The Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rules, 1954, govern the period of probation for officers selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). These rules detail the procedures, responsibilities, and conditions that probationers must adhere to during their probation period before they are confirmed in service.
Key Provisions of the Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rules, 1954:
- Period of Probation:
- The standard period of probation for IAS officers is two years, which may be extended by the government if necessary.
- The probation period includes the time spent in training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and any other prescribed training.
- Training and Examination:
- Probationers are required to undergo prescribed training and pass examinations or tests conducted during the training period.
- The training typically includes academic courses, field training, and attachments with various government departments to provide practical exposure.
- Discipline and Conduct:
- Probationers must adhere to the conduct rules and maintain high standards of discipline and integrity.
- Any breach of discipline or conduct rules may result in disciplinary action, including the termination of probation.
- Performance Evaluation:
- The performance of probationers is periodically evaluated through assessments and reports by their superiors and training authorities.
- The evaluation covers various aspects, including academic performance, field training, conduct, and overall suitability for the service.
- Extension and Termination of Probation:
- The government may extend the probation period if a probationer fails to complete the training satisfactorily or does not pass the required examinations.
- If a probationer is found unsuitable for the service, their probation may be terminated, and they may be discharged from service.
- Confirmation in Service:
- Upon satisfactory completion of the probation period, successful training, and passing of all required examinations, a probationer is confirmed in the Indian Administrative Service.
- Confirmation is subject to the approval of the competent authority and is based on the overall assessment of the probationer’s performance and conduct.
- Leave During Probation:
- Probationers are allowed to take leave during their probation period as per the leave rules applicable to IAS officers.
- Excessive leave taken during the probation period may lead to the extension of the probation period to compensate for the lost time.
- Resignation and Termination:
- A probationer may resign from the service during the probation period by giving due notice as prescribed.
- The government reserves the right to terminate the probation of any officer who is found unsuitable for the service.
Probation Period (Rule 3):
- Every newly appointed IAS officer undergoes a probation period of two years.
- This period can be extended by up to two more years in exceptional cases, such as:
- Suspension of the officer
- Pending disciplinary proceedings
- Pending criminal charges
Training During Probation (Rule 5):
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Probationers are required to undergo training at various institutions, including:
- Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie
- State Training Institutions
- Other recognized training institutions in India
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The Central Government determines the duration and nature of this training.
Confirmation of Service (Rule 3A):
- Upon successful completion of the probation period (including any extension) and meeting the required standards, a probationer is confirmed in the IAS.
Conclusion:
The Indian Administrative Service (Probation) Rules, 1954, provide a structured framework for the probation period of IAS officers. These rules ensure that probationers receive the necessary training and evaluation to prepare them for their roles and responsibilities as civil servants. By adhering to these rules, probationers demonstrate their suitability for the service, paving the way for their confirmation and subsequent career in the Indian Administrative Service.
