{{Infobox government agency | name = Central Secretariat Service | native_name = CSS | seal = Emblem of India (without motto).svg | seal_size = 50px | seal_caption = Emblem of The Government of India | logo = Central Secretariat Service.jpg | logo_size = 150px | logo_caption = Logo of CSS | formed = 1 October 1946; 79 years ago | preceding1 = Imperial Secretariat Service(1919–1946) | jurisdiction = Government of India | headquarters = CSS Forum, Sanchar Bhawan, Delhi,New Delhi | employees = 11,550 members (2017) (Group A - 2471; Group B - 9079) | parent_department = Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions | parent_agency = Union Public Service Commission | child1_agency = Institute of Secretariat Training and Management | website = https://cssofficers.in/ | service = Central Service | mapframe = Yes }} {{Short description|Administrative civil service of the Indian executive branch}} {{pp-sock|small=yes}} {{Use Indian English|date=June 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}} {| class="infobox" style="font-size: 90%; text-align: left; width: 27em" |+'''Central Secretariat Service''' |- ! cellpadding="1" colspan="12" style="background:#E32636; color:#FFFFFF; text-align: center" |Service overview |- | '''Abbreviation''' | CSS |- | '''Formerly known as''' | ISS |- | '''Formed''' | {{start date and age|1 October 1946}} |- | '''Country''' | {{Flag|India}} |- | '''Training Ground''' | Institute of Secretariat Training and Management, New Delhi |- | '''Cadre controlling authority''' | Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension, Department of Personnel and Training (CS-I Division) |- | '''Legal personality''' | Governmental: Government service |- | '''General nature''' | Policy Formulation<br/>Civil administration<br/>Advisors to Ministers<br/>Continuity of administration in the Cabinet Secretariat |- | '''Preceding service''' | Imperial Secretariat Service (1919–1946) |- | '''Cadre Size''' | 11,550 members (2017)<ref name="2017 CSS List Group A">{{cite web|title=2017 Draft Civil List of Group A officers of CSS|url=http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/css_civillist/DraftCivilList_CSS2017.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension|access-date=5 April 2017}}</ref>{{efn|As on year 2021, CSS cadre has a total strength of 12,500 members and is controlled by DOPT, Ministry of Personnel GOI. According to a PTI report published by ThePrint on 7 March 2024, the sanctioned strength of the CSS officers is 13,016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Central Secretariat Service officers take out 'march' to protest against delay in promotions |url=https://theprint.in/india/central-secretariat-service-officers-takes-out-march-to-protest-against-delay-in-promotions/1992044/ |access-date=26 June 2025 |newspaper=ThePrint}}</ref>}}<br>(Group A - 2471; Group B - 9079)<ref name="2017 CSS List Group A"/> |- |'''Selection''' |UPSC Civil Services Examination (1946–2003)<br/>UPSC Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (2003–present) |- | '''Association''' | CSS Group A Officers Association<ref name="Office Council">{{cite web|title=Constitution of Office Council (DOPT)|url=http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/CSWing/AUM/2-4-2009-CS-IV%2016-4-2009.pdf|access-date=29 May 2014}}</ref> |- |- ! cellpadding="1" colspan="12" style="background:#800080; color:#FFFFFF; text-align: center" |Head of the Civil Services |- | |Cabinet Secretary<br> Current: T.V.Somanathan |} '''Central Secretariat Service''' ({{langx|hi|केंद्रीय सचिवालय सेवा}}; abbreviated as '''CSS''') is the administrative civil service under Group A<ref>[http://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/SCHEDULE-1.pdf Complete Civil Service Schedule of the Civil Services Group A of India]." '' Civil Service Group A - Government of India'', 1 January 2011.</ref> and Group B<ref>[http://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/SCHEDULE-2.pdf Complete Civil Service Schedule of the Central Civil Services Group B of India]." ''Central Civil Service Group B - Government of India'', 1 January 2011.</ref> of the Central Civil Services of the executive branch of the Government of India. They are governed by Central Secretariat Service Rules of 1962,<ref name="CSR Rules 1962">{{cite web|url=http://persmin.nic.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/CSS_Rules_1962.htm|title=The Central Secretariat Service Rules of 1962|access-date=10 February 2012|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension|archive-date=17 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217234549/http://persmin.nic.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/CSS_Rules_1962.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> which has been issued under the powers of Article 309 of the Constitution of India.<ref name="CSR Rules 1962"/> The service members work under restrictions and rules of Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules.
The service serves as the backbone of administrative work<ref>{{cite news|title=Central Secretariat employees demand timely promotions |date=3 June 2015 |publisher=Business Standard |url=http://wap.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/central-secretariat-employees-demand-timely-promotions-115060301332_1.html |access-date=11 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910190729/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/central-secretariat-employees-demand-timely-promotions-115060301332_1.html |archive-date=10 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Why implementing the Seventh Pay Commission recommendation is a herculean challenge |date=20 December 2015 |publisher=The Economic Times |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-12-20/news/69186342_1_seventh-central-pay-commission-ias-justice-ashok-kumar-mathur |access-date=11 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910190631/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-12-20/news/69186342_1_seventh-central-pay-commission-ias-justice-ashok-kumar-mathur |archive-date=10 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and provides permanent bureaucracy and functionary staff in the Union Government ministries, Cabinet Secretariat, Central Secretariat and other offices of Government of India.
On October 1 every year, the service celebrates CSS day, which marks the anniversary of its establishment.<ref name="CSS Day">{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/central-secretariat-service-officers-start-jansewa-abhiyan-to-focus-on-public-grievances-pendency/1132674/|title=Central Secretariat Service officers start 'Jansewa Abhiyan' to focus on public grievances, pendency|access-date=19 July 2025|publisher=ThePrint}}</ref>
==History== In the year 1919, the Imperial Secretariat Service came into being as one of the offshoots of the Lewllyn-Smith Committee which had been set up on the eve of the introduction of the Montagu–Chelmsford Reforms.<ref name="Service History">{{cite web|title=History: Central Secretariat Service|url=http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/History.htm|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension|access-date=17 May 2012}}</ref> The posts of Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Assistant Secretary and Under Secretary were filled by officers drawn from the Imperial Secretariat Service during the British Raj.<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Hoshiar|title=Indian Administration|year=2011|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=9788131761199}}<!--|access-date=16 May 2015--></ref> The recruitment of the members was made by Central Staff Selection Board, which was precursor of the Union Public Service Commission set up in 1926.<ref>{{cite book|last=Maheshwari|first=Shriram|title=A Dictionary of Public Administration|year=2002|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=9788125022527}}<!--|access-date=7 April 2019--></ref> Notable members included - V. P. Menon<ref name="VPM">{{cite book|last=Basu|first=Narayani|title=V. P. Menon: The Unsung Architect of Modern India|year=2020|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=9789386797681}}</ref> and P. V. Gopalan.
In 1946, after India gained independence from Britain, the Imperial Secretariat Service was replaced by Central Secretariat Service in India. However, in Pakistan, a Central Secretariat Service was formed in Central Superior Services of Pakistan,<ref name="CSP OMG Pakistan">{{cite web|url=http://csspk.com/Office_Management_Group.htm|title=Office Management Group: CSS Pakistan|access-date=19 July 2015|publisher=Central Superior Services of Pakistan}}</ref> which was later replaced and renamed to Office Management Group (OMG) and Secretariat Group (SG).<ref name="CSP OMG Pakistan"/>
The Central Secretariat Service was formed in 1946 and was established before the creation of All India Services - Indian Administrative Service in 1950, Indian Forest Service in 1966 and Indian Police Service in 1948. CSS is one of the earliest organized services<ref name="Service History"/> in India.
==Recruitment== [[File:Jitendra Singh addressing the Valedictory Function of the Foundation Training Programme for Assistant Section Officers (Direct Recruit) of Central Secretariat Service (1).JPG|thumb|Minister of State at Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh interacting with CSS officers in 2018.]] From 1946 until 2003, 50 percent of direct recruitment into CSS<ref name="CSS History">{{cite web|title=Mode of Recruitment into CSS cadre|url=http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/History.htm|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions|access-date=27 August 2015}}</ref> was through the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission,<ref name="CSS cadre downsize">{{cite web|title=Federal Government takes first step in downsizing CSS officers|url=http://business-standard.com/india/news/govt-takes-first-step-in-downsizing/182833|publisher=Business Standard|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> the next 25 percent recruitment was through Annual Departmental Examination and next 25 percent by promotion.
However, after the cadre restructuring in 2003, the direct recruitment into CSS through the Civil Services Examination has been stopped.
The mode of recruitment was changed to the grade of Section Officer by way of 50% through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination by Union Public Service Commission<ref name="CSS cadre restructure">{{cite web|title=Cadre Restructure: Central Secretariat Service|url=http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/TrainingPolicy.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> and 50% by seniority.
===Cadre Strength=== In July 1950, the authorised permanent strength of Grade I of the CSS cadre was only 180.<ref name="MHA 1959">{{cite web|title=Report 1959-60 : Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/REPORT_1959_60_12022021.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|access-date=30 August 2025|archive-date=3 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250503125929/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/REPORT_1959_60_12022021.pdf|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> In May 1967, the authorised permanent strength of Grade I of the CSS cadre was 390.<ref name="MHA 1968">{{cite web|title=Report 1968-69 : Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/REPORT_1968_69_12022021.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|access-date=30 August 2025|archive-date=3 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250503125924/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/REPORT_1968_69_12022021.pdf|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> As on 2024, the total sanctioned strength of the CSS is 13,016 (including Group A and Group B).
===Mandatory Training Program=== In addition to these, the Government has also introduced mandatory training programs at every level of promotion.<ref name="Training Policy CSS">{{cite web|title=Training policy of CSS Officers|url=http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02trn/CSS26052015.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India|access-date=29 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304185422/http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02trn/CSS26052015.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The CSS officers are trained both in India and abroad<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://istm.nic.in/CourseCirculars/2011-12/Circular3309072012.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826160824/http://istm.nic.in/CourseCirculars/2011-12/Circular3309072012.pdf |archive-date=26 August 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in various institutions starting at Level E onwards.<ref name="205 CSS">{{cite web|title=Over Rs 205 crore earmarked for training of babus|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/over-rs-205-crore-earmarked-for-training-of-babus-114071000776_1.html|publisher=Business Standard|access-date=23 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="Training CSS">{{cite web|title=Training of CSS Officers|url=http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/TrainingPolicy.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India|access-date=23 December 2016}}</ref>
==Allocation and placement== After appointment by the President of India, the officers (Entry grade/Probationers) are allocated to different Ministries/Departments under Government of India. The Group B officers work in the levels of Assistant Section Officer and Section Officer/Assistant Director (For Directorate). The Group A officers work in the levels of Under Secretary/Deputy Director (For Directorate), Deputy Secretary/Joint Director (For Directorate), Director, Joint Secretary<ref name="CSS First Restructure">{{cite web|title=First Report of the Committee on Cadre Restructuring of Central Secretariat Service|url=http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/CSS1stCadreReview2003.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144943/http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/CSS1stCadreReview2003.pdf|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Promotion">{{cite web|title='Promotion scam' in railways|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/promotion-scam-in-railways-114050400144_1.html|publisher=Business Standard|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> and Additional Secretary<ref name="CSS First Restructure"/><ref name="Balance Promotion">{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Minimum-balance-no-balance/articleshow/1145267.cms |title=Archive: Minimum balance, no balance |access-date=8 January 2017 |publisher=Hindustan Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108171513/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Minimum-balance-no-balance/articleshow/1145267.cms |archive-date=8 January 2017 |df=dmy }}</ref> under Central Staffing Scheme of Government of India.
The officers are posted in various Ministries and Departments, Prime Minister's Office, National Security Council Secretariat, intelligence agencies,<ref name="RAW CSS">{{cite web|title=RAW to hunt for officers from CSS pool|url=http://newindianexpress.com/nation/article1315354.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029052129/http://newindianexpress.com/nation/article1315354.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 October 2012|publisher=The New Indian Express|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> Apex /Autonomous organizations of Government of India located at different places in the Secretariat in New Delhi. They are also appointed in personal staff of Union Council of Ministers of India.<ref name="Staff Minister">{{cite web|title=Why babus want to be private secys to ministers now|url=http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/why-babus-want-be-private-secys-ministers-now|publisher=GovernanceNow.com|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/ashok-kumar-appointed-osd-to-mos-pmo-115090700417_1.html |title=Ashok Kumar appointed OSD to MoS PMO|work=The Hindu|access-date=20 October 2015 |location=India |date=5 October 2015}}</ref>
===Deputations=== The officers are also posted outside Delhi, or at various places of the country in other offices upon deputation.<ref name="Deputation CSS2">{{cite web|title=Deputation Logjam: PB seeks its share from MHA|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/deputation-logjam-pb-seeks-its-share-from-mha/articleshow/122527832.cms|publisher=The Times of India|access-date=21 July 2015}}</ref> They can also be deputed for service under an international organization, an autonomous body not controlled by the Government, or a private body as same as under Rule 6 (2)(ii) of IAS (Cadre) Rules.<ref name="Deputation CSS">{{cite web|title=Deputation of CSS Officerse|url=http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/DeputationOfCSSOfficers.htm|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> [[File:Jitendra Singh interacting with a delegation of the Central Secretariat Service Forum, in New Delhi.jpg|thumb|Minister of State at Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh interacting with CSS Forum in 2016.]]
In 2014, Government of India offered cadre officers on deputation to State governments of India like West Bengal and Uttarakhand.<ref name="Deputation CSS SG">{{cite web|title=Centre offers officers on deputation to WB, Uttarakhand|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/centre-offers-officers-on-deputation-to-wb-uttarakhand/articleshow/45180924.cms|publisher=The Economic Times|access-date=7 May 2016}}</ref> In 2016, Government of India has approved officers to be posted on non-cadre posts in the secretariat of Northeastern states of India.<ref name="Deputation CSS NE1">{{cite web|title=Government Offers Postings In North-East To Non-IAS, IPS Officers|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/goverment-offers-postings-in-north-east-to-non-ias-ips-officers-1282668|publisher=NDTV|access-date=6 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="Deputation CSS NE2">{{cite web|title=Review of the Policy for inter cadre transfer/deputation for North East Cadres|url=http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02ser/13017_16_2003-AIS-I-29022016.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension|access-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309035845/http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02ser/13017_16_2003-AIS-I-29022016.pdf|archive-date=9 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Rotational transfer policy=== The service follows RTP policy which stipulates fixed tenure in a Ministry/Department at different grades of the service in their career. The policy aims at the overall growth of officers, their exposure to different Ministries/Departments and various aspects of working of the Government of India. The Central Vigilance Commission also recommends rotational transfers as a preventive vigilance mechanism to curb corruption by limiting the development of vested interests.<ref name="RTP">{{cite web|title=Vigilance Mechanism CSS|url=https://cvc.gov.in/files/trainingmodules-pdf/M3-04.pdf|publisher=Central Vigilance Commission|access-date=25 July 2025}}</ref>
The officers serving in Prime Minister's Office, Cabinet Secretariat, offices of - Solicitor General, Attorney General and Additional Solicitor General are exempted under RTP.<ref name="RTP2">{{cite web|title=Office Memorandum - Rotational Transfer Policy (RTP) for Central Secretariat Service|url=https://doptcirculars.nic.in/OM/ViewOMNew.aspx?id=301|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DOPT)|access-date=2 November 2022}}</ref>
==Responsibilities and functions== The typical functions performed by an CSS officer are: * Formulation and Monitoring of Policies - The officers play a critical role in assisting policy formulation and monitoring its implementation across various ministries and departments. They convert broad directives into actionable administrative tasks. * Administrative Continuity and Secretariat Maintenance - They ensure the smooth running of day-to-day Secretariat operations (commonly termed “Secretariat administration and housekeeping”), providing institutional memory and continuity within the machinery of governance. * Noting, Drafting, and Regulatory Interpretation - The officers have strong skills in official noting, drafting documents, and interpreting existing rules and regulations—tasks fundamental to effective government administration. * Analysis and Policy Development - They analyze reports from commissions/committees, expert opinions, and inputs from various sources to produce balanced, informed notes that feed into policy development. * Parliamentary Liaison & Documentation - They act as a vital link between Parliament and the Secretariat, handling parliamentary questions, government bills, assurances, and other legislative support work. * Financial Management and Budget Oversight - They assist in preparing departmental budgets and managing financial aspects of centrally funded schemes—especially those executed by states or other agencies. * Litigation Handling - They are often entrusted with matters related to litigation, ensuring that the government's legal interests are protected in administrative and policy disputes. * Institutional Memory & Transition Support - The officers bridge the gap between past and present, senior leadership and junior staff, helping maintain administrative coherence and learning.
==Designations and Pay grade== {| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;" |- | ! scope="col" | Position / Pay Grade in the Government of India ! scope="col" | Level and Rank in the Central Government{{efn|CSS officers serve in ranks/posts of the Government of India under Central Staffing Scheme.}} ! scope="col" | Order of Precedence <br>(As per Presidential order) ! scope="col" |Equivalent Position or Designation in the Directorate ! scope="col" |Equivalent Position or Designation in the State Government(s) |-
! scope="row" | 1 |Super Time Scale (HAG) <br> (Pay level 15) <br> {{INRConvert|182.2|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|224.1|k|lk=on}} |'''Additional Secretary to Government of India'''<ref name="AS 1">{{cite web|title=Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved officers to empanelment for Additional Secretary rank - 2025|url=https://documents.doptcirculars.nic.in/D2/D02eod/InfoNoteAddlSecy7yGxH.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions|access-date=14 July 2025}}</ref><ref name="AS 2">{{cite web|title=Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved officers to empanelment for Additional Secretary rank - 2023|url=https://documents.doptcirculars.nic.in/D2/D02eod/InfnoteEmpAddlSecyi4F3R.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions|access-date=14 July 2025}}</ref> | 25 | - |Principal Secretary/Divisional Commissioner |-
! scope="row" | 2 |Super Time Scale (SAG) <br> (Pay level 14) <br> {{INRConvert|144.2|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|218.2|k|lk=on}} |'''Joint Secretary to Government of India''' | 26 | - |Secretary/Divisional Commissioner |-
! scope="row" | 3 |Selection Grade <br> (Pay level 13) <br> {{INRConvert|123.1|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|215.9|k|lk=on}} |'''Director''' | - | - | Additional Secretary /Deputy Commissioner/Special Secretary |-
! scope="row" | 4 |Junior Administrative Grade (JAG) <br> (Pay level 12) <br> {{INRConvert|78.8|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|208.7|k|lk=on}} |'''Deputy Secretary''' | - | Joint Director |Joint Secretary/District Magistrate |-
! scope="row" | 5 |Senior Time Scale <br> (Pay level 11) <br> {{INRConvert|67.7|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|208.7|k|lk=on}} |'''Under Secretary'''{{efn|Under Secretary is a Group A Gazetted Officer post. The majority of Under Secretary-level officers in the Government of India are from the CSS cadre.}} | - | Deputy Director |Deputy Secretary/Additional District Magistrate |-
! scope="row" | 6 | Junior Time Scale (NFSG) <br> (Pay level 10) <br> {{INRConvert|56.1|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|177.5|k|lk=on}} | '''Assistant Secretary / Section Officer''' | - | Assistant Director |Under Secretary/Sub-Divisional Magistrate |-
! scope="row" | 7 |Junior Time Scale <br> (Pay level 8) <br> {{INRConvert|47.6|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|151.1|k|lk=on}} |'''Assistant Secretary / Section Officer'''{{efn|The appointing authority of a Section Officer in the CSS cadre is the President of India. Thus the President is the only authority competent to dismiss or remove the section officer.<ref>{{cite book|last=Chaturvedi|first=Mukesh|title=What is Sexual Harassment, and how to conduct Inquiry as per service rules|year=2019|publisher=Notion Press|isbn=9781647336189}}</ref>}} | - | - |Section Officer |-
! scope="row" | 8 |Entry Grade <br> (Pay level 7) <br> {{INRConvert|44.9|k|lk=on}}—{{INRConvert|142.4|k|lk=on}} |'''Assistant Section Officer'''{{efn|An Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in the CSS is a Group B (Non-Gazetted) position within the Government of India. This is an entry-level (probationer) or promoted from the post of UDC.<ref name="Nomenclature CSS">{{cite web|title=Change of Nomenclature of the post of CSS cadre and CSCS cadre|url=http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/Brahmkrit.pdf|publisher=Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pension|access-date=25 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104182028/http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/Brahmkrit.pdf|archive-date=4 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>}} | - | - |Review Officer in State Secretariat |-
|- ! colspan="7" |Notes |- | colspan="7" |{{Notelist}} |}
==Reforms== ===1st Cadre Restructure of 2003=== In 2003, a committee was formed under the leadership of Additional Secretary (GOI). The direct induction of CSS officer through Civil Services Examination was permanently stopped. Also a new level G training program was organised for those in line of promotion in the rank of Joint Secretary (GOI) in the SAG level.<ref name="CSS cadre restructure"/>
===2nd Cadre Restructure of 2010=== The Government had set up a Committee on Cadre Restructuring of Central Secretariat Service (CSS) in June 2008. The Committee submitted its report in November 2008 for further reforms in the service. The report was finally accepted in 2010 and the number of posts at various levels including Deputy Secretaries and Directors were increased following the review <ref name="CSS restructure 2010">{{cite web|title=2010 Cadre Restructuring of the Central Secretariat Service|url=http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/Cadre%20Restructuring%20of%20CSS.pdf|publisher=Government of India|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120616/http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/Cadre%20Restructuring%20of%20CSS.pdf|archive-date=26 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===3rd Cadre Restructure of 2013=== A committee was formed under the leadership of Additional Secretary (GOI) in 2013 for further reforms in the service.<ref name="CSS restructure 2013">{{cite web|title=2013 Cadre Restructuring of the Central Secretariat Service|url=http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/3Cadre.pdf|publisher=Government of India|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221155327/http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/3Cadre.pdf|archive-date=21 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The report is currently pending with Prime Minister's Office and is expected to improve the service conditions by increasing the number of posts at the level of Deputy Secretaries.{{citation needed|date=May 2015}}
==Controversies== Recently, some CSS officers have been in the list of corrupt bureaucrats and have come under the CBI scanner for alleged involvement in a few corruption cases.<ref name="IAS CSS Corruption">{{cite web|title=IAS, CSS officers came under CBI scanner: Government|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/100-ias-officers-came-under-cbi-scanner-in-last-5-years-government/|publisher=The Indian Express|access-date=14 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="IAS CSS Corruption2">{{cite web|title=39 IAS officers under DoPT scanner for alleged corruption|url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/65o175mrqNMrIl9PgHUtLM/39-IAS-officers-under-DoPT-scanner-for-alleged-corruption.html|publisher=Mint|access-date=25 July 2025}}</ref><ref name="IAS CSS Corruption3">{{cite web|title=CBI arrests DDA official for accepting Rs 4 lakh as bribe|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/04/04/cbi-arrests-dda-official-accepting-bribe.html|publisher=The Week (Indian magazine)|access-date=25 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725042659/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/04/04/cbi-arrests-dda-official-accepting-bribe.html|archive-date=2025-07-25}}</ref> In 2019, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DOPT) listed 284 officers for performance audit by review panel headed by Cabinet Secretary of India.<ref name="CSS DOPT 2019">{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/modi-govt-to-retire-central-secretariat-service-officers-now-284-of-them-under-scanner/286418/|title=Modi govt to retire Central Secretariat Service officers now, 284 of them under scanner|date=4 September 2019 |access-date=3 November 2019|publisher=The Print}}</ref>
In 2019, a group of CSS officers approached the Supreme Court alleging that the Government of India had violated its April 15, 2019 order, which directed maintenance of a status quo on promotions.<ref name="statusquo">{{cite web |url=https://theprint.in/india/quota-in-promotions-sc-closes-contempt-proceedings-against-union-home-secretary/1118779/ |title=Quota in promotions: SC closes contempt proceedings against union home secretary |date=6 September 2022 |access-date=28 July 2025 |publisher=ThePrint}}</ref> Despite this injunction, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued ad hoc promotions in December 2020—reportedly affecting 149 officers—and again in early 2021, prompting the petitioners to seek contempt action.<ref name="statusquo"/> The Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Uday Lalit and Justice Shripathi Bhat took a serious view of the matter and in April 2021 (as noted in multiple reports) issued contempt notice to Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, after prima facie finding non‑compliance with its 2019 directive.<ref name="ET">{{cite web |url=https://legal.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/quota-in-promotions-sc-closes-contempt-proceedings-against-union-home-secretary/94041777 |title=Quota in promotions: SC closes contempt proceedings against union home secretary |date=6 September 2022 |access-date=28 July 2025 |publisher=ET Legal}}</ref> However, in September 2022, the contempt proceedings were closed after the government complied with the Court's orders by issuing pending promotions and addressing the cadre restructuring of CSS officers.<ref name="BS2022">{{cite web |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/quota-in-promotions-sc-closes-contempt-proceedings-against-union-home-secy-122090601251_1.html |title=Quota in promotions: SC closes contempt proceedings against Union Home Secy |date=6 September 2022 |access-date=28 July 2025 |publisher=Business Standard}}</ref><ref name="ThePrintBhalla">{{cite web |url=https://theprint.in/india/sc-closes-contempt-proceedings-against-home-secretary-ajay-bhalla/1118660/ |title=SC closes contempt proceedings against Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla |date=6 September 2022 |access-date=28 July 2025 |publisher=ThePrint}}</ref>
==Model and influence == ===State government of India=== Based on CSS service model, 28 state governments in India have their own independent secretariat service, usually known as the State Secretariat Service, which functions similarly to the CSS of the Government of India. The examples are like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh who have organised their own independent services like Bihar Secretariat Service<ref name="Bihar Secretariat">{{cite web|title=Bihar Secretariat service staff on warpath |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/secretariat-service-staff-on-warpath/articleshow/66871032.cms|work=The Times of India|access-date=26 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="Bihar Secretariat2">{{cite web|title=Bihar Secretariat Service Act 2007|url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/19799/1/bssa2007.pdf|work=Government of India|access-date=26 January 2025|archive-date=24 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724033855/https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/19799/1/bssa2007.pdf|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> and Provincial Secretariat Service (UP).
===Central Government=== The Union Government ministries such like Railways, Defence and External Affairs, have organised their own independent services based on CSS model which are known as Railway Board Secretariat Service,<ref name="CSS Model RBSS"/> Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services and Indian Foreign Service, Group B (general cadre)<ref name="IFS B 1964">{{cite web|url=https://www.mea.gov.in/images/pdf/ifs-b-rule3.pdf|title=Indian Foreign Service Branch 'B' (Recruitment, Cadre, Seniority and Promotion) Rules, 1964 (As amended upto 17th November, 2008)|access-date=7 May 2020|publisher=Ministry of External Affairs (India)}}</ref> respectively.
The Railway Board Secretariat Service, the general administration staff in the Ministry of Railways, is modelled after the Central Secretariat Service.<ref name="CSS Model RBSS">{{cite web|title=Railway Ministry unable to create credible seniority list for 276 officers|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-railways-railway-ministry-suresh-prabhu-railway-board-secretariat-service-ramillways-seniority-list-4436175/|publisher=The Indian Express|access-date=17 March 2017}}</ref>
==Notable members== {{See also|Category:Central Secretariat Service officers}} {{Expand section|date=July 2016}} Since its inception, CSS has produced many outstanding civil servants in India,<ref name="CSS CS">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/govt-proposes-to-extend-tenure-of-css-officers/story-IHhnAMIDxujUfihIR8AZLK.html |title=Archive: Govt proposes to extend tenure of CSS officers |access-date=8 January 2017 |publisher=Hindustan Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108170506/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/govt-proposes-to-extend-tenure-of-css-officers/story-IHhnAMIDxujUfihIR8AZLK.html |archive-date=8 January 2017 |df=dmy }}</ref> including recipients of Padma Shri (2) and Padma Bhushan (1).
Influential members include - M.P. Singh<ref name="MP SIngh CAT"/> who was appointed as Vice-Chairman of Central Administrative Tribunal at Jabalpur Bench,<ref name="MP SIngh CAT">{{cite web|title=Biography of Hon'ble Shri M.P. Singh: Vice Chairman (A) of CAT|url=http://cgat.gov.in/bio/jabalpur/mp_singh.htm|publisher=Central Administrative Tribunal, Government of India|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421025705/http://cgat.gov.in/bio/jabalpur/mp_singh.htm|archive-date=21 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> P.G. Lele who served as Additional Secretary to Government of India<ref name="Lele Rajya Sabha">{{cite web|title=Point of privilege 1992 : Attempt to influence some members of a Joint Parliamentary Committee by a Minister and a Government official|url=http://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/privileges_digest/PRIV-158.pdf|publisher=Rajya Sabha|access-date=22 April 2016}}</ref> in the Ministry of Finance and M.V. Ayyar who was empanelled as Secretary to Government of India.
Reportedly, in the 1960s, there have been Labour Secretary and Education Secretary in Government of India also from CSS.
===List=== {{Incomplete list|date=July 2016}} * N. R. Madhava Menon - Awarded Padma Shri (2003) and Padma Bhushan (2020) by Government of India and founder director of National Law School of India University<ref name="NR Madhava Menon">{{cite web|title=Father of Indian modern legal education NR Madhava Menon dies at 84|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/father-of-indian-modern-legal-education-nr-madhava-menon-dies-at-84-1520100-2019-05-08|publisher=India Today|access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="NR Madhava Menon2">{{cite web|title=Father Of Indian Modern Legal Education Dr. NR Madhava Menon Passes Away|url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/dr-nr-madhava-menon-passes-away-144870|publisher=Livelaw.in|access-date=8 May 2019}}</ref> * Ramaswamy Venkata Subra Mani - Awarded Padma Shri (2026) by Government of India * Anwar Jamal Kidwai - 6th Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University and Secretary to Government of India in Ministry of Information and Broadcasting<ref>{{cite book|last=Malik|first=Amita|title=Amita, No Holds Barred: An Autobiography|year=1999|publisher=Harpercollins Publishers India|isbn=9788172233518}}</ref> * Prem Nath Kirpal - President of Executive Board at UNESCO (1970 to 1972) and Secretary to Government of India in Ministry of Education<ref>{{cite book|last=Vaidyanatha Ayyar|first=R. V.|title=History of Education Policymaking in India, 1947–2016|year=2017|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=|isbn=9780199091546}}</ref> * Khwaja M. Shahid - Vice Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University<ref name="MANUU Khwaja CSS">{{cite web|title=Prof Khwaja Shahid appointed as MANUU's In-Charge VC|url=http://www.uniindia.com/news/others/prof-khwaja-shahid-appointed-as-manuu-s-in-charge-vc/59003.html|publisher=United News of India|access-date=25 April 2020}}</ref> * Hari Sharma * Arun Kumar * D.B. Singh * Gautam Sanyal * U. Sagayam (1989)
== See also == {{Portal|India}} * Civil Services of India
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Books== * Singh, Hoshiar (2011) ''Indian Administration''. Pearson Education India {{ISBN|9788131761199}}. * Jayapalan, N. (2001) ''Indian Administration 2 Vols. Set''. Atlantic Publishers & Distri {{ISBN|9788171569212}}. * Maheshwari, S.R. (2006) ''Public Administration in India: The Higher Civil Service''. Oxford University Press {{ISBN|9780199087839}}.
==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140906101037/http://knowindia.gov.in/knowindia/profile.php?id=32 CSS Public Service Profile] at Government of India Portal. * [http://persmin.nic.in/DOPT_CSDivision_Index.asp The Central Secretariat Division] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120155707/http://persmin.nic.in/DOPT_CSDivision_Index.asp |date=20 January 2012 }} at Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DOPT) * [http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/CSS%20RULES-2009.pdf CSS Service Rules 2009 - Gazette of India] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144943/http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02csd/CSS1stCadreReview2003.pdf First Report of the Committee on Cadre Restructuring of CSS - 2002] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20130717185256/http://persmin.gov.in/DOPT/RTICorner/ProactiveDisclosure/FAQ_CS-I.pdf FAQ CSS] RTI, DOPT * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120417113518/http://arc.gov.in/10th/ARC_10thReport_Ch7.pdf Central Civil Services: Group A, B, C and D] * [http://persmin.nic.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/css_ersheet/ProcessQryERS.asp Complete Executive Record List of CSS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211032947/http://www.persmin.nic.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/css_ersheet/ProcessQryERS.asp |date=11 February 2012 }} * [http://persmin.nic.in/DOPT/CSWing/CSDivision/CSS/css_civillist/CivilList_CSS2013.pdf 2013 Civil List]{{Dead link|date=March 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} (Group A Officers) * [http://cssofficers.in/ CSS officers Website] Official Officers Website * [https://web.archive.org/web/20250503125929/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/REPORT_1959_60_12022021.pdf Report 1959-60] Ministry of Home Affairs India
===News=== * {{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=118396 |title=CSS Officers demand parity with IAS and other services |publisher=Press Information Bureau |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910184734/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=118396 |archive-date=10 September 2016 |url-status=dead }} * {{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=122258 |title=Central Secretariat employees demand timely promotions |publisher=Press Information Bureau |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910184828/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=122258 |archive-date=10 September 2016 |url-status=dead }} * {{cite web |url=http://www.theweek.in/news/india/not-only-ias-mha-opens-doors-for-all-services.html |title=Not only IAS, MHA opens doors for all services |publisher=The Week |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108165643/http://www.theweek.in/news/india/not-only-ias-mha-opens-doors-for-all-services.html |archive-date=8 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}
===Other sources=== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20140823033029/http://dipp.nic.in/English/RTI/rti_Power_Duties.htm Powers and Duties of Officers and Employees as defined in the Manual of Office Procedure] * [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/PM-to-oversee-cadre-allocation-of-bureaucrats-postings-of-joint-secretaries-and-above/articleshow/40451799.cms Prime Minister to oversee postings of Joint Secretaries] by The Times of India
{{Public Services of India}} {{Civil service}}
Category:Civil Services of India Category:Central Civil Services (India) Category:Government agencies established in 1946 Category:1946 establishments in India Category:Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions