IAS vs IPS power and responsibilities

Both IAS and IPS have fairly broad work profiles and are posted on high-ranking positions.

An IAS (DM) is responsible for all of the district’s departments, whereas an IPS is just accountable for its own department.

The head of the police force and other departments is an IAS official serving as DM.

An IAS becomes a DM of a district after a certain number of service years. At the district level, DM is the coordinator with decision-making power. 

The district’s police force is under the control of the DM, who can impose a curfew and section 144.

IPS is assigned to the district as the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). 

An IPS officer is primarily focused on maintaining the city’s law and order.

IPS needs IAS officers’ consent for some warrants. Certain police officers may only be transferred with DM’s consent.