Indiandianmandarins has reliably learnt that a search has begun in right earnest in view of as many as 36 secretary rank officers are set to retire through December 31, 2018. It may be mentioned that approx 82 IAS officers belonging to the 1984 and 1985 batches had joined the league to become Secretaries in Govt of India but even though more than a dozen newly empanelled officers are retiring this year approx three dozen officers (1984 & 1985 batch of IAS) may not get posting this year. Interestingly, the establishment has limited avenues to place/post/accommodate them by the end of this year. This means that more than 50% newly empanelled officers, who have more than one year service in hand, may not get the secretary level posts. If another batch (1986) of IAS officers is accounted for, the waiting list may be doubled this year with another heavy lot of 1986 batch officers who may be empanelled to hold Secretary and Secretary equivalent posts in Govt of India.