Conversion
Conversion is movement from one cadre to another on presentation of prerequisite additional qualification. For senior and junior posts, the Rules prescribe application, minimum two years in the original cadre except where otherwise stated, assessment/recommendation processes and relevant approval/ratification. Conversion to the Administrative Officer cadre additionally requires the full minimum educational qualification for direct appointment and success in the prescribed selection process.
Reference: Public Service Rules 2015, 020501(c); 020503–020504
Also covered in
Before conversion, MDAs must consult the Schemes of Service and extant circulars. An officer must be confirmed, have prior approval of the Ministry of Establishments and Training for further studies, possess the relevant additional qualification, and have successfully undergone the Computer-Based Aptitude Test before consideration by a properly constituted PMB. Any minimum service period expressly stipulated in the officer's Letter of Appointment must also have elapsed.
Reference: Circular 008/2026, para. 3(A)
Officers should not be converted in the same year they are due for promotion. Conversion to a new cadre is generally restricted to GL12; applications above GL12 are not to be considered except for stated exceptions involving related cadres with transferable skills/experience, qualifying Medical/Dental Officers proceeding to Consultant GL15, and conversions on grounds of Public Policy. Officers converting to specialised professional cadres such as State Counsel or Medical/Dental Officer are admitted only at the entry level of those cadres.
Reference: Circular 008/2026, para. 3(B)
Conversion from a Sub-Cadre to a related Officer Cadre or from one Officer Cadre to another is lateral and subject to additional qualification and vacancy. Conversion from a Sub-Cadre to an unrelated Officer Cadre is likewise lateral and subject to additional qualification and vacancy. Conversion is advised in the first SPADEV year after promotion, and officers are responsible for applying promptly upon receipt of their additional-qualification certificates, not statements of result.
Reference: Circular 008/2026, paras. 3(C)–(D), 5
Junior officers who acquire the additional qualifications prescribed for another cadre may be considered for conversion subject to the Circular's other requirements, including confirmation, approved study leave where applicable, vacancy and budgetary provision. Specified PSSDC/LASU-PSSDC training routes may also support conversion subject to the limitations stated in the Circular. Seniority must be preserved after conversion, and new/junior officers should not supersede senior officers in the new cadre except where justified by merit, qualifications or other Service requirements.
Reference: Circular 008/2026, para. 3(F)–(I)
Conversion is not automatic or an entitlement. It is subject to confirmation of appointment, personnel-budget provision, satisfaction of Schemes of Service and Conversion Policy conditions, requisite study-leave/qualification approvals, availability of vacancies within the approved establishment and approval by the relevant Commissions.
Reference: Circular 008/2026, para. 3(J)
The effective date of conversion is the notional date nearest the date the officer is presented before the PMB; the former practice of using the Commission sitting date is abrogated. Conversion exercises are structured around 1 January and 1 July notional dates, with PMB meetings held ahead of those dates. PMB recommendations and officers' certificates are to reach the relevant Commission/Board within seven working days after the meeting. Commissions/Boards are to communicate approvals/non-approvals and approved letters are to specify the officer's next promotion date. Conversion applications are to be considered only where vacancies exist and proposed conversion posts are accommodated in the Annual Personnel Budget.
Reference: Circular 008/2026, paras. 6–7
In addition to existing conversion requirements, officers seeking conversion from a Sub-Cadre to a related Officer Cadre, from a Sub-Cadre to an unrelated Officer Cadre, or from one Officer Cadre to another must undergo a Computer-Based Aptitude Test. Officers successful in the CBT are subsequently screened by their Parent Ministries through a properly constituted PMB (Conversion), whose recommendations are forwarded to the relevant Commissions/Boards for consideration and approval. MDAs must forward the certificates submitted for conversion together with the PMB minutes for verification. The process took immediate effect.
Reference: Circular 067/2025, paras. 1–4