The Assam cabinet has approved the recruitment for nearly 10,000 government posts in Grade one and Grade two categories, with a decision to reserve two percent of these positions for ex-servicemen. The move aims to infuse a disciplined work culture into government offices, according to officials.
The significant decision, taken at a cabinet meeting recently chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marks a concerted effort by the state government to enhance efficiency in public administration while providing employment opportunities to former defence personnel. This initiative extends existing reservation policies for ex-servicemen to higher-grade positions within the state bureaucracy.
What was announced
The Assam cabinet, during a meeting held on Wednesday, September nine, 2026, at Gandhi Mandap in Guwahati, sanctioned the recruitment of approximately 10,000 government posts. The decision includes a specific provision to reserve two percent of these Grade one and Grade two positions for ex-servicemen. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the approval, stating the government’s intention to bring retired armed forces officers into the administration.
The Chief Minister expressed his hope that the inclusion of ex-servicemen would contribute to a new work culture within government departments. “We want retired officers of the armed forces to come and join the government to create a new work culture in the government,” Sarma said.
Why it matters
This cabinet decision holds significant implications for both job aspirants and the functioning of state government machinery. The recruitment of 10,000 Grade one and Grade two officers represents a substantial expansion of the state’s public sector workforce, offering crucial employment opportunities amidst persistent unemployment challenges in Assam.
For ex-servicemen, the two percent reservation in Grade one and Grade two posts is a notable step, extending a benefit previously limited to Grade three and Grade four positions. This policy acknowledges the valuable skills, discipline, and leadership qualities that former defence personnel can bring to civilian administration. The government anticipates that their induction will foster greater accountability and efficiency in public service delivery.
Background
The Assam government has consistently prioritised employment generation and welfare for ex-servicemen. In its 2026-27 state budget, Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced a target to create two lakh additional employment opportunities across the broader public sector ecosystem over the next five years. This builds on the 1.64 lakh appointments made during the government’s previous tenure between 2021 and 2026.
The state has faced considerable unemployment challenges. According to the Economic Survey of Assam 2025-26, released in February 2026, the state’s overall unemployment rate for those aged 15 and above stood at 3.9 percent, surpassing the national average of 3.2 percent. Urban areas recorded an even higher rate of 7.4 percent. Data tabled in the Assam Legislative Assembly in July 2026 revealed that over 15.43 lakh individuals were registered as unemployed across the state as of June 30, 2026.
Regarding ex-servicemen, the Assam government has a long-standing commitment. Previously, a two percent reservation was in place for ex-servicemen in Grade three and Grade four government jobs. In a separate but related decision on September seven, 2026, the cabinet also increased the upper age limit for ex-servicemen applying for Grade three and Grade four posts from 42 years to 45 years. This adjustment aimed to provide a more practical window for retired personnel, who often leave service around 42, to utilise their reservation benefits.
Chief Minister Sarma had previously highlighted the re-introduction of the two percent reservation in Group C and Group D (equivalent to Grade three and Grade four) posts in April 2022, underscoring the government’s ongoing focus on their welfare. The current decision to extend this reservation to Grade one and Grade two posts signifies a further enhancement of opportunities for this segment of the workforce.
Key details
The Assam cabinet’s approval encompasses nearly 10,000 vacancies across various government departments. These posts fall under the Grade one and Grade two categories, which typically include administrative and higher-level technical roles within the state government. The recruitment process for these positions is generally conducted through the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) for gazetted posts.
A crucial aspect of the announcement is the two percent reservation specifically earmarked for ex-servicemen. This ensures that a dedicated quota of these higher-level government jobs will be accessible to individuals who have served in the armed forces. The decision aligns with the state’s broader policy of integrating former defence personnel into civilian life and leveraging their experience for public good.
What’s next
Following the cabinet’s approval, the respective government departments and recruitment agencies, such as the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC), are expected to initiate the formal process for advertising these 10,000 Grade one and Grade two posts. This will involve drafting and releasing detailed recruitment notifications, outlining eligibility criteria, application procedures, examination patterns, and selection processes. Aspirants, including eligible ex-servicemen, will need to monitor official government portals and APSC announcements for specific application dates and guidelines. The application process is expected to be online.