Pursuing Higher Education After Joining the Civil Services: An Overview for IAS Officers
Can an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer pursue higher education after successfully selecting and joining the administrative services? The answer is yes, but with certain conditions and regulations applied. Here, we delve into the policies and procedures for pursuing higher education as an IAS officer, highlighting key factors to consider and relevant case studies.
Eligibility for Higher Education and Study Leave
IAS officers can indeed pursue higher studies after being selected and joining the Civil Services. However, the availability of study leave and the specific terms vary depending on the officer's work schedule and departmental approval. Typically, officers are eligible for paid study leave for a maximum of two years, which must be utilized within a specified timeframe.
Rules for Study Leave and Bond Period
When applying for study leave, IAS officers must adhere to several important rules and restrictions. These include adhering to the bond period, ensuring a clean service record, and completing at least nine years of service (six years for officers of the North-East cadre).
Study Leave Duration: An officer can take up to two years of paid leave to pursue higher education. A bond must be signed, undertaking to serve the government for a minimum of three years (five years for special cases) after resuming work. Minimum Service Record: Officers must have at least nine years of service before requesting study leave. Six years of service are required for officers in the North-East cadre. Educational Break Lmit: The duration of the educational break must not exceed two years.Funding and Approval for Study Leave
Government funding is provided for pursuing higher education, covering both domestic and international institutions. Key points include:
Domestic Universities: Some top universities, such as Harvard, Princeton, and others, may offer specific programs for IAS officers. Financial Support: The government pays a stipend of 35,000 and 45,000 for the first and second years, respectively, for top 30 universities under the Times Higher Education World University ranking. For universities ranked 31-100, the stipend is 25,000 and 35,000 for the first and second years, respectively. Post-Graduation and MBA Courses: Funding is provided for Post-Graduation (PG) and MBA courses. International Universities: Foreign universities, including British, American, European, Asian, Middle-Eastern, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian institutions, are eligible for funding. Cooling-Off Period: Officers who have participated in foreign training can be eligible for study leave again after a five-year cooling-off period.Guidelines for Filing for Study Leave
To apply for study leave, IAS officers must follow certain guidelines:
Application Process: Officers must submit a formal application to the government, requesting permission to take study leave. Course Approval: The courses must be approved by the Central Establishment Board (CEB) before acceptance. Recommendations: The concerned cadre-controlling authorities provide recommendations to the CEB for course approval. Public Interest: The courses must be in the public interest and relevant to the government's needs.Case Studies and Violations
Several case studies highlight the consequences of violating these regulations. For example:
Arvind Kejriwal's Case: The then Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, was required to pay a significant amount (930,000 approx.) to the central government as a penalty for violating the rules. Rajesh Kumar Singh's Case: A notable case involved Rajesh Kumar Singh, who was dismissed in 2003 for staying absent for over five years. He left on study leave in 1996 and never returned, leading to his dismissal. This case is still pending in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding study leave for IAS officers:
What is the maximum amount of study leave an officer can avail? The maximum is 24 months for officers other than CHS officers. CHS officers can avail 36 months for acquiring PG qualifications. Can study leave be clubbed with other leave? Yes, but the total absence should not exceed 28 months in general and 36 months for PhD courses. What is the validity period of the bond signed during study leave? The bond period is three years for regular officers and five years for CHS officers. Is it possible to resign during the bond period to take up a post in another Ministry/Department? Yes, but the officer must apply through proper channels and provide a bond to serve the government for the remaining period.For more detailed information, please refer to the specific government rules and guidelines (Rule 511, Rule 512, Rule 54, etc.).