As of March 24, 2026, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) is actively seeking nominations for the middle-management civil services training program. 10 months is the duration of the 52nd Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration (APPPA), which will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, from July 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027.
52nd APPPA Schedule and Venue Confirmed
The training will be held at IIPA, New Delhi, focusing on preparing participants to make a greater contribution to governance. The sponsoring authorities will meet the cost of Rs. 13 lakh per participant.
- Course Fee: Rs. 13 lakh remitted to Registrar, IIPA, New Delhi.
- Stationery Allowance: Rs. 5,000 as a one-time allowance sanctioned from contingent expenditure.
- Treatment of Service: The entire period of training will be treated as duty under FR 9(6)(b)(i).
- Application Deadline: On or before April 30, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for Central and State Officers
The course is open to officers of All India Services, Central services, and State Services. DDOs and Cadre Controlling Authorities must verify the strict age and service length requirements before forwarding the nominations. The officers should not have undergone a training programme of 12-weeks or greater duration in India or abroad during a period of 5 years preceding the commencement date.
| Parameter | General Category Limit | SC / ST Category Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Age (as on 01-07-2026) | 50 Years | 53 Years |
| Minimum Group ‘A’ Service | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Minimum Rank Equivalent | Director / Deputy Secretary | Director / Deputy Secretary |
| Central Deputation (if applicable) | Minimum 2 years completed | Minimum 2 years completed |
Service Conditions and Leave Restrictions
Participants will be required to conduct rural and urban field studies and prepare a project report. During this rigorous academic schedule, the attendance and leave shall be governed by the respective leave rules applicable in the parent department. However, ordinarily, Earned Leave shall not be granted to the participants during the period of the programme.
Eligible for Nomination
Officers clear from the vigilance angle.
Officers likely to stay with the Cadre Controlling Authority for some more time.
Officers holding NOC from the Office of the Establishment Officer, DoPT.
NOT Eligible for Nomination
Officers whose names have been recommended for central deputation.
Officers who underwent training abroad for more than 6 months in the preceding 5 years.
Mandatory 5-Year Bond Requirement
A critical administrative requirement for the 52nd APPPA course is the execution of a financial bond to protect the government’s training investment. Before joining the programme, the officer is required to execute a bond.
- Officers must agree not to resign, voluntarily retire, or quit service within five (5) years after returning to duty.
- If the officer fails to complete the training or quits within 5 years, they must refund all charges and expenses incurred by the Government.
- The refund amount will include the course fee, travel expenses, pay and allowances, along with interest at Government rates.
- The Government of India has agreed to bear the stamp duty payable on this bond.
How to Submit Nominations
Sponsoring authorities must ensure all clearances are obtained before forwarding the application. Failure to withdraw the name of a nominated officer on offer may result in the debarment of the officer for future central deputation for five years.
- Step 1: Verify the officer meets the 10-year Group A service and age criteria as of 01.07.2026.
- Step 2: Obtain the mandatory vigilance clearance certificate.
- Step 3: For officers under the Central Staffing Scheme, obtain the ‘NOC’ from the EO’s Office before applying.
- Step 4: In the case of IAS officers on central deputation, secure the concurrence of the concerned State Government.
- Step 5: Send the completed application to the Under Secretary (IST/IIPA), DoPT, New Delhi, on or before April 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the 52nd APPPA course commence?
The 52nd Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration (APPPA) will be conducted from July 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027.
What is the age limit for the APPPA course?
The officers should not be more than 50 years of age as on 01.07.2026. The limit is relaxed to 53 years in the case of officers belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe.
What is the course fee for the 52nd APPPA?
An amount of Rs. 13 lakh towards the APPPA Course training in respect of each participant will be remitted to the Registrar, IIPA, New Delhi.
Are officers granted Earned Leave during the APPPA course?
No. Ordinarily, Earned Leave shall not be granted to the participants during the period of the training programme.
What is the 5-year bond requirement for APPPA?
Before joining the programme, the officer must execute a bond stating they will not resign, retire, or quit service within a period of five years after returning to duty.
What is the last date to submit APPPA nominations?
Nominations of suitable officers must be sent to the Under Secretary (IST/IIPA), DoPT, on or before April 30, 2026.
हिंदी सारांश
कार्मिक और प्रशिक्षण विभाग ने भारतीय लोक प्रशासन संस्थान नई दिल्ली में आयोजित होने वाले 52वें एपीपीपीए प्रशिक्षण कार्यक्रम 2026-27 के लिए नामांकन आमंत्रित किए हैं। यह 10 महीने का कोर्स 1 जुलाई 2026 से शुरू होगा। ग्रुप ए के अधिकारी, जिनकी सेवा कम से कम 10 वर्ष हो और आयु 50 वर्ष (एससी/एसटी के लिए 53 वर्ष) से कम हो, इसके लिए पात्र हैं। इस प्रशिक्षण की फीस 13 लाख रुपये है। अधिकारियों को 5 साल का बांड भरना होगा कि वे प्रशिक्षण के बाद 5 साल तक सेवा नहीं छोड़ेंगे। आवेदन की अंतिम तिथि 30 अप्रैल 2026 है।
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