213 IAS trainees reappeared in exams over ‘poor performance’ between 2020-‘26: RTI

Agra: About 213 IAS officer trainees from multiple batches at Mussoorie-based Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) had to reappear for examinations during training between 2020 and 2026 due to “poor performance” in various assessments, according to data obtained under the RTI Act.The data showed that 1,079 IAS officer trainees underwent training at the academy between Jan 1, 2020, and Jan 1, 2026. Also, it showed the number of IAS probationers enrolled annually remained largely stable over the six years, ranging between 182 and 187 trainees each year.Among the cadres, AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and UTs) recorded the highest number of officer trainees who reappeared for examinations at 21, followed by TN with 18 and UP 16. It was followed by Bihar and WB at 15, MP with 14, Odisha 13, Maharashtra 12 and Gujarat 11, among others.Regarding cheating cases and the use of unfair means during examinations at the academy, the academy stated that “no IAS probationer was found during the period under review”.A serving chief development officer (CDO) told TOI: “An IAS officer’s training at LBSNAA is rigorous as it demands high levels of competence, adaptability and accountability. Training goes far beyond classroom academics and includes field exposure, district attachments, physical fitness, public administration, law, economics and governance-related assessments.”“Reappearing in examinations should not necessarily be viewed negatively, as the academy continuously evaluates officer trainees on multiple parameters to ensure they are prepared for real-world administrative responsibilities,” said the CDO, who is an IAS officer.She added that the fact that there were no reported cheating or unfair means cases reflects the professionalism and integrity maintained during the training process.The IAS training programme at LBSNAA is a two-year induction process designed to transform civil service recruits into field-ready administrators via academic instruction, field exposure, and practical governance training.