MEA Section Officer Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for 60 Posts

Interested in joining the Ministry of External Affairs? The MEA has issued a vacancy circular to recruit 60 Section Officer or equivalent posts on a deputation basis at various Regional Passport Offices (RPOs). Regular Central Government officers currently serving in analogous posts can submit their applications offline. The final date for receipt of applications is July 17, 2026.

Table of Contents

• Quick Overview
• Should You Read This Job Post?
• Vacancy Details, Eligibility and Salary
• Important Dates, Fee and Age Limit
• Salary and Posting Value
• Selection Process
• Documents You Should Keep Ready
• How to Apply
• Quick FAQs

Quick Overview

Should You Read This Job Post?

Read this if: You are a regular Central Government officer holding an analogous post in Pay Level 8 or Level 10 and want to work in one of the Regional Passport Offices across India.

You may skip this if: You work in the private sector, are a fresh graduate seeking direct entry, or exceed the upper age limit of 56 years.

Vacancy Details, Eligibility and Salary

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must be serving Central Government employees. They must hold an analogous post on a regular basis in the parent cadre or department, or have regular service in the grade rendering them eligible for deputation under Ministry guidelines.

Important Dates, Fee and Age Limit

Salary and Posting Value

Selected officers will draw basic pay under Pay Level-8 (Rs. 47,600 – Rs. 1,51,100) or Level-10 (Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500) based on their current grade and eligibility, along with applicable allowances. Postings will be located across 20 Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) in India, offering placement closer to home states for eligible officers.

Selection Process

The selection is based entirely on deputation norms of the Government of India:

1. Scrutiny of Applications: Verification of academic documents, service history, and proper routing.
2. Evaluation of Dossiers: Reviewing APAR dossiers of the last 5 years, vigilance clearances, and integrity certificates.
3. Final Selection: Based on suitability and recommendation by the selection committee.

Documents You Should Keep Ready

• Duly completed application form (Annexure-I)
• Attested copies of APARs/ACRs for the last 5 years
• Vigilance Clearance Certificate
• Integrity Certificate
• No Major/Minor Penalty Certificate for the last 10 years
• Cadre clearance certificate from parent department

How to Apply

1. Go to the official Ministry of External Affairs portal at mea.gov.in.
2. Find the advertisement for Vacancy Circular No. CDR-II/575/02/2025 dated May 22, 2026.
3. Download and print the proforma application form (Annexure-I).
4. Fill out the form completely and attach self-attested copies of certificates.
5. Submit the form through your department’s head or proper administrative channel.
6. Your department must forward the completed application along with APAR dossiers, integrity certificate, and vigilance clearance to: Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. An advance copy can be emailed to [email protected]. Applications must arrive offline by July 17, 2026.

Quick FAQs

Can private sector employees apply for MEA Section Officer?
No. This recruitment is strictly for serving regular officers of the Central Government on a deputation basis.

What is the last date to apply for this vacancy?
The offline applications must reach the MEA through the proper channel on or before July 17, 2026.

How many vacancies are available?
There are 60 vacancies in total, with 3 posts allocated to each of the 20 Regional Passport Offices (RPOs).

What is the age limit?
The maximum age limit is 56 years as of the closing date of the application.

Is there any application fee?
No, there is no application fee for deputation-based recruitment.