About Level 17 — Secretary
Secretaries head Government of India ministries and report to the Cabinet Minister and the PMO. They are responsible for policy formulation, parliamentary work and inter-ministerial coordination. Selection is by ACC empanelment from the Additional Secretary pool.
Common posts at Level 17
- Secretary (Centre)
- Chairman (CBDT / CBIC / SEBI)
- Director (IB / RAW / CBI)
- Chief Secretary (some states)
Promotion ladder
The only promotion above Level 17 is Cabinet Secretary (Level 18) — appointed by the PM from among serving Secretaries.