The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a significant opportunity for professionals across various sectors by inviting applications for lateral entry into 45 high-level positions within 24 central ministries. This initiative is part of the government's ongoing effort to bring in fresh perspectives and specialized expertise from outside the traditional civil service cadre, aiming to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of policy formulation and implementation.
The recruitment drive includes 10 prestigious Joint Secretary roles and 35 Director/Deputy Secretary roles. These positions are critical to the functioning of the central government, as they involve high-level decision-making, policy planning, and management responsibilities. The Joint Secretary roles, in particular, are among the most senior in the civil service, often acting as the bridge between the political leadership and the bureaucratic machinery, ensuring that policies are translated into actionable plans.
Candidates interested in applying for the Joint Secretary positions must have at least 15 years of relevant experience, underscoring the level of expertise required for these influential roles. These positions are available in key ministries such as Finance, Home Affairs, and Electronics and Information Technology, among others, reflecting the strategic importance of these sectors to the country's overall governance and development.
Similarly, the Director/Deputy Secretary positions, which require a minimum of 10 years of experience, are equally vital. These roles involve overseeing specific programs, managing departmental budgets, and ensuring the smooth implementation of government policies. The positions span across various ministries, with a notable number in the Agriculture Ministry, reflecting the government's focus on enhancing the agricultural sector, as well as in the Education, External Affairs, and Civil Aviation ministries, each playing a crucial role in their respective domains.
The age criteria for these roles have been carefully structured to attract a diverse range of candidates. Joint Secretary applicants should be between 40 and 55 years of age, ensuring that only those with substantial experience and a proven track record in their fields are considered. For Director-level positions, the age limit is set between 35 and 45 years, while Deputy Secretary applicants should be between 32 and 40 years, allowing for a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging leaders.
The positions are being offered on a contractual or deputation basis, with an initial term of three years. This term can be extended up to five years based on the candidate's performance and the evolving needs of the government. This flexible approach allows the government to retain talent while also providing professionals from outside the traditional civil service the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at the national level.
Eligible candidates include those currently working in state governments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), autonomous bodies, statutory organizations, universities, and research institutes, as well as those from the private sector, consultancy organizations, and international or multinational entities. This wide eligibility criterion is designed to attract the best talent from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that the government benefits from a broad spectrum of skills and perspectives. However, it is important to note that current Central Government employees are not eligible to apply for these posts, as the initiative aims to bring in external expertise.
Applications must be submitted through the official UPSC website (www.upsconline.nic.in) by September 17, 2024. This recruitment drive represents a significant opportunity for professionals who are eager to contribute to the nation’s governance at a senior level, bringing their unique skills and experiences to bear on some of the country’s most pressing challenges. By opening up these high-level positions to professionals from outside the traditional civil service, the government is signaling its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and efficiency in public administration.
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