Every student try to opt for civil services exam but they don't know there are lots of big opportunities other than ias ips jobs. There are very few students who go for CDS Exam. Everyone thinks about ias ips fame and power. But nobody knows fame and power of army officers. Mentality of students towards ias ips exam has increased in last 10 years due to red beacon car, big bungalow etc. But I will tell you once you passed cds exam under top 10 rank. You will get best opportunity of life. There are big example of Brigadier S S SHEKHAWAT, CAPTAIN SURAJ CHAVARE, CAPTAIN MAHABIR SINGH. An army officer you will get special status in society and in government bodies. There are many examples of officers who are popular in Indian Armed Forces. You can find a strong unity in Indian Army or any other defence services within organization but you can not find unity within ias ips lobbies.
Indian army officers work independently there is no deal with civil issues. They work for Military related issues like special operations and counter terrorism. There are no civil laws applicable to any army officers. They have their own army laws to follow. Even their own army police. When it comes to pay scale of course army officers can beat ias ips officers. But some people don't know the special allowances of army officers such free house, free ration, free travel in train and flight, free medical including major surgeries, special military status allowance, weapon allowance, free liquor (foreign imported), free travelling allowance in case you are travelling by private vehicle etc. Other than this, you can carry your own platoon with you.
Now come to ias ips allowances except free house. They are not applicable to any of above allowances. They need to work on district level only within the state. But in army you can go anywhere. you can enjoy new places. new people new customs. And most important you can go to abroad on the mission or for training. Yes I can accept there is a salary gap between ias ips and army officers. But I request students to focus not only on civil services but also focus on other upsc exam of cds. Do not come under pressure of UPSC Exams. Wish you all the best for upcoming exams.

Warm Regards,
Brig A s Kumar (Retd)