New Delhi: The 17th Round of the Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP) Phase V for senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers concluded at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration(LBSNAA), marking the culmination of an intensive capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening leadership and governance capabilities among experienced officers.
The programme brought together 26 IAS officers from diverse cadres and batches, each with over 26 years of service, reflecting a rich pool of administrative experience and cross-sectoral expertise.
Valedictory Address by Rachna Shah
The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Rachna Shah, a 1991 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre and Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training(DoPT), who attended as the Chief Guest.
In her address, Ms Shah underscored the dual responsibility of civil servants as both policymakers and implementers in an increasingly complex governance landscape. She described training programmes such as the MCTP as a vital “breathing space” – an opportunity for reflection, learning, and exchange of ideas.
She emphasized that in a rapidly evolving administrative environment, officers must continuously adapt, innovate, and respond to emerging challenges.
Focus on Leadership and Institutional Culture
Highlighting the broader role of civil servants, IAS Shah noted that officers play a crucial part in shaping organisational culture. She stressed that effective leadership involves:
- Providing clarity, direction, and purpose
- Taking firm and timely decisions
- Inspiring and guiding teams
She further called for humility, trust, and lifelong learning, urging officers to focus on meaningful work and long-term institution-building rather than short-term outcomes.
Insights from LBSNAA Leadership
Sriram Taranikanti, Director of LBSNAA, also addressed the participants, highlighting the central role of capacity building and leadership development in civil service training.
He emphasised:
- The importance of institutional coordination
- Setting clear administrative priorities
- Gaining field-level exposure
- Upholding ethical standards in governance
Comprehensive Curriculum and Learning Experience
Presenting the course report, Sowjanya, Joint Director and Course Coordinator, detailed the programme’s comprehensive curriculum.
The training covered a wide range of sectors, including:
- Rural development and agriculture
- Infrastructure and public systems
- Technology and governance innovation
It also addressed key themes such as public policy, governance frameworks, ethics, regulation, and well-being, ensuring a balanced and holistic learning experience.
Interactive and Experiential Learning
A key highlight of the programme was its interactive format, featuring sessions with experts from government, academia, and industry. These engagements provided participants with insights into national priorities and emerging governance challenges.
Additionally:
- Peer-led sectoral presentations encouraged critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving
- Officers applied their field experience to complex administrative scenarios
- Discussions fostered cross-learning and diverse perspectives
Beyond the Classroom: Holistic Development
The programme extended beyond academic learning to include fitness and wellness activities, such as yoga, meditation, and sports, promoting physical and mental well-being.
Participants also took part in:
- Field visits and treks, offering experiential insights into ground realities
- Cultural evenings and participant-led events, fostering camaraderie and reflection
These activities contributed to a holistic and immersive training experience, strengthening both professional and interpersonal skills.
Preparing Leaders for Future Governance Challenges
The Mid-Career Training Programme Phase V is designed to equip senior IAS officers with the tools required to navigate complex governance challenges, enhance strategic management capabilities, and drive transformative development.
By combining policy insights, leadership training, and experiential learning, the programme continues to play a vital role in preparing India’s top administrators for future-ready governance.
17th Round of the Mid-Career Training Programme (MCTP) Phase V
The 17th Round of MCTP Phase V is an intensive, high-level training residency designed for senior IAS officers with approximately 26 to 28 years of service. Held at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, this particular session (scheduled for April 2026) aims to transition senior administrators into strategic leaders. The curriculum focuses on macro-level governance, including strategic management, global economic trends, and complex policy-making. It serves as a final professional “refresh” before officers move into the highest echelons of government, such as Secretary-level positions, and is currently being executed under the framework of Mission Karmayogi to ensure a more agile and tech-savvy bureaucracy.
The Concept of Mid-Career Training (MCTP)
Mid-Career Training is a mandatory professional development framework implemented by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to ensure that civil servants remain updated throughout their decades-long careers. Unlike initial foundation training, MCTP is divided into several Phases (III, IV, and V), triggered at specific seniority milestones (typically 8, 15, and 26 years).
These programmes are essential because they bridge the gap between field-level administration and high-level policy formulation. By stepping away from their daily duties for a few weeks, officers gain exposure to international best practices, peer learning, and specialised academic modules, ensuring that their leadership style evolves alongside the changing needs of the nation.
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