Government Jobs Breakdown: Group A, B, C, D — Duties & Hierarchy
Government jobs in India are grouped into categories that define responsibility, pay scale and recruitment routes. This article explains Group A, B, C and D — duties, hierarchy and career growth.
What are government job groups?
In India, public sector employees are commonly classified into Group A, B, C and D based on administrative level, responsibilities and pay. This classification simplifies recruitment and clarifies the chain of command.
Group A — Top executive & managerial cadre
Group A officers occupy the highest decision-making roles in the government. They are responsible for policy formulation, large-scale implementation and leadership across departments.
Example posts
- IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS
- Senior doctors, university professors
- Engineers (Central Services), scientists (ISRO/DRDO)
Duties
- Strategic decision-making & policy
- Financial & administrative approvals
- Supervision of lower groups
Recruitment
- UPSC Civil Services
- Engineering / Specialist UPSC exams
- Direct recruitment for specialists
Group B — Supervisory backbone
Group B staff are the bridge between Group A policy-makers and Group C implementers. They manage teams, draft official notes and monitor departmental work.
| Typical Posts | Key Duties | Recruitment |
|---|---|---|
| Section Officers, Inspectors, State PCS | Supervision, reporting, mid-level implementation | SSC CGL, State PSC, promotions |
Group C — Operational & clerical workforce
Group C forms the bulk of public servants — clerks, technicians, drivers and others who keep government offices and field operations running.
- Typical posts: Clerks (LDC/UDC), data-entry, technicians, constables.
- Recruitment: SSC CHSL, SSC CGL (for some posts), RRB exams and state boards.
Group D — Ground-level support
Historically a separate category, many Group D posts have merged into Group C after pay commission reforms. Remaining Group D roles include manual field support such as sweepers, peons and other attendants.
Hierarchy pyramid
Group A → Policy Makers / Executive Heads Group B → Supervisors / Middle Management Group C → Operational Staff / Clerical & Technical Roles Group D → Ground-Level Support Staff
Each level is essential — policy without execution or execution without guidance both fail. Understanding the structure helps aspirants choose the right exam and plan long-term careers.
FAQs — Quick answers
What is the difference between Group A and Group B? +
Which group includes IAS, IPS and IFS? +
Are Group C and Group D the same now? +
Which group offers the highest salary? +
Career Growth & Tips
Quick guidance for aspirants:
- Target exams: UPSC for Group A; SSC/State PSC/RRB for Group B/C posts.
- Promotions: Many Group B/C staff get promoted internally; performance and departmental exams matter.
- Skill up: Enhance communication, report-writing and domain knowledge — these matter more than rote answers.
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