Working in the PMO: IAS officers are not the only route in, with expert and young professional posts open

Working with the Prime Minister and taking part in major government decisions is a dream for many young people. For those who want a career in administration, politics, economics, law or policy making, the opportunity carries special meaning. The question is whether one must be an IAS or IPS officer to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi's core team.

Many ask whether an ordinary graduate can get a job in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). In fact, appointments to the Prime Minister's team range from officers to specialists, for different responsibilities. The educational qualifications and selection process also differ.

The PMO is an important administrative office of the Central government. Its work is to provide secretariat-level assistance to the Prime Minister, coordinate between government departments and supply the information needed in important matters. According to information on the PMO's official website, it has 122 gazetted and 281 non-gazetted posts. Administrative officers and specialists from various fields work there.

There is no single fixed educational qualification for a PMO job. It depends on the post applied for. For administrative officers, selection through the UPSC civil services examination into the IAS, IPS and other central services is one main route. A degree from a recognised university is required. Selected officers, depending on experience and administrative responsibilities, get the chance to work on deputation in various Central government departments and the PMO. For those interested in economics, law, technology, data analysis or research, higher education and experience in the subject can open the way to specialist posts.

Candidates who are not IAS officers also find a place in bodies linked to the Prime Minister and in government policy organisations. These include posts such as Young Professional and Consultant. Young Professionals and Consultants are engaged in the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), which advises the Prime Minister on economic matters.

For these posts, candidates are asked for academic qualifications in the relevant subject and work experience. A Young Professional needs a master's degree in the subject or a prescribed professional degree, along with at least one year of experience and a maximum age limit of 32 years. These rules are for a NITI Aayog post, not for direct recruitment to the PMO.

For those who want to work with the government in future, expertise in certain subjects can help. These include political science, economics, law, public administration, engineering and technology, as well as journalism and mass communication. However, a degree alone is not enough. Experience in the field, research, communication skills and knowledge of current events are also essential.

Government offices have different routes of appointment. Selection to the civil services through the UPSC is one, while for specialist and adviser posts the departments concerned issue separate vacancies. Candidates should regularly check the official websites of the PMO, UPSC, NITI Aayog and EAC-PM for openings. Depending on the recruitment, selection is based on academic record, experience, interview and the other prescribed process. Before non-government staff are appointed in the PMO, a check of their documents and character is also required.