Indian Information Service (IIS)
About the Service
The Indian Information Service (IIS) is the media and communication arm of the Government of India. Officers of the IIS serve as the official communicators between the government and the public through print, electronic, and digital media.
Established in 1946 as the Central Information Service and later renamed the Indian Information Service, the cadre was created to professionalize government communication, public information dissemination, and media relations.
The IIS plays a vital role in:
- Framing and implementing the government’s media strategy.
- Managing the government’s information network through Press Information Bureau (PIB), Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC), Doordarshan, All India Radio, and Digital Media Wing.
- Disseminating accurate and timely information to the public.
- Strengthening the relationship between the government and media organizations.
Recruitment and Entry
Recruitment to the Indian Information Service (IIS) – Group ‘A’ is conducted through the Civil Services Examination (CSE) organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Selection Process
- Preliminary Examination – Objective type.
- Main Examination – Descriptive papers including General Studies and optional subjects.
- Personality Test (Interview) – Conducted by UPSC.
Successful candidates are allocated to IIS based on rank, preference, and available vacancies.
Roles and Responsibilities
IIS officers are responsible for the formulation, execution, and supervision of the Government’s media and communication policies. Their major functions include:
- Public Information & Media Coordination: Disseminating official information and managing press releases through PIB.
- Content Creation: Producing media campaigns, publications, and documentaries highlighting government initiatives.
- Public Outreach: Organizing exhibitions, awareness campaigns, and citizen engagement programs via BOC and Field Publicity Units.
- Digital Media Management: Handling government social media platforms and ensuring factual, transparent communication online.
- Advisory Role: Supporting ministries in developing media strategies, crisis communication, and branding of flagship programs.
Organizational Framework
IIS officers serve across several key institutions under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, such as:
- Press Information Bureau (PIB): Official communication arm for government press releases and media briefings.
- Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC): Conducts public information campaigns and outreach programs.
- Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR): Serve as India’s public broadcasters.
- Publications Division: Publishes government journals, books, and reports.
- Digital Media Wing: Manages social media and digital campaigns.
Career Hierarchy and Designations
| Level | Typical Designation | Nature of Work |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | Assistant Director / Assistant Director (News) | Media coordination, press release drafting, content supervision. |
| Middle Level | Deputy Director / Deputy Director (News) | Managing press wings, overseeing outreach campaigns, media liaison. |
| Senior Level | Joint Director / Additional Director | Supervising regional media centers, coordinating inter-ministerial communications. |
| Higher Level | Director / Deputy Director General | Heading divisions like PIB, BOC, or AIR content units. |
| Top Level | Director General / Principal Director General | Apex position; overall management of national media strategy and policy direction. |
Training of IIS Officers
Training for newly recruited IIS officers is conducted primarily at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi.
Training Phases
- Foundation Course (at LBSNAA or other academies): Common training for all Civil Services recruits on Indian polity, economy, ethics, and governance.
- Professional Training (at IIMC):
- Duration: Approximately 9 months.
- Curriculum Includes:
- Media management and communication strategy
- Press and publicity techniques
- Public relations and crisis communication
- Digital media handling
- Developmental communication and government outreach programs
- Field visits to PIB, DD, AIR, and other media units.
- On-the-Job Training: Practical exposure in media units and government communication offices.
Cadre Management
IIS officers belong to a Central Service, meaning postings can occur across any Ministry, Department, or media organization under the Government of India.
Managed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), cadre management includes transfers, deputations, promotions, and foreign assignments.
Officers may also be deputed to the Press Secretariat of the President, Prime Minister’s Office, and foreign missions.
Salary Structure and Pay Scales
| Grade / Level | Experience | Pay Scale (Approx.) | Designation Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Time Scale | Entry | ₹56,100 / month | Assistant Director |
| Senior Time Scale | 4 years | ₹67,700 – ₹1,18,500 | Deputy Director |
| Junior Administrative Grade | 9 years | ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 | Joint Director |
| Selection Grade | 13 years | ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100 | Additional Director |
| Super Time Scale | 16 years | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 | Director / Deputy Director General |
| Higher Administrative Grade | 25+ years | ₹2,05,400 – ₹2,24,400 | Director General |
| Apex Scale | — | ₹2,25,000 (fixed) | Principal Director General |
Allowances: IIS officers receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other benefits as per Central Government norms.
Significance of the Indian Information Service
- Acts as the voice of the Government of India, ensuring accurate, transparent, and responsible communication.
- Strengthens public trust through credible dissemination of information.
- Promotes government initiatives and development programs through multiple media platforms.
- Plays a strategic role in national image building and crisis communication.
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