DoPT Invites Applications from Retired IAS Officers for Inquiry Officer Panel
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has invited applications from retired IAS officers for inclusion in a panel of Inquiry Officers to conduct departmental inquiries in disciplinary proceedings initiated against IAS officers.
The circular was issued on August 11, 2026, by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The panel will remain valid for three years, subject to periodic review of the performance of the empanelled officers.
Eligibility for retired IAS officers
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- The officer should be not more than 65 years of age as on the last date for submitting the application.
- The officer should be in sound physical and mental health.
- The officer should be clear from the vigilance angle and possess impeccable integrity.
The circular does not specify any particular number of Inquiry Officers to be empanelled.
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Honorarium and allowances
Under the DoPT guidelines referred to in the circular, retired Inquiry Officers are entitled to honorarium based on the number of witnesses cited in the charge sheet:
| Witnesses in charge sheet | Honorarium per case |
|---|---|
| More than 10 | 90% of monthly basic pension |
| 6 to 10 | 70% of monthly basic pension |
| Less than 6 | 60% of monthly basic pension |
In addition, a transport allowance of ₹40,000 per case is prescribed. Secretarial assistance is also provided at ₹40,000, ₹30,000 or ₹20,000, depending on the number of witnesses.
For common disciplinary proceedings involving more than one charged officer, an additional ₹5,000 is payable to the Inquiry Officer for every additional charged officer.
Inquiry to be completed within 180 days
An empanelled Inquiry Officer is required to submit the inquiry report within 180 days from the date of appointment. Extension beyond this period can be granted only by the prescribed authority.
The guidelines also require Inquiry Officers to maintain strict confidentiality and ensure that there is no conflict of interest. Video conferencing is to be used to the maximum extent possible to minimise travel.
Last date for submission of application
Eligible retired IAS officers interested in empanelment should submit their applications in the prescribed format so as to reach DoPT by September 15, 2026.
The prescribed application form seeks details including the officer’s last post, pay level, retirement details, disciplinary experience, previous experience as an Inquiry Officer, training undertaken and any penalty imposed during service.
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