How to become IAS Officer without cracking UPSC Civil Service Exam? Lateral Entry explained

UPSC Civil Service Examination became the major talking and a matter of controversy when the opposition including Rahul Gandhi raised questions of reservation into its lateral entry concept. UPSC Lateral Entry became the major talking point as through candidates became IAS or equivalent level officers by using this method. Yes! you heard it right. With cracking any UPSC Civil services examination you can be an Indian bureaucrat. As per reports, every year, more than 10 lakh candidates give the examination each year, out of which only a thousand are selected. In general to become an IAS officer, a candidate has to first crack the state civil service examination like the UP PCS or the MP PCS, and then become an SDM (Sub Divisional Magistrate). As per the Indian Administrative Service Regulations 1955, the SDM is eligible for the promotion to an IAS after 8 years of their service. Reportedly, they are promoted after a while; they could take 12 to 15 years to be promoted.

Now, the question arises what is lateral entry and how to become an IAS officer without cracking Civil Services Exam?

Any officer working in a private company, and around the age of 40 is eligible. They should have a work experience of fifteen years at least. After they have applied, they have to appear for an interview, which is going to be led by the Cabinet Secretary of the Government of India. Remember, that these appointments are for a 3 year contract.

UPSC lateral entry became the topic of discussion after the organization on Saturday (August 17) issued an advertisement seeking applications for 'talented and motivated Indian nationals for Lateral Recruitment' to the posts of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary in 24 ministries of the Union government. A total of 45 posts have been advertised with individuals having appropriate qualifications and experience from State/UT governments, PSUs, statutory organisations, research institutes and universities, and even the private sector eligible to apply. The advertisement mentions that all posts are “suitable for candidates belonging to the category of Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD).”

How to apply for IAS via lateral entry?

A notification has been issued on the UPSC’s official website upsconline.nic.in.  

It has information about the direct posting for the posts for Secretary and Director/ Deputy Secretary. 

The willing candidates can check the eligibility criteria from the official website and apply for the posts after clicking the “apply now” option and then you will get further information regarding the post.

Candidates can apply for these government jobs through online mode from the official website https://www.upsconline.nic.in before 17th September 2024. These are contract based jobs, a 3-year bond will be signed and candidates will be posted in main departments in Delhi.

Notably, the lateral entry scheme was formally introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, driven by the recognition of the need for domain experts to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of India's administrative machinery. However, reports suggest that the lateral entry concept was first introduced under the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and strongly endorsed by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established in 2005 and chaired by (senior Congress leader) Veerappa Moily.

Lateral Entry eiligibity or who can apply for IAS or equivalent post via lateral entry?

• As per UPSC, the candidate should, therefore, mention all of her/his qualifications and experience in the relevant fields over and above the minimum qualifications. For example, if experience is not essential for the post but an applicant possesses experience, he/she is advised to fill it in relevant field. Only those educational qualifications and experience etc. Will be considered for scrutiny / short-listing which are explicitly claimed in the online application.
• All candidates whether in Government service or in Government owned industrial or other similar organizations or in private employment should submit their applications online directly to the Commission. Persons already in Regular Government service, whether in permanent or temporary capacity other than casual/adhoc/daily wages/hourly paid/contract basis would be required to submit a declaration, whenever asked by the commission, that they had informed in writing to their Head of Office/Department while applying for this selection.