2.10 A well structured Group `A' cadre consists of two distinct parts: (i) Regular Duty Posts and (ii) Reserves. The regular duty posts which constitute the core of the cadre are meant for performing the functions for which the service has been constituted. It consists of both permanent posts as weel as temporary posts which are likely to continue indefinitely. As mentioned above, the duty posts are structured into different levels of hierarchy in the time scale, junior administrative grade, senior administrative grade, etc. corresponding to different levels of responsibility. Incidentally, it is the structure of the regular duty posts which is examined in a cadre review.

2.11 The reserves are of four types, viz. (i) probationers reserves (ii) leave reserves (iii) training reserves and (iv) deputation reserves. Every organised service normally provides for probationers reserves in order to cater to the requirements of probation which has to be undergone by direct recruits to the service. Probationers reserves cannot be considered part of regular duty posts of a service as they are not intended to perform the service functions. Officers undergoing pobationary training are shown against probationers reserves; they do not carry out regular duties associated with the service. The strength of reserve depends upon the size of the normal annual intake through direct recruitment and the period of probation required to be put in by direct recruits.

2.12 The other reserves, namely, leave, training and deputation reserves are intended to serve as substitute for regular duty posts in the event of service officers holding duty posts being temporarily away from their cadre on leave training, or deputation. Officers holding the posts under such reserves do perform regular functions of the posts against which they are posted as substitutes. In this sense, they are only temporary replacements for regular cadre officers who are currently away for one reason or the other and as such the reserve posts do not represent net additions to the cadre. The various types of reserves including probations reserves are usually created in the junior time scale.