If you have a solid aspiration to serve your country and significantly impact society, a career as a Collector might be the perfect choice for you. A Collector, also known as a District Collector or Deputy Commissioner, is a prestigious administrative position in the Indian government. Here in this blog, we will get to know about How to Become a Collector after the 12th. While becoming a Collector is not easy, it is certainly achievable.
Collectors play a vital role in maintaining law and order, implementing government policies, and overseeing the overall development of their respective districts. Check out the ways to become a Collector in India.
Table of Content
Who is Called Collector India:
A Collector, also known as a District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner, is an administrative officer appointed by the government to oversee the administration of a district. Collectors play a pivotal role in maintaining law and order, implementing government schemes and policies, and ensuring the overall development and welfare of the district and its residents.
They act as a bridge between the government and the people, resolving public grievances, conducting elections, and executing various administrative functions within their jurisdiction. They are responsible for disaster management, revenue administration, land acquisition, public health, and numerous other crucial aspects of governance. To become a Collector, Here are ways to mention below:
Ways to Become a Collector in India After 12th:
To become a Collector in India after completing your Class 12th, you need to follow a comprehensive step-by-step process. Here is a breakdown of the various stages involved:
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: The first step is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. It is advisable to choose subjects like Political Science, Public Administration, or Law to gain a deeper understanding of administrative processes.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: The most common route to becoming a Collector is by clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. The UPSC Exam has three different stages: the Preliminary Exam, the Main Exam, and the Personal Interview.
- Preliminary Examination: This is an objective-type Exam which has two papers- General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Once you clear this, you will opt for the Main Examination.
- Main Examination: The Main Examination is a written exam consisting of nine papers, including an Essay, four General Studies papers, and two papers on your chosen subject. This stage evaluates your in-depth knowledge and analytical skills.
- Personal Interview: If you successfully clear the Main Examination, you will be invited for a Personal Interview. The interview assesses your personality, communication skills, and suitability for administrative services.
Training and Allotment: Upon clearing the interview, you will undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie or other designated institutes.
Joining as a Collector: After completion of the training program, you will be appointed as a Collector in a district, where you will assume the responsibilities of maintaining law and order, implementing government policies, and overseeing the overall development of the district.
Well, there are some other routes as well to become a Collector. The process mentioned above is the most common route to becoming a Collector.
Required Eligibility Criteria to Become Collector:
To be eligible for the UPSC Civil Services Examination and ultimately become a Collector, candidates must meet certain criteria. It has been marked as mandatory to have the mentioned criteria to apply for the UPSC Examination.
- Nationality: The candidate must hold citizenship in India.
- Age Limit: The candidate’s age must be between 21 and 32 years for General Candidates. There are some relaxations in age for special category candidates.
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from any government-recognized university. There are no specific subject requirements for the examination.
- Number of Attempts: General category candidates can attempt the examination a maximum of six times, while candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) have additional attempts available.
- Physical and Medical Standards: Candidates must meet certain physical and medical standards specified by the UPSC.
It is essential to thoroughly review the Official UPSC notification and guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date eligibility criteria before applying for the examination.
Which Exam is Required to Become a Collector in India:
To become a Collector in India, one needs to appear for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. The Civil Services Examination is conducted annually by the UPSC and is regarded as one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in the country.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a three-stage process consisting of the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personal Interview. Candidates must clear each stage to progress to the next level.
How to Become a Collector Without UPSC Exam:
While the UPSC Civil Services Examination is the most common route to becoming a Collector, there are alternative paths available as well. Let’s explore some of these options:
State Public Service Commissions: Each state in India has its own State Public Service Commission (SPSC), which conducts examinations for various administrative positions, including that of a Collector. Candidates can appear for the respective state-level examinations conducted by the SPSC and secure a position as a Collector within that state.
Promotion from State Civil Services: Candidates who join the state civil services, such as the State Administrative Service (SAS) or State Police Service (SPS), can progress in their careers and reach the position to Become a Collector through promotions and seniority-based selections.
It is important to note that while these alternative paths exist, the UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as the most prestigious and recognized method to become a Collector. It provides candidates with the opportunity to work at the national level and opens doors to various other administrative positions and services.
Responsibilities of a Collector:
As a Collector, one assumes a wide range of responsibilities to ensure effective governance and the overall development of the district. Here are some of the key responsibilities:
- Maintaining Law and Order: Collectors are responsible for maintaining law and order within the district. They coordinate with the police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of the residents.
- Implementing Government Policies: Collectors play a crucial role in implementing government schemes and policies at the grassroots level. They oversee the effective execution of programs related to education, healthcare, rural development, agriculture, and more.
- Revenue Administration: Collectors are responsible for revenue administration in their districts. They supervise the collection of taxes, land revenue, and other government dues. They also handle issues related to land acquisition, land records, and settlements.
- Disaster Management: Collectors are at the forefront of managing and responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. They coordinate relief and rehabilitation efforts, ensure the safety of affected populations, and assess the damage caused by disasters.
Collectors address public grievances and work towards resolving issues faced by the residents of their districts. They interact with the public, listen to their concerns, and take appropriate actions to improve the quality of life for the people.
What is the Salary of a Collector in India:
The salary of a Collector varies based on several factors, including the position, level of experience, and the state or union territory in which they are appointed. Collectors belong to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and are eligible for the salary and perks associated with the position.
Read More: Top 10 Highest Paying Government Jobs in India
As per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, the basic salary of an entry-level IAS officer (including Collectors) is Rs. 56,100 per month. In addition to the basic salary, IAS officers are entitled to various allowances, including:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Travel Allowance (TA).
- Medical Allowances (MA) etc and more.
These allowances may vary depending on the posting location and other factors. Furthermore, IAS officers receive several other benefits such as medical facilities, government accommodation or housing allowance, and pension benefits. It is important to note that the salary structure and allowances are subject to revisions by the government from time to time.
FAQs For How to Become a Collector
The examination process itself can take around 1-2 years, including the stages of Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personal Interview. So, in total, it can take approximately 4-6 years to become a Collector after Class 12th.
Yes, there are age limits to become a Collector. the candidate’s age must be between 21 and 32 years for the general category. However, there are some relaxations for some special category candidates.
Yes, There are alternative paths available. Candidates can appear for state-level examinations conducted by the respective State Public Service Commission (SPSC).
These include strong leadership abilities, effective communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, decision-making capabilities, administrative and organizational skills, and a deep sense of empathy and understanding towards the needs and concerns of the people.
