MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — 60 Posts | Apply Now
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026: 60 Posts in 20 Regional Passport Offices Across India
Ministry of External Affairs — PSP Division — Section Officer (Level 8/10) on Deputation Basis in Regional Passport Offices
Ministry of External Affairs, through its PSP Division, has invited applications for 60 posts of Section Officer or equivalent in Level 8/10 of the pay matrix on deputation basis in 20 Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) across India. Each RPO will have 3 Section Officer positions. Eligible officers from any Ministry/Department/Office of the Central Government holding analogous posts on a regular basis may apply through proper channel by 17 July 2026.
Officers below 56 years of age (as on 01 January 2026) with good managerial, interpersonal, and drafting skills, and experience in administration, establishment, policy, court cases, RTI, finance, and public dealing are eligible. The deputation is initially for 2 years, extendable as per extant rules. Selected officers will serve in one of the 20 RPOs including Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Srinagar, and more.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | |
| Circular Number | CDR-II/575/02/2025 |
| Authority | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) — PSP Division |
| Post Name | Section Officer or equivalent — Level 8/10 of Pay Matrix |
| Total Vacancies | 60 (03 per RPO in 20 Regional Passport Offices) |
| Last Date to Apply | |
| Application Mode | Through proper channel — hard copy to AO (Cadre), PSP Division, MEA, Patiala House, New Delhi + advance copy by email to sopspcadre@mea.gov.in |
| Selection Process | Deputation — based on ACRs/APARs, experience, and suitability |
| Age Limit | Maximum 56 years (as on 01.01.2026) |
| Salary | Level 8/10 of Pay Matrix — as per DoPT guidelines |
| Job Location | 20 Regional Passport Offices across India |
| Employment Type | Deputation (initially 2 years, extendable) |
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — Important Dates & Application Fee
Apply by 17 July 2026 — No Application Fee for Deputation Posts
The vacancy circular was issued on 22 May 2026. Eligible officers must forward their applications through proper channel to reach MEA by 17 July 2026. There is no application fee for deputation-based appointments. Advance copies may be emailed to the PSP Division.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Circular Release Date | |
| Application Start Date | |
| Last Date to Apply |
Tip: Submit the application through proper channel well before 17 July 2026. An advance copy may be emailed to sopspcadre@mea.gov.in. Only applications that are complete in all aspects and forwarded through proper channel will be considered.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | No Fee |
Important: No application or processing fee is charged for deputation-based appointments. Beware of fraudulent agents demanding money for jobs. The application is processed through the proper channel via the candidate's parent department.
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — Vacancy Details and Eligibility
60 Section Officer Posts — Level 8/10 — 20 Regional Passport Offices Across India
Ministry of External Affairs invites applications from Central Government officers holding analogous posts in Level 8/10 of the Pay Matrix on a regular basis. Each of the 20 RPOs will have 3 Section Officer positions. Officers with experience in administration, establishment, policy, finance, RTI, and public dealing are encouraged to apply.
RPO-wise Vacancy Distribution
| Sl. No. | Regional Passport Office | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amritsar | 3 |
| 2 | Bengaluru | 3 |
| 3 | Bhubaneswar | 3 |
| 4 | Chennai | 3 |
| 5 | Cochin | 3 |
| 6 | Coimbatore | 3 |
| 7 | Guwahati | 3 |
| 8 | Jalandhar | 3 |
| 9 | Kozhikode | 3 |
| 10 | Madurai | 3 |
| 11 | Mumbai | 3 |
| 12 | Nagpur | 3 |
| 13 | Panaji | 3 |
| 14 | Pune | 3 |
| 15 | Srinagar | 3 |
| 16 | Surat | 3 |
| 17 | Trichy | 3 |
| 18 | Trivandrum | 3 |
| 19 | Vijayawada | 3 |
| 20 | Vishakhapatnam | 3 |
| Total | 60 | |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Essential | Officers working in any Ministry/Department/Office of the Central Government holding analogous posts in Level 8/10 of the Pay Matrix on a regular basis |
| Age Limit | Maximum 56 years as on 01 January 2026 |
| Deputation Period | Initially for 2 years, extendable as per extant rules |
Desirable Criteria
| Managerial Skills | Good managerial and interpersonal skills |
| Liaison | Ability to liaise effectively with other organisations, ministries, departments, and think tanks |
| Noting & Drafting | Good noting and drafting skills with strong communication abilities |
| Experience | Served as Section Officer or equivalent in Ministries, departments, attached or subordinate offices of the Government of India |
| Domain Knowledge | Previous experience in handling administration, establishment, policy, court cases, RTI, finance and accounts, audit, and public dealing in Government of India |
Eligibility Conditions
| Deputation Tenure | Mandatory to serve the full deputation term — premature relieving not considered except in rare or exceptional circumstances |
| Cadre Clearance | Applications must be forwarded with due cadre clearance from the parent department |
| Vigilance Clearance | Vigilance clearance must be provided along with the application |
| ACRs/APARs | Up-to-date copies of ACRs/APARs for the last 5 years, duly attested on each page by a Group A Officer |
| Penalty Declaration | Details of minor/major penalty imposed during the last 10 years, if any |
| Relieving | In the event of selection, the officer shall have to be relieved on an immediate basis |
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — Selection Process and Age
Deputation Based on ACRs, Experience & Suitability — Maximum Age 56 Years
Selection for Section Officer posts on deputation is based on scrutiny of applications, ACRs/APARs, experience, and overall suitability assessed by the competent authority. There is no written examination or interview for deputation appointments. The maximum age limit for deputation is 56 years as on 01 January 2026.
Selection Stages
| Stage | Details | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Application Scrutiny | Applications received through proper channel reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and fulfilment of essential criteria | Qualifying |
| ACR/APAR Assessment | Up-to-date ACRs/APARs for the last 5 years evaluated to assess performance and suitability | Merit-based |
| Competent Authority Approval | Final selection and approval by the competent authority based on experience, qualifications, and overall profile | Merit-based |
| Cadre & Vigilance Clearance | Verification of cadre clearance, vigilance clearance, and penalty history | Qualifying |
Note: Calling an officer for consideration does not guarantee selection. The competent authority's decision regarding deputation is final. Selected officers must be relieved on an immediate basis by their parent department.
Age Limit
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Age | Not exceeding 56 years as on 01 January 2026 |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Treatment |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | Maximum age limit for appointment on deputation shall not exceed 56 years as on 01.01.2026 as per extant DoPT rules for deputation |
Note: The age limit for deputation is governed by DoPT guidelines. Officers must ensure they are within the prescribed age limit as on the specified date. Age relaxation for deputation is not separately applicable as this is a lateral transfer arrangement.
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — Pay and Deputation Terms
Level 8/10 of Pay Matrix — Deputation Allowance as Per DoPT Guidelines
Selected officers will draw pay in Level 8/10 of the pay matrix as per their regular scale. Deputation allowance and other benefits are admissible as per DoPT guidelines. The deputation is initially for 2 years, extendable as per extant rules.
Pay & Allowances
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 8/10 of the Pay Matrix (as per 7th CPC) |
| Deputation Allowance | Admissible as per DoPT guidelines — O.M. No. 6/8/2009-Estt. (Pay II) dated 17.06.2010 amended from time to time |
| Other Allowances | As applicable to Central Government officers on deputation |
Deputation Terms
| Period | Initially for 2 years, extendable as per extant rules |
| Tenure | Mandatory to serve the full deputation term — premature relieving not considered except in rare or exceptional circumstances |
| Travel | Selected officer may be required to travel within India |
| Lien | As per Central Government deputation rules — officer retains lien on the parent post |
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — Job Profile and Pay Structure
Level 8/10 Pay Matrix — Administration, Policy, and Public Dealing in Passport Offices
Section Officers in Regional Passport Offices handle a range of responsibilities including administration, establishment, policy implementation, court cases, RTI, finance and accounts, audit, and public dealing. The pay is drawn in Level 8/10 of the 7th CPC pay matrix with applicable deputation allowance.
Job Profile / Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Administration | Oversee day-to-day administration of the Regional Passport Office including establishment matters |
| Policy Implementation | Implement policy directives from MEA headquarters and ensure compliance with passport rules and procedures |
| Court Cases & RTI | Handle court case documentation, RTI applications, and related correspondence |
| Finance & Accounts | Manage financial transactions, budgeting, audit compliance, and accounts-related work |
| Public Dealing | Address public grievances, manage citizen services, and ensure smooth passport issuance processes |
| Liaison | Coordinate with other ministries, departments, and organisations as required |
Pay Structure (7th CPC)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 8/10 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix (as applicable to the officer's regular post) |
| Deputation Allowance | As per DoPT guidelines — O.M. No. 6/8/2009-Estt. (Pay II) dated 17.06.2010 |
| Dearness Allowance | As per Central Government rates |
| HRA | As per city classification of the RPO location |
| Transport Allowance | As per 7th CPC rates applicable to the pay level |
| Level 8 Pay Range | Approx. Rs. 47,600 — Rs. 1,51,100 (as per 7th CPC) |
| Level 10 Pay Range | Approx. Rs. 56,100 — Rs. 1,77,500 (as per 7th CPC) |
Benefits
| Central Government Benefits | All benefits as applicable to Central Government officers on deputation including medical, leave, and pension benefits as per parent department |
| Deputation Allowance | Additional deputation allowance as per DoPT guidelines |
| Travel | Official travel within India as per entitlements |
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — How to Apply
Apply Through Proper Channel — Send to AO (Cadre), PSP Division, MEA, Patiala House, New Delhi by 17 July 2026
Applications for deputation must be submitted in the prescribed pro-forma (Annexure-I of the circular) through the proper channel. The complete application with ACRs, cadre clearance, and vigilance clearance must reach the Administrative Officer (Cadre), PSP Division, MEA at Patiala House, New Delhi by 17 July 2026. An advance copy may be emailed to the PSP Division.
Documents to Attach
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Pro-forma | Prescribed format as per Annexure-I of the circular in duplicate, signed by the volunteering officer |
| ACRs/APARs | Up-to-date copies for the last 5 years, duly attested on each page by a Group A Officer |
| Cadre Clearance | Due cadre clearance from the parent department |
| Vigilance Clearance | Clearance certifying no disciplinary case is pending or contemplated |
| Penalty Declaration | Details of minor/major penalty imposed during the last 10 years, if any |
Application Steps
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Download the prescribed pro-forma (Annexure-I) from the MEA website or the vacancy circular |
| Step 2 | Fill the application form in duplicate with accurate personal, educational, and employment details — indicate preferences for 3 RPO stations |
| Step 3 | Attach up-to-date ACRs/APARs for the last 5 years, cadre clearance, and vigilance clearance |
| Step 4 | Forward the application through the proper channel with due certification by the Head of Department |
| Step 5 | Send an advance copy by email to sopspcadre@mea.gov.in |
| Step 6 | Ensure the hard copy reaches AO (Cadre), PSP Division, MEA, Room No. 26, Patiala House, New Delhi by 17 July 2026 |
Important Instructions
- Applications must be forwarded through the proper channel — direct applications will not be considered
- Only applications complete in all aspects with all required enclosures will be considered
- The parent department must certify that particulars furnished by the officer are correct
- In the event of selection, the officer shall have to be relieved on an immediate basis
- It is mandatory to serve the full deputation term — premature relieving is not considered except in rare or exceptional circumstances
- Advance copies may be emailed to sopspcadre@mea.gov.in — but the original must still reach through proper channel
- Officers must indicate 3 preferences of RPO stations in the application
- Any queries regarding the application may be addressed to the AO (PSP-Cadre), PSP Division, MEA
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — Selection Mode and Documents
Deputation Based on ACR/APAR Assessment — Cadre Clearance, Vigilance Clearance, and Penalty Declaration Required
Selection for Section Officer posts on deputation is through assessment of ACRs/APARs, experience, and overall suitability. Candidates must submit their applications through proper channel with all requisite clearances. The competent authority makes the final selection based on merit and suitability for the role.
Selection Stages
| Stage | Details | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Application Scrutiny | Review of applications received through proper channel for completeness, eligibility, and attached documents | Qualifying |
| ACR/APAR Evaluation | Performance assessment based on ACRs/APARs for the last 5 years | Merit-based |
| Experience Assessment | Evaluation of relevant experience in administration, establishment, policy, finance, RTI, and public dealing | Merit-based |
| Competent Authority Approval | Final selection by the competent authority based on overall profile, seniority, and suitability | Merit-based |
Documents Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Pro-forma | Annexure-I in duplicate, signed by the volunteering officer |
| ACRs/APARs | Up-to-date copies for the last 5 years, duly attested on each page by a Group A Officer |
| Cadre Clearance | Due cadre clearance from the parent department |
| Vigilance Clearance | Certificate that no disciplinary case is pending or contemplated and integrity is beyond doubt |
| Penalty Statement | Details of minor/major penalty imposed during the last 10 years, if any |
| Forwarding Note | Certification by Head of Department that particulars furnished are correct |
Disqualification Criteria
| Grounds for Disqualification | |
| Incomplete Application | Application without requisite enclosures or information |
| Improper Channel | Application not forwarded through the proper channel |
| Missing Clearances | Absence of cadre clearance, vigilance clearance, or ACRs/APARs |
| Age Exceeded | Candidate exceeding 56 years as on 01.01.2026 |
| False Information | Submission of incorrect or forged information or documents |
| Pending Disciplinary Case | Pending disciplinary proceedings or major penalty imposed |
Important Instructions
- Applications must be forwarded through the proper channel with cadre clearance and vigilance clearance
- Only applications complete in all aspects with all required enclosures will be considered
- It must be certified that particulars furnished by the officer are correct by the forwarding authority
- Selected officers must be relieved on an immediate basis by their parent department
- It is mandatory to serve the full deputation term — premature relieving not permitted except in exceptional circumstances
- Officers must indicate 3 preferences of RPO stations in the application pro-forma
- Any dispute regarding the selection process will be subject to the jurisdiction of courts in Delhi
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — Important Links and Follow Us
Official Recruitment Links
| Link | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Active | View PDF |
| MEA Official Website | Active | Visit Website |
| MEA PSP Division | Active | Passport Services |
Join Our Job Community
| Platform | Action |
|---|---|
| Telegram Channel | Join Channel |
| Facebook Page | Follow Page |
| Twitter / X | Follow Updates |
| Blogs | Read |
MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who can apply for MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation 2026?
Officers working in any Ministry, Department, or Office of the Central Government who hold analogous posts in Level 8/10 of the Pay Matrix on a regular basis can apply. The maximum age is 56 years as on 01 January 2026. Applications must be forwarded through the proper channel.
Q2. How many vacancies are available for MEA Section Officer Deputation 2026?
A total of 60 Section Officer vacancies are available across 20 Regional Passport Offices in India. Each RPO — including Amritsar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Srinagar, and others — will have 3 Section Officer posts. Officers must indicate 3 RPO preferences in the application.
Q3. What is the eligibility for MEA RPO Section Officer (Deputation) 2026?
Officers holding analogous posts in Level 8/10 of Pay Matrix in any Central Government Ministry or Department are eligible. Desirable criteria include good managerial and drafting skills, experience in administration, establishment, policy, court cases, RTI, finance, and public dealing in the Government of India.
Q4. What is the age limit for MEA Section Officer Deputation 2026?
The maximum age limit for appointment on deputation shall not exceed 56 years as on 01 January 2026. Age relaxation is not separately applicable as this is a lateral transfer arrangement under Central Government deputation rules.
Q5. What is the last date to apply for MEA RPO Section Officer 2026?
Completed applications must be forwarded through proper channel to reach the Administrative Officer (Cadre), PSP Division, MEA, Room No. 26, Patiala House, New Delhi by 17 July 2026. Advance copies may be emailed to sopspcadre@mea.gov.in.
Q6. Is there any application fee for MEA RPO Deputation 2026?
No, there is no application or processing fee for deputation-based appointments. Applications are processed through the proper channel via the candidate's parent department. Candidates should not pay any fee to anyone.
Q7. What is the selection process for MEA RPO Section Officer Deputation?
Selection is based on scrutiny of applications and assessment of ACRs/APARs of the last 5 years, experience, and overall suitability. The competent authority makes the final selection. There is no written examination or personal interview for deputation appointments.
Q8. What documents are required for MEA Section Officer Deputation application?
Documents include the application pro-forma (Annexure-I) in duplicate, up-to-date ACRs/APARs for the last 5 years attested by a Group A Officer, cadre clearance, vigilance clearance, and details of any penalty imposed during the last 10 years.
Q9. What is the duration of deputation for MEA RPO Section Officer?
The deputation is initially for 2 years, extendable as per extant rules. It is mandatory to serve the full deputation term — premature relieving is not considered except in rare or exceptional circumstances. Selected officers must be relieved on an immediate basis by their parent department.
Q10. What is the salary for MEA RPO Section Officer positions?
Officers will draw pay in Level 8/10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix as applicable to their regular post. Level 8 range is approximately Rs. 47,600 to Rs. 1,51,100 and Level 10 range is approximately Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500. Deputation allowance is admissible as per DoPT guidelines.
Q11. Where will selected officers be posted under MEA RPO Deputation?
Selected officers will serve in one of the 20 Regional Passport Offices across India including Amritsar, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Jalandhar, Kozhikode, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji, Pune, Srinagar, Surat, Trichy, Trivandrum, Vijayawada, and Vishakhapatnam.
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