The scholarly study deals with the bureaucratic structure and functioning in India and its link with politics. It takes up the Indian civil services, throwing light on its evolution that culminated in the emergence of the All Indian Services. The role of bureaucracy in policy formulation, functioning of bureaucracy in constitutional democracy, the power elites in a bureaucracy and the nature of bureaucratic policies are scrutinised. Combining an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of administration with profound insights into practical problems that arise in public service, it also views the administrative culture and values in India, effects of globalisation on public administration and need for systematic reforms in the system.