies, and distinct responsibilities—is essential for anyone interested in the machinery that keeps our nation running.
IAS: Indian Administrative Service
The Indian Administrative Service, also known as IAS, is regarded as the most prestigious civil service in India. IAS officers are the primary implementers of government policies and are responsible for the general administration of districts, states, and the central government.
The ranking and hierarchy within the IAS are structured to reflect experience and responsibility. A recruit typically starts as a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or an Assistant Commissioner. As they advance in their careers, they take on roles as District Magistrates (DM) or Collectors. Where they wield significant authority over local administration and land revenue. The career path then leads to roles such as Divisional Commissioner, Secretary, Principal Secretary, and eventually the Chief Secretary of a state. At the central level, the pinnacle of an IAS officer’s career is the post of Cabinet Secretary. The senior-most civil servant in the country actively supports the Prime Minister as their right-hand person. Additionally, this role is crucial for effective governance.
Promotions of IAS Officers
The Department of Personnel has issued orders promoting Senior IAS officers Ajitabh Sharma, Alok Gupta, Dinesh Kumar, and Rajesh Kumar Yadav. Consequently, they will now serve as Additional Chief Secretaries (ACS). Moreover, these officers have been promoted to the pay scale of Chief Secretary. For a significant period, these officers have been managing key roles in state administration. Furthermore, the officers oversee a variety of portfolios. These range from energy and finance to education and health. Accordingly, they ensure that the government’s legislative intent translates into actionable public welfare. Now, they will transition to positions at the highest level of administration.
In addition, two other officers in the administrative service have also received promotions. Naveen Jain and Krishna Kant Pathak have been promoted from the post of Secretary to Principal Secretary.
List of IAS officers who received promotions
IPS: Indian Police Service
The Indian Police Service (IPS) is the premier service responsible for maintaining internal security, law and order, and public safety. Unlike the IAS, which focuses on broad administration, the IPS is a specialised force dedicated to crime prevention and investigation. In the latest Rajasthan news, the promotion of 40 IPS officers. IPS officers are the guardians of the law, leading various state and central police forces, as well as elite agencies like the CBI, IB, and RAW.
The hierarchy of the IPS is distinct and follows a paramilitary-style structure. An officer begins their journey as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) during their probationary period. Upon confirmation, they move to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) or Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). Where they head the police force of an entire district. Higher rungs of the ladder include the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Inspector General (IG), and Additional Director General (ADG). Furthermore, the highest rank an IPS officer can achieve in a state is the Director General of Police (DGP). Who oversees the entire state’s police machinery and reports directly to the Home Department.
Promotions in the police department and of IPS officers
The police department has recently experienced notable promotions. Notably, Senior IPS officers Prafulla Kumar and Raghavendra Suhasa have both advanced to the prestigious rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADG). Moreover, both officers are currently working in key departments. Furthermore, their promotion is anticipated to enhance the police administration.
44 Inspectors became RPS
In addition, the police department has received some positive news for the New Year: forty-four police inspectors in the state have been promoted to the Rajasthan Police Service (RPS). Joint Secretary of the Home Department, Anandi Lal Vaishnav, has issued orders regarding this matter. Among them is Pradeep Sharma, SHO of the Chaumun police station in Jaipur Rural. Recently, he was in the news during a case. Finally, after being promoted, he has now become a deputy rank officer.
IFS: Indian Forest Service
The Indian Forest Service (IFS), or IFoS to distinguish it from the Foreign Service, is the third All India Service and is dedicated to the protection and management of India’s vast natural resources. Because Rajasthan’s distinctive geographical landscape, from the Thar Desert to the lush Aravalli hills, makes the roles of these 23 newly promoted IFS officers critical. They are responsible for wildlife conservation, forest management, and implementing environmental laws. Moreover, their work often takes them to the most remote corners of the state, where they balance the needs of local communities with the imperative of ecological preservation.
An IFS officer’s career starts as an Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF). With experience, they are promoted to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), a role where they manage a specific forest division. The hierarchy then moves upward through the Conservator of Forests (CF) and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF). The top-tier positions include the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and finally the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF). He is the head of the forest department in the state. At the national level, the most senior position is the Director General of Forests, based in New Delhi.
IFS officers also got promotions
IFS (Indian Forest Service) officers of the Rajasthan cadre have also been promoted in the new year. The state government has announced promotions to higher pay scales and positions based on seniority. IFS officers of the 2012 batch, including Dr Kavita Singh, Ajay Chittaura, Ashok Kumar Maharia, Hari Kishan Saraswat, and Devendra Pratap Jagawat, have been promoted to Level-13A (Pay Matrix).
Salary Structure and Pay Scales of IAS, IPS and IFS
The salary for IAS, IPS, and IFS officers in India is governed by the 7th Pay Commission, ensuring a dignified and competitive lifestyle. Although the basic pay is standardised across services at the entry level, allowances and perks vary based on the job and posting location.
| Service Rank | Level in Pay Matrix | Basic Pay (Starting) |
| Entry Level (Junior Scale) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 |
| Senior Time Scale | Level 11 | ₹67,700 |
| Selection Grade | Level 13 | ₹1,18,500 |
| Super Time Scale (IG/Secretary) | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 |
| Apex Scale (DGP/Chief Secretary) | Level 17 | ₹2,25,000 |
| Cabinet Secretary (IAS only) | Level 18 | ₹2,50,000 |
Note: These figures represent basic pay. Total compensation includes several components. Firstly, it comprises Dearness Allowance (DA). Additionally, it includes House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Transport Allowance (TA). As a result, this combination typically leads to a starting gross salary ranging from approximately ₹90,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month.
Key Differences: IAS vs. IPS vs. IFS
While all three are “All India Services” (meaning they are recruited by the Centre but serve in State Cadres), their day-to-day functions and domains are vastly different. The IAS is generalist in nature; an officer might move from managing the Agriculture department one year to handling the Finance department the next. Their primary “power” lies in administrative control and policy-making. In contrast, the IPS is specialised and uniform-based; its power is executive and investigative, focused specifically on the legal and security aspects of society.
The IFS stands apart as a technical service. Recruitment for the IFS requires a background in science or engineering, reflecting the technical expertise needed for ecological management. While IAS and IPS officers are often in the public eye, dealing with urban and rural development or crime, IFS officers operate in the specialised domain of the environment. Furthermore, while the IAS and IPS fall under the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Home Affairs, respectively, the IFS is governed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
IAS, IPS and IFS are selected from UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is the prestigious gateway to a career in the Indian bureaucracy, offering a spectrum of 24 distinct posts that form the backbone of the nation’s governance.
Furthermore, these services are strategically classified into three main categories: All India Services, Central Services (Group A), and Central Services (Group B). The All India Services, which include the IAS, IPS, and IFoS, are distinct because their officers are recruited by the Central government but assigned to various State Cadres.
In contrast, the Central Services consist of specialised roles where officers directly serve under the Government of India in sectors such as diplomacy, taxation, and auditing. This structured and departmental approach effectively manages all aspects of the country. First, it addresses international relations. Next, it focuses on internal security. Additionally, it emphasises forest conservation. Finally, it oversees revenue management. Each area is handled by highly skilled administrative professionals, ensuring the country’s needs are met efficiently.
The 24 Posts Under UPSC Recruitment
The following is the comprehensive list of the 24 civil services for which the UPSC conducts recruitment. These roles offer varying levels of authority, specialisation, and impact:
All India Services
- IAS: Indian Administrative Service
- IPS: Indian Police Service
- IFoS: Indian Forest Service (Recruited through a combined Prelims but a separate Mains)
Central Services (Group A)
- 4. IFS: Indian Foreign Service
- 5. IAAS: Indian Audit and Accounts Service
- 6. ICAS: Indian Civil Accounts Service
- 7. ICLS: Indian Corporate Law Service
- 8. IDAS: Indian Defence Accounts Service
- 9. IDES: Indian Defence Estates Service
- 10. IIS: Indian Information Service
- 11. IOFS: Indian Ordnance Factories Service
- 12. IPoS: Indian Postal Service
- 13. IP&TAFS: Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service
- 14. IRPFS: Indian Railway Protection Force Service
- 15. IRAS: Indian Railway Accounts Service*
- 16. IRPS: Indian Railway Personnel Service*
- 17. IRTS: Indian Railway Traffic Service*
- 18. IRS-IT: Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax)
- 19. IRS-C&IT: Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes)
- 20. ITS: Indian Trade Service
Central Services (Group B)
- 21. AFHQCS: Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
- 22. DANICS: Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service
- 23. DANIPS: Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service
- 24. PCS/PPS: Pondicherry Civil Service and Pondicherry Police Service
(Note: While some railway services have been integrated into the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), they are historically and technically often listed as separate functional domains within the 24 service categories.)