Key Points
- India has 5,755 IAS officers against authorised strength of 7,026 — a shortage of 1,271
- The 71st edition of the Civil List is the sixth to be released as a digital e-book
- Database includes retirement projections for the next five years across 25 cadres
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has launched the IAS e-Civil List 2026, a searchable digital database containing details of 5,755 Indian Administrative Service officers across 25 cadres. The 71st edition of the Civil List — and the sixth to be published as an e-book — is available on the DoPT website.
The e-Civil List is a comprehensive directory of all IAS officers in service, containing their batch, cadre, current posting, pay level, educational qualifications and date of retirement.
The digital format allows users to search for officers by professional background, domain expertise and experience, enabling governments and institutions to identify suitable candidates for specific roles.
Union minister of state Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the publication at Kartavya Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday (22 June). Singh said the Civil List had evolved from a simple directory into a knowledge resource that supports administrative planning and policy implementation.
“Easy access to information relating to officers’ qualifications, experience, cadre and postings enables governments and institutions to make informed decisions and strengthens the overall governance framework,” Singh said.
IAS Officer shortage across cadres
The data reveals a significant gap between authorised and actual strength. As on 1 January 2026, India had 5,755 IAS officers in position against an authorised cadre strength of 7,026 — a shortage of 1,271 officers, or roughly 18 per cent.
Singh said governance responsibilities continue to expand across sectors and regions, making efficient human resource planning increasingly important. He added that continuous assessment of requirements and regular cadre reviews would help address emerging needs.
The minister noted that administrative requirements vary significantly across regions, particularly in hilly, remote and geographically challenging areas.
Technology-enabled databases can help governments identify officers with suitable expertise and experience for diverse developmental requirements, he said.
Digital India alignment
The publication includes data on the number of IAS officers appointed through the Civil Services Examination from 1969 onwards, as well as projections of officers retiring during the next five years.
By the numbers
- 5,755
- IAS officers currently in position across India
- 7,026
- Authorised cadre strength for IAS
- 25
- Cadres covered in the e-Civil List database
The advanced search and hyperlinking features enable quick access to information, according to the department.
The shift to digital publication has ended the practice of printing physical copies of the Civil List, reducing expenditure on printing. The DoPT, which is the cadre controlling authority for the IAS, prepares the database using inputs from state cadres and information available at the Centre.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the IAS e-Civil List 2026?
The IAS e-Civil List 2026 is a searchable digital database published by the Department of Personnel and Training containing details of all Indian Administrative Service officers. It includes their batch, cadre, current posting, pay level, educational qualifications and retirement date.
How many IAS officers are currently in service in India?
As on 1 January 2026, India has 5,755 IAS officers in position across 25 cadres against an authorised strength of 7,026, indicating a shortage of 1,271 officers.
Where can I access the IAS e-Civil List 2026?
The e-IAS Civil List 2026 is available free on the Department of Personnel and Training website at dopt.gov.in. It is published as a searchable PDF with hyperlinking features.
What information does the IAS Civil List contain?
The Civil List contains cadre-wise strength data, officers' educational qualifications, posting history, pay levels, retirement dates and data on IAS officers appointed through the Civil Services Examination from 1969 onwards.
