Top 10 Best Posts in UPSC: Salary, Eligibility, Growth & More [2025 Guide]
Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a dream for millions in India. Not only does it promise prestige and power, but it also opens doors to a meaningful and impactful career. But one question echoes in every aspirant’s mind:
“Which are the best posts in UPSC?”
Well, there isn’t a single “best” post—each has its own charm, responsibilities, perks, and purpose. In this guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Best Posts in UPSC, along with detailed information on salary, eligibility, career growth, and what makes each role unique.
🔟 1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹2,50,000 per month (as Cabinet Secretary)
- Eligibility: Any graduate + UPSC CSE rank within top 80–100
- Career Growth:
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
- District Collector
- Divisional Commissioner
- Joint Secretary
- Chief Secretary / Cabinet Secretary
Why it’s Top-Tier:
IAS officers hold administrative control over districts, states, and policy implementation. They are the backbone of India’s governance.
Perks:
- Government bungalow
- Staff
- Vehicle with driver
- Power to lead change
9️⃣ 2. Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹2,25,000 per month (as DGP)
- Eligibility: Graduate + good rank in UPSC (usually under 200)
- Career Growth:
- Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
- Inspector General (IG)
- Director General of Police (DGP)
Why it’s Top-Tier:
The IPS post offers real-time control over law & order. IPS officers lead police forces and intelligence agencies like CBI, IB, and RAW.
Perks:
- Official vehicle, gunmen, and security
- Massive respect in society
- Uniformed service
8️⃣ 3. Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹2,00,000+ per month + foreign allowance (can be $3000–$8000/month)
- Eligibility: Graduate + top 100–150 rank in UPSC
- Career Growth:
- Third Secretary
- Second Secretary
- First Secretary
- Ambassador / High Commissioner
Why it’s Elite:
IFS officers represent India globally. They work in embassies, consulates, and international organizations.
Perks:
- Foreign postings
- Tax-free foreign allowance
- Diplomatic immunity
- Free international travel
7️⃣ 4. Indian Revenue Service (IRS – IT & Customs)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹2,25,000 per month
- Eligibility: Graduate + mid-rank (300–600)
- Career Growth:
- Assistant Commissioner
- Deputy Commissioner
- Joint Commissioner
- Principal Chief Commissioner
Why Choose IRS?
IRS officers manage India’s tax system—direct and indirect. You’ll lead operations for income tax, GST, customs, and enforcement.
Perks:
- Staff & vehicle
- Postings in metro cities
- Opportunity for vigilance/intelligence roles
6️⃣ 5. Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹2,25,000 per month
- Eligibility: Graduate + UPSC CSE rank (600–1000)
- Career Growth:
- Assistant Accountant General
- Deputy Accountant General
- Principal Director of Audit
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
Why IA&AS Rocks:
You get to audit government expenditures and ensure accountability in public spending.
Perks:
- Well-respected role
- Work-life balance
- Postings in big cities
5️⃣ 6. Indian Information Service (IIS)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹1,80,000 per month
- Eligibility: Graduate + rank within 800–1000
- Career Growth:
- Assistant Director
- Deputy Director
- Director (PIB/Doordarshan)
- Principal DG of Information
Why Choose IIS:
You’ll manage government communication with the media and public. Suitable for those with a flair for writing, PR, and media.
Perks:
- Creative environment
- Moderate workload
- Access to powerful communication platforms
4️⃣ 7. Indian Trade Service (ITS)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹2,25,000 per month
- Eligibility: Graduate + mid-level UPSC rank (600–800)
- Career Growth:
- Assistant Director General of Foreign Trade
- Joint DGFT
- Additional DGFT
- DGFT or Trade Commissioner (abroad)
Why It’s Special:
ITS officers promote India’s international trade, manage export-import policies, and engage with WTO & trade negotiations.
Perks:
- Travel opportunities
- Exposure to global commerce
- Foreign postings (sometimes)
3️⃣ 8. Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹2,25,000 per month
- Eligibility: Graduate + rank under 1000
- Career Growth:
- Assistant Controller of Defence Accounts
- Joint CGDA
- CGDA
Why IDAS?:
You manage the financial and accounting services of Indian Defence Forces—a critical behind-the-scenes role.
Perks:
- Access to military offices
- Structured promotion
- Work-life balance
2️⃣ 9. Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹2,00,000 per month
- Eligibility: Graduate + mid-ranking (500–800)
- Career Growth:
- Assistant ROC (Registrar of Companies)
- ROC
- Director (MCA)
- DG of Corporate Affairs
Why ICLS?:
ICLS officers regulate corporate law in India, monitor company registration, and ensure corporate compliance.
Perks:
- Legal authority
- Legal & finance exposure
- Urban postings
1️⃣ 10. Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)
- Salary: ₹56,100–₹2,25,000 per month
- Eligibility: Graduate + under 400 rank
- Career Growth:
- Assistant Operations Manager
- Divisional Railway Manager
- Additional Member (Traffic)
- Railway Board Member
Why It’s Unique:
IRTS officers manage train operations and logistics—making Indian Railways the world’s fourth-largest network.
Perks:
- Travel perks
- Railway bungalow quarters
- Influential post in transport sector
🔍 UPSC Post Comparison: Quick Snapshot
Service | Starting Salary | Top Role | Perks |
---|---|---|---|
IAS | ₹56,100 | Cabinet Secretary | Bungalow, power, prestige |
IPS | ₹56,100 | DGP / IB Head | Security, uniform, VIP access |
IFS | ₹56,100 + foreign | Ambassador / High Comm. | Foreign posting, allowances |
IRS | ₹56,100 | Principal Chief Commissioner | Power, city postings |
IA&AS | ₹56,100 | CAG | Clean job, good balance |
IRTS | ₹56,100 | Railway Board Member | Travel perks, influence in transport |
ICLS | ₹56,100 | DG Corporate Affairs | Urban postings, corporate influence |
IIS | ₹56,100 | Principal Director | Creative role, moderate pressure |
ITS | ₹56,100 | DGFT | Commerce-focused, trade exposure |
IDAS | ₹56,100 | CGDA | Defence link, balanced life |
🎓 Eligibility for UPSC Civil Services Posts
- Education: Graduation in any stream from a recognized university
- Age Limit:
- General: 21–32 years
- OBC: +3 years relaxation
- SC/ST: +5 years relaxation
- Number of Attempts:
- General: 6
- OBC: 9
- SC/ST: Unlimited (within age)
🚀 Career Growth: What Can You Expect?
- Fast promotions for efficient officers
- Sabbaticals & foreign training (LBSNAA, LSE, Harvard, etc.)
- Leadership roles at state and central level
- Chance to influence policy & social change
🏁 Final Thoughts: Which UPSC Post Is Best for You?
The definition of “best” depends on your personality:
- Want power & leadership? Go for IAS or IPS
- Love global exposure? IFS is your path
- Prefer finance & structure? IRS or IA&AS suits you
- Into media & communication? Explore IIS
- Legal & corporate? ICLS is your zone
No matter which service you land in, a UPSC job gives you security, status, satisfaction, and the opportunity to serve India.
So, if you’re dreaming of civil services in 2025—start now, stay focused, and aim high.