The IAS training period in India is a transformative journey that shapes India’s future administrators with a blend of academic rigor, field experiences, and cultural immersion. Beyond the structured curriculum, it’s a phase filled with moments that build resilience, adaptability, and a spirit of service. Every IAS aspirant must know what goes into the IAS training period at LBSNAA and how it is structured, and what each phase entails for them.

In a nutshell, the duration of IAS training period is 2 years. The training goes beyond textbooks, preparing officers to handle diverse on-ground challenges with confidence. But there’s much more to it.

What is LBSNAA

LBSNAA is the premier institution in Indian to train civil service officers in India. LBSNAA full form is Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. It was formerly known as the National Academy of Administration, which was established in 1959. Later, the name was changed to commemorate the India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahdur Sastry. Every year, new batch of IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and IFoS officers are trained at the LBSNAA. It is mainly known as the IAS training centre.

IAS Training Period at LBSNAA: Overview

Training Phase	Duration (Approx.)
Foundation Course	15 Weeks
Phase-I	22 weeks
District Training	52 Weeks
Phase-II	6 Weeks
Assistant Secretary-ship	9 Weeks

Foundation Course

The Foundation Course marks the start of LBSNAA IAS training period for new recruits from the All India Services, including IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Services, among others. This 15-week course typically runs from September to December and covers a comprehensive understanding of India’s political, social, economic, and administrative landscape.

The course is designed to develop essential skills and instill the perspective needed to handle public service responsibilities effectively. New officers explore Indian polity, economics, history, and current affairs, gaining the knowledge necessary to address the diverse challenges of civil service.

The course also focuses on holistic growth, aiming to cultivate moral, intellectual, physical, and creative capacities in trainees. By nurturing camaraderie and teamwork, it builds a cohesive spirit among officers from various services, laying a solid foundation for their future roles.

LBSNAA Training Period for IAS Phase–I

Following the Foundation Course, IAS Officer Trainees advance to Phase-I of IAS training period. It is a comprehensive program focused on equipping them for diverse roles in their early years of service. The emphasis is on the understanding public systems and effective management practices.

Happening from December-May, Phase-I includes 12 weeks of academic instruction, a 7-week Winter Study Tour, and a 1-week block leave.

At the end of the IAS training period Phase–I, an officer trainy is expect to:

1. Acquire a pan-India perspective of emerging socio-economic and politico-legal trends, an understanding of the emerging role of the IAS and its shared administrative responsibilities with other services.

2. Acquire knowledge and skills needed to discharge administrative responsibilities in the first decade of their career in the following areas:

Law and legal instruments
Administrative rules, procedures and programme guidelines
Modern management tools, and
Economic analysis

3. Demonstrate proficiency in the regional language of the allotted State to better appreciate its administrative and cultural ethos.

4. Acquire an understanding on the cultural and socio-economic background of the State they are allotted.

5. Demonstrate effective written/ oral communication skills both in interpersonal and organizational context.

6. Exhibit right values and attitudes.

7. Maintain physical fitness.

8. Adhere to the spirit of ‘Sheelam Param Bhushanam’.

Winter Study Tour

In Phase I training, IAS Officer Trainees first go on Bharat Darshan, a 6-7 week Winter Study Tour. It is about exploring India’s diversity by visiting the armed forces, government bodies, NGOs, tribal areas, and more.

After traveling about 20,000 kilometers, they start the academic module, covering 400 hours of subjects like Law, Economics, Political Science, Management, and Public Administration, along with ICT and regional language training.

Beyond academics, Phase I of the IAS training period includes co-curricular activities like treks, cultural fests, theater, film events, and major gatherings like the Inter Services Meet, fostering well-rounded personal growth.

District Training

Since 1969, IAS Officer Trainees have participated in a one-year district training within their assigned state cadre, following a hands-on ‘sandwich pattern’ of learning. During this time, they manage independent responsibilities, observing and practicing key aspects of government functions.

They study departmental roles, relevant laws, office procedures, budgeting, and auditing processes. Trainees also learn how programs are implemented and monitored, gaining insight into departmental challenges and areas for improvement.

IAS Traning Period Phase-II

The IAS Professional Course, Phase-II at LBSNAA spans six weeks, from mid-May to June. This phase of IAS training period in India consolidates theoretical knowledge from earlier courses with practical district-level experiences, encouraging trainees to share insights on effective administrative practices, strengths, and weaknesses in governance.

Interactive learning is enhanced with sessions by distinguished experts, and seminars focused on roles like SDO, Zilla Parishad CEO, Municipal Commissioner, and District Magistrate. These discussions involve small groups for in-depth cadre-based learning.

Physical fitness remains essential with mandatory morning routines and adventure sports on weekends. A highlight of Phase-II is the week-long Foreign Study Tour, where Officer Trainees observe international practices and propose adaptable solutions for India.

Upon completion of two-year induction training, IAS Officer Trainees earn a Master’s Degree in Public Management (in collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University), completing a 64-credit curriculum over four semesters combining academic and field-based learning.

Assistant Secretary-Ship

The Assistant Secretary program, introduced in 2015 for IAS officers starting from the 2013 batch. The aim of this IAS training period is to provide valuable insights into the workings of the Government of India.

New recruits can engage closely with central operations, improving their understanding of policy implementation and administrative processes. Each probationer receives the designation of Assistant Secretary, working under the mentorship of Joint Secretaries for a few months.

This hands-on experience at the Central Secretariat equips them with a deeper understanding of national-level governance. The IAS probationers also present key findings and innovative ideas to India’s Prime Minister. It is a significant part of their initial exposure to central government functions.

IAS Training Period Salary

The IAS training period salary consists of a fixed stipend plus certain perks. While the actual amount of salary paid is ₹56100/Month, it doesn’t include food and lodging allowances, e.g. mess or hostel charges. So, the actual stipend received would be around ₹35,000-₹40,000 per month, after deducting the expenses.

Except that, the LBSNAA training period salary is just the same as the starting salary of an IAS officer, which is ₹56,100/Month. For IAS officers, in addition to the salary, additional allowances will also be there.

In the End

The IAS training journey at LBSNAA is more than structured modules and on-field learning—it also nurtures enduring connections. Trainees build lifelong friendships and networks with peers and mentors across services, creating a support system that lasts well beyond their training years. These bonds often let officers collaborate in diverse fields, working collectively towards India’s development and addressing the nation’s evolving administrative challenges.

FAQs

How long is the IAS training at LBSNAA?

The IAS training period at LBSNAA is for 2 years.

In which month does IAS training start?

IAS training usually begins in September every year, kicking off the foundational phase for newly selected UPSC candidates. The total duration is 2 years. This IAS training period introduces trainees to their initial sessions.

What is the LBSNAA training period salary for IAS trainee officers?

IAS trainee officers at LBSNAA receive a monthly salary of INR 56,100. After deductions for food and lodging, they take home around INR 35,000 to INR 40,000 each month during training.

Is there any IAS officer who was not able to clear his training at LBSNAA?

Yes, IAS probationers at LBSNAA may be discharged if they fail to pass a re-exam, are found ineligible by the government, or intentionally neglect their studies or probationary responsibilities. But the cases are very rare.

Will there be holidays during IAS training at LBSNAA?

Yes, IAS trainees at LBSNAA do have holidays and weekends, which are often dedicated to various extracurricular activities. These include community service, adventure sports like rock climbing and river rafting, short treks, cultural programs, horse riding, and cross-country runs, allowing trainees a balanced experience beyond academics.