SRINAGAR, Dec 19: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted promotion to the coveted Selection Grade (Level-13 in the Pay Matrix) to a large batch of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers of the AGMUT cadre, including several officers who have played key roles in Jammu and Kashmir’s administration over the past few years.
As per two separate orders issued by the MHA and dated December 14, 2025, the promotions have been approved following recommendations of the Screening Committee meetings held on December 8, 2025. The orders cover officers currently posted in the AGMUT cadre as well as those on Central Deputation, with some being granted proforma promotions.
Key J&K Officers Figure Prominently
Among the most notable names is Dr Shah Faesal, IAS (AGMUT: 2010), a widely known officer who has served in Jammu and Kashmir in key capacities. Dr Faesal, who is currently on Central Deputation, has been granted proforma promotion to the Selection Grade with effect from April 7, 2026, or the date of assumption of charge, whichever is later.
Another prominent officer with strong administrative footprints in Jammu and Kashmir, Ansul Garg, IAS (AGMUT: 2013)—who has served as Deputy Commissioner Srinagar—has been promoted to the Selection Grade with effect from January 1, 2026, or the date of assumption of charge, whichever is later.
Anjali Sehrawat, IAS (AGMUT: 2013), who previously served as Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, has also been promoted under the same order, marking another significant recognition of officers who have handled sensitive and challenging assignments in the Union Territory.
Similarly, Rahul Sharma, IAS (AGMUT: 2013), Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS (AGMUT: 2013)—who has held important positions in J&K’s infrastructure and governance sectors—and Avny Lavasa, IAS (AGMUT: 2013), who earlier served in district administration in Kashmir, are among the officers elevated to the Selection Grade.
Large-Scale Promotion Exercise
In total, 29 AGMUT cadre officers have been promoted under the main order, with promotions largely effective from January 1, 2026, subject to the assumption of charge. Additionally, four officers on Central Deputation, including Dr Shah Faesal, Ruchika Katyal, Dr Naveen Aggarwal, and Kriti Garg—all of AGMUT cadre—have been granted proforma promotions, ensuring their seniority and career progression remain protected despite their deputation status.
For officers Ruchika Katyal, IAS and Kriti Garg, IAS (both AGMUT: 2013), the promotion will take effect on an actual basis from the date their immediate juniors in the cadre assume charge, a standard administrative provision followed in such cases.
Administrative Significance
The Selection Grade is a crucial milestone in an IAS officer’s career, reflecting experience, seniority, and performance. Officers in this grade typically handle major policy-making roles, head departments, or serve in key strategic positions both at the Centre and in states and Union Territories.
