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LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 2219
ANSWERED ON- 12/12/2025

VACANTS POSTS IN MINISTRY

2219. SHRI JAGADISH CHANDRA BARMA BASUNIA
DR. SHARMILA SARKAR

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state :-

(a) the number of sanctioned posts and posts filled, including reserved posts in the Ministry of External Affairs, category-wise;

(b) the number of vacancies in the Ministry since 2014, year and category-wise; and

(c) the number of contractual employees hired since 2014, year and category-wise?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a & b) As on 01 December 2025, the total sanctioned strength of the Ministry across Group A, B, and C Services is 5986. Additionally, the local cadre staff strength in Ministry is 3161. Vacancies arising at various levels in the Ministry are filled by direct recruitment and promotion from feeder cadres. The Ministry also takes officers from other Ministries/Departments on deputation. Professionals and experts are currently hired in the Ministry as Consultants as per requirement. Generally, gaps between the departure of incumbents and the arrival of their successors for different posts are kept to a minimum. However, as deployment chains often involve several officers, short-term vacancies in HQ or Missions/Posts abroad may arise. It is not possible to determine the exact number of vacancies since this is a continuous process with some officers demitting charge and others assuming charge at different time intervals. The Ministry regularly reviews the requirement of manpower at various levels in Missions and Posts abroad as well as Headquarters, and takes appropriate action, including recruitment of additional officers and staff, through placement of requisite indents with the Union Public Service Commission and the Staff Selection Commission respectively.

(c) The number of contractual employees hired since 2014 year-wise is as follows:

* The category-wise data is not available with the Ministry.

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