The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially released the MEA Section Officer Recruitment 2026 Notification for 60 Section Officer or equivalent posts on a deputation basis across various Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) in India. Eligible Central Government Officers can apply through offline mode before 17 July 2026.
📌 About MEA Recruitment 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PSP Division, New Delhi, has invited applications from eligible Central Government Officers for Section Officer or equivalent posts. These positions will be filled on a deputation basis in 20 Regional Passport Offices located across India. Candidates with administrative, establishment, RTI, finance, audit, and public dealing experience will have an added advantage.
📋 MEA Section Officer Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Organization Name: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PSP Division, New Delhi
Post Name: Section Officer or Equivalent
Total Vacancies: 60 Posts
Job Type: Deputation Basis
Pay Level: Level 8/10 of Pay Matrix (7th CPC)
Application Mode: Offline
Notification Date: 22 May 2026
Last Date to Apply: 17 July 2026
Job Location: Regional Passport Offices Across India
Official Website: https://www.mea.gov.in
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 22 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 22 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 17 July 2026 |
| Age Calculation Date | 01 January 2026 |
🪑 Vacancy Details
MEA has announced a total of 60 vacancies for Section Officer or equivalent posts in different Regional Passport Offices (RPOs).
| Regional Passport Office | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Amritsar | 03 |
| Bengaluru | 03 |
| Bhubaneswar | 03 |
| Chennai | 03 |
| Cochin | 03 |
| Coimbatore | 03 |
| Guwahati | 03 |
| Jalandhar | 03 |
| Kozhikode | 03 |
| Madurai | 03 |
| Mumbai | 03 |
| Nagpur | 03 |
| Panaji | 03 |
| Pune | 03 |
| Srinagar | 03 |
| Surat | 03 |
| Trichy | 03 |
| Trivandrum | 03 |
| Vijayawada | 03 |
| Vishakhapatnam | 03 |
| Total | 60 Posts |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
✅ Essential Eligibility
Candidates must:
- Be serving Central Government Officers
- Hold analogous posts in Level 8/10 of Pay Matrix on regular basis
- Apply through proper channel only
⭐ Desirable Qualifications
Candidates with the following skills and experience will be preferred:
- Good managerial and interpersonal skills
- Strong noting and drafting abilities
- Administrative and establishment experience
- RTI, finance, audit, and public dealing knowledge
- Experience in Government Ministries/Departments
🎂 Age Limit
The maximum age limit for deputation appointment is:
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Eligible Central Government Officers | Maximum 56 Years |
Age will be calculated as on 01 January 2026.
💰 Salary Details
Selected officers will receive salary and allowances as per:
- Level 8/10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix
- DoPT deputation rules and allowances
📝 Selection Process
The selection process will include:
📌 Application Verification
Applications forwarded through proper channel will be scrutinized.
📌 Document Verification
MEA will verify:
- APARs/ACRs
- Cadre Clearance
- Vigilance Clearance
- Service Record
📌 Final Selection
Selection will be based on eligibility, service records, and approval by the Competent Authority.
📂 Required Documents
Candidates need to submit the following documents along with the application form:
- Prescribed Application Form (Annexure-I)
- Bio-data
- Cadre Clearance Certificate
- Vigilance Clearance
- APARs/ACRs for last 5 years
- Penalty details (if applicable)
📮 How to Apply for MEA Recruitment 2026
Eligible and interested candidates must apply offline through the proper channel.
📌 Steps to Apply
- Download the official notification and application form
- Fill in all required details carefully
- Attach all necessary documents
- Get forwarding approval from the department
- Submit the application before the last date
📍 Send Application To:
Administrative Officer (Cadre)
PSP Division, Ministry of External Affairs
Room No. 26, Patiala House
New Delhi
📧 Advance Copy Email:
⚠️ Important Instructions
- Only serving Central Government Officers are eligible
- Applications must be forwarded through proper channel
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
- Officers must serve the full deputation period
- Candidates can select up to 3 preferred RPO locations
- APARs/ACRs must be attested properly
🔗 Important Links
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://www.mea.gov.in |
| Advance Copy Email | sopspcadre@mea.gov.in |
| Notification PDF | Available on Official Website |
🏁 Final Thoughts
The MEA Section Officer Recruitment 2026 offers a valuable deputation opportunity for experienced Central Government Officers looking to work in Regional Passport Offices across India. With 60 vacancies available in multiple locations, eligible officers should ensure they submit complete applications through the proper channel before 17 July 2026.
