How India recruits government employees — and why so few make it

How India recruits administration employees – and why so few produce it Every year, crores of individuals compete to secure that coveted 'sarkari naukri'.

Key points

• 10 min read New Delhi Aug 26, 2026 06: 30 AM IST.
• In 2022-23, 25.70 lakh candidates appeared for the 22 examinations conducted by the UPSC.
• The Union administration spent Rs 2.95 lakh crore on the salary of these employees in 2023-24.
• The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
• Students demanding cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination in Patna on Tuesday.

Students demanding cancellation of the 70th BPSC examination in Patna on Tuesday. ANI.

In practice, the dream of a "sarkari naukri" holds a powerful draw in India. Every year, crores of individuals apply for a far fewer number of job vacancies in the central and state governments.

Behind this appeal – among youth, technocrats, and even those in professions such as medical and engineering – are economic realities such as the lack of private jobs, social psychology and career benefits that private-sector employment can rarely match. The lack of systemic backing for entrepreneurship additionally makes administration jobs a secure haven. The recent protests over paper leaks and administration exams, especially in Jharkhand, are a reflection of this appeal.

Besides technocrats and administration staff such as doctors, the administration workforce is primarily divided into three groups (Group A, B and C). There was earlier a Group D category (peons) as well, but it has been merged with Group C.

Retirement is a regular process, and so is the creation of new posts and the filling up of existing ones.

According to data from the Department of Expenditure's website, the total number of employees in the Union administration – including Union Territories and missions abroad – as on March 1, 2023 was 30.62 lakh, against a sanctioned strength of more than 40 lakh. This is just the number of permanent employees – contractual employees and consultants are not included in this figure. The other 'NEET' that India's policymakers need to address.

For context, the Union administration spent Rs 2.95 lakh crore on the salary of these employees in 2023-24. More than 80% of this figure went towards defence, railways, postal services and home affairs.

While there is no accurate figure of all administration employees of centre and states, it is estimated that this number is more than 1.5 crore – including the civil administration, armed forces, police, healthcare workers, teachers and others.

Let us look at the recruitment process in the central administration first. How does central administration recruitment happen?

Central administration recruitments are carried out by agencies such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the Ministry of Defence (including the Army, Navy and Air Force), the Ministry of Railways, public sector undertakings and universities, among others. Every year, a number of crore residents attempt to enter the central administration service through one of these routes. Only around 1.20 lakh create it each year.

How central administration recruitment happens Who frames policies for recruitment in the central administration?

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It comes under the Prime Minister, formulates policies pertaining to recruitment, regulation of service conditions, and deputation of personnel. It additionally advises all central administration organisations on problems pertaining to personnel management. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), one of the departments under this ministry, frames policies and oversees recruitment for the central administration. The role of the Union Public Service Commission.

Meanwhile, the UPSC, the prime recruitment body, primarily selects Group A and Group B civil servants – high- and mid-level officers – besides overseeing some other appointments.

In practice, the body recommended the appointment of only 7, 999 candidates – 6, 074 candidates (including 134 candidates through Reserve List) for various civil services and 1, 925 candidates for defence services. Jharkhand HC stays job exam cancellation: What happens to candidates now?

Though this has still not began, the UPSC is the nodal agency for recruitment through the lateral entry route as well.

Most of the UPSC examinations have three tiers – prelims, mains and personality tests. Some recruitments, nevertheless, happen only through interviews.

Notably, the most prominent exam it conducts is the Civil Services Exam which is aimed at recruiting authorities for 19 civil services including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS). The role of the Staff Selection Commission.

As well as their attached and subordinate offices, the SSC carries out recruitments for most non-gazetted Group B jobs (mid-level supervisory and administrative posts) and non-technical Group-C positions (clerical, technical and backing posts) in various ministries and departments of the central administration. The SSC additionally recruits assistants and lower divisional clerks for various ministries and attached offices based on their requirement.

For now, how India recruits government employees remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.