IAS – Gujarat Cadre Strength Increased by 15 Posts
IAS – The Union government has approved an increase in the authorised strength of the Indian Administrative Service cadre in Gujarat, raising the total number of sanctioned posts from 313 to 328. The move adds 15 new positions and is aimed at reinforcing the state’s administrative machinery amid growing governance responsibilities.
Amendment Issued Under All India Services Framework
The decision was formalised through an amendment under the All India Services Act, 1951. With the concurrence of the Gujarat government, the Centre revised the Indian Administrative Service (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Regulations, 1955. The updated regulations were notified by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and came into effect on February 13.
Officials indicated that the revision follows routine cadre reviews carried out in coordination between the Centre and states to align staffing with administrative requirements.
Distribution of Senior Duty Posts
Under the revised framework, the number of Senior Duty Posts in the Gujarat government has been set at 178. These posts cover several key administrative positions that are central to state governance.
The structure includes one Chief Secretary, five Additional Chief Secretaries and nine Principal Secretaries. In addition, there are 17 Secretaries to the Government. At the district level, 33 Collectors and 33 District Development Officers form part of the sanctioned strength.
Municipal Commissioners in major urban centres such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot and Gandhinagar are also included in the senior duty structure, reflecting the administrative demands of expanding cities.
Deputation and Reserve Allocation
The revised notification also outlines allocations for various reserves. The Central Deputation Reserve has been fixed at 71 posts, capped at not more than 40 per cent of the senior duty posts. The State Deputation Reserve accounts for 44 posts.
Additionally, six posts have been earmarked as Training Reserve. The Leave Reserve and Junior Posts Reserve together account for 29 posts. These provisions ensure operational flexibility and continuity within the state administration.
As per the recruitment distribution, 99 posts will be filled through promotion under the IAS (Recruitment) Rules, 1954, while 229 posts are designated for direct recruitment.
Addressing Administrative Gaps
The increase in cadre strength comes at a time when Gujarat has been grappling with vacancies in its IAS ranks. Data presented in the state assembly indicated that while the sanctioned strength stood at 313 officers in late 2024-25, around 56 posts remained vacant. In addition, 14 officers were serving on central deputation.
State officials have maintained that rising urbanisation, infrastructure expansion and ongoing development projects have intensified administrative responsibilities across departments and districts. Strengthening the cadre, they said, is intended to ensure smoother policy implementation and improved governance delivery.
State’s Earlier Proposal and Ongoing Restructuring
Prior to the Centre’s approval, the Gujarat government had proposed a more substantial expansion, seeking to raise the cadre strength to 343 by creating 30 additional IAS posts. The proposal was part of a broader effort to address capacity constraints.
In recent months, the state administration has undertaken several internal measures to manage shortfalls. Senior officers have been elevated to positions such as Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary. At the same time, multiple State Civil Service officers have been promoted to the IAS, reflecting efforts to strengthen the system from within.
Frequent transfers and departmental reshuffles have also marked the past year, underscoring the evolving nature of the state’s bureaucratic structure.
Periodic Cadre Reviews Continue
Cadre strength in the IAS is governed by statutory provisions under the All India Services Act, 1951. Reviews are conducted periodically in consultation between the Central and state governments, often every few years, to reassess requirements.
The last formal review before the upcoming cycle had retained Gujarat’s sanctioned strength at 313 posts. With the latest notification raising the figure to 328, the state is expected to see incremental improvements in staffing levels once recruitment and promotions are completed.
Officials believe that the revised structure will better equip Gujarat’s administrative system to handle expanding governance responsibilities in the years ahead.