Comprehensive Assessment Framework for 2025-26 APAR Cycle
Starting from the 2025-26 reporting period, Central Government employees will undergo a new appraisal system under Mission Karmayogi, as mandated by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This framework, set to roll out alongside the Annual Performance Assessment Report (APAR) cycle of 2026-27, emphasizes mandatory course completion and comprehensive evaluations. Employees across all levels, including All India Services (AIS) officers, will be required to pass assessments tied to their designated courses on the iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) platform. The initiative aims to ensure continuous capacity building while maintaining alignment with Indian cultural values and global best practices.
Course Requirements and Evaluation Metrics
The framework mandates that employees complete at least 50% of the courses prescribed by their respective Ministries/Departments/Organisations (MDOs) or Cadre Controlling Authorities (CCA) by March 31, 2026. For each designation—ranging from Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) to Joint Secretaries and above—six courses are to be selected, with tailored requirements for All India Services officers based on years of service. Course progress will be automatically synced with APARs via iGOT, ensuring transparency and accountability in performance tracking. This system replaces previous ad-hoc assessments with a structured, data-driven approach.
Strategic Goals and Implementation Details
Launched in 2020, Mission Karmayogi, or the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), seeks to modernize civil servant training while preserving cultural roots. The new framework ensures that all Central Government employees, including those in the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), adhere to standardized learning benchmarks. By integrating iGOT with APARs, the government aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement, with performance metrics directly influencing career progression. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to enhance public service efficiency and institutional effectiveness.
Impact on Government Servants and Service Delivery
The APAR, a critical tool for evaluating government servants, now incorporates mandatory course completion as a performance criterion. This shift underscores the importance of skill development in maintaining service quality and administrative efficiency. Employees must navigate a structured learning pathway, with their progress tracked through the iGOT platform. The policy also extends to non-deputation AIS officers, ensuring equitable implementation across all cadres. By linking training outcomes to annual performance reviews, the government aims to create a feedback loop that drives professional growth and operational excellence.
Future Implications and Compliance Measures
As the 2025-26 reporting period approaches, the DoPT has emphasized strict adherence to the new framework. Non-compliance risks adverse implications for APAR evaluations, which are pivotal for promotions and tenure reviews. The integration of iGOT with APAR systems ensures real-time data accuracy, reducing manual errors in performance tracking. This initiative reflects a broader trend toward digitization in public administration, with the goal of creating a merit-based, transparent system for civil servant development. The success of Mission Karmayogi will depend on its implementation across diverse government departments and the adaptability of the iGOT platform to evolving training needs.
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