New Delhi, February 14, 2026 – The Modi government has released official figures on the representation of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) officers in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), as part of a broader disclosure on vacancies and recruitment in the All India Services. The data, tabled in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, covers direct recruitments through the Civil Services Examinations (CSE) from 2020 to 2024.
The figures reveal that more OBC, SC, and Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates have been appointed to the IPS compared to the IAS and the Indian Forest Service (IFS) over this five-year period. This trend highlights varying patterns of category-wise allocation across the premier services, even as persistent vacancies continue to strain administrative and policing capacities nationwide.
### Key Recruitment Numbers (Direct Recruits, CSE 2020–2024)
Indian Police Service (IPS): 255 OBC, 141 SC, and 71 ST candidates appointed.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS): 245 OBC, 135 SC, and 67 ST candidates appointed.
Indian Forest Service (IFS): 231 OBC, 95 SC, and 48 ST candidates appointed.
These numbers reflect adherence to reservation policies—15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, and 27% for OBC—in UPSC allocations, though the totals vary due to differences in overall intake and preferences among successful candidates.
The disclosure has drawn attention amid ongoing debates on social representation in bureaucracy. While the data shows steady induction from reserved categories, some analyses note that overall cadre strength remains dominated by general category officers in senior roles, though comprehensive current cadre-wise caste breakdowns were not part of this specific reply. The figures pertain specifically to direct recruits in the recent batches, not the entire existing strength of the services.
Compounding the representation discussion is the acute shortage of officers across these services. As of January 1, 2025:
- IAS: 1,300 vacancies (against a sanctioned strength of 6,877; 5,577 officers in position).
- IPS: 505 vacancies (against 5,099 sanctioned; 4,594 in position).
- IFS: 1,029 vacancies (against 3,193 sanctioned; 2,164 in position).
The total vacancies across IAS, IPS, and IFS stand at approximately 2,834, highlighting long-standing challenges in cadre management, training pipelines, and state-level allocations.
Government sources emphasize that recruitment continues to address these gaps while upholding constitutional reservations. The data was provided in response to a parliamentary question from CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, seeking details on vacancies and category-wise representation.
Critics argue that despite quota compliance in fresh inductions, systemic issues—like promotion delays, cadre imbalances, and reluctance for certain postings—may limit the effective presence of SC and OBC officers in key decision-making roles. Supporters point to the upward trend in reserved category appointments, particularly in the IPS, as evidence of inclusive progress under the current administration.
The revelations come at a time when the UPSC and Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) face scrutiny over civil services reforms, including lateral entry debates and efforts to reduce vacancies. Further details on overall cadre composition (including promotees) could provide a fuller picture in future disclosures.
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