Lateral entry is direct recruitment of experienced professionals from outside government into mid and senior-level posts.
It is different from regular recruitment, which fills posts through competitive exams open to all eligible candidates.
Lateral entrants are usually hired on contract for a fixed tenure rather than as permanent civil servants.
The government uses it to bring in domain expertise in areas like finance, technology and policy.
Vacancies, eligibility and the selection process are announced in the official advertisement for each post.