Do IAS Trainees Receive Stipend During Training at LBSNAA?
Yes, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) trainees do receive a stipend while undergoing training at the renowned Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). As of the latest information available, trainees are entitled to a monthly stipend, which is typically around Rs. 56,100. This amount can vary based on the 7th Pay Commission. This stipend is designed to cover their living expenses and ensure they can manage their personal requirements throughout their training period, which lasts for about 15 months, including foundational and specialized training.
Training Benefits and Facilities
The training at LBSNAA is an integral part of the service tenure for IAS trainees. From the moment they join the Foundation course, they start receiving a salary. LBSNAA provides ample facilities to support the trainees, including accommodation, food, sports facilities, yoga, and other amenities such as laundry and a cafe at a very subsidized rate.
After accounting for a very nominal charge, officers trainees are provided with an in-hand salary of around Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000. In addition to the basic stipend, they are also offered extra allowances for activities such as village visits and Bharat Darshan (a form of travel and cultural immersion).
Unique Experience at LBSNAA
At LBSNAA, the trainees' experience closely resembles a well-paid vacation for a year. They get to explore various aspects of India through treks, village life immersion, and extensive travel, from Kashmir to Lakshadweep. Remarkably, instead of paying for these numerous enriching experiences, they are directly compensated for the time and effort invested. This makes the LBSNAA training period an invaluable and rewarding experience for all trainees.
Salary Details and More
The minimum monthly in-hand salary for IAS trainees during their second-year training at LBSNAA is typically around Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000, inclusive of all deductions. This fixed stipend ensures they can manage their financial needs without additional strain.
Training as a Prelude to Employment
By joining the training, trainees become employees under training. The government determines the payments to trainees, which is a common practice for all officials, whether in the government sector, public sector, or private entities. This rigorous and well-rounded training prepares them to excel in their future roles as IAS officers, providing them with the best facilities and extensive support to succeed.
Cracking UPSC and being shortlisted as an IAS officer is a highly competitive process, with only a very small percentage of candidates ultimately selected. Once appointed, they undergo intensive training that is both challenging and rewarding, culminating in a well-paying position within the government administration.