Human Resource Management Framework

Karmayogi Competency Model (KCM)

India's first indigenous Public Sector Human Resource Management framework tailored for building a capable, accountable, and citizen-centric civil service.

Vision

The Karmayogi Competency Model signifies Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in Competency-Based Capacity Building, reinforcing the commitment to develop a capable, accountable, and citizen-focused civil service. The model is inspired by Indic wisdom and advances the tenets of Mission Karmayogi.

  • The KCM will define the required competencies for capacity-building curricula.
  • Courses on the iGOT platform will be mapped to the competencies in the KCM framework.
  • Officers will strive towards attaining the Sankalpas and Gunas ellucidiated in the KCM.
  • Officers will be shown courses based on the specific competencies they need to develop.

Objectives

The Karmayogi Competency Framework seeks to align roles with the competencies required to perform them effectively across all learning content within the Government of India. By embedding competencies directly into training and capacity-building exercises, the framework aims to shift Ministries, Departments, and Organisations (MDOs) from a rule-based approach to a more comprehensive, role-based way of thinking. This transition ensures that capacity-building initiatives are not viewed merely as compliance exercises but as structured pathways to strengthen the ability of civil servants to deliver on their responsibilities.

The integration of the KCM will help establish a common language for identifying, developing, managing, and deploying talent across the government ecosystem. It will enable MDOs to clearly define the competencies associated with each role, track workforce performance against those competencies, and set concrete targets for improvement. Such a system allows for better workforce planning, mobility, and succession management, ensuring that the right people are in the right roles at the right time.

Ultimately, the adoption of the KCM framework will not only enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the government workforce but also improve role-fit, build accountability into learning and performance, and foster a culture of continuous development.

Conceptual Framework

The Karmayogi Competency Model (KCM) is India's first indigenous Public Sector Human Resource Management framework. Rooted in India's cultural and administrative context, it defines the values, skills, and behaviors required to build a capable, accountable, and citizen-centric civil service. Unlike one-size-fits-all global models, KCM is tailored to India's governance challenges, aligning with the aspirations of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Global Benchmarking

While uniquely Indian in design, KCM stands alongside internationally recognized frameworks such as:

UNDP Competency Model Australian Competency Model Singapore Competency Model Korean Competency Model

Development Process

The model was created through rigorous research and stakeholder engagement, involving:

Primary & Secondary Research
Global Benchmarking
Extensive Validation with public and private sector experts, academia, and Indian Knowledge Systems specialists

Inspiration & Core Principles

The Karmayogi Competency Model (KCM) draws its philosophical foundations from Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and is inspired by the Panch Pran vision articulated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister

Char Sankalpas (Four Resolves)
Vikas
Commitment to a Developed India
Garva
Pride in Indian ethos and identity
Kartavya
Duty towards nation, people, and self
Ekta
Unity in action
Char Gunas (Four Foundational Virtues)
Svadhyaya
Knowing oneself
Sahakaryata
Collaborative working
Rajyakarma
Understanding governance systems
Svadharma
Serving citizens with dedication

The Competency Framework

KCM categorizes competencies into two key domains:

13
Behavioural Competencies
5 Leadership + 8 Core
Observable traits and actions that define effective public service. Including: Self-Awareness, Solution Orientation, Service Orientation, Creativity & Innovation, Strategic & Collaborative Leadership.
21
Functional Competencies
Skills & Tools
Skills and tools essential for governance and service delivery. Including: Policy Architecture, Project Management, Financial Management, Digital Fluency & Data Analytics, Grievance Redressal, Vigilance & Change Management.

Alignment with Mission Karmayogi

The KCM directly supports the five objectives of Mission Karmayogi:

Enhancing performance
Citizen-centric governance
Future readiness
Accountability in service
Tech-enabled governance
It also ensures that courses on the iGOT platform are mapped to competencies, enabling targeted and personalized learning for civil servants.

A Transformative Shift

The Karmayogi Competency Model marks a paradigm shift in India's governance philosophy:

From rule-based to role-based governance
From Karmachari (employee) to Karmayogi (dedicated worker)
From traditional administration to workplace transformation

Significance

KCM embodies Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in competency-based capacity building. By defining what public officials need to know, do, and embody, it strengthens India's commitment to building a future-ready, citizen-focused, and accountable civil service.

Chronology of Events (Pilots/Phases)

 
 
October 19, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Karmayogi Competency Model during the inaugural 'Karmayogi Saptah'—or National Learning Week—on October 19, 2024.
 
10th March, 2025
KCM Workshop conducted with CBC, KB, Training division of Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), CEGIS, and IDInsight.
 
18th July, 2025
The KCM was copyrighted by CBC under the supervision of Dr R Balasubramaniam (Member-HR)

Key Milestones

Integration of KCM with the iGOT Platform
The KCM has already been integrated within the iGOT platform for all courses, webinars, events, etc. This will enable a competency-based approach to learning.
A course on KCM is available on the iGOT platform
Comprehensive course content on KCM is accessible to all civil servants through the iGOT platform.
Copyright of the KCM
The KCM has been copyrighted by the CBC, making it a valuable resource for the India Civil Service Capacity Building Ecosystem.
Alignment of Course Curriculum with the KCM in Training Ecosystem
Training curricula across the ecosystem are being aligned with the KCM framework to ensure consistency and competency-based learning.