Dilemma - IAS or IIM


(Guest)

Everybody at some point or the other comes to this stage where he needs to decide whether to go for IIMs or to be an IAS. This post is for the people who are little confused or in dilemma to choose IAS or IIMs as its not a wise decision to prepare for both and then landing at nowhere.

 

Rational analysis on IAS vs IIM

 

1. Money: An IIM guy earns lot of money to make his life comfortable, but an IAS officer already gets all the facilities so he doesnt need that much of money. ie: an IAS can go abroad for higher studies (paid by government), many foreign trips etc.. Anyways happiness and satisfaction is more important than money.


 

2. Metro life: IAS officers are invited to attend VIP parties and big functions both in and outside the country, an IIM guy doesnt get this much of attention.
Its true that they get remote working places in the beginning of the career but i think thats the best part of an IAS officer they get a chance to work every where ranging from remotest area to the most happening place of the country. It just depends on how you look at it. Anyways multiplexes,pubs, discos can only give u temporary happiness.


 

3. Political Pressure: That's a part of life and inescapable. Even an IIM guy has a lot of pressure from his boss, client, market force, economy, competitors etc. Political pressure is everywhere directly or indirectly.

 

4. Independent thinking and innovation: Many senior IAS officers get a post of CEO, head of departments, board members, advisers etc. of public/ public-private companies.Even an IIM may get the post of CEO at some point.

 

5. An IAS has a power to change peoples life just by doing his duty. He can help many people (even unknowingly) and can spread happiness and contribute a lot in building up a great nation. But an IIM guy can help only his family ,friends and maybe his surroundings.

 

6. Diversity: An IIM guy does same type of work all his life and is surrounded by people of same type/intellect . But an IAS officer gets different posts, new challenges and work with high level intellectuals.

 

CA + IAS

 

A chartered accountant can flourish in IAS also because .... as a CA learns about policy making, policy implementation,compliance,finding variations,reporting etc. One can handle some big posts (in the field of Economics,finance related posts,Tax department etc).Though the civil services exams are difficult,but one can have a great career after qualifying these exams.

 

CA + IIM ( MBA)

 

Career in MBA is a popular degree for continuing education , and it's not hard to figure out why. They're often accompanied by an increase in pay and prestige, along with a better career in management,  specifically citing more career opportunities, a higher salary, better networking, and increased skills.

Despite all of these advantages. Not every organization places high value on Career in Management. A good way to determine if MBAs are important to companies you're interested in working for is to look at the current executives and find out if they have Career in MBA. It's also important to note that an MBA is not a silver bullet. Earning an MBA career will not automatically grant you a management or executive position-you must have essential skills and experience as well. 

 

Now time to decide

Career means a job which you shall be doing for a long period, just to sustain a social identity and further a family. This will be a longer and monotonous period and most of the benefits would be reaped only after a long time (3-7 years in a field). 


So while deciding on career, better be sure OR be ready to sacrifice 1-3 years spent in self-realization.

A true assessment shall help you,So its a personal choice whether to go for IAS or IIM depending on what u want from life.

 

- Compiled from various sources