Women’s representation in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has reached a historic high of 41 per cent in the 2024 batch, marking a major shift in the evolving landscape of India’s civil services.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh described the milestone as a reflection of the “democratisation of opportunity” in modern India, where access to success is increasingly expanding across social, regional and gender boundaries.
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‘India@2047 Will Belong to You’: Minister Tells Young IAS Officers
The minister was interacting with IAS officer trainees of the 2024 batch at the Civil Services Officers’ Institute in New Delhi under the Assistant Secretary Programme.
Addressing the young officers, Singh said they would occupy crucial leadership positions when India completes 100 years of Independence in 2047.
“India@2047 will belong to you,” he said, urging the officers to shape the country’s governance journey with innovation, accountability and commitment to public service.
184 IAS Officers Attached to Central Ministries
As part of the Assistant Secretary Programme, 184 IAS officers of the 2024 batch have been attached to 49 ministries and departments of the Central Government for eight weeks between May 4 and June 25, 2026.
The initiative is aimed at giving young officers direct exposure to policymaking, governance structures and administrative functioning at the national level.
Senior officials present during the interaction included Chhavi Bhardwaj, Joint Secretary (Training), Department of Personnel and Training; Shanmuga Priya Mishra, Joint Director at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA); and Kranthi Kumar Pati, Deputy Director at the academy.
Diverse Educational Backgrounds Reflect Changing Civil Services
Highlighting the diversity of the current batch, Singh noted that 78 officers come from engineering backgrounds, alongside candidates trained in medicine, law, management and humanities.
He said governance today increasingly demands technological understanding and interdisciplinary thinking as administration becomes more data-driven and digitally connected.
The minister encouraged officers to continuously upgrade their skills through initiatives like Mission Karmayogi and deepen their understanding of Artificial Intelligence, digital governance, data analytics and public communication.
Focus on Ethics, Neutrality and Public Service
Emphasising the importance of ethical governance, Singh urged future administrators to remain neutral, accessible and empathetic in their approach to public administration.
He stressed that civil servants must combine technological competence with sensitivity and focus on delivering meaningful outcomes for citizens rather than seeking visibility.
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