The IAS (Indian Administrative Service) was formally constituted in 1947, and is

the premier service in India. It offers an attractive and challenging career. Fame and
glamour are also associated with this service. Even though most people tend to think
being the DM or Collector is the most powerful and glamorous post, The IAS holds
power at all levels. It is the service that is meant to place people straight at the top of
any government organization and not the district alone. inspite of all the political
interference if you are a determined person and diplomatic you can achieve anything
for your country.
The IAS or the Indian Administrative Service, handles affairs of the government. At
the central level, this involves the framing and implementation of policy. At the district
level, it is concerned with district affairs, including development functions. At the
divisional level, the IAS officers look after law and order, general administration and
development work. Members of the Indian Administrative Service hold various
administrative posts like District Collector, Heads of Departments, Heads of Public
Enterprises at the state level etc. They can also be posted on deputation to the
Central Government to various posts.
Being an 'All India Service', it follows the Cadre system. In this system officers are
allotted to various state cadres and your service is allotted to that state. So for all
practical purposes you belong to that state service and may be deputed elsewhere
but you'll always be recognized by your parent cadre. These systems though very
useful tend to positively and negatively affect careers. The cadre system is allotted on
a basis of lottery and the toppers of each state may get a chance to get their home
states if they have opted for such a preference.