Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Centre Reviews Lateral Entry Scheme Impact
The government is talking to different ministries and departments about a program called lateral entry.
This program brings in people from outside the government, like from private companies, to fill certain jobs.
They want to see how well this program is working and if any changes are needed.
So far, about 60 people have been hired this way, and most of them are still working in different government offices.
There was some controversy because the government canceled a plan to fill 45 jobs through this program, and some people said it was unfair to certain groups who usually get special consideration for government jobs.
The government is now focusing on making sure the program meets the needs of the ministries and is easy for officials to work with.
The Centre is consulting with stakeholder ministries and departments on the impact and requirements of lateral entry recruitment.
Almost 60 officers were recruited through lateral entry in three installments, with 38-40 still continuing in various ministries and departments.
The consultation aims to assess the initiative's impact and determine if any modifications or reviews of the scheme are necessary.
The UPSC cancelled a notification to fill 45 posts through lateral entry in August 2024, sparking criticism from opposition parties over reservation rights.
The government is considering forming new rules and procedures based on the consultation outcomes.
- Who
- Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) Secretary Rachna Shah and stakeholder ministries and departments
- What
- Consultation on the requirements and impact of lateral entry recruitment in the central government
- When
- Ongoing, with a press conference on year-end achievements of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To assess the impact and requirements of the lateral entry initiative and consider potential modifications
- Officers Recruited
- 60 officers in three installments
- Officers Continuing
- 38-40 officers
- Levels of Recruitment
- Joint Secretary and Deputy Secretary/Director
- Consultation Status
- Ongoing with stakeholder ministries and departments
- Potential Changes
- Possible modifications and review of the scheme
- UPSC Notification
- Cancelled in August 2024 for 45 posts
- Posts Cancelled
- 10 Joint Secretaries and 35 Directors/Deputy Secretaries
- Criticism
- Opposition claims undermining reservation rights for OBC, SC, ST
