Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Indian Engineering Service (IES) exam is one of the most sought-after exams in the country. It is organised by UPSC to hire engineering candidates for various job positions under the Government of India. Just like UPSC CSE, IES is a 3-stage process, where a candidate is selected based on their performance in Prelims, Mains and Interviews. What makes this the most sought-after exam is because of the job profile and the respect associated with it. Along with this, the job also offers lucrative salary packages and various allowances and benefits like transportation allowances (TA), dearness allowances (DA), house rent allowances (HRA), and medical benefits.

Indian Engineering Service officers provide their services to both civil and defence sectors. Among them, the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers of the Indian Army is significant. Also, the Indian Ordnance Factories, Military Engineering Services, Indian Naval Armament Service and Border Roads Organisation are included.

Candidates who take the UPSC IES and clear it may get assigned to departments and services like the Indian Skill Development Service, Central Public Works Department, Indian Railways Service of Electrical Engineers, Survey of India and Indian Defence Service of Engineers. It also includes organisations like the Indian Supply Service, Central Water Engineering, Geological Survey of India, Central Electrical and Mechanical Service and Central Engineering Service for Roads.

A candidate’s job profile and responsibilities depend on which department or service a candidate is hired in. Here are a few roles and responsibilities of IES officer:

IES officers at times may be required to carry out managerial and technical work.

Primarily, the work of the IES officer is majorly administrative.

They may also be given the responsibility of project management and execution.

The officers may also be needed to quickly understand the bureaucratic procedures and be in touch with government representatives.

They may also be given the power to be in touch with a few ministers.

IES officers move up the hierarchy quickly as they gain experience and will also get promoted accordingly. They may start as Assistant Executive Engineers but may eventually rise to the position of Chairperson or Cabinet-level officer. At the junior level, a candidate may get anywhere between Rs 15,600 to Rs 39,100. The salary range for a Chief Engineer or Additional GM is between Rs 37,400 to 67,000. The position of Cabinet Secretary may offer up to Rs 90,000.