Central Civil Accounts Service Introduces New Recruitment Rules for Stenographer Grade-I Post

The Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, Controller General of Accounts, issued a notification on November 4, 2025, introducing the Central Civil Accounts Service (Stenographer Grade-I) Group 'B' Post, Recruitment Rules, 2025. These new rules came into force upon their publication in the Official Gazette, superseding the previous Central Civil Accounts Service (Stenographer Grade-I) Recruitment Rules, 2001. The supersession, however, does not affect actions taken or omitted under the earlier rules before this new enactment. The primary objective of these rules is to regulate the method of recruitment for the Stenographer Grade-I position within the Central Civil Accounts Service.

The newly established rules specify that the post of Stenographer Grade-I is classified as General Central Service, Group 'B', Ministerial, Non-Gazetted, and falls under Level-6 in the pay matrix, with a salary range of Rs. 35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400. The number of posts sanctioned is 83 for the year 2025, subject to variation based on workload. Recruitment to this selection post will be conducted through a dual method: fifty per cent of the vacancies will be filled by deputation, and the remaining fifty per cent by promotion. Should suitable candidates for promotion not be available, these vacancies will also be filled by deputation. Promotees will undergo a probation period of two years. For promotion, candidates must be Stenographer Grade-II personnel in Level-4 of the pay matrix (Rs. 25,500-81,100) with ten years of regular service in that grade. Additionally, they must have successfully completed a two-week training program conducted by the Institute of Government Accounts and Finance, covering rules and procedures, behavioural skills, management, and professional skills. A specific provision allows for the consideration of senior officers for promotion even if they are slightly short of the requisite qualifying service, provided they meet certain conditions. For deputation, officers from the Stenographer cadre under the Central Government are eligible if they hold analogous posts on a regular basis in their parent cadre or department, or have ten years of regular service in Level-4 or an equivalent position. The rules explicitly state that departmental officers in the feeder category who are in the direct line of promotion are not eligible for appointment on deputation, and similarly, deputationists are not eligible for promotion. The period of deputation, including any prior deputation in other ex-cadre posts, will ordinarily not exceed three years, and the maximum age limit for appointment by deputation is fifty-six years on the last date of application receipt. A crucial eligibility criterion stipulates that a person who has entered into or contracted a marriage with someone having a living spouse, or who, having a living spouse, has married another person, shall not be eligible for appointment. However, the Central Government retains the power to grant exemptions if such a marriage is permissible under the personal law applicable to the individuals and if there are other compelling grounds. The legislation provided: “…regulating the method of recruitment to the post of Stenographer Grade-I in the Central Civil Accounts Service…”

The legislative intent behind these new rules is to establish a clear, updated, and efficient framework for staffing the Stenographer Grade-I position within the Central Civil Accounts Service. By superseding the 2001 rules, the government aims to address any statutory gaps or limitations that may have emerged over time, ensuring that the recruitment process aligns with contemporary administrative requirements and service conditions. The detailed provisions for both promotion and deputation reflect a policy rationale focused on fostering career progression for existing employees while also allowing for the induction of experienced personnel from other central government departments. The inclusion of specific training requirements for promotees underscores a commitment to enhancing the professional skills and knowledge base of the workforce. Furthermore, the savings clause ensures that existing reservations, age relaxations, and other concessions for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, ex-servicemen, and other special categories remain unaffected, upholding the government's affirmative action policies. The power granted to the Central Government to relax provisions, in consultation with the Union Public Service Commission, provides necessary flexibility to address exceptional circumstances. The establishment of a Departmental Promotion Committee and a Departmental Confirmation Committee, with specified compositions, ensures a structured and transparent process for career advancement and confirmation within the service.

Keywords: Central Civil Accounts Service, Stenographer Grade-I, Recruitment Rules, 2025, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, Public Service, Group B Post, Deputation, Promotion Geo Tags: India, Delhi District: Not Applicable