CMD LSGD Kerala Recruitment 2026: 231 Engineer, Lab Assistant & Other Posts
Date : 21-01-2026
Total Posts : 231
Kerala LSGD Recruitment 2026: Important Dates, Age Limit & Eligibility Overview
The Local Self-Government Department (LSGD), Government of Kerala has released the official LSGD Recruitment Notification 2026 for various technical, planning, and administrative posts on a contract basis. The online application process starts on 21 January 2026 at 10:00 AM and closes on 30 January 2026 at 5:00 PM. The recruitment includes posts such as Environmental Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Hydrologist, Public Health Engineer, Accountant, Finance Officer, Planner, Architect, Surveyor, and Lab Staff. The upper age limit is generally 36 years, while the Planner Consultant post allows candidates up to 50 years, calculated as on 01 January 2026. Educational eligibility ranges from ITI, Diploma, Graduate, to Post-Graduate degrees in relevant disciplines, with experience required for select posts as clearly specified in the notification.
Vacancy Distribution, Salary Details, Application Fee & Documents Required
A total of 231 vacancies are notified across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Planning Department, and Regional Laboratories under LSGD. Major shares of vacancies are allotted to engineering and planning-related roles, ensuring opportunities for both fresh graduates and experienced professionals. The recruitment offers an attractive monthly consolidated salary ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹51,600, depending on the post and responsibility. All appointments are purely contract-based for one year, extendable based on project needs and government approval. The application fee is NOT MENTIONED IN THE PDF. Candidates must upload scanned copies of their passport-size photograph, full signature, educational certificates, experience certificates, and where applicable, equivalency certificates. Only original or provisional certificates are accepted; mark sheets alone are strictly rejected during scrutiny.
How to Apply Online, Official Website, Selection Process & Exam Pattern
Eligible candidates must apply online through the official Centre for Management Development (CMD) website – https://www.cmd.kerala.gov.in. Applicants should carefully fill in all required details, upload documents in the prescribed format, and submit separate applications if applying for multiple posts. The selection process may include a written test, skill/proficiency test, technical presentation, interview, or a combination of these, depending on the post and number of applicants. The exam pattern and syllabus are NOT MENTIONED IN THE PDF and will be decided by CMD/LSGD at later stages. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed via registered email or mobile number. Document verification will be conducted before final appointment, and any false or incorrect information can lead to immediate disqualification.
Important Dates & Age Limit for LSGD Kerala Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date/Detail |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 21 January 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 21 January 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Application Deadline | 30 January 2026 (05:00 PM IST) |
| Mode of Application | Online Only |
| Age & Experience Cut-off Date | 01 January 2026 |
| Selection Process Dates | Will Update Soon |
| Age Limit Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum Age (Most Posts) | 36 Years |
| Maximum Age (Planner Consultant) | 50 Years |
| Minimum Age | Will Update Soon |
| Age Relaxation (Reserved Categories) | As per Kerala Govt Rules |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
Your 10-Day Application Window and Key Age Rules Decoded
Act Fast: Online Applications Open for a Limited Time
The Local Self-Government Department has announced a crucial recruitment drive with a very tight application schedule. The online portal at cmd.kerala.gov.in opens at 10:00 AM on January 21, 2026, and closes sharply at 5:00 PM on January 30, 2026. This gives candidates only about ten days to complete their registration and submission. It's vital to start early to avoid last-minute technical glitches or server overload. Remember, the age and all experience requirements will be calculated as of January 1, 2026, so check your eligibility against this fixed date.Understanding the Age Criteria for Different Roles
Most engineering, planning, and lab positions under this notification have an upper age limit of 36 years. However, there's a significant exception for the senior Planner Consultant post, where the limit is extended to 50 years, acknowledging the need for extensive experience. The notification mentions that age relaxation will be provided as per the prevailing rules of the Kerala Government for SC, ST, and other reserved categories, though the specific percentage or years are not detailed here. Applicants must be Indian citizens.Post Names & Eligibility Criteria for LSGD Kerala 2026
| Post Name | Deployment Area |
|---|---|
| Environmental/Mechanical/Electrical Engineer | Urban Local Bodies & Clusters |
| Hydrologist, Public Health Engineer | |
| Accountant, Finance Officer | |
| Planner Consultant/Associate/Assistant | Planning Department |
| Computer Assistant (GIS/Office), Architect | |
| Surveyor | |
| Graduate Engineer, Diploma Holder, Lab Assistant | Regional Laboratories |
| Eligibility Aspect | Mandatory Requirement |
|---|---|
| Essential Educational Qualification | B.Tech/Diploma/ITI for technical posts; B.Com/M.Com for finance; PG for planners. |
| Experience Requirement | Varies by post (e.g., 10 yrs for Planner Consultant, 1-3 yrs for engineers/lab staff). |
| Experience Certificate Format | Must include dates, duties, seal, and authorised signature. Affidavit allowed only for latest experience. |
| Foreign Qualifications | Require an equivalency certificate from a recognized Indian university. |
| Application for Multiple Posts | Separate online application needed for each post. |
Diverse Technical and Planning Roles for Urban Development
A Spectrum of Opportunities in Urban Governance
This recruitment covers a wide array of specialized technical and planning roles critical for Kerala's urban development. The posts are neatly grouped into three streams: Urban Local Bodies (requiring engineers and finance officers for municipal operations), the Planning Department (needing planners, GIS experts, and architects for urban design), and Regional Laboratories (for engineering testing and quality control). This structure shows LSGD's focus on strengthening grassroots infrastructure, strategic planning, and technical oversight through contractual experts.Meeting the Bar: Academic and Professional Prerequisites
Eligibility is tightly defined. For technical posts like engineers, a B.Tech degree in the relevant discipline is essential, while lab roles require a diploma or ITI certificate. Finance officers need a B.Com or M.Com. The most stringent criteria are for planners, requiring postgraduate degrees in planning or geography. Crucially, most posts demand prior relevant experience. The experience certificate is a key document; it must be detailed, on organization letterhead, and properly signed. For any qualification obtained from outside India, an equivalency certificate is a must before applying.Vacancy Distribution & Salary Structure for LSGD Kerala 2026
| Department & Post Name | Number of Posts |
|---|---|
| A. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) & Clusters (Total: 170) | |
| Environmental Engineer | 30 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 30 |
| Electrical Engineer | 22 |
| Hydrologist, Public Health Engineer, Accountant, Finance Officer | 22 each |
| B. Planning Department (Total: 49) | |
| Planner Consultant | 3 |
| Planner Associate | 28 |
| Planning Assistant, Planning Assistant (GIS) | 3 & 7 |
| Computer Assistant (GIS/Office), Architect, Surveyor | 2, 2, 1, 3 |
| C. Regional Laboratories (Total: 15) | |
| Graduate Engineer, Diploma Holder, Lab Assistant (ITI) | 3, 3, 6 |
| Grand Total Vacancies | 231 |
| Post Name | Consolidated Monthly Pay (₹) |
|---|---|
| Planner Consultant | 51,600 |
| Engineering Posts (ULBs), Graduate Engineer (Lab) | 46,230 / 44,020 |
| Planner Associate | 35,000 |
| Finance Officer | 32,550 |
| Planning Assistant, Architect | 30,000 |
| Accountant, Diploma Holder | 28,100 |
| Surveyor, Computer Assistant (Office) | 22,240 |
| Lab Assistant (ITI) | 21,175 |
| Computer Assistant (GIS) | 20,000 |
231 Contract Positions with Attractive Fixed Pay
Major Hiring Focus on Urban Local Bodies
With a total of 231 vacancies, this is a significant recruitment drive. The bulk of the opportunities—170 posts—are for Urban Local Bodies and Clusters, indicating a major push to augment technical manpower at the municipal level. Roles like Environmental, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers have the highest intake (30, 30, and 22 respectively), highlighting the focus on core urban infrastructure management. The Planning Department gets 49 new experts, while Regional Labs add 15 technical staff. This distribution aligns with on-ground project needs across the state.Understanding the Contractual Compensation Package
The offered salary is a fixed consolidated pay without traditional allowances like DA or HRA, as these are purely contractual positions. The pay scale reflects the hierarchy and specialization required. The Planner Consultant commands the highest pay at ₹51,600, given the seniority and experience needed. Most engineering roles in ULBs are offered ₹46,230. It's important to note that while the pay is competitive, the appointment is initially for one year, extendable based on project requirements and government approval. The payroll for Planning and Lab staff will be managed by CMD.Application Fees & Mandatory Documents for LSGD Kerala 2026
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | No Application Fee Mentioned |
| General / OBC / SC / ST / EWS / PwD | Applicable to All |
| Payment Gateway Charges | Not Applicable |
| Document / Upload | Specification |
|---|---|
| Recent Photograph | JPG format, less than 200 KB |
| Candidate's Signature | JPG format, less than 50 KB. Must be full signature, not in CAPITALS. |
| Educational Certificates | Degree/Diploma Provisional or Original Certificate. Mark sheets alone are not acceptable. |
| Experience Certificates | Detailed format with dates, duties, seal & signature. Affidavit allowed only for latest experience. |
| Equivalency Certificate | Mandatory for qualifications obtained from foreign universities/boards. |
A Fee-Free Application with Strict Upload Guidelines
Zero Financial Barrier to Apply
In a candidate-friendly move, the LSGD notification does not mention any application fee for any of the 231 posts across all categories. This policy ensures that all eligible candidates, irrespective of their financial background, can apply without any cost. It removes a significant barrier and is consistent with broader access to government opportunities. However, applicants should double-check the official website at the time of application for any last-minute updates, though the current PDF clearly states no fee requirement.Precision in Document Preparation is Key
The document upload process has non-negotiable technical specs. Your photograph must be a clear, recent passport-sized JPG under 200 KB. The signature scan is even stricter at under 50 KB and must be your full signature—initials or signatures in block letters will lead to rejection. Crucially, for education proof, you must upload your final degree or provisional certificate, not mark sheets. Experience certificates need to be comprehensive. Blurred or incorrect uploads are a major ground for application rejection, so verify the clarity and size before submitting.How to Apply & Official Links for LSGD Kerala Recruitment 2026
| Step | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Visit Official Website | Go to www.cmd.kerala.gov.in |
| Step 2: Find Notification | Navigate to the recruitment section for "CMD LSGD 2026". |
| Step 3: Register | Click apply, register with a valid email ID and mobile number. |
| Step 4: Fill Application Form | Enter all personal, educational, and experience details accurately. |
| Step 5: Upload Documents | Upload photo and signature as per specified size and format. |
| Step 6: Final Submit | Review all details, submit the form, and save/print the acknowledgment. |
| Resource | Official Link / Information |
|---|---|
| Online Application Portal | www.cmd.kerala.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Full Notification |
| Helpline / Contact | Will Update Soon |
| Correction Window | Will Update Soon |
Navigating the Online Application Portal
A Streamlined Digital Process
The entire application process is online-only through the CMD Kerala portal. You must first visit the website and locate the specific recruitment link for this LSGD notification. Registration requires a valid email and mobile number that must remain active throughout the recruitment process, as all future communication will be sent there. Fill in the form carefully, ensuring every detail matches your original certificates. A single application is for one post only; if you are eligible and wish to apply for multiple posts, you must complete separate applications for each.Final Submission and Post-Application Steps
After uploading the correctly sized photo and signature, review your entire application meticulously. Once submitted, edits may not be allowed as the notification does not mention a correction window. It is critical to download or print the final acknowledgment page for your records. Do not rely solely on email confirmation; take a screenshot of the successful submission message. Keep your application number safe. All future updates regarding shortlisting, selection stages, and results will be hosted on the same official website, so bookmark it and check regularly.Selection Process & Assessment Pattern for LSGD Kerala 2026
| Possible Selection Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Shortlisting | Based on application details, qualifications, and experience. |
| Stage 2: Written Examination | May be conducted (Discretion of CMD/LSGD). |
| Stage 3: Proficiency / Skill Test | Possible for technical and computer-based roles. |
| Stage 4: Technical Presentation | May be required for senior or specialist posts. |
| Stage 5: Personal Interview | Likely final stage for assessing suitability. |
| Key Aspect | Important Note |
|---|---|
| Definitive Exam Pattern | Will Update Soon |
| Syllabus | Not specified. Likely based on job role and essential qualification. |
| Mode of Selection | Combination of one or more methods at absolute discretion of CMD/LSGD. |
| Final Merit Criteria | Will Update Soon |
A Discretionary and Multi-Mode Selection Approach
The Authority Reserves All Rights
The selection process is not set in stone. The notification clearly states that CMD/LSGD reserves the absolute discretion to use one or more methods for selection. This means they may shortlist candidates based solely on qualifications and experience, or they may decide to conduct a written exam, a skill test, a technical presentation, or a personal interview—or any combination of these. This flexible approach allows them to tailor the assessment to the specific demands of each post. Candidates must be prepared for any of these potential evaluations.How to Prepare Without a Defined Syllabus
Since no exam pattern or syllabus is provided, the best preparation strategy is to thoroughly revise the core subjects of your essential qualification (B.Tech, Diploma, ITI, PG etc.) and your stated work experience. For technical posts, brush up on practical knowledge and recent developments in your field. For planning roles, be ready to discuss urban planning concepts, GIS applications, or relevant software. Keep an eye on your email and the official website for any subsequent notifications detailing the exact selection stages for shortlisted candidates.Critical Warnings & Compliance Notes from this Notification
- Contractual Nature: The appointment is purely on a contract basis for an initial period of one year. Extension is subject to project requirement and Government approval, with no guarantee of regularization.
- Absolute Discretion of Authority: CMD/LSGD reserves the right to cancel, modify, or suspend the recruitment process at any stage without assigning any reason. The number of vacancies may also be revised.
- Stringent Document Verification: Applications will be rejected for incomplete data, blurred photos/signatures, uploading mark sheets instead of certificates, or experience certificates lacking proper dates, duties, seal, and signature.
- Zero Tolerance for False Information: Any candidate found to have submitted fabricated, suppressed, or false information at any stage will be debarred, and if selected, their contract will be terminated.
- No Individual Communication: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further selection stages. The department takes no responsibility for non-delivery of emails or SMS due to incorrect details or technical issues.
- Separate Application per Post: You must submit a separate online application for each post you wish to apply for. A single application for multiple posts is invalid.
- Payroll & Deployment Clarity: Candidates selected for the Planning Department and Regional Laboratories will be deployed under LSGD but their salary will be processed through the CMD payroll.
Contract Terms, Deployment, and General Conditions
| Aspect | Key Rule / Information |
|---|---|
| Type of Employment | Contractual (Non-Permanent) |
| Contract Duration | 1 Year (Extendable based on need and approval) |
| Place of Posting | Across Urban Local Bodies, Clusters, Planning Dept., or Regional Labs in Kerala. |
| Medical Fitness | Will Update Soon |
| Probation Period | Not mentioned for contractual roles. |
| Procedural Rule | Specific Condition |
|---|---|
| Cut-off Marks for Selection | Fully reserved by CMD/LSGD. May be set for shortlisting or final selection. |
| Equivalency of Qualifications | Decision of the Kerala Government/Recognized University will be final. |
| Consequences of Malpractice | Candidates found using unfair means can be debarred permanently from future recruitments. |
| Jurisdiction for Disputes | Courts in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala will have jurisdiction. |
What You Need to Know About the Job Role and Conditions
Understanding the Contractual Engagement
This is not a permanent government job but a contractual position tied to specific projects or departmental needs. The initial offer is for one year, and while there is a clause for extension, it is not automatic. Continuation depends entirely on the ongoing requirement of the LSGD and subsequent approval from the government. Candidates should view this as a fixed-term professional opportunity to contribute to urban development projects in Kerala and gain valuable public sector experience, without an expectation of permanent absorption.Final Authority and Candidate Responsibilities
The notification places final authority on all matters with CMD/LSGD. This includes the final decision on qualification equivalency, cut-off marks, and the selection methodology. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure they meet all criteria and provide authentic documents. Any disputes arising from this recruitment process will be subject to the jurisdiction of courts in Thiruvananthapuram. Candidates are advised to rely only on information from the official CMD Kerala website and not be misled by unofficial sources.Frequently Asked Questions
The last date to submit the online application for Kerala LSGD Recruitment 2026 is 30 January 2026 up to 5:00 PM. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.
The online application process starts on 21 January 2026 at 10:00 AM through the official CMD Kerala website.
A total of 234 vacancies are announced across Urban Local Bodies, the Planning Department, and Regional Laboratories under the Engineering Department of LSGD.
The recruitment includes posts such as Environmental Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Hydrologist, Public Health Engineer, Accountant, Finance Officer, Planner Consultant, Planner Associate, Planning Assistant, Architect, Surveyor, Graduate Engineer, Diploma Holder, and Lab Assistant (ITI).
The upper age limit for most posts is 36 years as on 01 January 2026. For the Planner Consultant post, the upper age limit is 50 years. Minimum age is not mentioned in the notification.
Age relaxation for reserved categories is not mentioned in the official LSGD notification. Candidates must strictly follow the upper age limits specified.
Educational qualifications vary by post and include ITI, Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, and Post-Graduation in relevant engineering, planning, commerce, GIS, or architecture disciplines from a recognized institution.
No, work experience is mandatory only for specific posts such as Planner Consultant, Graduate Engineer, Diploma Holder, Lab Assistant (ITI), Accountant, and Finance Officer. For several other posts, experience is preferred but not compulsory.
The monthly consolidated salary ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹51,600 depending on the post. These are contract-based payments without a regular pay matrix or grade pay.
All posts under Kerala LSGD Recruitment 2026 are purely contract-based. The initial contract period is one year, which may be extended based on project requirements and government approval.
The application fee is not mentioned in the official notification. Candidates are advised to check the CMD application portal carefully while applying.
Candidates must upload a recent photograph, full signature, educational certificates, experience certificates (if applicable), and equivalency certificates where required. Uploading mark sheets instead of certificates can lead to rejection.
Candidates must apply online through the official Centre for Management Development website at [www.cmd.kerala.gov.in](http://www.cmd.kerala.gov.in). Separate applications are required if applying for more than one post.
The selection process may include a written test, skill or proficiency test, technical presentation, interview, or a combination of these stages. The final method will be decided by CMD and LSGD.
No, the exam pattern and syllabus are not mentioned in the notification. Details, if required, will be communicated later to shortlisted candidates through official channels.
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