IAS Professional Course, Phase-II (6 Weeks approximately)
While theoretical concepts are imparted during the Foundation Course and Phase-I and ground level realities are studied during the district training, the Phase-II is designed to share the experiences gathered across the country by the Officer Trainees on returning to the Academy. The course content is designed to consolidate the learnings and for assimilating the district experiences gained by the Trainees in one year. It allows for sharing of experiences of good administrative practices, enabling them to articulate the strengths and weaknesses of our administration and governance. This prepares them for problems and situations they will face in the initial years of their career. They seek more enduring solutions to administrative problems and challenges. This phase of interactive learning is supplemented with special sessions with distinguished experts from within and outside the Government. Commencing in the third week of May, it concludes in June.
Phase II sets itself the following objectives:
1. To analyse individual and collective experiences of District Training through a process of structured reflection,
2. To understand the imperatives of working as field officer and for improving public service delivery,
3. To improve administrative, managerial and ICT skills along with practical application of laws at the district level.
An important highlight of the Phase II course is the seminars organized by the Academy. Traditionally, only one seminar on being an effective SDO was organized during the Phase II course, which provides a forum for a focused discussion on the challenges that the Officer-Trainees would face on the very first posting as an SDO. This involves bringing in some 20-25 SDOs from all state cadres, of batches immediately prior to the one being trained, to share their experiences and to also provide a more nuanced view of the problems likely to be found in the field. In addition, the Academy also conducts Seminars on being effective CEOs of Zilla Parishad, Municipal Commissioners and District Magistrates. Each Seminar normally lasts a day and Officer-Trainees and guests are divided into smaller groups (on cadre basis) to allow for a detailed and intensive discussion. These seminars are generally well-received and are practical and useful.
The importance of physical fitness in leading a life of health, vitality, and peace continues to be reiterated with the morning physical fitness regime which remains compulsory. Adventure sports activities are organized on weekends which include river-rafting, para-sailing, rock climbing and treks.
The Officer Trainees also go on a week-long Foreign Study Tour (FST) to understand best practices overseas. On return, they write a paper highlighting the administrative practices that they found interesting and those that can be adapted or replicated in the Indian context.
Masters’ Degree in Public Management
The Academy awards a Masters’ Degree in Public Management (recognized by the Jawaharlal Nehru University) to Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer Trainees undergoing a two-year long induction training programme at LBSNAA after recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The course at the Academy has both academic inputs and field work. It is a sixty- four (64) credit course comprising four semesters: Semester I with 16 credits; Semester II with 20 credits; Semester III with 12 credits & Semester IV with 16 credits. All courses during the four semesters are compulsory.
