BharatNotes DoPT OM (November 24, 2022) directs that officer-spouses be posted at the same station 'as far as possible'. The mechanism includes cadre transfer and loan deputation, but home state restriction still applies.
DoPT OM on spouse posting (November 24, 2022):
DoPT issued Office Memorandum No. 28020/1/2010-Estt.(C) (dated November 24, 2022) directing that when both spouses are All India Service (AIS) officers:
- Posting authorities should 'endeavour to post them at the same station'
- This applies across AIS services (IAS-IPS, IAS-IFS, IPS-IFS combinations)
- Cadre transfer: One officer may apply for cadre transfer to the other's cadre state (requires both state governments' consent)
- Loan deputation: One officer may be placed on loan deputation to the other's cadre state for the period needed
Home state restriction:
Under AIS rules, officers generally cannot be posted to their home state cadre. If an officer's home state is Rajasthan and their spouse is from AGMUT cadre (serving in Delhi), the Rajasthan cadre officer cannot simply transfer to AGMUT.
Practical reality:
- Spouse posting requests are treated sympathetically but are not guaranteed
- Geographic proximity (within same state or same region) is more achievable than same-city posting
- Many AIS officer couples serve in different states for extended periods, especially early in career
- The November 2022 OM strengthened the policy but left implementation to individual state governments
For non-AIS officer spouses (e.g., IAS married to a private sector professional):
- No formal policy; IAS officer's posting is determined by state needs
- Requests can be made through informal channels (Chief Secretary office)
Source: DoPT OM No. 28020/1/2010-Estt.(C) dated 24.11.2022
