---
title: "Lateral Entry into Civil Services: India Explained"
description: "Lateral Entry into Civil Services allows mid-level specialists to join government roles without UPSC exams, impacting India's administrative efficiency."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/lateral-entry-civil-services"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Lateral entry is the recruitment of mid- and senior-level specialists from the private sector, academia, and public-sector bodies directly into government posts outside the regular civil-services examination route.
- Does lateral entry bypass the UPSC examination entirely?
- Why does lateral entry not provide reservation for SC, ST, and OBC candidates?
- How does lateral entry differ from deputation?
- At what levels are lateral entrants appointed?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Lateral entry is the recruitment of mid- and senior-level specialists from the private sector, academia, and public-sector bodies directly into government posts outside the regular civil-services examination route.

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In June 2018 India's Department of Personnel and Training advertised ten Joint Secretary posts through lateral entry; nine specialists, including Amber Dubey from KPMG at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, were appointed in 2019.

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