Cadre allocation decides which state or joint cadre an IAS or IPS officer is posted to after training.
Candidates give cadre preferences in the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the mains stage.
Allocation follows merit rank, preferences, available vacancies and the government’s insider-outsider rules.
Home cadre is not guaranteed — many officers serve in cadres far from their home state.
Officers can later apply for inter-cadre deputation under the rules in force.