Can IAS and IFS Officers Marry Each Other?

Yes, IAS and IFS officers can and do marry each other. This arrangement, often referred to as an inter-service marriage, is not prohibited by any law. However, it presents unique challenges due to the different posting patterns of IAS and IFS officers.

Real-Life Example

Anmol Sagar, an IAS officer from the 2019 batch serving as SDM in Gondia district, Maharashtra, married Kanishka Singh, an IFS officer from the same batch serving in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. This is not an isolated example, as many couples from both services choose to marry despite the challenges. The lack of legal restrictions contrasts with the practical difficulties they face in maintaining their personal lives.

No Legal Bar, Yet Practical Challenges

While there is no law prohibiting inter-service marriages, the logistical and personal challenges are significant. The IAS service is primarily domestic, with officers serving in India throughout their careers. In contrast, IFS officers, such as those in the External Affairs Ministry, often serve abroad for a substantial portion of their careers.

Evolution in Service Rules

The Centre has updated service rules to address these challenges. Recently, P Parthiban, a 2011-batch IAS officer, and his wife, an IPS officer from Tamil Nadu, filed a petition for a common posting. In response, the Cabinet has approved several new provisions:

Preferred Cadre Selection: Candidates must list three preferred cadres while applying for the civil services. Efforts will be made to assign married couples to the cadre that best aligns with their preferences, as long as it is not in their home states. Marrying Officers in One State: The latest development allows married civil service officers to be posted in the same state, addressing the separation that often arises from different postings. Annual Leave and Vacation: IFS officers are entitled to annual leave, which includes vacation periods, allowing them to visit their families in India. Similarly, IAS officers can use their earned leave to visit the country where their spouses are posted.

Challenges and Consolations

Despite these measures, inter-service marriages still present significant challenges. Serving in different departments and regions can make it difficult to lead a normal married life. For instance, when one spouse is posted abroad and the other in India, frequent reunions become rare.

However, some consolations exist. For couples where the spouses work in the same country, like both being IFS officers, they can spend time together. Education of children can also be facilitated if one spouse is posted in a country with educational opportunities. For IAS officers, there are chances of deputation to the central government to be with their IFS spouses.

Deputation to the Center

In some cases, where one spouse is in a specialized IFS role, like those in external affairs or related fields, a deputation to the center in Delhi can be arranged. Under normal circumstances, a deputation lasts for up to three years and can be extended for another two years. This arrangement allows the couple to live and work together for a significant period.

Conclusion

Although inter-service marriages between IAS and IFS officers present unique challenges, the evolving service rules reflect an understanding of these challenges. Officers from both services strive to overcome these obstacles and maximize their time together. By navigating the complex systems and opportunities available, they aim to build successful and fulfilling lives despite the differing posting profiles of their careers.