India: UPSC training delayed due to OBC creamy layer dispute

The training of 958 successful candidates from the UPSC 2025 Civil Services Examination has been delayed at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The delay is attributed to legal uncertainty following a Supreme Court ruling on March 11 regarding Other Backward Class (OBC) creamy layer regulations.

The central government has sought clarification from the Supreme Court on how the ruling should be implemented, specifically whether the new rules apply only to upcoming recruitments or also to existing processes and past results. The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on the government's petition.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued a note stating that it is reviewing data from candidates over the last 14 years to assess the situation. While the foundation course, typically scheduled for late August or early September, remains on hold, the DoPT assured that the delay will not negatively impact the service conditions or seniority of the officers.