The Haryana government has initiated the process for the elevation of non-HCS officers to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal (IAS:1986:HY) issued an order specifying the qualifications required for the written test conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) to shortlist candidates for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) interview. Candidates must hold a gazetted post, possess a minimum of eight years of experience, and demonstrate exceptional merit and ability. However, certain officials, including those from the state police, state forest service, HCS (Judicial), and various boards and corporations, are ineligible for this examination.
To enhance transparency and remove discretion, the Manohar Lal Khattar government decided to conduct IAS officer selection exams for non-HCS category candidates, as the previous government was criticized for favoritism in selections.
A recommendation committee, led by the chief secretary and composed of relevant administrative officials, will compile a final list of eligible candidates to be submitted to the HPSC. The HPSC will then recommend eligible candidates with outstanding merit and ability, up to five times the number of vacancies, to the state government for submission to the UPSC for the final selection.
