Last Updated: 18 October 2026
Table of Contents
The Cabinet Secretariat Deputy Field Officer (Technical) Recruitment 2026 has opened one of the most sought-after GATE-based government job opportunities of the year, inviting applications for direct recruitment to 250 (tentative) posts in Pay Level-7 of the Pay Matrix. Published through Advertisement No. 02/2026 in the Employment News edition of 17–23 October 2026, this recruitment is open to engineering and science graduates who hold a valid GATE score.
For candidates in Assam and across India who cleared GATE 2024, 2025, or 2026, this is a rare chance to join a prestigious Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted post under the Government of India without appearing for a separate written exam. This article breaks down eligibility, vacancies, pay, selection process, and the application procedure in an easy, tabular format.
Quick Overview: Cabinet Secretariat DFO (Technical) Recruitment 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India |
| Advertisement No. | 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Deputy Field Officer (Technical) |
| Pay Level | Level-7, Pay Matrix (Group ‘B’, Non-Gazetted) |
| Total Vacancies | 250 (Tentative, across 9 subjects) |
| Selection Basis | Valid GATE Score + Interview |
| Mode of Application | Offline (Postal only) |
| Closing Date | 15.11.2026 |
| Initial Monthly Emoluments | Approx. Rs. 1,00,000 (if posted at New Delhi) |
About the Post and the Recruiting Organisation
The Cabinet Secretariat is the apex administrative body of the Government of India, providing secretariat assistance to the Cabinet and coordinating policy matters at the highest level. The notification clarifies that the Deputy Field Officer (Technical) role involves field postings with All India Transfer liability, and that medical standards will follow Central Government norms applicable to Group ‘B’ posts. The notification does not specify the exact department of posting beyond “Cabinet Secretariat,” so candidates should rely only on the official advertisement and subsequent interview call letters for further operational details rather than assumptions.
Subject-Wise Vacancy Details
Unlike most government recruitments that use a written exam, this post is filled purely on the basis of valid GATE scores, subject to subject-wise vacancy distribution. Candidates can apply for only one subject code corresponding to their qualification. The breakup is as follows:
| S. No. | Subject | Vacancies | GATE Paper / Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | Computer Science / Information Technology | 112 | Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) |
| b | Electronics and/or Communication/Telecommunication | 112 | Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC) |
| c | Data Science/Artificial Intelligence or CS with DS/AI specialization | 10 | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA) |
| d | Physics | 05 | Physics (PH) |
| e | Mechanical Engineering | 04 | Mechanical Engineering (ME) |
| f | Civil Engineering | 03 | Civil Engineering (CE) |
| g | Chemistry | 02 | Chemistry (CY) |
| h | Mathematics | 01 | Mathematics (MA) |
| i | Statistics | 01 | Statistics (ST) |
| Total | – | 250 (Tentative) | – |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Not exceeding 30 years as on closing date (relaxable for SC/ST/OBC/Central Govt Employees/Ex-servicemen as per Central Government orders) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology, OR Master’s degree in Science in one of the 9 notified subjects, from a recognized University/Institution |
| GATE Requirement | Valid GATE score in the corresponding subject paper from GATE 2024, 2025, or 2026, meeting the qualifying cut-off marks for that subject |
| Number of Applications | A candidate can apply for only ONE subject out of the nine notified subject-codes |
Pay Scale and Job Conditions
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Matrix | Level-7, Group ‘B’, Non-Gazetted |
| Approx. Initial Monthly Emoluments | Rs. 1,00,000 (if posted at New Delhi, including all allowances) |
| Nature of Job | Field postings with All India Transfer liability |
| Medical Standard | As per Central Government guidelines applicable to Group ‘B’ posts |
Candidates should note that the figure of approximately Rs. 1,00,000 per month applies specifically to a New Delhi posting; emoluments may vary depending on the place of posting due to differing allowance rates such as House Rent Allowance.
Selection Process
| Stage | Process |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Merit listing of eligible applicants, subject-wise, based on valid GATE score |
| Stage 2 | Shortlisting of candidates (5 times the number of vacancies per subject) based on GATE score |
| Stage 3 | Personal Interview of shortlisted candidates |
| Stage 4 | Character & Antecedent Verification |
| Stage 5 | Medical Examination |
| Final Selection | Based on combined evaluation of GATE Score and Interview performance, subject to eligibility and verification clearance |
This GATE-plus-interview model means there is no separate written exam, which significantly shortens the recruitment timeline compared to other Central Government posts. However, it also makes the GATE score the single most decisive factor for shortlisting, so candidates with borderline scores in a highly competitive subject like Computer Science or Electronics should not assume an automatic interview call.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Published (Employment News) | 17–23 October 2026 issue |
| Closing Date for Receipt of Applications | 15.11.2026 |
| Valid GATE Score Years Accepted | GATE 2024, GATE 2025, or GATE 2026 |
The notification does not mention a tentative interview date; shortlisted candidates will be intimated the exact date, time, and venue of the interview through their registered email IDs, so keeping the email mentioned in the application form active and regularly checked is essential.
Documents Required
| Document | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Duly filled Application Form | Typed on A4 size paper, English capital (block) letters, black or blue ink only |
| Mark-sheets/Certificates | Self-attested copies of Matriculation, 10+2, B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc. |
| Age Proof | Birth Certificate or other relevant document (Matriculation Certificate, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card) |
| GATE Score Card | Valid self-attested copy for the applied subject |
| Caste Certificate | Annexure-I or II format, required only if claiming age relaxation |
| NOC from Employer | If currently employed |
| Undertaking & Discharge Certificate | Annexure-III format, applicable for Ex-servicemen |
| Photographs | Two recent passport-size colour photographs with name & DOB on the back |
| Aadhaar Card | Self-attested copy |
How to Apply (Offline Process)
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Confirm eligibility: age, qualification, and a valid GATE score in one of the 9 subjects |
| Step 2 | Obtain the application format (printed in Employment News, 17–23 Oct 2026, pages 48–49) |
| Step 3 | Fill the form in English capital letters using black or blue ink; do not leave any column blank |
| Step 4 | Attach all self-attested documents, GATE score card, and photographs |
| Step 5 | Government employees must route the application through proper channel with Annexure-IV certificate |
| Step 6 | Send the complete application via ORDINARY POST only to: Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003 |
| Step 7 | Ensure the application reaches by the closing date, 15.11.2026 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sending the application via Speed Post, courier, or by hand instead of Ordinary Post — the notification is explicit that it must be sent through ordinary post only.
- Applying for more than one subject code; each candidate is permitted to apply for only one subject.
- Submitting a GATE score from years before 2024, which will not be considered valid.
- Leaving columns blank in the application form — incomplete forms are liable to be summarily rejected.
- Forgetting to attach the self-attested GATE Score Card or requisite certificates.
- Not applying through proper channel if already employed in government service.
- Missing self-attestation signatures on photocopies of certificates and the Aadhaar card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cabinet Secretariat Deputy Field Officer (Technical) Recruitment 2026?
It is a direct recruitment drive by the Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India, under Advertisement No. 02/2026, to fill approximately 250 posts of Deputy Field Officer (Technical) in Pay Level-7 based on valid GATE scores and an interview.
How many vacancies are available in this recruitment?
There are 250 tentative vacancies spread across nine subjects, with the largest share — 112 posts each — reserved for Computer Science/Information Technology and Electronics/Communication/Telecommunication.
Is a GATE score mandatory for applying?
Yes, a valid GATE score from GATE 2024, 2025, or 2026 in the corresponding subject paper is mandatory, and candidates must meet the qualifying cut-off for that subject.
What is the age limit for this post?
The upper age limit is 30 years as on the closing date, with relaxation available for SC, ST, OBC, Central Government Employees, and Ex-servicemen as per applicable Central Government rules.
How can I apply for the Cabinet Secretariat Deputy Field Officer Recruitment 2026?
Applications must be submitted offline on a typed A4-size form sent strictly through ordinary post to Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003, along with all required self-attested documents and photographs.
What is the last date to apply for this recruitment?
The closing date for receipt of applications is 15.11.2026. Applications must physically reach the specified postal address by this date.
What is the salary for Deputy Field Officer (Technical)?
The post carries Pay Level-7 of the Pay Matrix under Group 'B', Non-Gazetted, with initial monthly emoluments including all allowances of approximately Rs. 1,00,000 for a New Delhi posting.
Does this job involve transfers across India?
Yes, the notification clearly states that the post involves field postings with All India Transfer liability, and candidates should be prepared for postings outside their home state.
Can candidates apply for more than one subject code?
No, each candidate is permitted to apply for only one subject out of the nine notified subject-codes in this recruitment.
Related Articles
Further Reading / Official Sources
- Employment News — Official Gazette Notification Source
- Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India — Official Website
- GATE Official Portal (for score verification/eligibility)
- Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) — Group B Recruitment Rules
- Official Notification PDF Download
Note: This recruitment is strictly offline/postal. Candidates should verify the exact application format and any updates directly from the Employment News edition dated 17–23 October 2026 or official Cabinet Secretariat communications, since no separate online portal has been indicated in the notification.
Conclusion
The Cabinet Secretariat Deputy Field Officer (Technical) Recruitment 2026 offers a genuinely rare pathway into Central Government service for engineering and science graduates holding a valid GATE score, bypassing the need for a separate written examination. With 250 tentative vacancies spread across nine technical subjects, competitive Group ‘B’ pay, and a relatively quick GATE-plus-interview selection process, this is an opportunity worth pursuing for eligible candidates from Assam and beyond. Since the application must be sent offline via ordinary post only, candidates should start preparing their documents early and post their application well before the 15.11.2026 deadline to avoid last-minute delays.
