The DoPT is said to have completed interviews for the post of Education Counsellor in Washington and sent a list of candidates to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. This post, under the HRD Ministry, has been lying vacant for nearly three years while the number of Indian students studying in the US has been climbing up. On the panel are two high-profile officials who have been shortlisted for the post although they don't meet the eligibility criteria. The post requires two years' experience in central services and an equal stint in any higher education department. Although they are short on experience, these officials are said to have made to the list by virtue of being part of the personal staff of two high-profile Cabinet ministers.