New Cadre Allocation Policy Reorganizes IAS, IPS, and IFoS Groupings
The Centre has overhauled the cadre allocation policy, moving from a five-zone system to a four-group structure to address regional vacancies.
A significant structural overhaul of the Cadre Allocation Policy is currently transforming the placement process for IAS, IPS, and IFoS officers. The previously utilized five-zone system has been replaced by four new geographic groupings: North, East, West & Central, and South & North-East. This strategic shift aims to balance regional cadre preferences and resolve vacancy issues across various states. Notably, southern states and Odisha are now split between Groups 2 and 4, likely increasing inter-state deputations. The policy will be fully operational starting with the UPSC 2026 batch.
