The District Collector can be considered a colonial posting, a legacy that still prevails. In 1772, Warren Hastings decided to create a position for general administration, namely collection of land revenues and maintaining law and order.
Over the years, the quantum of work multiplied, and the number of people required to fill the position increased. Therefore, instead of the above, a system of placement had to be put in place, such that the job was designated to capable men or women.
This article covers the preparations from the school stage itself. The UPSC exams entail considerable information concerning current affairs, politics, sports, and general knowledge.
This can be collated only by being in constant touch with the reading material other than related to academics. Therefore, the newspaper has a lot of significance. Nevertheless, a lot of focus is necessary to be pivoted on academics to perform well in collector exam.
It is a step by step guide to the various exams that need to be written and the interview that one has to face with a highly experienced and competent panel. It takes a great deal of effort and intelligence to finally create a berth for oneself to occupy the coveted position.
It is also an indicator of the workload and responsibilities that the job needs to undertake to prove one’s merit. It also includes potential pitfalls associated with the functions of a District Collector.
This article serves the interest of people who intend to serve society in particular and could benefit many others who prefer positions of power in the government. All the readers need to have a flair for good leadership.
It is also an indicator of the various functions that a Collector is authorised to hold in the future as he journeys through his career.
Accomplishing the Position of a Collector
A District Collector is a position designated by the government, but the appointments are strictly governed by clearly documented rules.
You have to be between 21 to 30 years of age to appear for the exams. However, it is relaxed for the OBC candidates to 33 years and the SC/ST candidates to 35 years.
The exams are open to Indian citizens and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan. The decision is an attempt to harness talent from our friendly neighbours.
To appear for the entrance test, you need to be a graduate of a recognised University. The graduation can be from any stream Arts, Science, Commerce, Media, Business Management or any other field.
You are then free to give the three-step exams under the auspices of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).
The first two steps include the preliminary exams, which are as follows :
General Studies, Paper-1, which will be 200 marks.
General Studies, Paper-2 (CSAT - Qualifying only).
Once the prelims are cleared, you have to get your documents verified on the UPSC website. The records include the 10th class certificate, category certificates, if any, and the graduation degree certificate.
You will have to then appear for the Main Exams. All the papers for the exam will be subjective. You are expected to be at the top of the list.
There are nine papers in totality in these exams, out of which seven are compulsory, and two are optional. Out of the compulsory seven papers, two are language papers. One of them is English, and you can select the other.
The final step will be to sit opposite a panel of experienced people for the 275 marks worth of interview. If you are not an extrovert and could be nervous about facing the interview, you need to do exceedingly well in the written tests.
The panel comprises a set of elderly and experienced people who are conversant with the predicament of young men and women who attend the interview. They will try to make you comfortable enough to get the best out of you.
Guidance on how to become a collector
The preparations for such exams need to commence from school going times. Therefore, the child who aspires to take a good leadership position needs to be vigilant from the high school stage.
They should be moderately well versed with current affairs that include news regarding political developments, scientific progression, sports details and a little about the economy.
A basic knowledge will keep him in good stead with the day's happening, and he would also remain updated with the latest news.
They need to have information about the geopolitical situation of many other nations around your own and the ramifications it may have on us.
Reading NCERT books from the fifth class to the 12th class that covers subjects like History, Social Science and books related to Environment is advised as beneficial.
Reading books covering information for at least 10-12 hours a day could benefit the candidate.
He should find time to venture into all the above even while they remain steadfastly holding on to their academics.
Information forms the cornerstone of all interactions you have with people, and the same will be in focus during your interview with the August panel of learned men and women.
It is vital to undergo intense training before you venture to write the UPSC exams. You can do it through various private institutions. They will be able to unfold the anxiety and apprehensions that you anticipated in the past.
In case you fail to make it to the final stage, you still have an option. You can still make it through the State Public Service Commission (SPSC). Each state conducts its exam and you have to add the first letter of your state, like the MPSC of Maharashtra.
However, you will need a few promotions subsequently to get into the coveted position of District Collector.
Subjects Required for Collector
A collector must be fully informed and should have knowledge of any subject under the sun. While he needs to be well versed in current affairs in general, he should have an in-depth knowledge of Politics, Geo-Politics that relates to Foreign affairs, and Geography.
History, Economy, Scientific Progression in the world, sports and many more subjects.
Many of his decisions are governed by their political wisdom, and their actions also need to be dictated by the same when placed in a position of strength.
Therefore it is mandatory for them to understand the nuances of political responses. Their understanding of the economic situation needs to be refined and meticulous, and it should align with his decision making.
Furthermore, they should be updated with the scientific progress made by various other nations to be well informed. They have to monitor health-related matters too and hence need to be vigilant regarding the functioning of the district machinery on such issues.
He needs to provide enough sports camps to facilitate sports in his district. He has to work in that direction as well. The sportspeople of contemporary times come from little known areas in the country.
Prepare For The Collector Exam
Preparation for collector exams should commence from the high school level. Ten to twelve hours of reading books on a daily basis is advised to be in touch with all subjects, which include books on academics.
NCERT & several other books on General Knowledge is a must and vital part of the preparation activity. The books need to be related to all subjects under the sun.
The District Collector
exam is a prestigious post, and he should not be found wanting knowledge-wise in any sphere of activity.
Preparation for exams could be easier with the help of institutions or coaching classes or collector courses that cater to students who aspire to appear for UPSC exams.
These institutions help you understand the question paper in-depth and give the examinee a chance to cover a lot of ground before they attempt to write the paper.
One should never lose hope after failing in the first attempt. In the general category, one can write the exam six times and hope to get through.
Please note that you have an opportunity to attempt the exams six times before you give up on your District Collector dreams. Six attempts are for the general category, and if you are in the other category, you have up to nine times.
Responsibilities for A Collector
The roles and responsibilities of a district collector's office have considerably changed since independence. In contemporary times the function of the office is beyond just law and order enforcement and revenue collection.
It has grown multifold and now functions as an essential arm for implementing national and state policies on welfare and planned development.
In addition, the DC office serves as a channel of communication between the government and the district residents.
As a Collector, the DC’s office is responsible for
Land assessment and collection of land revenue
Land acquisition, land records and reforms
Collection of income tax dues, excise duties, irrigation dues, mining cess and royalties.
Management of government estates, supervision of treasury & Sub treasury.
As a District Magistrate, the District Superintendent of police is kept under his control, supervision and direction. Additionally, he performs the following duties as well :
Supervision of police and jails.
Issue SC/ST, OBC & Domicile certificates.
Issue custody / detention warrants.
Crisis management during riots, unrest or external aggression.
As a District Administrator :
Sanctions leave to tehsildars
Salary/Pension to district staff
Exercise control over field offices.
Arrange VIP visit and stay.
As a District Development Officer :
To implement developmental work and schemes in the district.
Involvement in programmes of other departments like PWD, Irrigation, power, forest, agriculture, health, and family welfare.
Coordination in District :
Coordination of activities of other agencies/departments at the district level.
Disaster management :
Disaster management during natural calamities such as floods, famines or epidemics.
Crisis management during riots, unrest or external aggression.
Conduct of election :
DC is designated as District Election Officer (DEO) and Returning Officer (RO) during Parliamentary Elections.
DC is responsible for preparing and updating electoral roles and holding free and fair elections.
Food and Civil Supplies :
Monitor the implementation of the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Essential Commodities Act and related rules to be enforced.
Residual Function :
Any government function that is not allocated to an agency will come under the purview of the DC.
The District Collector is also the Chairman of the District Bankers Co-ordination Committee.
The District Collector is also the Head of the District Industries Centre.
Licensing and regulatory function: The collector is the licensing and regulatory authority in the district as per the Arms and Cinematography Act.
Conclusion
A Collector is a critical job. He is the only link between the government of both the state and the centre with the people of the district.
Moreover, he is responsible for the progress in the community, which includes maintaining law and order, monitoring calamities like pandemics and flood situations, conducting the process of elections in a fair manner and a lot more.
Hence becoming a Collector is not an easy task. You have to navigate through the path right from when you are in school.
You have to keep yourself updated with information on all fronts, be it current affairs, the economy, history, science, and more.
You have to join a reputed coaching class to understand the procedure and get acquainted with the UPSC model of question papers. It will keep you in good stead while attempting to write the exam.
You can keep giving the exams from the age of 21 to 30, and hence you have the opportunity to repeat yourself. However, you should attempt to make it in the first opportunity itself.
There is a lot of prestige associated with the position, and hence you could attempt to get through the state-controlled SPSC exams.
It may be a trifle simpler, and you may not be directly posted as a Collector. However, you could reach the stage through promotions.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
1. What are the steps how to become a collector?
To become a collector, one has to work from the school level.
- Read NCERT books and every general knowledge literature that comes your way at school.
- You have to also focus on your academic performance as well. Hence 10-12 hours of reading is a must.
- While on your graduation, join some coaching classes that could guide you better and acquaint you with the UPSC exams model.
2. How many years does it take to become a collector?
You have a period from 21 years to 30 years of age after graduating. During that period, you may attempt to give the exams conducted by the UPSC.
If the exam model is beyond your reach, you may try to get through the state level SPSC, which may be possible. However, you may not become a Collector directly through SPSC and would have to wait to be promoted in the future.
3. Are IAS and collector the same?
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is the tag you earn after writing the UPSC exam successfully. While the UPSC appoints a District Collector after he gets through the UPSC exams and becomes an IAS officer.
The state government sets the deputy collector who gets through the state-sponsored SPSC exams. After several years, the deputy collector might be further promoted to a higher level.
4. What is an exam for Collector?
The Collector needs to successfully go through the UPSC exams conducted by the central government. After that, he has the option of writing the SPSC exams, which will be a state-sponsored exam.
The state exams will not put him in the Collectors seat, though. He would have to function as his deputy and wait for a promotion to get to the top.