Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS)
About the Service
The Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS) is a Group ‘B’ Central Civil Service that functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
It is one of the prominent services providing officers to the Union Territories of:
- Delhi
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
DANICS officers form the backbone of the administrative machinery in these Union Territories, managing key governance areas such as land revenue, law and order, development administration, and policy implementation at the district and secretariat levels.
The service acts as a feeder cadre for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) through promotion, with senior DANICS officers being inducted into the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh–Goa–Mizoram–Union Territories) Cadre of the IAS.
Recruitment and Entry
Recruitment to the DANICS is through the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the UPSC, the same examination that selects candidates for IAS, IPS, and other services.
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Main Examination (Written Descriptive)
- Personality Test (Interview)
Successful candidates, based on rank and preference, are allocated to the DANICS service.
Cadre Distribution
DANICS officers are posted across various Union Territories and National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. They serve under the following administrations:
- Government of NCT of Delhi
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands Administration
- Lakshadweep Administration
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Administration
They are frequently rotated between Union Territories and the Central Secretariat for diversified exposure.
Career Hierarchy and Designations
DANICS officers hold key positions in district and secretariat administration. The typical career progression is as follows:
- Assistant Collector / Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM): Entry-level post responsible for sub-divisional administration, land management, and local law and order.
- Deputy Commissioner / Additional District Magistrate (ADM): Handles district-level administration, coordination of developmental schemes, and revenue functions.
- District Magistrate / Deputy Commissioner: Responsible for overall district administration, law and order, and coordination with Central/UT government departments.
- Deputy Secretary / Director: Policy formulation and execution at UT Secretariat or Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Joint Secretary / Principal Secretary (UT): Senior administrative roles managing departments like Revenue, Education, or Urban Development.
- Promotion to IAS (AGMUT Cadre): Eligible after around 8–10 years of service, based on performance and seniority.
Promotional Grades and Pay Structure
| Grade | Typical Experience | Designation / Responsibility | Pay Scale (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Time Scale | Entry | Assistant Collector / SDM | ₹56,100 / month |
| Senior Time Scale | 4 years | Deputy Secretary / ADM | ₹67,700 – ₹1,18,500 |
| Junior Administrative Grade | 9 years | Deputy Commissioner / Director | ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200 |
| Selection Grade | 13 years | Joint Secretary / Secretary (UT) | ₹1,18,500 – ₹2,14,100 |
| Super Time Scale | 16 years | Principal Secretary / Equivalent | ₹1,44,200 – ₹2,18,200 |
| Promotion to IAS (AGMUT Cadre) | 8–10 years | Based on merit & vacancy | As per IAS pay levels |
Allowances: DANICS officers receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and Medical benefits. Pay revisions are implemented as per Central Pay Commission recommendations.
Training Structure
Newly recruited DANICS officers undergo a comprehensive training program combining academic and field components.
- Foundation Course (at LBSNAA, Mussoorie): Common with other Civil Services recruits. Covers Indian Constitution, public administration, ethics, and socio-economic development.
- Professional Training (at UTCS, Delhi): Conducted by the Union Territory Civil Services (UTCS) Training Institute. Includes revenue administration, urban governance, law and order, and e-governance modules.
- Field Training: Attachment with District Administration in Delhi or a Union Territory. Provides hands-on experience in land records, revenue collection, and developmental work.
Cadre Management and Promotion Policy
Cadre Controlling Authority: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Promotions are governed by time-bound and performance-linked criteria. Officers with excellent records are considered for promotion to IAS (AGMUT Cadre) by the Union Public Service Commission and Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). Regular cadre review ensures an optimal balance between Central deputation and Union Territory needs.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Implementing Central and UT Government schemes.
- Maintaining law and order and disaster management.
- Supervising local bodies and district-level planning.
- Overseeing land and revenue administration.
- Assisting in legislative and policy drafting in UT Secretariats.
Significance of DANICS
The DANICS service is vital for maintaining efficient governance across India’s Union Territories and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Officers serve as the administrative link between the Central Government and UTs, ensuring smooth implementation of national policies and citizen-centric governance.
It provides an opportunity for officers to gain diverse administrative experience—ranging from urban governance in Delhi to rural and island administration in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
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