CSB plays a crucial role in the placement/appointment at the level of Joint Secretary in the Government of India; a cutting-edge position in policy-making for respective ministries. The current system of JS-level appointments involves several stages. 

In the first stage, Establishment Officer (EO) invites nominations of officers from State Governments and other cadre controlling authorities. Once the nominations are received and scrutinized for eligibility to be considered for placement under the Central Staffing Scheme (i.e. empanelment of the officer, completion of cooling off period, not otherwise debarred, etc.), an “offer list” for the year is prepared. 

Thereafter, the EO prepares a short list in respect of each vacancy that arises during the year. Such shortlists are usually prepared about two to three months in advance of the relevant vacancy arising. 

The shortlists are prepared taking into account the grading in the ACRs, the past experience of the officer in the relevant area, and his overall suitability for the post. Based on this, a short list of three officers is placed before the CSB. 

The CSB, in turn, recommends one or two officers, from out of the shortlist, in order of preference. 

Approval of the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC), headed by the Prime Minister of India, is then sought to the recommendations of the CSB.