Complete history of the lateral entry programme
June 10, 2018 - Applications Invited
First batch of 9 Joint Secretaries selected, marking the beginning of India's lateral entry initiative. Selected candidates assigned to Civil Aviation, Commerce, Economic Affairs, Environment, Financial Services, and Agriculture ministries.
February 6, 2021 - Applications Open (Advt No. 51/2021)
Largest recruitment drive with 31 appointees successfully selected across Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary levels.
June 2, 2023 - Applications Open (Advt No. 52 & 53/2023)
Third batch focusing on Director and Deputy Secretary level positions across various ministries, continuing the program's expansion.
August 17, 2024 - Advertisement Issued, Cancelled on August 20
UPSC advertised 45 posts but the Centre directed withdrawal of the advertisement after opposition and NDA allies raised concerns about lack of reservations for SC/ST/OBC categories. This marked the first major controversy in the lateral entry program.
Read full cancellation reportThe program began with a modest yet significant first batch. Applications were invited for Joint Secretary positions only, marking a historic departure from traditional civil service recruitment patterns.
The program expanded significantly with the inclusion of Director and Deputy Secretary positions, bringing in younger specialists with 7-10 years experience.
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The Lateral Entry Programme was introduced to bring specialized expertise from the private sector, academia, and international organizations into the Indian government at senior positions. The initiative aims to bridge critical skill gaps in areas requiring domain expertise.
Augment manpower with specialized knowledge and skills for policy formulation
Finance, Technology, Education, Health, Commerce, Environment