SECI Executive Director Finance Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for E-9 Grade Leadership Role

SECI Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI), a premier Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has announced a key leadership vacancy. The official notification (No. 01/2026) invites applications for the post of Executive Director (Finance) on a regular basis. This is a prestigious E-9 grade position with significant responsibility in the organization's financial leadership. With only one unreserved vacancy, the recruitment seeks highly experienced finance professionals from both public and private sectors. The entire application process is online, and candidates must ensure they meet the stringent eligibility criteria regarding qualifications, experience, and sector-specific conditions before applying.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

This recruitment targets seasoned finance executives with a minimum of 25 years of post-qualification experience. The essential qualification is a CA, CMA, or an MBA/PGDM in Finance with 60% marks. The selection process may involve screening, written tests, group discussions, and personal interviews at the discretion of SECI. A critical aspect is the sector-specific experience requirement: PSU/Govt candidates need experience in an E-8 or equivalent grade, while private sector applicants must be from listed or reputed companies with a turnover exceeding ₹5000 Crore and a recent CTC of at least ₹58 Lakhs. Candidates are strongly advised to meticulously verify their experience certificates, ensure they have exposure in at least two specified finance areas, and upload clear, legible documents to avoid summary rejection.

About the Important Dates

The timeline for the SECI Executive Director recruitment is concise but critical. The application window is open for approximately one month, from February 9 to March 10, 2026. It is crucial to note that the closing time is 5:00 PM, not midnight, which is a common mistake candidates make. The cut-off date for calculating age and all post-qualification experience is strictly the closing date of the notification, i.e., March 10, 2026. Any experience gained after this date will not be considered. The absence of a specified correction window means candidates must be extremely careful while filling out the application, as there may be no opportunity to rectify errors later. All subsequent dates for tests or interviews will be communicated separately by SECI, and candidates must monitor the official website for updates.

About the Application Fee

The application fee of ₹1000 is applicable to all candidates except those belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories, who are fully exempt. This is a significant point, as many government recruitments offer fee concessions to OBC and EWS candidates, but this notification does not. The payment must be made online, and it is imperative to keep the transaction receipt as proof. The most critical warning is the strict non-refundable clause. The fee will not be refunded even if the candidature is later found ineligible or is rejected at any stage. Therefore, candidates must thoroughly self-verify their eligibility against all criteria before proceeding to payment to avoid a financial loss.

Essential Educational Qualifications

Candidates must possess any one of the following qualifications: Chartered Accountant (CA), Cost Management Accountant (CMA), or a two-year full-time MBA/PGDM in Finance with a minimum of 60% marks from a recognized university. Degrees obtained through distance education are accepted, which is beneficial for candidates who pursued studies while working. A CGPA must be converted into a percentage, and a supporting certificate from the university is mandatory. A desirable qualification like Company Secretary (CS) or a Law degree can provide an added advantage during the selection process, especially for roles involving compliance and corporate governance. This criterion ensures that the candidate has a strong foundational knowledge in core finance principles.

Experience Requirements and Mandatory Exposure

The experience requirement is the most stringent part of this recruitment. Candidates must have a minimum of 25 years of post-qualification executive experience in Finance & Accounts. Internship, apprenticeship, and teaching experience are explicitly not counted. Crucially, candidates must have hands-on experience in at least two of the specified advanced finance areas such as Treasury Operations, Forex, Raising Resources through Bonds, or Risk Assessment. This is not about mere familiarity but about demonstrable, responsible work experience. For PSU/Govt employees, this means having held a very senior position (E-8 grade or equivalent in specified pay scales) for at least two years. For private sector candidates, it translates to being at the level immediately below the Board of Directors in a large, reputable organization. This ensures the selected candidate can handle the strategic financial challenges of a Navratna CPSE.

Sector-Specific Eligibility Conditions

The eligibility path differs sharply based on whether the candidate is from the Public/Government sector or the Private sector. For PSU/Govt candidates, the eligibility is defined by grade and pay scale, requiring at least two years in a very senior position (E-8 in SECI or equivalent scales). For private sector candidates, the criteria are defined by the stature of the organization and the candidate's compensation. The company must be a listed entity or a company of repute with an average turnover of ₹5000 Crore or more in the last three years. The candidate must have drawn a minimum Annual CTC of ₹58 Lakhs (excluding medical benefits) in the last financial year. These filters are designed to attract candidates who have operated at a scale and complexity comparable to a large public sector enterprise like SECI.

About the Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution

The sole vacancy for Executive Director (Finance) is advertised under the Unreserved (UR) category. This means there are no vacancies specifically reserved for OBC, SC, ST, or EWS categories in this recruitment cycle. However, candidates from these reserved categories are still eligible to apply for the UR seat, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. They will compete in the general pool without any reservation benefits. The notification also states that reservations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and Ex-Servicemen will be applied as per the latest Government of India directives, which might involve horizontal reservation within the advertised post. Candidates claiming PwBD reservation must have a disability certificate showing a minimum of 40% benchmark disability.

About the Exam and Selection Pattern

The selection process for this senior-level position is not a standard written examination. SECI has kept the process flexible. It may begin with a screening of applications based on qualifications, experience, and suitability. Shortlisted candidates could then be called for further assessment, which may include a written test to evaluate technical knowledge, a group discussion to assess leadership and analytical skills, and finally, one or more rounds of personal interviews. It is crucial to understand that SECI holds the absolute right to decide the selection stages and modify them as needed. Candidates should be prepared for a multi-stage assessment focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, leadership qualities, and in-depth domain knowledge in corporate finance and public sector management.

About Physical and Medical Eligibility

For this executive role, there are no specific physical standards like height or chest measurements. However, the appointment is contingent upon the candidate being found medically fit as per the medical standards prescribed by SECI. A thorough medical examination will be conducted for the finally selected candidate before joining. This is standard procedure in CPSEs to ensure the incumbent is fit to undertake the responsibilities of the demanding role. For Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), the minimum requirement of 40% disability as certified by a competent authority is mandatory to avail of reservation benefits. The medical examination will consider the functional capabilities required for the job.

About the Salary and Benefits Package

The Executive Director (Finance) will be placed in the E-9 grade, which is one of the highest grades in the IDA (Industrial Dearness Allowance) pay structure for CPSEs. The basic pay will be within the scale of ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,00,000. On this basic pay, a substantial Dearness Allowance (linked to inflation) and other perks are added. The Performance Related Pay (PRP) is a key component, linking a significant part of the compensation to individual and company performance. The comprehensive benefits package includes retirement benefits like the New Pension Scheme and Gratuity, along with welfare benefits like housing and education loans. For candidates moving from other government or PSU roles, pay protection ensures their current emoluments are safeguarded, making the transition financially seamless.

Beyond the standard details, this SECI notification contains several critical clauses that candidates must understand to ensure a valid application and avoid disqualification.

Strict Scrutiny of Experience and Documents

The notification explicitly states that apprenticeship, internship, and teaching experience will not be counted towards the mandatory 25-year post-qualification experience. Candidates must ensure their experience certificates clearly state the executive nature of their roles in Finance & Accounts. For private sector candidates, providing authentic and verifiable salary proof (like Form-16, appointment letters, and bank statements) for the claimed CTC is non-negotiable. Any discrepancy between the claimed experience/salary and the uploaded documents will lead to immediate rejection. The warning against "blurred or incomplete documents" is serious; even a technically valid certificate can be rejected if the scan is not clear.

Absolute Rights of SECI and Candidate Responsibilities

SECI reserves several absolute rights that candidates must acknowledge. The corporation can cancel the recruitment process in part or full without assigning any reason. It can also modify the selection stages (adding or removing a written test/GD) at any time. The jurisdiction for any dispute lies solely with the courts in Delhi. Furthermore, candidates who have been terminated from SECI or any other organization in the past are ineligible. The clause against "canvassing" means any attempt to influence the selection committee through external means will result in disqualification. It is the candidate's responsibility to provide a valid, active email ID and mobile number; SECI is not responsible for communication failure due to incorrect details.

Pay Protection and Deputation Equivalence

For candidates applying from other government departments or PSUs, the notification mentions pay protection as per Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) guidelines. This is a crucial benefit. However, the final equivalence of the candidate's current grade/pay scale with SECI's E-9 grade will be determined solely by SECI's management. This decision is final and binding. Candidates on deputation should also note that their application must be routed through proper channels with a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The posting can be anywhere in India, as SECI has offices across the country, and the selected candidate must be willing to relocate as per organizational requirements.

1. What is the last date to apply for the SECI Executive Director post?

The online application portal will close on 10 March 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applications submitted after this date and time will not be accepted under any circumstances.

2. Is there any age relaxation for OBC/SC/ST candidates?

Yes, age relaxation will be applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories (OBC/SC/ST) as per the prevailing Government of India rules. However, the vacancy is advertised as Unreserved (UR).

3. I am a CA with 24 years of experience and 2 years of articleship. Am I eligible?

No. You need a minimum of 25 years of post-qualification executive experience. Articleship (apprenticeship) is explicitly not counted. Your eligible experience starts only after becoming a qualified CA.

4. I work in a private limited company with a turnover of ₹3000 Crore. Can I apply?

No. Private sector candidates must be from an organization with a minimum average turnover of ₹5000 Crore over the last three audited financial years. Your company does not meet the financial threshold.

5. What does "exposure in at least two areas" mean in the experience criteria?

It means you must have hands-on, working experience (not just theoretical knowledge) in at least two of the listed domains like Forex, Treasury, or Risk Assessment. You must provide experience certificates or project details that substantiate this claim.

6. Is the application fee of ₹1000 applicable to OBC and EWS candidates?

Yes. The notification states the fee is applicable to "All candidates," with exemption only for SC, ST, and PwBD categories. OBC and EWS candidates must pay the full fee.

7. Will there be a written exam?

It is not mandatory. SECI may shortlist candidates based on applications and call them directly for an interview, or they may decide to conduct a written test or group discussion. The selection process is at the discretion of SECI.

8. I have an MBA in Finance through distance learning. Is it accepted?

Yes, the notification explicitly states that degrees obtained through distance education mode are accepted, provided the university is recognized by UGC/AICTE.

9. What is the salary for the Executive Director (Finance) post?

The post carries an IDA pay scale of ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 (E-9 grade). The total Cost to Company (CTC) will be significantly higher, including DA, HRA, PRP, and other allowances and perks typical of a Navratna CPSE.

10. I am a government employee. Do I need to submit an NOC while applying?

Yes, candidates working in Government departments/PSUs must upload a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer at the time of application. Failure to do so may lead to rejection.

11. Can I submit a physical/offline application?

No. The notification clearly states the mode of application is Online only. Any offline application sent by post or courier will be rejected outright.

12. Is there a correction window to edit my submitted application?

The notification does not mention any correction window. Therefore, candidates must review their application carefully before final submission, as edits may not be possible later.

13. What is the cut-off date for calculating age and experience?

The cut-off date for both age and all post-qualification experience calculation is 10 March 2026, which is the closing date of the notification.

14. Are candidates from State PSUs eligible under the PSU category?

Eligibility under the PSU/Govt sector requires service in specific pay scales (IDA or CDA) mentioned in the notification. A candidate from a State PSU would need to demonstrate that their grade/pay is equivalent to the specified Central Government scales, as determined solely by SECI.

15. Where will the selected candidate be posted?

The posting can be at SECI's Corporate Office in New Delhi or at any of its offices/ projects across India. The selected candidate must be willing to be posted anywhere in India as per the company's requirement.