Compliance Crisis in Karnataka: 25 Promotee IAS Officers Skip Mandatory Mussoorie Induction Training
A significant administrative standoff has emerged in Karnataka as 25 out of 26 promoted IAS officers have reportedly declined to participate in the mandatory Induction Training Programme (ITP) at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. Despite the 128th ITP beginning today, February 2, 2026, only one officer from the state cadre has sought government permission to attend.
This reluctance has sparked concerns within the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), as the training is a statutory requirement for service confirmation.
The Training Deadlock: Key Figures
The 128th ITP (February 2 – March 13, 2026) is designed for officers promoted from the State Civil Services (SCS) and Non-SCS cadres. The scale of the current “training boycott” in Karnataka is unprecedented:
Nominated: 26 officers from Karnataka (out of 547 nationwide).
Confirmed Attendance: Only 1 officer.
The Backlog: The list includes seven officers who were promoted as far back as 2016 but have successfully avoided the mandatory training for a decade.
Batch Breakdown: The group includes officers from the 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 batches, and eight officers from the 2020 batch.
Why are Officers Avoiding Mussoorie?
While the ITP is a prestigious six-week course (including a two-week Bharat Darshan study tour), senior officials cite “post paranoia” as the primary deterrent.
“After being promoted to IAS, many officers secure high-profile or ‘creamy’ postings. They fear that a 45-day absence for training will lead the government to transfer someone else to their post, leaving them with less desirable assignments upon their return.” — Senior IAS Officer, DPAR.
Serious Legal & Professional Implications
By skipping this training, these officers are operating in a “technical limbo” that affects their career trajectory:
Non-Confirmation: Under the IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, an officer’s induction is only confirmed upon successful completion of the ITP. Technically, these 25 officers remain “unconfirmed.”
Deputation Restrictions: Unconfirmed officers are generally ineligible for Central Deputation, meaning they can only serve within the state of Karnataka.
Seniority Risks: Continued failure to undergo training can lead to a reversion to their original state-level substantive posts, though this rule is rarely enforced due to administrative complexities.
Limited Opportunity: LBSNAA only admits 150 officers per session on a first-come, first-served basis. Missing this window often means waiting another year or more for a slot.
Recruitment Dynamics in India
To maintain a balance between fresh talent and experienced state hands, the IAS follows a specific recruitment ratio:
60%: Direct Recruits (via UPSC Civil Services Exam).
36%: Promoted from State Civil Services (SCS).
4%: Promoted from Non-SCS categories.
Official Stance
Jagadeesha K.G., Secretary of DPAR (2005 Batch), confirmed that while all nominated officers were urged to participate, the government cannot force attendance if officers do not apply for the necessary leave and permission. The situation highlights a growing trend where localized power and stable postings are prioritized over the national perspective and formal service confirmation.
