Understanding the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Rules, 1962
Established under the powers granted by Article 309 of the Constitution, the Central Secretariat Service Rules of 1962 lay the groundwork for the administration and operation of the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) in India. These rules, effective from October 1, 1962, provide a comprehensive framework governing the recruitment, service conditions, and management of personnel within the central government secretariat. This document serves as the authoritative guide for understanding the structure and function of this vital administrative body.
Key Definitions within the CSS Rules
To effectively navigate the Central Secretariat Service Rules, it’s crucial to understand the key terms defined within. These definitions clarify the scope and application of the regulations:
2. Definitions.
(a) Appointing Authority: This refers to the authority designated under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, responsible for making appointments to specific grades within the Central Secretariat Service. The appointing authority varies depending on the grade of the position.
(b) Appointed Day: This is legally defined as the date on which the Central Secretariat Service Rules officially came into effect, which is October 1, 1962. This date is a reference point for various provisions within the rules.
(c) Approved Service: “Approved service” is a critical concept for determining eligibility for promotions and other service benefits within the Central Secretariat Service. It is defined differently based on the recruitment method:
(i) Direct Recruits: For officers directly recruited to a grade, approved service begins from the first day of July of the year following the recruitment examination. This includes periods of regular service in that grade, even during absences like leave, where the officer would have held the post if available.
(ii) Departmental Examination Recruits: For officers promoted via departmental examinations, approved service is counted from the first day of July of the year for which the examination was conducted to fill vacancies. Similar to direct recruits, this includes regular service periods and authorized absences.
(iii) Length of Service Based Recruits: For officers promoted based on their length of service in a lower grade, approved service commences from the first day of July of the year the recruitment was made. Again, this includes regular service and authorized absences.
Crucially, a proviso states that delays exceeding 90 days in joining an appointment will not be counted towards approved service if the delay is due to the officer’s fault.
(d) Authorised Cadre Strength: This definition pertains to the sanctioned number of duty posts within a cadre. It represents the official strength against which regular appointments can be made in the Central Secretariat Service. This strength is determined by the government and may be revised periodically.
(e) Cadre: A “cadre” in the Central Secretariat Service refers to a defined group of posts within the Section Officer and Assistant grades. These cadres are specific to Ministries or Offices listed in the First Schedule of the rules and their attached offices. Each Ministry essentially manages its own cadre.
(f) Cadre Authority: The “cadre authority” is the Ministry or Office responsible for managing a specific cadre. This is typically the Ministry listed in column (2) of the First Schedule. For disciplinary matters, the cadre authority can be either the Ministry in column (2) or the specific office in column (3) of the First Schedule.
(g) Cadre Officer: A “cadre officer” is a member of the Central Secretariat Service belonging to either the Section Officer or Assistant Grade within a specific cadre. This includes both permanent and temporary officers approved for long-term appointments.
(h) Commission: This definition clearly refers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the central recruiting agency for many government positions in India, including some roles within the Central Secretariat Service.
(hh) Common Seniority List: This is a unified seniority list for officers within a specific grade across all cadres listed in the First Schedule. It was established on the “appointed day” and is periodically updated by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This list is crucial for determining seniority across the entire Central Secretariat Service.
(i) Direct Recruit: A “direct recruit” is a person appointed to the Central Secretariat Service based on a competitive examination conducted by the UPSC, excluding departmental competitive exams. This is one of the primary modes of entry into the CSS.
(j) Duty Post: A “duty post” is any permanent or temporary position within a specific grade. For Grade I and Section Officer grades, it also includes posts specifically listed in columns (2) and (3) of the Second Schedule for offices in column (1) of that schedule. This defines the roles considered part of the service.
(k) Grade: “Grade” simply refers to the different hierarchical levels within the Central Secretariat Service as defined in Rule 3. These grades denote different levels of responsibility and pay scales.
(l) Long-term Appointment: This signifies an appointment for an indefinite period, contrasting with purely temporary or ad-hoc appointments designed for short-term vacancies like leave replacements. Long-term appointments provide job security within the Central Secretariat Service.
(m) Ministry: “Ministry” is broadly defined to include a Ministry in the Government of India, a Department within a Ministry, or any other Office listed in column (2) of the First Schedule. This broad definition encompasses the various organizational units that comprise the Central Secretariat Service.
(n) Permanent Officer: A “permanent officer” is an individual who has been officially confirmed in their entry-level grade within the Central Secretariat Service. Confirmation signifies successful completion of probation and grants permanent status.
(o) Probationer: A “probationer” is a direct recruit appointed to a grade on probation against a regular vacancy. Probation is a trial period to assess suitability for permanent employment in the Central Secretariat Service.
(oo) Range of Seniority: This refers to the seniority bracket defined by the DoPT within the common seniority list for a specific grade. This range is used for various purposes, including promotions and temporary assignments within the Central Secretariat Service.
(ooo) Regular Officer: A “regular officer” is someone appointed against a regular vacancy, either through direct recruitment or promotion from a Select List. Crucially, they must have completed their probation or trial period satisfactorily, becoming a fully tenured member of the Central Secretariat Service.
(oooo) Regular Vacancies: “Regular vacancies” include positions available for an indefinite period, as well as those arising from deputation, transfer, or leave lasting for one year or more. These are the vacancies filled through regular recruitment and promotion processes within the Central Secretariat Service.
(p) Schedule: “Schedule” refers to the Schedules appended to the Central Secretariat Service Rules, such as the First and Second Schedules, which list Ministries, Offices, and Duty Posts.
(q) Select List: The “Select List” is a roster of officers deemed suitable for promotion to higher grades like Selection Grade, Grade I, Section Officer Grade, and Assistant Grade. These lists are prepared according to regulations outlined in Rule 12(4) or the Fourth Schedule. Inclusion in the Select List is a prerequisite for promotion within the Central Secretariat Service.
(r) Service: “Service” unequivocally refers to the Central Secretariat Service itself, the subject of these rules.
(s) Temporary Officer: A “temporary officer” is someone holding a temporary or officiating appointment in a grade, based on being officially approved for such an appointment. Temporary officers fill short-term needs within the Central Secretariat Service and may or may not have the same benefits as permanent officers.
Composition and Structure of the Central Secretariat Service
The Central Secretariat Service (CSS) is structured into distinct grades, each with its own classification and level of responsibility. Rule 3 outlines the composition of the service:
3. Composition of the Service.
(1) Grades within the CSS: The Central Secretariat Service comprises four primary grades, categorized under the Central Civil Service classification system:
| Grade | Classifications |
|---|---|
| (i) Selection Grade (Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India or equivalent) | Central Civil Service Group A Ministerial |
| (ii) Grade I (Under Secretary to the Govt. of India or equivalent) | Central Civil Service Group A Ministerial |
| (iii) Section Officers’ Grade | Central Civil Service Group B Ministerial |
| (iv) Assistant’s Grade | Central Civil Service Group B Ministerial |
These grades represent a hierarchy within the Central Secretariat Service, with Selection Grade being the highest and Assistant’s Grade being the entry point for many.
(2) Special Provision for Existing Section Officers: Section Officers who were part of Grade II before the “appointed day” and opted for Class I status in the merged Section Officers’ Grade from July 1, 1959, retain their Class I status. This is a transitional provision recognizing the historical context of the service.
(3) Gazetted vs. Non-Gazetted Posts: Posts in the Selection Grade, Grade I, and Section Officers’ Grade are designated as gazetted posts, signifying higher authority and responsibility. Assistants’ Grade posts are non-gazetted. This distinction impacts official procedures and protocols associated with these positions within the Central Secretariat Service.
Combined Gradation List and Separate Cadres
To manage seniority and postings effectively, the Central Secretariat Service utilizes both combined and separate lists:
4. Combined Gradation List: A single, combined gradation list exists for officers in the Selection Grade and Grade I across all Ministries and Offices listed in the First Schedule. This list facilitates inter-ministerial postings and promotions at these senior levels within the Central Secretariat Service.
5. Separate Cadre Constitution: In contrast to the combined list for senior grades, separate cadres are established for the Section Officers’ Grade and Assistants’ Grade for each Ministry or Office in the First Schedule. Officers in these grades are placed on separate gradation lists specific to their cadre. This decentralization allows for cadre-specific management and career progression within the Central Secretariat Service.
Cadre Strength, Duty Posts, and Postings
The rules also define how cadre strength is managed, how duty posts are filled, and how cadre officers are posted:
6. Authorised Cadre Strength:
(1) Determination of Strength: The authorized cadre strength for each grade within the Central Secretariat Service is determined by the Central Government and may be revised periodically to reflect changing administrative needs.
(2) Temporary Additions: Cadre authorities have the power to make temporary additions to a cadre as needed, but these additions cannot extend beyond one year in any circumstance. This provides flexibility to address short-term staffing needs.
7. Exclusion of Duty Posts: Under specific circumstances, duty posts can be temporarily excluded from a cadre. This exclusion, requiring concurrence from the DoPT, is permissible:
- When a post requires specialized technical qualifications or experience not typically found within the cadre.
- When a post needs to be filled temporarily by someone who is not a cadre officer of the appropriate grade.
Such excluded posts remain outside the cadre for the duration of the declaration.
8. Initial Constitution of Cadres: The initial composition of each cadre for Section Officers’ Grade and Assistants’ Grade, including permanent and temporary officers on the “appointed day,” was determined by the DoPT. This was a one-time measure to establish the initial structure of the Central Secretariat Service cadres.
9. Posting of Cadre Officers: Every cadre officer is expected to be posted against a duty post of the appropriate grade within their cadre, unless they are on leave or otherwise unavailable. This ensures that sanctioned posts are filled by qualified cadre officers within the Central Secretariat Service.
10. Duty Posts Held by Cadre Officers: Generally, all duty posts within a cadre must be held by cadre officers of the appropriate grade. Exceptions occur when a post is excluded from the cadre under Rule 7 or held in abeyance.
However, a proviso allows for officers from Grade A of the Central Secretariat Stenographers’ Service (with at least two years of service) to be posted to Section Officers’ Grade duty posts, and Grade C Stenographers (with five years of service) to Assistants’ Grade duty posts, for a maximum of two years. These officers retain their grade pay from their stenographer service. This provision allows for cross-utilization of personnel within the Central Secretariat Service ecosystem.
Confirmation, Recruitment, and Probation
The rules detail the processes for confirmation, recruitment to various grades, and probation periods:
11. Confirmation: Confirmation in the Central Secretariat Service is grade-specific, not post-specific. Direct recruits and regular officers are confirmed to the appropriate grade upon successful completion of probation.
12. Recruitment to Selection Grade and Grade I:
(1) Selection Grade Promotions: Vacancies in the Selection Grade are filled by promoting regular Grade I officers with at least five years of approved service in that grade, who are included in the Select List for Selection Grade. Promotion to the highest grades of the Central Secretariat Service is strictly merit-based and seniority-linked.
(2) Grade I Promotions: Vacancies in Grade I are filled through promotions of regular Section Officers with a minimum of eight years of approved service in that grade, who are on the Select List for Grade I. Similar to Selection Grade, Grade I promotions are also based on merit and seniority.
(3) Select List Preparation: Select Lists for Selection Grade and Grade I are prepared and revised periodically. The DoPT prescribes the procedure for preparing and revising these lists. The Select List for Grade I is prepared in consultation with the UPSC. These lists are the cornerstone of the promotion process within the Central Secretariat Service.
(4) Temporary Officiating Appointments: In temporary vacancies in Selection Grade or Grade I, eligible officers (even if not on the Select List) can be appointed to officiate for up to three months if no Select List officer is available. This period can be extended to six months with DoPT approval in exceptional public interest cases. This provides a mechanism to fill crucial senior roles temporarily when needed.
Note 1: For Section Officers appointed under Rule 13(3) and Grade A Stenographers, “approved service” calculation includes prior service in related grades, with specific rules for service in different grades of the Central Secretariat Stenographers Service before and after August 1, 1969. This addresses the integration of service from related cadres into the Central Secretariat Service.
Note 2: Omitted.
13. Recruitment to Section Officers’ and Assistants’ Grade:
(1) Section Officers’ Grade Recruitment:
- Direct Recruitment (20%): 20% of regular vacancies in the Section Officers’ Grade are filled by direct recruitment through competitive exams conducted by the UPSC. This ensures fresh talent entry into the Central Secretariat Service.
- Promotion (80%): The remaining vacancies are filled by promoting individuals from the Select List for the Section Officers’ Grade. Promotions are seniority-based within the Select List, unless an individual is deemed unfit for promotion for documented reasons.
- Carry Forward Provision: Unfilled vacancies from either direct recruitment or promotion are carried forward to the next recruitment year, but not for more than two years. After two years, unfilled vacancies from one mode can be transferred to the other mode of recruitment. This aims to ensure vacancies are filled efficiently within the Central Secretariat Service.
(2) Temporary Vacancies in Section Officers’ Grade: Temporary vacancies are primarily filled from the Select List. If vacancies remain, they are filled by seniority-based promotions of Assistants with at least 8 years of approved service, within a defined seniority range, subject to rejection of the unfit. Reasons for rejection must be recorded and communicated. If cadre officers are unavailable, a panel of officers from other cadres may be used.
Note (i): Reservation policies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are applied in promotions as per DoPT guidelines. This ensures equitable representation in the Central Secretariat Service.
Note (ii): Promotions of non-Select List officers in temporary vacancies are terminated when Select List officers become available. This prioritizes Select List candidates for regular positions.
(3) Omitted. (4) Deleted. **
(5) Select List for Section Officers’ Grade: A Select List for the Section Officers’ Grade is prepared and revised periodically, following the procedure outlined in the Fourth Schedule.
(6) Assistants’ Grade Recruitment:
- Direct Recruitment (50%): 50% of regular vacancies in the Assistants’ Grade are filled by direct recruitment through competitive exams conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). This is a major entry point for graduates into the Central Secretariat Service.
- Promotion (50%): The remaining 50% are filled by regular appointments from the Select List for the Assistants’ Grade.
(6A) Appointments from Select List (Assistants’ Grade): Appointments from the Select List are seniority-based. If someone is deemed unfit for promotion, reasons must be recorded. If direct recruits are unavailable, Select List candidates fill those vacancies.
(7) Temporary Vacancies in Assistants’ Grade: Temporary vacancies are filled by temporary promotions of Upper Division Clerks (UDCs) from the Central Secretariat Clerical Service with at least five years of approved service, based on seniority and fitness. Rejection of unfit UDCs requires recorded reasons. Senior UDCs must also be considered, even if they lack five years of service, if a junior UDC is being considered. If cadre officers are unavailable, a panel from other cadres may be used. Reservation policies for SC/ST apply.
(8) Select List for Assistants’ Grade: A Select List for the Assistants’ Grade is prepared and revised periodically as per the Fourth Schedule.
(9) Competitive Examination Rules: The DoPT determines the rules for competitive exams for both Section Officers’ and Assistants’ Grades. Candidate allocation is also managed by the DoPT.
(10) Review of Service Length: The DoPT can review and revise the length of approved service required for promotion to Section Officers’ and Assistants’ Grades every three years if deemed necessary. This allows for adjustments based on changing service needs and career progression within the Central Secretariat Service.
13-A. Ad-hoc Recruitment in Specific Cases:
(1) Ad-hoc Appointments due to Reorganization: In cases of Ministry/Department reorganization where separate cadres don’t exist, ad-hoc appointments to Section Officers’ and Assistants’ Grades are permitted:
(a) Section Officers’ Grade (Ad-hoc): Assistants with at least eight years of service in the reorganized Ministry/Department can be appointed to the Section Officers’ Grade based on seniority and fitness for up to two months, or until a separate cadre is constituted (whichever is shorter).
(c) Assistants’ Grade (Ad-hoc): Upper Division Clerks with at least five years of service can be appointed to the Assistants’ Grade similarly, for up to two months or until a separate cadre is formed.
Preference is given to officers already on the Select List for the Assistants’ Grade in such ad-hoc appointments.
(2) Nature of Ad-hoc Appointments: Ad-hoc appointments are only against leave or local vacancies of specified duration and do not confer any right to regular grade appointment or seniority. This highlights the temporary and stop-gap nature of these appointments within the Central Secretariat Service.
14. Temporary Appointments Against Regular Vacancies: Regular vacancies can be filled temporarily as per rules governing temporary vacancy appointments until regular appointments are made. This ensures continuity of operations within the Central Secretariat Service.
15. Probation:
(1) Probation for Direct Recruits: Direct recruits to Section Officers’ and Assistants’ Grades are placed on probation for two years from their appointment date.
(2) Trial Period for Promotees: Promotees undergo a “trial” period of two years upon their first appointment to a grade.
(3) Extension or Curtailment of Probation/Trial: The appointing authority can extend or shorten the probation/trial period, but extensions generally cannot exceed one year, except in cases of pending departmental or legal proceedings.
(4) Training and Tests: Probationers and those on trial may be required to undergo training and pass tests prescribed by the DoPT. This ensures competency and suitability for the Central Secretariat Service.
16. Confirmation of Probationers: Probationers who pass prescribed tests and complete probation satisfactorily become eligible for confirmation in their grade, achieving permanent status within the Central Secretariat Service.
17. Discharge or Reversion of Probationers:
(1) Discharge of Probationers (No Lien): Probationers without a lien on a post under the government can be discharged without notice if their performance or conduct is unsatisfactory, or if information regarding their eligibility (nationality, age, health, antecedents) reveals unsuitability.
(2) Reversion of Probationers (Lien): Probationers with a lien on a government post may be reverted to that post under the same circumstances as discharge.
(3) Discharge/Reversion at End of Probation: Probationers deemed unsuitable for confirmation at the end of their probation (or extended probation) are discharged or reverted as per sub-rules (1) or (2).
(4) Reversion of Officers on Trial: Officers on “trial” who are deemed unsuitable can be reverted to their previous lower grade in the Central Secretariat Service or to their original service (Central Secretariat Stenographers’ Service or Central Secretariat Clerical Service). This provides a mechanism to correct unsuitable promotions.
Seniority, Pay, and Transfers
The CSS rules also address crucial aspects of service management like seniority, pay scales, and inter-cadre transfers:
18. Seniority:
(1) Seniority Before Appointed Day: Seniority of officers appointed before the “appointed day” is governed by their pre-existing seniority. If seniority was not determined, the DoPT will determine it.
(2) Seniority of Initially Constituted Officers: Permanent officers in the initial cadre constitution are senior to all subsequently appointed permanent officers. Similarly, initial temporary officers are senior to later temporary officers. This establishes a clear hierarchy based on the initial formation of the Central Secretariat Service.
(3) Seniority After Appointed Day: Seniority for appointments after the “appointed day” is determined as follows:
I. Selection Grade and Grade 1: Seniority is based on the order in the Select List. Refusal of promotion (for acceptable reasons) places the officer below the last person promoted from that Select List upon later promotion.
II. Section Officers’ and Assistants’ Grade:
(i) Regular Officers:
(a) Direct Recruits: Ranked by merit in their recruitment exam, with earlier exam recruits senior to later ones. Seniority adjustments for revived appointments or delayed initial appointments are determined by the DoPT in consultation with the UPSC.
(b) Promotees (Select List): Ranked by order of regular appointment from the Select List.
(c) Relative Seniority (Direct Recruits vs. Promotees): Determined as per the Fourth Schedule, balancing direct recruitment and promotion quotas.
(ii) Temporary or Officiating Officers: Select List officers are senior to all other temporary officers and are ranked within themselves by Select List order. Other temporary officers are ranked by approval date for long-term appointment. Refusal of promotion (acceptable reasons) results in lower placement upon later promotion, similar to Selection Grade and Grade I.
(4) Seniority of Regular vs. Temporary Officers: Regular officers in any grade are senior to temporary or officiating officers in the same grade. This reinforces the seniority advantage of permanent positions within the Central Secretariat Service.
(5) Deleted.
(6) Inter-Cadre Transfer Seniority: Seniority for officers transferred between cadres under Rule 13(2), 13(7), or 21 is determined by DoPT regulations. This ensures fair seniority placement upon transfer within the Central Secretariat Service.
19. Pay: The rules specify pay scales for each grade, although these are likely outdated and have been revised by subsequent pay commission recommendations. Current pay scales would need to be verified from updated government notifications. The pay scales mentioned are:
(i) Selection Grade: Rs. 12,000-16,500
(ii) Grade I: Rs 10,000-15,200
(iii) Section Officers’ Grade: Rs 6,500-10,500
(iv) Assistants’ Grade: Rs 5,500-9,000
Note: Specific provisions exist for pay fixation upon promotion to ensure a minimum increase over the previous grade’s pay.
20. Regulation of Pay:
(1) Pay and Increments: Pay and increments are governed by Fundamental Rules and similar pay regulations in force. Assistants who do not pass a typewriting test within two years (unless exempted) are not entitled to further increments until they pass. Upon passing, pay is re-fixed, but no arrears are paid for the withheld period. This incentivizes skill development within the Central Secretariat Service.
(2) Probationer Pay: Probationers’ pay may be increased by one stage in the time scale upon satisfactory completion of each probation year and passing periodic tests. This provides performance-based pay progression during probation in the Central Secretariat Service.
21. Inter-cadre transfers: The DoPT has the authority to transfer cadre officers from one cadre to another, facilitating optimal utilization of personnel across the Central Secretariat Service.
Cadre Restructuring, Regulations, and Special Powers
The rules also cover cadre restructuring, regulation-making powers, and special contingency actions:
22. Constitution of New Cadres:
(1) Cadre Restructuring Power: The DoPT can create new cadres within the Central Secretariat Service after the “appointed day” by:
(i) Splitting existing cadres.
(ii) Combining cadres.
(iii) Combining staff from different cadres. This allows for organizational flexibility and adaptation to changing government structures.
(2) Initial Constitution of New Cadres: The DoPT determines the authorized cadre strength, regular officers, and their seniority in newly constituted cadres.
(3) Applicability of Rules to New Cadres: Once a new cadre is constituted, all other provisions of the Central Secretariat Service Rules apply to it.
22-A. Omitted.
23. Regulations: The DoPT can create regulations, consistent with these rules, to implement and give effect to the Central Secretariat Service Rules. This delegated regulation-making power allows for detailed operational guidelines.
24. Residuary Matters: Matters not specifically covered by these rules, regulations, or special orders are governed by general Central Civil Services rules, regulations, and orders. This ensures comprehensive governance of the Central Secretariat Service.
25. Special Contingency Powers: In situations of large-scale surplus officers due to establishment reduction, cadre abolition, administrative reforms, or reorganization, the DoPT can issue special directives to cadre authorities for officer absorption. Cadre authorities must comply with these directives. This provides a mechanism to manage large-scale personnel changes within the Central Secretariat Service.
25.(a) Power to Relax: The DoPT can relax any rule provision for specific classes or categories of persons or posts by order, with recorded reasons and in consultation with the UPSC, if deemed necessary or expedient. This offers flexibility to address exceptional situations or needs within the Central Secretariat Service.
25(b). Saving: The rules do not override reservation policies, age limit relaxations, and other concessions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other special categories as per government orders. This ensures adherence to social justice and affirmative action policies within the Central Secretariat Service.
26. Interpretation: In case of doubt regarding rule interpretation, the matter is referred to the Central Government, whose decision is final. This ensures a single point of authority for resolving ambiguities in the Central Secretariat Service Rules.
Schedules and Sections: Detailed Appendices
The Central Secretariat Service Rules are further elaborated upon by several Schedules and Sections, providing detailed lists and specific regulations:
FIRST SCHEDULE: Lists Ministries/Offices covered by the CSS Rules, Central Secretariat Stenographers’ Service Rules, and Central Secretariat Clerical Service Rules, specifying cadre controlling authorities and participating offices, including offices outside Delhi.
SECOND SCHEDULE: Lists designations of posts (other than Under Secretary and Section Officer) included as “Duty Posts” in Grade I and Section Officers’ Grade, categorized by Office.
THIRD SCHEDULE: Omitted.
FOURTH SCHEDULE: Outlines regulations for creating and maintaining Select Lists for Section Officers’ and Assistants’ Grades, detailing constitution, maintenance, and seniority within these lists.
SECTION 2: The Central Secretariat Service (Seniority of Transferred Officers) Regulations, 1963, details rules for determining seniority of officers transferred between cadres.
SECTION 3: The Central Secretariat Service Section Officers’ Grade (Competitive Examination) Regulations, 1966, governs the competitive examination for direct recruitment to the Section Officers’ Grade, including eligibility, exam conduct, and appointment procedures.
SECTION 4: The Central Secretariat Service Section Officers’ Grade/ Stenographers’ Grade ‘B’ (Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations) Regulations, 1964, regulates the limited departmental competitive examination for Section Officers’ Grade promotions, specifying eligibility criteria and exam procedures for internal candidates.
SECTION 5: The Central Secretariat Service (Promotion to Grade I and Selection Grade) Regulations, 1964, governs promotions to Grade I and Selection Grade, detailing eligibility, Selection Committee composition, Select List preparation, and removal of names from the lists.
SECTION 6: The Central Secretariat Service Assistants’ Grade (Competitive Examination) Regulations, 1965, outlines rules for the competitive examination for direct recruitment to the Assistants’ Grade, mirroring Section 3 but for the Assistants’ entry level.
SECTION 7: The Central Secretariat Service (Preparation of Common Seniority List) Regulations, 1970, regulates the preparation of common seniority lists for the Assistants’ Grade across all cadres, crucial for inter-cadre mobility and overall service management.
SECTION 8: The Central Secretariat Service Grade I (Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for filling vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Regulations, 1979, specifically addresses a limited departmental exam for Grade I promotions reserved for SC/ST candidates, promoting inclusivity within the Central Secretariat Service.
Conclusion: The Foundation of Central Government Administration
The Central Secretariat Service Rules, 1962, along with its subsequent regulations and schedules, form the bedrock of administrative structure and personnel management within the central government of India. Understanding these rules is essential for anyone working within or interacting with the Indian bureaucracy. These regulations ensure a structured, hierarchical, and efficient Central Secretariat Service, crucial for the functioning of the Indian government. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to official government publications and notifications related to the Central Secretariat Service.
