Mandatory completion of “Outreach & Communication for Viksit Bharat” Course, on iGOT, for the APAR Cycle 2025-26, by DS and above level officers: DoP&T Order dated 20.01.2026
No. T-28/27/2025-iGOT-Part (3)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
(Training Wing)
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Block IV, Old JNU Campus,
New Delhi – 110067
Dated: 20th January, 2026
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
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Subject: Mandatory completion of “Outreach & Communication for Viksit Bharat” Course, on iGOT, for the APAR Cycle 2025-26, by DS and above level officers – reg.
Reference is drawn to this Department O.M. dated 04.07.2025 vide which it was mandated for all Central Government employees and officers of the All India Services (AIS) to complete courses, as prescribed by the respective Ministries/Departments/Cadre Controlling Authorities, on iGOT annually and that this will also be reflected in their Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs). In continuation of the same and in compliance of the Cabinet Secretary’s D.O. letter dated 31.10.2025, the undersigned is directed to state that a course titled “Improving Outreach and Communication for Viksit Bharat” has been accorded mandatory status for the APAR Cycle 2025-26 for all officers of level of Deputy Secretary to Special Secretary to Govt of India posted in Central Ministries/Departments/Organisations (MDOs).
2. The course has been developed by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and is available on the iGOT Karmayogi platform. It highlights the pivotal role of strategic communication in augmenting governance, transparency, and public trust by elucidating how effective messaging on policies and schemes enhances citizen understanding and facilitates implementation. It underscores the need of citizen-centric, structured communication going beyond routine announcements, with a pronounced emphasis on digital media, visual storytelling, and audience-specific outreach.
3 . This course may be added to the Training Plan already created for officers of the levels mentioned above by their MDOs for the purpose of the 2025-26 APAR Cycle, and must be consumed by the officers before 31.03.2026. All Ministries/Departments are requested to ensure compliance of this OM.
(Gaurav Anand)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tele: 011-26706377
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