The Cabinet Secretariat, one of the highest offices of the Government of India, has opened applications for its 2026 technical recruitment drive. The department has announced 250 vacancies for the post of Deputy Field Officer (Technical) under Advertisement No. 02/2026, and the detailed notification appeared in the Employment News issue of 17 to 23 October 2026.
Applications opened today, 17 October 2026, and candidates must send their filled forms by ordinary post so that they reach the given address on or before 15 November 2026. This is an offline recruitment, so there is no online application form.
250 vacancies: which subjects are in demand
The 250 posts are split across engineering and science subjects, and the largest share goes to computer science and electronics engineers. The subject-wise vacancy break-up is as follows:
- Computer Science / Information Technology: 112 posts
- Electronics / Communication / Telecommunication: 112 posts
- Data Science / Artificial Intelligence: 10 posts
- Physics: 5 posts
- Mechanical Engineering: 4 posts
- Civil Engineering: 3 posts
- Chemistry: 2 posts
- Mathematics: 1 post
- Statistics: 1 post
The notification makes it clear that these numbers are tentative and may change.
Eligibility: GATE score is mandatory
This recruitment has a filter that will decide for many candidates whether they can apply at all: you need a valid GATE score from 2024, 2025 or 2026 in the paper corresponding to your subject. GATE shortlisting is the first stage of selection, so your score carries real weight.
On qualifications, the bar is set for engineers and science postgraduates:
- Education: B.E. or B.Tech, or a Master’s degree in Science, in the relevant subject
- Age limit: maximum 30 years (relaxations apply as per government rules for reserved categories)
- Nationality: Indian nationals only
How selection works
There is no written examination in this recruitment. The selection process has four stages:
- Shortlisting on GATE score in the relevant paper
- Personal interview for shortlisted candidates
- Character and antecedent verification
- Medical examination
Because the first cut is made entirely on the GATE score, candidates with stronger scores in the right paper stand the best chance of getting the interview call.
Salary and job profile
The post is a Group B, non-gazetted post placed in Level 7 of the pay matrix. The initial monthly emoluments, including allowances, are estimated at around ₹1,00,000 for a posting in New Delhi.
The initial posting is in New Delhi, but the job carries all-India transfer liability with field postings, so candidates should be prepared to serve anywhere in the country.
How to apply: offline by post
Unlike most central recruitments today, this one is fully offline. Follow these steps carefully:
- Read the official advertisement in the Employment News issue of 17 to 23 October 2026, or on the official website cabsec.gov.in
- Download or copy the prescribed application format given in the notification
- Fill it in neatly, attach self-attested copies of your degree, GATE score card, age proof and category certificate
- Send the completed application by ordinary post to the Post Bag address mentioned in the advertisement
- Make sure it reaches on or before 15 November 2026; late applications are rejected
One practical tip: with postal delays being common, do not leave it to the last week. Applications sent late or with missing certificates are summarily rejected, and there is no correction window in an offline process.
Important dates at a glance
- Notification published: 17 October 2026 (Employment News)
- Application window opens: 17 October 2026
- Last date for receipt of applications: 15 November 2026
- GATE scores accepted: 2024, 2025, 2026
- Interview schedule: to be notified later
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for Cabinet Secretariat DFO Recruitment 2026?
The last date for receipt of applications by post is 15 November 2026.
Is GATE mandatory for DFO (Technical) posts?
Yes. A valid GATE score from 2024, 2025 or 2026 in the corresponding paper is compulsory, and shortlisting is done on the basis of the GATE score.
What is the salary of a Deputy Field Officer (Technical)?
The post is in Level 7 of the pay matrix, Group B non-gazetted, with initial monthly emoluments of around ₹1,00,000 including allowances at New Delhi.
Can I apply online for this recruitment?
No. Applications are accepted only offline, by ordinary post, to the address given in the official advertisement.
What is the maximum age limit?
30 years, with relaxations for reserved categories as per government rules.
Candidates should treat the official advertisement in Employment News and the Cabinet Secretariat website as the final authority, and verify eligibility, the postal address and document requirements before sending their application.
