Induction of Third Member to CBIC Likely Only in April; 1993 Batch IRS Officer in Contention

Speculation is rife within North Block that the appointment of a third Member to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) may take place only in April, potentially paving the way for a senior officer of the 1993 batch of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) to join the apex indirect tax policy-making body.

Sources in the revenue department indicate that while two Member-level appointments have already been cleared in recent weeks, the final vacancy on the Board is likely to be filled at the start of the new financial year. The timing, insiders suggest, is linked to administrative realignments and impending superannuations within the senior-most ranks of the service.

Strategic Timing Before the New Financial Year

The reported April timeline coincides with the beginning of FY 2026–27 — traditionally a period when key postings and structural adjustments are implemented across revenue formations. Officials familiar with the developments say the government may be calibrating the appointment to ensure continuity in policy execution, especially amid ongoing reforms in GST compliance, customs digitisation, and anti-evasion drives.

The CBIC, functioning under the Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance, plays a central role in framing policy relating to Goods and Services Tax (GST), customs, central excise (in limited areas), and anti-smuggling enforcement. Any change at the Member level is therefore seen as significant, both administratively and strategically.

1993 Batch Officer in the Fray

Corridor chatter suggests that a 1993 batch IRS officer is strongly placed for elevation. Officers of this batch are currently among the senior-most in the service cadre eligible for Board-level empanelment. The final decision, however, rests with the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), following recommendations from the Revenue Department and requisite vigilance clearances.

If the appointment materialises in April, it would align with the seniority matrix and maintain batch representation balance within the Board — a factor that often plays a role in high-level postings.

Two Members Already Appointed

The CBIC currently comprises a Chairperson and multiple Members handling portfolios such as GST, Customs, Legal, Investigation, and Administration. Two Member appointments have already been notified, narrowing the remaining vacancy to one. The induction of the third Member would complete the present composition of the Board.