Leh/New Delhi: In a landmark move since Ladakh became a Union Territory, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has approved the direct recruitment of 232 gazetted posts in the region — marking the largest-ever central recruitment drive in Ladakh’s administrative history.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting at the UPSC headquarters in New Delhi on Monday. The meeting was attended by Ladakh Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, UPSC Secretary Shashi Ranjan, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Mr. Prashant Lokhande, and Secretary of Ladakh Administration Mr. Michael M. D’Souza.
Despite the closure of UPSC’s annual recruitment calendar, the Commission approved the drive in view of Ladakh’s special administrative needs, where many gazetted posts have remained vacant since its transition into a Union Territory.
“Golden Opportunity for Ladakhi Youth,” Says Chief Secretary
Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal welcomed the decision, calling it a “golden opportunity” for the youth of Ladakh, while also emphasizing that the move will enhance the efficiency of Ladakh’s administrative machinery.
He expressed gratitude to UPSC and the Ministry of Home Affairs for recognizing Ladakh’s unique requirements and addressing long-standing recruitment challenges.
Breakdown of Phase-I Recruitment
In the first phase, UPSC will recruit:
- 125 Medical Officers (Health Department)
- 75 Lecturers (School Education Department)
- 32 Accounts Officers (Finance Department)
Recruitment for the remaining gazetted vacancies will follow in the second phase, with specific dates and detailed procedures to be announced soon.
Parallel Developments in Police Recruitment
In a related development, the Ladakh Home Department has reconstituted the Ladakh Police (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Board under Order No. 65-Home of 2025. The board will be chaired by IPS officer Vikas Kumar (currently SSP Traffic Ladakh and DIG Leh-Kargil Range).
Other senior officers on the board include:
- Altaf Ahmed Shah
- Fulzele Piyush Niraakar
- Nitin Yadav
- Rijin Sangdup
- Mohammad Ali
The recruitment process for non-gazetted police posts will involve:
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Physical Measurement Test (PMT)
- Written Examination
This comprehensive recruitment plan is expected to boost local employment, improve governance, and support infrastructure development across Ladakh.
