Central Secretariat Service

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Central Secretariat Service
Service overview
Abbreviation CSS
Formerly known as ISS
Formed Template:Start date and age
Country Template:Flag
Training Ground Institute of Secretariat Training and Management, New Delhi
Cadre controlling authority Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, Department of Personnel and Training (CS-I Division)
Legal personality Governmental: Government service
General nature Policy Formulation
Civil administration
Advisors to Ministers
Continuity of administration in the Cabinet Secretariat
Preceding service Imperial Secretariat Service (1919–1946)
Cadre Size 11,550 members (2017)[1]Template:Efn
(Group A - 2471; Group B - 9079)[1]
Selection UPSC Civil Services Examination (1946–2003)
UPSC Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (2003–present)
Association CSS Group A Officers Association[2]
Head of the Civil Services
Cabinet Secretary
Current: T.V.Somanathan

Central Secretariat Service (Template:Langx; abbreviated as CSS) is the administrative civil service under Group A[3] and Group B[4] of the Central Civil Services of the executive branch of the Government of India. They are governed by Central Secretariat Service Rules of 1962,[5] which has been issued under the powers of Article 309 of the Constitution of India.[5] The service members work under restrictions and rules of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules.

The service serves as the backbone of administrative work[6][7] and provides permanent bureaucracy and functionary staff in the Union Government ministries, Cabinet Secretariat, Central Secretariat and other offices of Government of India.

On October 1 every year, the service celebrates CSS day, which marks the anniversary of its establishment.[8]

History

In the year 1919, the Imperial Secretariat Service came into being as one of the offshoots of the Lewllyn-Smith Committee which had been set up on the eve of the introduction of the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms.[9] The posts of Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Assistant Secretary and Under Secretary were filled by officers drawn from the Imperial Secretariat Service during the British Raj.[10] The recruitment of the members was made by Central Staff Selection Board, which was precursor of the Union Public Service Commission set up in 1926.[11] Notable members included - V. P. Menon[12] and P. V. Gopalan.

In 1946, after India gained independence from Britain, the Imperial Secretariat Service was replaced by Central Secretariat Service in India. However, in Pakistan, a Central Secretariat Service was formed in Central Superior Services of Pakistan,[13] which was later replaced and renamed to Office Management Group (OMG) and Secretariat Group (SG).[13]

The Central Secretariat Service was formed in 1946 and was established before the creation of All India Services - Indian Administrative Service in 1950, Indian Forest Service in 1966 and Indian Police Service in 1948. CSS is one of the earliest organized services[9] in India.

Recruitment

File:Jitendra Singh addressing the Valedictory Function of the Foundation Training Programme for Assistant Section Officers (Direct Recruit) of Central Secretariat Service (1).JPG
Minister of State at Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh interacting with CSS officers in 2018.

From 1946 until 2003, 50 percent of direct recruitment into CSS[14] was through the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission,[15] the next 25 percent recruitment was through Annual Departmental Examination and next 25 percent by promotion.

However, after the cadre restructuring in 2003, the direct recruitment into CSS through the Civil Services Examination has been stopped.

The mode of recruitment was changed to the grade of Section Officer by way of 50% through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination by Union Public Service Commission[16] and 50% by seniority.

Cadre Strength

In July 1950, the authorised permanent strength of Grade I of the CSS cadre was only 180.[17] In May 1967, the authorised permanent strength of Grade I of the CSS cadre was 390.[18] As on 2024, the total sanctioned strength of the CSS is 13,016 (including Group A and Group B).

Mandatory Training Program

In addition to these, the Government has also introduced mandatory training programs at every level of promotion.[19] The CSS officers are trained both in India and abroad[20] in various institutions starting at Level E onwards.[21][22]

Allocation and placement

After appointment by the President of India, the officers (Entry grade/Probationers) are allocated to different Ministries/Departments under Government of India. The Group B officers work in the levels of Assistant Section Officer and Section Officer/Assistant Director (For Directorate). The Group A officers work in the levels of Under Secretary/Deputy Director (For Directorate), Deputy Secretary/Joint Director (For Directorate), Director, Joint Secretary[23][24] and Additional Secretary[23][25] under Central Staffing Scheme of Government of India.

The officers are posted in various Ministries and Departments, Prime Minister's Office, National Security Council Secretariat, intelligence agencies,[26] Apex /Autonomous organizations of Government of India located at different places in the Secretariat in New Delhi. They are also appointed in personal staff of Union Council of Ministers of India.[27][28]

Deputations

The officers are also posted outside Delhi, or at various places of the country in other offices upon deputation.[29] They can also be deputed for service under an international organization, an autonomous body not controlled by the Government, or a private body as same as under Rule 6 (2)(ii) of IAS (Cadre) Rules.[30]

File:Jitendra Singh interacting with a delegation of the Central Secretariat Service Forum, in New Delhi.jpg
Minister of State at Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh interacting with CSS Forum in 2016.

In 2014, Government of India offered cadre officers on deputation to State governments of India like West Bengal and Uttarakhand.[31] In 2016, Government of India has approved officers to be posted on non-cadre posts in the secretariat of Northeastern states of India.[32][33]

Rotational transfer policy

The service follows RTP policy which stipulates fixed tenure in a Ministry/Department at different grades of the service in their career. The policy aims at the overall growth of officers, their exposure to different Ministries/Departments and various aspects of working of the Government of India. The Central Vigilance Commission also recommends rotational transfers as a preventive vigilance mechanism to curb corruption by limiting the development of vested interests.[34]

The officers serving in Prime Minister's Office, Cabinet Secretariat, offices of - Solicitor General, Attorney General and Additional Solicitor General are exempted under RTP.[35]

Responsibilities and functions

The typical functions performed by an CSS officer are:

  • Formulation and Monitoring of Policies - The officers play a critical role in assisting policy formulation and monitoring its implementation across various ministries and departments. They convert broad directives into actionable administrative tasks.
  • Administrative Continuity and Secretariat Maintenance - They ensure the smooth running of day-to-day Secretariat operations (commonly termed “Secretariat administration and housekeeping”), providing institutional memory and continuity within the machinery of governance.
  • Noting, Drafting, and Regulatory Interpretation - The officers have strong skills in official noting, drafting documents, and interpreting existing rules and regulations—tasks fundamental to effective government administration.
  • Analysis and Policy Development - They analyze reports from commissions/committees, expert opinions, and inputs from various sources to produce balanced, informed notes that feed into policy development.
  • Parliamentary Liaison & Documentation - They act as a vital link between Parliament and the Secretariat, handling parliamentary questions, government bills, assurances, and other legislative support work.
  • Financial Management and Budget Oversight - They assist in preparing departmental budgets and managing financial aspects of centrally funded schemes—especially those executed by states or other agencies.
  • Litigation Handling - They are often entrusted with matters related to litigation, ensuring that the government's legal interests are protected in administrative and policy disputes.
  • Institutional Memory & Transition Support - The officers bridge the gap between past and present, senior leadership and junior staff, helping maintain administrative coherence and learning.

Designations and Pay grade

Position / Pay Grade in the Government of India Level and Rank in the Central GovernmentTemplate:Efn Order of Precedence
(As per Presidential order) 		Equivalent Position or Designation in the Directorate Equivalent Position or Designation in the State Government(s)
1 Super Time Scale (HAG)
(Pay level 15)
Template:INRConvert—Template:INRConvert 		Additional Secretary to Government of India[36][37] 25 - Principal Secretary/Divisional Commissioner
2 Super Time Scale (SAG)
(Pay level 14)
Template:INRConvert—Template:INRConvert 		Joint Secretary to Government of India 26 - Secretary/Divisional Commissioner
3 Selection Grade
(Pay level 13)
Template:INRConvert—Template:INRConvert 		Director - - Additional Secretary /Deputy Commissioner/Special Secretary
4 Junior Administrative Grade (JAG)
(Pay level 12)
Template:INRConvert—Template:INRConvert 		Deputy Secretary - Joint Director Joint Secretary/District Magistrate
5 Senior Time Scale
(Pay level 11)
Template:INRConvert—Template:INRConvert 		Under SecretaryTemplate:Efn - Deputy Director Deputy Secretary/Additional District Magistrate
6 Junior Time Scale (NFSG)
(Pay level 10)
Template:INRConvert—Template:INRConvert 		Assistant Secretary / Section Officer - Assistant Director Under Secretary/Sub-Divisional Magistrate
7 Junior Time Scale
(Pay level 8)
Template:INRConvert—Template:INRConvert 		Assistant Secretary / Section OfficerTemplate:Efn - - Section Officer
8 Entry Grade
(Pay level 7)
Template:INRConvert—Template:INRConvert 		Assistant Section OfficerTemplate:Efn - - Review Officer in State Secretariat
Notes
Template:Notelist

Reforms

1st Cadre Restructure of 2003

In 2003, a committee was formed under the leadership of Additional Secretary (GOI). The direct induction of CSS officer through Civil Services Examination was permanently stopped. Also a new level G training program was organised for those in line of promotion in the rank of Joint Secretary (GOI) in the SAG level.[16]

2nd Cadre Restructure of 2010

The Government had set up a Committee on Cadre Restructuring of Central Secretariat Service (CSS) in June 2008. The Committee submitted its report in November 2008 for further reforms in the service. The report was finally accepted in 2010 and the number of posts at various levels including Deputy Secretaries and Directors were increased following the review [38]

3rd Cadre Restructure of 2013

A committee was formed under the leadership of Additional Secretary (GOI) in 2013 for further reforms in the service.[39] The report is currently pending with Prime Minister's Office and is expected to improve the service conditions by increasing the number of posts at the level of Deputy Secretaries.Template:Citation needed

Controversies

Recently, some CSS officers have been in the list of corrupt bureaucrats and have come under the CBI scanner for alleged involvement in a few corruption cases.[40][41][42] In 2019, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DOPT) listed 284 officers for performance audit by review panel headed by Cabinet Secretary of India.[43]

In 2019, a group of CSS officers approached the Supreme Court alleging that the Government of India had violated its April 15, 2019 order, which directed maintenance of a status quo on promotions.[44] Despite this injunction, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued ad hoc promotions in December 2020—reportedly affecting 149 officers—and again in early 2021, prompting the petitioners to seek contempt action.[44] The Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Uday Lalit and Justice Shripathi Bhat took a serious view of the matter and in April 2021 (as noted in multiple reports) issued contempt notice to Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, after prima facie finding non‑compliance with its 2019 directive.[45] However, in September 2022, the contempt proceedings were closed after the government complied with the Court's orders by issuing pending promotions and addressing the cadre restructuring of CSS officers.[46][47]

Model and influence

State government of India

Based on CSS service model, 28 state governments in India have their own independent secretariat service, usually known as the State Secretariat Service, which functions similarly to the CSS of the Government of India. The examples are like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh who have organised their own independent services like Bihar Secretariat Service[48][49] and Provincial Secretariat Service (UP).

Central Government

The Union Government ministries such like Railways, Defence and External Affairs, have organised their own independent services based on CSS model which are known as Railway Board Secretariat Service,[50] Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services and Indian Foreign Service, Group B (general cadre)[51] respectively.

The Railway Board Secretariat Service, the general administration staff in the Ministry of Railways, is modelled after the Central Secretariat Service.[50]

Notable members

Template:See also Template:Expand section Since its inception, CSS has produced many outstanding civil servants in India,[52] including recipients of Padma Shri (2) and Padma Bhushan (1).

Influential members include - M.P. Singh[53] who was appointed as Vice-Chairman of Central Administrative Tribunal at Jabalpur Bench,[53] P.G. Lele who served as Additional Secretary to Government of India[54] in the Ministry of Finance and M.V. Ayyar who was empanelled as Secretary to Government of India.

Reportedly, in the 1960s, there have been Labour Secretary and Education Secretary in Government of India also from CSS.

List

Template:Incomplete list

See also

Template:Portal

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 2017 Draft Civil List of Group A officers of CSS. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  2. ↑ Constitution of Office Council (DOPT). Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  3. ↑ Complete Civil Service Schedule of the Civil Services Group A of India." Civil Service Group A - Government of India, 1 January 2011.
  4. ↑ Complete Civil Service Schedule of the Central Civil Services Group B of India." Central Civil Service Group B - Government of India, 1 January 2011.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Central Secretariat Service Rules of 1962. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension. Retrieved 10 February 2012.
  6. ↑ Central Secretariat employees demand timely promotions(3 June 2015). Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  7. ↑ Why implementing the Seventh Pay Commission recommendation is a herculean challenge(20 December 2015). Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  8. ↑ Central Secretariat Service officers start 'Jansewa Abhiyan' to focus on public grievances, pendency. ThePrint. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 History: Central Secretariat Service. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
  10. ↑ Indian Administration{{#if:Singh|, Singh}. Pearson Education India(2011). ISBN 9788131761199
  11. ↑ A Dictionary of Public Administration{{#if:Maheshwari|, Maheshwari}. Orient Blackswan(2002). ISBN 9788125022527
  12. ↑ V. P. Menon: The Unsung Architect of Modern India{{#if:Basu|, Basu}. Simon & Schuster(2020). ISBN 9789386797681
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Office Management Group: CSS Pakistan. Central Superior Services of Pakistan. Retrieved 19 July 2015.
  14. ↑ Mode of Recruitment into CSS cadre. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  15. ↑ Federal Government takes first step in downsizing CSS officers. Business Standard. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Cadre Restructure: Central Secretariat Service. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  17. ↑ Report 1959-60 : Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Ministry of Home Affairs (India). Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  18. ↑ Report 1968-69 : Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Ministry of Home Affairs (India). Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  19. ↑ Training policy of CSS Officers. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  20. ↑ Archived copy. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  21. ↑ Over Rs 205 crore earmarked for training of babus. Business Standard. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  22. ↑ Training of CSS Officers. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India. Retrieved 23 December 2016.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 First Report of the Committee on Cadre Restructuring of Central Secretariat Service. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  24. ↑ 'Promotion scam' in railways. Business Standard. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  25. ↑ Archive: Minimum balance, no balance. Hindustan Times. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  26. ↑ RAW to hunt for officers from CSS pool. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  27. ↑ Why babus want to be private secys to ministers now. GovernanceNow.com. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  28. ↑ Ashok Kumar appointed OSD to MoS PMO. The Hindu(5 October 2015). Retrieved 20 October 2015.
  29. ↑ Deputation Logjam: PB seeks its share from MHA. The Times of India. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
  30. ↑ Deputation of CSS Officerse. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  31. ↑ Centre offers officers on deputation to WB, Uttarakhand. The Economic Times. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  32. ↑ Government Offers Postings In North-East To Non-IAS, IPS Officers. NDTV. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  33. ↑ Review of the Policy for inter cadre transfer/deputation for North East Cadres. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  34. ↑ Vigilance Mechanism CSS. Central Vigilance Commission. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
  35. ↑ Office Memorandum - Rotational Transfer Policy (RTP) for Central Secretariat Service. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DOPT). Retrieved 2 November 2022.
  36. ↑ Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved officers to empanelment for Additional Secretary rank - 2025. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  37. ↑ Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved officers to empanelment for Additional Secretary rank - 2023. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  38. ↑ 2010 Cadre Restructuring of the Central Secretariat Service. Government of India. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  39. ↑ 2013 Cadre Restructuring of the Central Secretariat Service. Government of India. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  40. ↑ IAS, CSS officers came under CBI scanner: Government. The Indian Express. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  41. ↑ 39 IAS officers under DoPT scanner for alleged corruption. Mint. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
  42. ↑ CBI arrests DDA official for accepting Rs 4 lakh as bribe. The Week (Indian magazine). Retrieved 25 July 2025.
  43. ↑ Modi govt to retire Central Secretariat Service officers now, 284 of them under scanner. The Print(4 September 2019). Retrieved 3 November 2019.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Quota in promotions: SC closes contempt proceedings against union home secretary. ThePrint(6 September 2022). Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  45. ↑ Quota in promotions: SC closes contempt proceedings against union home secretary. ET Legal(6 September 2022). Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  46. ↑ Quota in promotions: SC closes contempt proceedings against Union Home Secy. Business Standard(6 September 2022). Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  47. ↑ SC closes contempt proceedings against Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla. ThePrint(6 September 2022). Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  48. ↑ Bihar Secretariat service staff on warpath. Retrieved 26 January 2019.
  49. ↑ Bihar Secretariat Service Act 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 Railway Ministry unable to create credible seniority list for 276 officers. The Indian Express. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  51. ↑ Indian Foreign Service Branch 'B' (Recruitment, Cadre, Seniority and Promotion) Rules, 1964 (As amended upto 17th November, 2008). Ministry of External Affairs (India). Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  52. ↑ Archive: Govt proposes to extend tenure of CSS officers. Hindustan Times. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 Biography of Hon'ble Shri M.P. Singh: Vice Chairman (A) of CAT. Central Administrative Tribunal, Government of India. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
  54. ↑ Point of privilege 1992 : Attempt to influence some members of a Joint Parliamentary Committee by a Minister and a Government official. Rajya Sabha. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  55. ↑ Father of Indian modern legal education NR Madhava Menon dies at 84. India Today. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  56. ↑ Father Of Indian Modern Legal Education Dr. NR Madhava Menon Passes Away. Livelaw.in. Retrieved 8 May 2019.
  57. ↑ Amita, No Holds Barred: An Autobiography{{#if:Malik|, Malik}. Harpercollins Publishers India(1999). ISBN 9788172233518
  58. ↑ History of Education Policymaking in India, 1947–2016{{#if:Vaidyanatha Ayyar|, Vaidyanatha Ayyar}. Oxford University Press(2017). ISBN 9780199091546
  59. ↑ Prof Khwaja Shahid appointed as MANUU's In-Charge VC. United News of India. Retrieved 25 April 2020.

Books

  • Singh, Hoshiar (2011) Indian Administration. Pearson Education India Template:ISBN.
  • Jayapalan, N. (2001) Indian Administration 2 Vols. Set. Atlantic Publishers & Distri Template:ISBN.
  • Maheshwari, S.R. (2006) Public Administration in India: The Higher Civil Service. Oxford University Press Template:ISBN.

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