What is LBSNAA and why is it important?
LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration) in Mussoorie is India’s top training institute for civil services.
It is run under the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Government of India and headed by a Director, who is of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
It conducts a Foundation Course for new officers of All India Services, Indian Foreign Service, Group ‘A’ services and even Royal Bhutan Service.
After the Foundation Course it gives professional training for IAS officers and Royal Bhutan Service members.
It also organizes Mid-Career Training Programmes (MCTPs) for IAS officers, Induction Training for State Civil Service officers promoted to IAS and various workshops and seminars on governance and policy.
Training Needs Assessment
The Academy regularly updates training programmes through committees and study groups.
Some key committees include:
- UC Agrawal Committee (1984):Focused on problem-solving and creative thinking.
- Ramesh-Lahiri-Patnaik Committee (1996):Updated training syllabus.
- Surindernath Committee (2003):Suggested using appraisal reports for training needs.
- Yugandhar Committee (2003):Improved in-service training.
- V.V. Ayyar Committee (2007):Recommended syllabus changes.
- K. Alagh Committee (2009):Suggested major reforms in mid-career training.
- Kiran Aggarwal Committee (2014):Suggested cadre allocation reforms and course improvements.
LBSNAA constantly improves its courses based on expert advice, officer feedback, and government needs, ensuring officers are trained to serve the nation effectively.
Duration of IAS Training
Training for a new IAS officer usually spans about two years, and is divided into clear parts. These are run by the Academy and the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). Here is the simple sequence you will typically follow:
- Foundation Course (FC)– multi-service, multi-disciplinary start.
- IAS Phase I at LBSNAA – classroom + study tours.
- District Training in your cadre (state/UT) – learning by doing.
- IAS Phase II at LBSNAA – sharing field experiences and advanced inputs.
- In-service learning continues including Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP) later in your career.
Note: Exact calendars can vary by batch and year; LBSNAA publishes training calendars that show dates, durations, and course names.
Training Phases in Detail
Foundation Course (FC)
- Duration: ~15–16 weeks.
- Includes trainees from IAS, IPS, IFS (Forest), IRS, and other services.
- Subjects: basics of Public Administration, Law, Economics, Indian Constitution and Management.
- Activities: group work, physical training, cultural events, trekking and village visits.
- Aim: Build a shared identity as civil servants.
IAS Phase I Training
- Duration: ~12 weeks academic + 7 weeks Bharat Darshan.
- Subjects: Law, Economics, ICT, Management, Indian Constitution, Public Administration, Behavioral Sciences, and regional language proficiency. (Approx. 400 teaching hours).
- Bharat Darshan: A nationwide study tour covering nearly 20,000 km. Trainees meet leaders, visit PSUs, NGOs, border areas, and projects. Highlights include:
- Meeting the President of India.
- One-week assignment at the Lok Sabha Secretariat in Delhi.
- Co-curriculars: treks, literary festivals, theatre workshops, inter-service cultural meets (SANGAM).
- Zonal Days: Batchmates showcase the culture and food of their allotted cadres.
District Training
- Duration: ~1 year in the officer’s allotted cadre (state/UT).
- Trainees work with Collectors, SDMs, BDOs, and Tehsildars.
- Tasks: handle land records, revenue collection, law and order duties, social schemes, and village studies.
- Purpose: Learn the ground realities of governance—how policies impact citizens.
IAS Phase II Training
- Duration: ~2 months back at LBSNAA.
- Activities:
- Reflection on district training experiences.
- Case studies on governance and law & order.
- Sessions on policy design, ethics, finance, and technology.
- Seminars with experts.
- Aim: Prepare officers for sub-divisional postings(as SDO/ACM).
Assistant Secretaryship (Central Posting)
- Duration: ~13 weeks.
- Conducted in Delhi.
- Trainees work in Central Government Ministries as Assistant Secretaries under Joint Secretaries.
- Purpose: Give officers early exposure to national-level policymaking before returning to their states.
Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP)
After some years in service IAS officers attend Mid-Career Training at different seniority levels. MCTP provides updated knowledge on policy, public finance, leadership, technology and sectoral issues. It may include domestic and international components depending on the phase and policy at that time. The programme is structured and mandatory as per Government policy.
Daily Routine at LBSNAA
A day at the Academy is tightly structured to instill discipline.
- 6:00 AM: Physical Training (yoga, running, horse-riding, or sports) at Polo Ground.
- 7:30–9:00 AM: Breakfast & preparation.
- 9:30 AM–4:00 PM: Six classroom sessions (each 55 minutes). Subjects include economics, law, history, political science, management, ICT.
- 5:00–7:30 PM: Sports and riding activities.
- Evening: Cultural events, debates, or film screenings.
- Weekends: Treks, river rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, or excursions.
Facilities and Support
Classrooms & Academic Buildings
- Equipped with modern audio-visual tools, video conferencing, and recording.
- Major blocks:
- Aadharshila: Classrooms, computer lab.
- Dhruvshila & Gyanshila: Faculty offices, classrooms.
- Karmashila: Lecture halls, officers’ mess, library, lounge.
Hostels & Housing
- Hostels: Ganga, Kaveri, Narmada(double rooms, central heating, TV, phone).
- Guest Houses: Kalindi (visiting faculty).
- Executive hostels: Valley View, Happy Valley, Silverwood, Mahanadi for Mid-Career Training Programme.
Sports & Fitness
- Facilities for cricket, football, volleyball, squash, badminton, yoga, and gym.
- Special training: horse-riding, rock climbing, shooting, archery, trekking.
Library
- Gandhi Smriti Library: 1.65 lakh books, 5000 CDs/DVDs, 300 periodicals, 38 newspapers.
What do IAS probationers receive?
During probation and training IAS officers draw pay under the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016. The entry level is Pay Matrix Level 10 (basic pay ₹56,100 per month) plus allowances as admissible. Actual in-hand pay will be lower due to deductions (e.g., mess/hostel charges, income tax, etc.). Exact take-home varies by batch orders and deductions, so rely on your joining instructions and pay bill.
Important: Many websites quote a specific in-hand number. Those are estimates and can change with allowances or deductions. The official part you can depend on is the pay level and basic pay under the Pay Rules.
Rules that guide your training and probation
Training and probation are governed by official rules and instructions. Some key references include:
- Article 311 of the Constitution of India protects civil servants from unfair dismissal or demotion.
- Officers cannot be removed without an inquiry and a chance to defend themselves, except in cases like criminal conviction or threats to state security.
- IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954– These define the probation period of IAS officers. Probationers are under the control of the Director, and failure in exams, poor performance, or lack of discipline can lead to removal.
- IAS Probationer’s Final Examination Regulations, 1955– These cover exams during training. The Director decides the dates and rules of the exams.
- Do PT training instructions and calendars—show courses, durations, and expectations (e.g., leave during training is restricted by joining instructions).
- IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016—entry pay and pay progression.
These official documents set the structure, attendance, leave and conduct during training. If you have a special situation (medical or personal) you must follow the DoPT and LBSNAA guidelines for leave and deferment.
What skills does LBSNAA focus on?
- Constitutional values & ethics: Integrity, impartiality, service to citizens.
- Law & order basics: Magistracy, preventive action, disaster response.
- Development administration: Health, education, livelihoods, water, sanitation, inclusion.
- Public finance & program design: How to plan, budget, and monitor schemes.
- Land & revenue administration: Records, mutation, and fair processes.
- Communication & leadership: Public speaking, writing, listening, negotiation.
- Digital governance: Using data and technology for better service delivery.
- Fitness & resilience: PT, sports, treks build stamina and teamwork.
The exact mix of modules may change with each batch to match new laws, programs, or national priorities. Always check the current LBSNAA training calendar and course outlines.
Why IAS training is special
- Balance of mind and body: Classroom + physical training.
- India-wide exposure: Bharat Darshan shows you the country’s full diversity.
- Ground truth: District Training makes you solve real problems with real people.
- Peer learning: Batchmates share ideas across states, which helps for life.
- Values in action: You practice fairness, empathy, and quick decision-making.
Practical tips for future IAS trainees
- Fitness first: Start running, basic strength and flexibility before joining. PT and treks are easier if you build stamina early. l
- Read smart: Follow government flagship schemes, Constitution basics and recent policy notes (Budget highlights, Economic Survey summaries).
- Write clearly: Practice note-making and order-writing style. Clear writing is key for administration.
- Team spirit: Clubs, sports, and cultural events are not extra—they build the network and soft skills you will use for decades.
- Be professional: Follow attendance and leave rules strictly during training.
Conclusion
IAS training at LBSNAA is carefully designed—Foundation Course builds a common base, Phase I adds core tools and national exposure, District Training teaches ground realities and Phase II ties it all together. Later MCTP keeps officers updated for bigger roles. The Academy’s mix of knowledge, fitness, ethics and teamwork helps new officers serve people better from a village school to a state secretariat.
If you are a UPSC aspirant remember: clearing the exam is only the start. Training at LBSNAA will prepare you to lead with integrity, empathy and discipline every single day.
FAQs
1. How long is IAS training at LBSNAA?
Training has multiple parts. The Foundation Course is around 15 weeks, Phase I at LBSNAA includes classroom + a long Winter Study Tour (Bharat Darshan), then District Training in your cadre, and Phase II back at LBSNAA. Exact weeks and dates vary by batch calendar issued by LBSNAA/DoPT.
2. What is Bharat Darshan and why is it important?
It is a nationwide study tour where small trainee groups visit different parts of India—border posts, PSUs, social projects, and more—to understand real governance challenges and diversity. It builds practical understanding and empathy.
3. What is a typical day at LBSNAA like?
Early PT/yoga, 5–6 classroom sessions, and evenings for sports, clubs, or study. Treks and field visits also happen. The routine builds discipline and teamwork.
4. Do IAS trainees get salary during training?
Yes. During probation and training, officers draw pay under IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016. Entry is Level 10 with a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month. In-hand pay changes with allowances and deductions set in official orders for your batch.
5. What is Mid-Career Training?
Later in service IAS officers attend MCTP to update skills for higher responsibilities. It is structured and mandatory as per policy, with phases at different seniority levels.
6. Can trainees take leave during training?
Training is strict about attendance. Joining instructions clearly say leave is normally not granted during the course except under exceptional circumstances and as per rules. Always refer to your batch’s instructions.
