Cabinet Secretariat DFO Technical Recruitment 2026: 250 Posts via GATE — Eligibility, Salary & How to Apply
Quick Highlights at a Glance
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About the Cabinet Secretariat
- Important Dates
- Subject-Wise Vacancy Details
- Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit & Relaxation
- Salary & Pay Level
- Application Fee
- Selection Process
- How to Apply
- Document Checklist
- Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
- Medical Standard & Service Conditions
- General Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Links
1. Introduction
The Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India is recruiting 250 Deputy Field Officers (Technical) under Advertisement No. 02/2026, and selection is based on a valid GATE score followed by an interview — there is no written exam. Applications are offline only and must physically reach the Cabinet Secretariat's post bag in New Delhi by 15 November 2026.
The post sits at Level-7 of the Pay Matrix (Group 'B', Non-Gazetted), and the notification puts total initial monthly emoluments at roughly ₹1,00,000 including all allowances for a New Delhi posting. Graduates in engineering (B.E./B.Tech.) or science (M.Sc.) across nine disciplines can apply, provided they hold a qualifying score in the matching GATE paper from GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026. Computer Science/IT and Electronics/Communication together account for 224 of the 250 posts.
The advertisement appeared in the Employment News issue of 17–23 October 2026. This guide covers every condition in that notification, the exact number of candidates each subject will call for interview, the paper-application steps, and the certificate errors that most often get offline forms rejected.
Editorial Note: This article is prepared by the Vacancy Vedika Editorial Team from the official advertisement published by the Cabinet Secretariat in Employment News (17–23 October 2026). Figures described as "general Central Government rules" — such as standard age-relaxation years and the Level-7 basic pay range — are not printed in this notification and are provided for orientation only. Always rely on the official notification and the Cabinet Secretariat's communication for final decisions.
Deadline Alert: 15 November 2026 is the last date for receipt of applications, not for posting them. It falls on a Sunday, so the practical target is to have your envelope delivered by Saturday, 14 November 2026. Post your form as early as possible.
2. About the Cabinet Secretariat
The Cabinet Secretariat functions directly under the Prime Minister and is headed by the Cabinet Secretary, the senior-most civil servant in the Government of India. It provides secretarial support to the Union Cabinet and its committees and coordinates work across ministries. The Cabinet Secretariat is a government department — not a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), even though this drive uses GATE scores in the way many PSUs do.
The Deputy Field Officer (Technical) post is a technical cadre position. The notification states plainly that the job involves field postings and carries an All India Transfer liability. The notification does not describe specific duties, and this guide does not speculate about them.
Organization Profile
- Full Name: Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India
- Type: Central Government department (not a PSU)
- Post Advertised: Deputy Field Officer (Technical)
- Post Classification: Group 'B', Non-Gazetted, Level-7
- Advertisement: No. 02/2026, Employment News 17–23 October 2026
- Postal Address for Applications: Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003
- Website: cabsec.gov.in
3. Important Dates
The application window runs from the Employment News publication week until 15 November 2026, which is both the receipt deadline and the date on which age and all other eligibility conditions are judged.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement published (Employment News) | 17–23 October 2026 |
| Application window opens | 17 October 2026 |
| Last date for receipt of applications | 15 November 2026 (Sunday) |
| Cut-off date for age and eligibility | 15 November 2026 |
| Valid GATE years | GATE 2024, GATE 2025, GATE 2026 |
| Interview date, time & centre | To be e-mailed to shortlisted candidates |
Pro Tip: Ordinary post within India commonly takes several days and cannot be tracked. If you are applying from outside Delhi, treat the first week of November as your real posting deadline. Government employees must also allow time for their office to forward the form.
4. Subject-Wise Vacancy Details
The 250 tentative vacancies are split across nine subjects, and each subject is tied to exactly one GATE paper. Your degree subject and your GATE paper must match the same row of this table.
| # | Subject (Degree) | Vacancies | Required GATE Paper | GATE 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 Computer Science with specialization in Data Science / AI | 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 |
| Grand Total | 250 | |||
How Many Candidates Will Be Called for Interview?
The notification shortlists five times the number of vacancies in each subject, ranked separately by GATE score. That produces the following interview pool — 1,250 interview calls in total:
| Subject | GATE Code | Vacancies | Interview Calls (5×) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science / IT | CS | 112 | 560 |
| Electronics / Communication | EC | 112 | 560 |
| Data Science / AI | DA | 10 | 50 |
| Physics | PH | 05 | 25 |
| Mechanical Engineering | ME | 04 | 20 |
| Civil Engineering | CE | 03 | 15 |
| Chemistry | CY | 02 | 10 |
| Mathematics | MA | 01 | 5 |
| Statistics | ST | 01 | 5 |
| Total | 250 | 1,250 | |
The practical meaning: in Mathematics and Statistics only the top five applicants by GATE score reach the interview, so a modest score is unlikely to be enough. In CS and EC the pool of 560 is much wider, which gives mid-range scorers a realistic chance.
How This Drive Compares With Earlier Cycles
The Cabinet Secretariat has now run GATE-based Deputy Field Officer (Technical) recruitment in consecutive years. The 2026 drive keeps the same headline size as 2025 but moves the GATE validity window forward by one year.
| Cycle | Advertisement | Total Posts | Valid GATE Years | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | No. 01/2024 | 160 | As per that notification | As per that notification |
| 2025 | No. 02/2025 | 250 | GATE 2023, 2024, 2025 | 14 December 2025 |
| 2026 | No. 02/2026 | 250 | GATE 2024, 2025, 2026 | 15 November 2026 |
Two practical points follow from this comparison. First, GATE 2023 scorecards, which were accepted in the 2025 cycle, are no longer valid for this drive. Second, the 2026 window closes about a month earlier in the calendar than the 2025 window did, so candidates who are planning around last year's timeline should not assume they have until December.
Category split not published: The advertisement does not give a UR / EWS / OBC / SC / ST break-up of these 250 posts. The vacancies are marked tentative, and the Cabinet Secretariat reserves the right to revise them at any stage.
5. Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible you need three things on 15 November 2026: Indian nationality, a B.E./B.Tech. or M.Sc. in one of the nine notified subjects from a recognised university or institution, and a valid GATE score in the paper that matches that subject.
Nationality
- Open to Indian nationals only
- The form also asks for spouse's nationality if married
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology (B.E./B.Tech.), or
- Master's degree in Science (M.Sc.)
- In one of the nine subjects listed in the vacancy table
- From a recognised University or Institution
Valid GATE Score
- Qualifying cut-off marks achieved in GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026
- In the GATE paper that corresponds to your degree subject
- A self-attested copy of the GATE Score Card is mandatory
One Subject Only
- A candidate may apply against only one subject code
- Multiple applications in different subjects are not permitted
Matching Your Degree to the Right GATE Paper
The combination of your degree subject and GATE paper is the single most important eligibility check. The following table covers the cases candidates ask about most:
| Your Profile | Apply Under | GATE Paper Needed |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech. CSE or IT | Subject (a) | CS |
| B.Tech. ECE, Electronics, or Telecommunication | Subject (b) | EC |
| B.Tech. in Data Science or AI, or CSE with a DS/AI specialization | Subject (c) | DA |
| M.Sc. Physics / Chemistry / Mathematics / Statistics | Subject (d), (g), (h) or (i) | PH / CY / MA / ST |
| B.E. Mechanical or Civil | Subject (e) or (f) | ME / CE |
| Degree in one subject, GATE score in a different paper | Not covered by the notification's subject–paper combination rule | |
What Counts as a "Valid GATE Score"?
For this recruitment, a valid GATE score means you cleared the qualifying cut-off marks in your paper in GATE 2024, GATE 2025 or GATE 2026. Simply appearing in GATE is not enough; the scorecard must show that you qualified. The application form asks for the date until which your scorecard is valid, so check the validity date printed on your scorecard before you fill item 17(b).
If you qualified in more than one of these years, the form has space for one set of GATE details. Use the scorecard that gives you the best merit position in your subject, since shortlisting is by GATE score within each subject. The notification does not prescribe any minimum GATE score above the qualifying marks; the effective cut-off is decided by how many eligible applicants compete for the 5× interview slots.
CSE graduates with a DS/AI specialization: If you hold both a CS and a DA score, you still apply in only one subject. Subject (a) offers 112 posts and 560 interview calls; subject (c) offers 10 posts and 50 calls. Compare your rank position in each paper before choosing.
6. Age Limit & Relaxation
The maximum age is 30 years as on 15 November 2026. The notification does not state a minimum age, and age relaxation applies to SC, ST, OBC, Central Government employees and ex-servicemen according to Central Government orders in force.
The table below lists the relaxation years commonly applied under general Central Government rules for direct recruitment. These numbers are not printed in this advertisement, so confirm them against the rules before relying on them.
| Category | Typical Relaxation (General Central Rules) | Document Required by This Notification |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | None — upper limit 30 years | Proof of date of birth |
| SC / ST | 5 years | Caste certificate in the Annexure-I format |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | OBC certificate in the Annexure-II format |
| Central Govt. civilian employees | As per Central Government orders | Annexure-IV certificate from Head of Office, with 3 years' regular service in the grade |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Central Government orders (service-linked) | Annexure-III undertaking plus discharge certificate |
The application form asks you to enter your age in years, months and days as on the closing date. Calculate it carefully against 15 November 2026 and keep proof of date of birth ready: a birth certificate, Matriculation certificate, passport, driving licence or PAN card.
Note: EWS is not listed among the categories eligible for age relaxation in this advertisement, and the form's category box offers General, SC, ST, OBC, Ex-Serviceman, Central Govt. Employee and Others.
7. Salary & Pay Level
A Deputy Field Officer (Technical) is placed at Level-7 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, and the notification estimates total initial monthly emoluments at about ₹1,00,000 including all allowances when posted in New Delhi.
Pay Structure
The ₹44,900 entry basic and the ₹1,42,400 ceiling are the standard Level-7 values of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix; the notification itself only states the Level and the ₹1 lakh approximate figure. The gap between the basic pay and the ₹1 lakh total is made up of allowances such as Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance, which vary with the city of posting and are revised periodically. Because the post carries field postings and an All India transfer liability, actual emoluments outside New Delhi may differ from the advertised figure.
Pension: New Central Government entrants are covered by the contributory pension arrangement applicable at the time of joining. The advertisement does not specify the pension scheme, so check the appointment letter for the terms that apply to you.
8. Application Fee
The advertisement does not mention any application fee, demand draft, postal order or online payment for this recruitment. The document list and general instructions are silent on fees, so no payment proof is listed among the required enclosures.
| Category | Fee as per Notification |
|---|---|
| All categories | No fee mentioned |
| Payment mode | Not applicable — no payment instructions given |
| Postage | Candidate bears the cost of sending the envelope by ordinary post |
Beware of fee requests: Since the official advertisement asks for no fee, treat any website, agent or message asking you to pay to "register" for this recruitment with suspicion.
9. Selection Process
Selection is made on the basis of GATE score and interview, followed by character and antecedent verification and a medical examination. There is no written test, physical test or skill test.
Applications received by 15 November 2026 are checked against the eligibility conditions. Unsigned, incomplete, or photograph-less forms, and forms missing required certificates, are rejected at this stage without further notice.
Eligible candidates are arranged in order of merit by valid GATE score, separately for each of the nine subjects. Candidates in different subjects never compete with each other.
The top candidates in each subject, up to five times the number of vacancies in that subject, are called for interview. The exact date, time and centre are communicated by e-mail to the address given in the form.
Final selection is based on the GATE score together with interview performance. The notification does not publish the relative weightage of the two components.
Selected candidates undergo verification of character and antecedents before appointment. Any information found to be incorrect at any stage can lead to cancellation of candidature or termination of appointment.
Candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed in Central Government guidelines for Group 'B' posts.
Pro Tip: Interview call letters are sent only by e-mail. Write your e-mail ID clearly in block letters, add the alternate e-mail field, and check your spam folder regularly after November.
10. How to Apply
You apply by filling in the prescribed paper application form, attaching self-attested documents, and sending it by ordinary post to Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003 so that it arrives by 15 November 2026. There is no online application portal.
Use the application format printed with Advertisement No. 02/2026 in Employment News (17–23 October 2026). Prepare it on A-4 size paper.
Complete the form in English capital (block) letters using black or blue ink only. Do not leave any column blank; write "NIL" or "NOT APPLICABLE" where a field does not apply to you.
At the top, fill in the subject applied for, the subject of your B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc., and the corresponding GATE subject code. In item 17(b) enter the GATE year, roll number, paper and code, score, marks out of 100, and the date until which the scorecard is valid.
Affix a self-attested recent passport-size colour photograph in the box provided. Sign the declaration with the place and date, since unsigned applications are rejected summarily.
Enclose hard copies of all certificates listed in the document checklist below, each self-attested, along with two additional passport-size colour photographs with your name and date of birth written on the back.
If you are in Government service, submit the application through your office and enclose the NOC. If you claim age relaxation as a Central Government employee, attach the Annexure-IV certificate from your Head of Office.
Address the envelope to Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003 and send it by ordinary post early enough to arrive by 15 November 2026. Keep a complete photocopy of the filled form and enclosures for your records.
Application Form — Item-by-Item Guide
The prescribed form has 18 numbered items plus a declaration. The table below explains what each block asks for and the attachment it triggers.
| Item | What to Enter | Attachment Triggered |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Subject applied for, subject of B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc., GATE subject code | — |
| 1–3 | Name (first, middle, last), nationality, gender | — |
| 4–5 | Correspondence address with district, state and PIN; native place | — |
| 6–7 | Mobile number and e-mail ID (both mandatory), plus alternates | — |
| 8 | Aadhaar number | Self-attested Aadhaar copy |
| 9–11 | Father's name, mother's name, date and place of birth | Age proof |
| 12 | Age in years, months and days as on 15 November 2026 | — |
| 13–14 | Religion and category (General, SC, ST, OBC, Ex-Serviceman, Central Govt. Employee, Others) | Annexure-I, II or IV, as applicable |
| 15 | Length of defence service (ex-servicemen only) | Discharge summary and Annexure-III |
| 16 | Marital status; spouse's name, religion and nationality if married | — |
| 17(a) | Academic record from Matriculation onwards: board/university, year, duration, subjects, marks or CGPA | All mark-sheets and certificates |
| 17(b) | GATE year, roll number, paper and code, score, marks out of 100, scorecard validity date | GATE Score Card |
| 18 | Employment status and details: department, rank, pay level, date of joining | NOC from employer |
| Declaration | Place, date and signature | — |
Typed or handwritten? The instruction says the form must be typed on A-4 size paper and filled in English capital letters with black or blue ink. The safest reading is to reproduce the format exactly on A-4 sheets (typed or printed layout) and complete the entries neatly in block capitals with black or blue ink.
11. Document Checklist
Every application must carry self-attested hard copies of the documents below. A form without a photograph or a required certificate is not considered.
| # | Document | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Mark-sheets and certificates of Matriculation, 10+2 and B.E./B.Tech./M.Sc. | All candidates |
| (b) | Birth certificate or other age proof (Matriculation certificate, passport, driving licence, PAN card) | All candidates |
| (c) | Valid GATE Score Card (2024, 2025 or 2026) | All candidates |
| (d) | Caste certificate in Annexure-I (SC/ST) or Annexure-II (OBC) format | Candidates claiming age relaxation |
| (e) | No Objection Certificate from present employer | Employed candidates, if applicable |
| (f) | Annexure-III undertaking and discharge certificate | Ex-servicemen |
| (g) | Two recent passport-size colour photographs with name and DOB on the back | All candidates |
| — | Self-attested copy of Aadhaar Card (form item 8) | All candidates |
| — | Self-attested discharge summary (form item 15) | Ex-servicemen |
| — | Annexure-IV certificate from Head of Office | Central Govt. employees claiming age relaxation |
Certificate Format Points Candidates Often Miss
- OBC (Annexure-II): This is the Central Government format. It certifies non-creamy layer status with reference to DoPT O.M. No. 36012/22/93-Estt (SCT) dated 8 September 1993 and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment resolution listing your caste. A state-government OBC certificate in a different format may not satisfy it.
- SC/ST (Annexure-I): The certificate must be issued by an authority in the district where your parents ordinarily reside, such as a District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Tehsildar-level revenue officer or another listed officer.
- ST candidates from Tamil Nadu: The notification specifies that the caste certificate must be issued only by the Revenue Divisional Officer.
- Ex-servicemen (Annexure-III): You declare whether you have already used ex-servicemen reservation to secure a civil Group 'C' or 'B' post. If you have, you may remain eligible for age relaxation only. The undertaking references the Ex-Servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services and Posts) Rules, 1979.
12. Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
Offline applications are rejected for avoidable reasons far more often than online ones, because there is no form validation to stop errors. The notification states that unsigned or incomplete applications will be summarily rejected.
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Posting the form on 13–15 November | Arrives after the receipt deadline; not considered | Post at least a week in advance; the deadline is a Sunday |
| Degree subject and GATE paper don't match | Ineligible for that subject | Check your row in the subject–paper table before applying |
| Applying in two subjects | Violates the one-subject rule | Choose a single subject code |
| Leaving a column blank | Treated as incomplete | Write "NIL" or "NOT APPLICABLE" |
| No photograph or unsigned declaration | Summary rejection | Affix the self-attested photo and sign with date and place |
| Using a state-format OBC certificate | Age relaxation may be refused | Obtain the Central format in Annexure-II |
| GATE score outside 2024–2026 or below qualifying marks | Not a valid GATE score | Use a scorecard from 2024, 2025 or 2026 with qualifying marks |
| Government employee applying directly | Application may not be accepted | Route it through your office with NOC |
| Unclear e-mail ID | Interview intimation never reaches you | Write it in block letters and add an alternate e-mail |
| Documents not self-attested | Treated as missing | Sign every photocopy |
13. Medical Standard & Service Conditions
Selected candidates must meet the medical standards that Central Government guidelines prescribe for Group 'B' posts, and must accept field postings with All India transfer liability.
- Medical standard: As per Central Government guidelines for Group 'B' posts. The notification does not set separate height, vision or fitness tests.
- Field postings: The job explicitly involves field postings.
- Transfer liability: All India — you can be posted anywhere in the country.
- Verification: Appointment depends on satisfactory character and antecedent verification.
- Accuracy of information: Any false or incorrect information discovered at any stage can lead to cancellation of candidature or termination of appointment without notice.
14. General Instructions
The following conditions from the advertisement apply to every applicant:
- All eligibility conditions are judged as on the closing date, 15 November 2026.
- Only one application in one subject is permitted.
- The declaration confirms you meet the eligibility conditions and have not submitted any other application for this selection.
- Applications must arrive by ordinary post at Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003.
- Persons in Government service must apply through their office and attach the Annexure-IV certificate if they claim age relaxation.
- Interview details are communicated only by e-mail to shortlisted candidates.
- The Cabinet Secretariat can cancel or withdraw the recruitment, or revise vacancies, at any stage without giving reasons.
- The form also collects marital status and spouse details, Aadhaar number, native place and employment details. Answer each item fully.
15. Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most commonly asked questions about this recruitment. If your question is not answered here, refer to the official advertisement in Employment News or the Cabinet Secretariat website.
16. Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website — Cabinet Secretariat | cabsec.gov.in |
| Employment News (Advt. 02/2026, 17–23 Oct 2026) | employmentnews.gov.in |
| GATE Score Card Information | Check the official website of the IIT that conducted your GATE year |
| Postal Address for Applications | Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003 |
| Vacancy Breakdown | DFO Technical Vacancy Breakdown 2026 |
| Eligibility Guide | DFO Technical Eligibility 2026 |
| Age Relaxation | DFO Technical Age Relaxation 2026 |
| Salary | DFO Technical Salary 2026 |
| Selection Process | DFO Technical Selection Process 2026 |
| How to Apply | DFO Technical How to Apply 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are 250 tentative vacancies for Deputy Field Officer (Technical) under Advertisement No. 02/2026. Computer Science/IT and Electronics/Communication have 112 posts each; the remaining 26 are spread across Data Science/AI (10), Physics (5), Mechanical (4), Civil (3), Chemistry (2), Mathematics (1) and Statistics (1).
Applications must reach Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003 by 15 November 2026. This is a receipt deadline, not a posting deadline, and it falls on a Sunday, so post your form well in advance.
You must have achieved the qualifying cut-off marks in GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 in the GATE paper that matches your degree subject. GATE 2023 scores, which were accepted in the 2025 cycle, are not valid for this drive.
The official advertisement does not mention any application fee or payment instructions. Treat any request to pay a fee to register for this recruitment with suspicion.
No. The application is offline only. You fill in the prescribed form on A-4 paper in English capital letters, attach self-attested documents, and send it by ordinary post to Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003.
The post is at Level-7 of the Pay Matrix (Group B, Non-Gazetted). The notification puts total initial monthly emoluments at about ₹1,00,000 including all allowances for a New Delhi posting. Level-7 basic pay under the 7th CPC ranges from ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400.
Candidates are ranked by GATE score separately in each subject, and five times the number of vacancies are called for interview. Final selection is based on GATE score and interview, followed by character and antecedent verification and a medical examination. There is no written exam.
At the 5× ratio, about 1,250 candidates are called in total: 560 each in CS and EC, 50 in DA, 25 in Physics, 20 in Mechanical, 15 in Civil, 10 in Chemistry, and 5 each in Mathematics and Statistics.
The maximum age is 30 years as on 15 November 2026. Relaxation applies to SC, ST, OBC, Central Government employees and ex-servicemen as per Central Government orders, supported by the certificates in Annexures I to IV of the notification.
No. A candidate can apply for only one subject out of the nine notified subject codes. If you hold scores in two papers, such as CS and DA, choose the subject where your merit position is strongest.