Cabinet Secretariat DFO Recruitment Advt. No. – 02/2026
The Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India, has announced recruitment for the post of Deputy Field Officer (Technical). The recruitment drive offers 250 tentative vacancies for eligible Indian nationals with the prescribed engineering or science qualifications and a valid Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score.
The position is classified as Group B, Non-Gazetted, and carries Level 7 pay under the Pay Matrix. The initial monthly emoluments, including allowances, are approximately ₹1,00,000 for a posting in New Delhi.
Eligible candidates must submit their applications offline along with the required certificates and GATE scorecard. The last date for receipt of applications is 15 November 2026. Candidates should read the official advertisement carefully before applying.
Official advertisement: Download Cabinet Secretariat DFO Technical Recruitment 2026 notification and application form (PDF).
Cabinet Secretariat DFO Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India |
| Post Name | Deputy Field Officer (Technical) |
| Advertisement Number | 02/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 250 (tentative) |
| Job Category | Central Government Job |
| Group | Group B, Non-Gazetted |
| Application Mode | Offline, by ordinary post |
| Application Availability | Reported from 17 October 2026; confirm the application instructions |
| Last Date for Receipt | 15 November 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | B.E./B.Tech. or Master’s degree in Science in a prescribed subject |
| GATE Requirement | Valid qualifying GATE score from 2024, 2025 or 2026 in the relevant subject |
| Maximum Age | 30 years, subject to applicable relaxation |
| Pay Level | Level 7 |
| Approximate Initial Monthly Emoluments | ₹1,00,000, including allowances, for a New Delhi posting |
| Selection Process | GATE-score-based shortlisting and interview |
| Initial Posting | New Delhi |
| Transfer Liability | All India |
| Official Website | cabsec.gov.in |
The advertisement explicitly states the closing date of 15 November 2026. The application start date of 17 October is reported by recruitment listings; candidates should check the official notice for any clarification.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Advertisement | October 2026 |
| Employment News Issue | 17–23 October 2026 |
| Application Availability | Reported from 17 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Applications | 15 November 2026 |
| GATE Score Years Accepted | 2024, 2025 and 2026 |
| Interview Date | To be communicated to shortlisted candidates |
The closing date refers to receipt of the application, not merely the date on which it is posted. Candidates should dispatch their forms sufficiently early to ensure delivery by the deadline.
Cabinet Secretariat DFO Vacancy 2026: Subject-Wise Details
A total of 250 tentative vacancies have been announced across nine technical disciplines. Candidates must select only one subject and possess the corresponding educational qualification and valid GATE paper.
| Subject / Discipline | Vacancies | Corresponding GATE Paper | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science / Information Technology | 112 | Computer Science and Information Technology | CS |
| Electronics, Communication or Telecommunication | 112 | Electronics and Communication Engineering | EC |
| Data Science / Artificial Intelligence, including eligible specialised Computer Science degrees | 10 | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | DA |
| Physics | 5 | Physics | PH |
| Mechanical Engineering | 4 | Mechanical Engineering | ME |
| Civil Engineering | 3 | Civil Engineering | CE |
| Chemistry | 2 | Chemistry | CY |
| Mathematics | 1 | Mathematics | MA |
| Statistics | 1 | Statistics | ST |
| Total | 250 |
The vacancies are tentative and may be revised by the Cabinet Secretariat. Candidates should confirm that their degree subject and GATE paper match the discipline for which they apply.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must be Indian nationals and hold the prescribed degree from a recognised university or institution.
The qualification requirement is a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology, or a Master’s degree in Science, in one of the notified disciplines.
The educational qualification and GATE paper must correspond to the selected subject. A candidate cannot apply under multiple subject codes in this recruitment.
Valid GATE Score Requirement
Candidates must have achieved the qualifying cutoff marks in GATE 2024, GATE 2025 or GATE 2026 in one of the notified subjects and possess the corresponding valid GATE scorecard.
A GATE score from an unrelated paper will not satisfy the subject-matching requirement. Before applying, candidates should verify the GATE paper code, degree discipline and scorecard validity.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The maximum age limit is 30 years, calculated as on the closing date of 15 November 2026.
| Category | Age Limit / Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | Maximum 30 years |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | Relaxation as per applicable Central Government orders |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Relaxation as per applicable Central Government orders |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Relaxation as per applicable Central Government orders |
| Central Government Employees | As per applicable rules |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per applicable rules |
The advertisement refers to applicable Central Government orders for age relaxation. Candidates should check the official notification and provide the relevant certificate or supporting documents when claiming relaxation.
Cabinet Secretariat DFO Salary 2026
The Deputy Field Officer (Technical) post is placed in Level 7 of the Pay Matrix under Group B, Non-Gazetted service.
The notification states that the initial monthly emoluments, including allowances, will be approximately ₹1,00,000 for a posting in New Delhi.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 7 |
| Pay Structure | Central Government Level 7 Pay Matrix |
| Approximate Initial Monthly Emoluments | ₹1,00,000, including allowances |
| Posting-Based Allowances | As admissible under applicable rules |
| Deductions | As applicable under service and statutory rules |
| Transfer Liability | All India |
The ₹1,00,000 figure represents approximate initial monthly emoluments, including allowances, rather than the basic pay alone. Actual salary will depend on the applicable allowances, posting and deductions.
Application Fee
The recruitment advertisement does not specify an application fee. Candidates should read the official notification carefully and should not pay any fee to unofficial websites or intermediaries.
Selection Process
The selection process is based on GATE scores followed by an interview. Shortlisted candidates are also subject to character and antecedent verification and a medical examination.
1. Shortlisting Based on GATE Score
Applications meeting the eligibility requirements are arranged in merit order based on valid GATE scores, separately for each subject.
The notification states that candidates will be shortlisted for interview in a number five times the number of vacancies for each subject.
2. Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. The date, time and venue will be communicated to them by email.
The notification does not specify the marks or weightage assigned separately to the GATE score and interview. Candidates should therefore avoid assuming a particular final merit formula.
3. Character and Antecedent Verification
Candidates selected through the prescribed process must satisfy the required character and antecedent verification.
4. Medical Examination
Selected candidates must meet the applicable medical standards for Group B posts under the relevant Central Government guidelines.
Cabinet Secretariat DFO Exam Pattern 2026: Short Guide
There is no separate written examination conducted by the Cabinet Secretariat under the advertised selection process. GATE is the qualifying examination used for shortlisting, followed by an interview.
| Selection Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| GATE Score | Valid qualifying score from GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 in the relevant subject |
| Shortlisting | Based on GATE score, separately for each subject |
| Interview | For candidates shortlisted on the basis of GATE scores |
| Character and Antecedent Verification | Required |
| Medical Examination | Required |
| Separate Cabinet Secretariat Written Test | Not specified in the advertisement |
Candidates should prepare according to the official GATE syllabus for their corresponding subject paper and review the relevant technical fundamentals before the interview.
For a detailed subject-wise GATE syllabus, technical topics, preparation strategy and interview guidance, read the separate article:
Cabinet Secretariat DFO Technical Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026: Complete Guide
Documents Required
Candidates must send the completed application form with self-attested copies of the documents required by the advertisement.
The list includes:
- Matriculation and Class 12 certificates or mark sheets.
- B.E., B.Tech. or M.Sc. certificates and mark sheets, as applicable.
- Birth certificate or other accepted age proof.
- Valid GATE scorecard.
- Prescribed caste certificate for eligible SC/ST or OBC candidates claiming relaxation.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the present employer, where applicable.
- Ex-Servicemen undertaking and discharge certificate, where applicable.
- Two recent passport-size coloured photographs, with name and date of birth written on the reverse.
- Self-attested Aadhaar card copy, as requested in the application form.
Candidates should check the advertisement for any additional documents and the prescribed formats for category-based claims.
How to Apply for Cabinet Secretariat DFO Recruitment 2026
The application process is offline. Candidates must send their application form and supporting documents by ordinary post.
- Download the official recruitment advertisement and application form.
- Read the eligibility requirements and choose the one subject that matches your educational qualification and valid GATE paper.
- Type the application form on A4-size paper, following the instructions in the advertisement.
- Complete all required fields in English capital letters using black or blue ink, as instructed.
- Affix the required recent passport-size coloured photograph.
- Sign and date the declaration.
- Attach self-attested copies of the educational certificates, age proof, GATE scorecard and other required documents.
- Include the applicable category certificate, NOC or ex-servicemen documents, if relevant.
- Place the completed application and documents in an envelope and send it by ordinary post to the prescribed address.
- Ensure that the application reaches the destination by 15 November 2026.
Application Mailing Address
Post Bag No. 001
Lodhi Road Head Post Office
New Delhi – 110003
Applications must reach the prescribed address on or before the closing date. The advertisement does not provide an online application form, so candidates should not rely on unofficial “Apply Online” buttons.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Only one subject code may be selected.
- The educational qualification and GATE paper must match the selected subject.
- Incomplete or unsigned applications may be rejected.
- Required certificates and documents must accompany the application.
- Government employees should follow the prescribed forwarding and certification instructions where applicable.
- The job involves field postings and All India Transfer liability.
- The Cabinet Secretariat reserves the right to revise vacancies or withdraw the recruitment process under the conditions stated in the advertisement.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Official Recruitment Advertisement and Application Form | Read the advertisement and download the form |
| Cabinet Secretariat Official Website | Official departmental information |
| Cabinet Secretariat Vacancies Page | Check departmental vacancy notices |
| Detailed DFO Exam Pattern and Syllabus Guide | Replace with the published internal article permalink |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| 1. How many vacancies are available in Cabinet Secretariat DFO Recruitment 2026? |
|---|
| A total of 250 tentative vacancies have been announced for Deputy Field Officer (Technical) across nine technical disciplines. |
| 2. What is the last date to apply? |
| The last date for receipt of applications is 15 November 2026. The completed application must reach the prescribed address by the deadline. |
| 3. Can candidates apply online? |
| No online application process is specified in the advertisement. Candidates must submit the prescribed application form and documents by ordinary post. |
| 4. Which GATE scores are accepted? |
| Qualifying GATE scores from 2024, 2025 or 2026 are accepted in the notified subjects, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions. |
| 5. What is the age limit? |
| The maximum age is 30 years as on 15 November 2026. Applicable relaxation is available to eligible categories under Central Government rules. |
| 6. What is the salary of a Deputy Field Officer (Technical)? |
| The post is in Level 7 of the Pay Matrix. Initial monthly emoluments, including allowances, are approximately ₹1,00,000 for a New Delhi posting. |
| 7. What is the selection process? |
| Candidates are shortlisted based on GATE scores and called for an interview. Selection is subject to eligibility, character and antecedent verification, and medical examination. |
| 8. Is there a separate written examination for this recruitment? |
| The advertisement does not specify a separate written examination conducted by the Cabinet Secretariat. GATE scores are used for shortlisting, followed by an interview. |
| 9. Where should candidates send the application? |
| The application must be sent by ordinary post to Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi – 110003. |
| 10. Where can I download the official application form? |
| Candidates can access the advertisement and application form through the PDF link in the Important Links section above. |
Cabinet Secretariat DFO Technical Recruitment 2026 offers 250 tentative vacancies for eligible engineering and science graduates with valid GATE scores in the prescribed subjects. The post carries Level 7 pay, with approximate initial monthly emoluments of ₹1,00,000, including allowances, for a New Delhi posting.
Candidates should verify their subject eligibility, GATE paper and age requirements before completing the application. As the recruitment is conducted through offline applications, ensure that the signed form and all required documents reach Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi – 110003, by 15 November 2026.
Always refer to the official advertisement for the final eligibility conditions, application instructions and selection rules.
Some Important Useful Links
| Download Notification | Click Here |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Click Here |