Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026: Post-Wise Eligibility for 30 Non Teaching Seats, Pay Level 1 to 11
Sahitya Akademi, the National Academy of Letters and an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture, has invited applications for 30 seats on direct recruitment under Adv. No. 50/2/2026. It covers 13 designations, from Multi-Tasking Staff at Pay Level-1 up to Deputy Secretary at Pay Level-11, spread across the Head Office in New Delhi, the regional offices in Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru, and the sub-office in Chennai. If you want central government jobs that are not tied to one giant competitive exam, this is a rare literary-sector opening.
Here is the structural fact that decides how you prepare. Deputy Secretary and Assistant Editor are the only two posts the notice fills by interview alone — for each of them the Method of Recruitment reads simply that selection will be based on performance in the interview. For the other eleven posts, selection rests entirely on a written test of 100 marks, and the interview stage appears nowhere in their clauses. Maximum age is 50 years for every post, the notification prescribes no application fee, and applications go by post on a printed proforma. The window closes on 21 September 2026.
What are the Key Highlights of Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters) |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Culture, Government of India |
| Advertisement No. | Adv. No. 50/2/2026 dated 22 August 2026 |
| Total Seats | 30 across 13 designations |
| Pay Levels | Level-1 to Level-11 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) |
| Maximum Age | 50 years for all 13 designations |
| Application Fee | None prescribed |
| Selection | Interview alone for 2 posts, written test for the other 11 |
| Job Locations | New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai |
| Mode of Application | Offline, by speed post or registered post |
| Last Date | 21 September 2026 |
How Many Vacancies are There in Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026?
The reservation split changes from post to post, so read your own row and not the total. Four posts carry no Unreserved seat at all — Senior Library & Information Assistant, Technical Assistant, Junior Clerk and Multi-Tasking Staff. If you are applying under UR, those four are closed to you whatever your marks.
| Post | Category-wise Seats | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Secretary (General-Admin.) | UR 1 | 1 |
| Assistant Editor | UR 1 | 1 |
| Senior Library & Information Assistant | UR 0 / OBC 1 / EWS 1 | 2 |
| Junior Translation Officer | UR 1 | 1 |
| Technical Assistant | UR 0 / OBC 1 | 1 |
| Programme Assistant | UR 1 | 1 |
| Publication Assistant | UR 3 / SC 1 / EWS 1 | 5 |
| Proof Reader cum General Assistant | UR 1 / OBC 1 | 2 |
| Stenographer Gr. II | UR 2 / OBC 1 / EWS 1 | 4 |
| Messenger cum Rider | UR 1 | 1 |
| Van Driver | UR 1 | 1 |
| Junior Clerk | UR 0 / SC 1 / ST 1 / OBC 1 / EWS 1 | 4 |
| Multi-Tasking Staff | UR 0 / OBC 3 / EWS 3 | 6 |
One Multi-Tasking Staff seat, at the Regional Office in Kolkata, is marked PH. Junior Clerk is the only post carrying a Scheduled Tribe seat. Location matters more than usual here, because most posts exist at exactly one office and the advertisement offers no choice of city.
| Post | Where the Seats Are |
|---|---|
| Deputy Secretary (General-Admin.) | Head Office, New Delhi |
| Assistant Editor | Head Office, New Delhi |
| Senior Library & Information Assistant | Mumbai 1, Kolkata 1 |
| Junior Translation Officer | Head Office, New Delhi |
| Technical Assistant | Head Office, New Delhi |
| Programme Assistant | Bengaluru 1 |
| Publication Assistant | New Delhi 3, Mumbai 1, Bengaluru 1 |
| Proof Reader cum General Assistant | Kolkata 1, Mumbai 1 |
| Stenographer Gr. II | New Delhi 1, Bengaluru 1, Kolkata 1, Mumbai 1 |
| Messenger cum Rider | Head Office, New Delhi |
| Van Driver | Head Office, New Delhi |
| Junior Clerk | New Delhi 2, Mumbai 1, Chennai 1 |
| Multi-Tasking Staff | New Delhi 3, Chennai 1, Bengaluru 1, Kolkata 1 |
What is the Eligibility for Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026?
Educational Qualification and Experience for Each Post
Everything in this table is essential — miss one line in your row and the application is rejected at scrutiny. Ranges run from 10th pass to a Master’s degree, so both 12th pass candidates and postgraduates have posts here.
| Post | Essential Qualification and Experience |
|---|---|
| Deputy Secretary (General-Admin.) | Master’s degree in Language with 55% marks, OR Master’s in Business Administration / Public Administration with 55% marks; plus 7 years as Assistant Director / Assistant Secretary / Administrative Officer / Assistant Registrar or equivalent in Pay Level 10 and above; plus demonstrable experience organising literary activities, programmes, seminars, conferences or festivals; plus an unblemished record of integrity with no charge-sheet issued or prosecution sanctioned as on the closing date |
| Assistant Editor | Postgraduate degree in a language or literature recognised by the Akademi; good knowledge of English/Hindi and one or more Indian languages of the region; 5 years in copy editing literary and scholarly manuscripts through the stages of production; basic computer knowledge |
| Senior Library & Information Assistant | Bachelor in Library Science; 5 years’ experience in a library of standing; good knowledge of computer applications in a library |
| Junior Translation Officer | Degree with Hindi/English as main subject, OR Master’s with Hindi as medium and English compulsory at degree level, OR Bachelor’s with Hindi and English as main subjects plus a recognised diploma/certificate in translation both ways; and 3 years’ literary translation experience in Central or State Government including autonomous organisations |
| Technical Assistant | Graduate or equivalent; Diploma in Book Publishing; 5 years in a printing press, publishing house or Government undertaking concerned with book publication; knowledge of printing and book publication processes; good knowledge of one or more Indian languages and literature with ability to edit literary material; basic computer knowledge |
| Programme Assistant | Graduate or equivalent; 5 years in a literary, academic or Government organisation or a publishing house; ability to organise meetings and conferences; ability to handle literary material; good knowledge of computer applications |
| Publication Assistant | Graduate or equivalent; Diploma in Printing or 5 years in a printing press, publishing house or Government undertaking concerned with book publication; knowledge of printing and book publication processes; basic computer knowledge |
| Proof Reader cum General Assistant | Graduate or equivalent with Hindi or English as a subject; ability to read proofs in English/Hindi; proficiency in English/Hindi; basic computer knowledge. No experience required |
| Stenographer Gr. II | 10+2 or equivalent; 80 w.p.m. shorthand speed and good typing speed in English/Hindi; good knowledge of computer applications. No experience required |
| Messenger cum Rider | 10+2; valid motor driving licence for two-wheelers/car with 3 years’ experience; knowledge of motor mechanics |
| Van Driver | 10th or 10+2; valid driving licence for light and heavy vehicles; knowledge of minor automobile repairs; 3 years’ motor driving experience; polite behaviour |
| Junior Clerk | 10+2; net typing speed 35 w.p.m. in English or 30 w.p.m. in Hindi; knowledge of computer applications. No experience required |
| Multi-Tasking Staff | 10th / 10+2 or ITI equivalent; multi-skilling, one employee performing jobs hitherto done by different Level-1 employees; basic computer knowledge. No experience required |
Desirable Qualifications — Extra Credit, Never a Requirement
Read this table as a wish list, not a bar. A Publication Assistant applicant does not need a postgraduate degree, a Senior Library & Information Assistant applicant does not need a Master of Library Science, and a Junior Clerk applicant does not need to be a graduate — those three are desirables only, and the essentials for the same posts are Graduate, Bachelor in Library Science and 10+2 respectively.
| Post | Desirable (Not Required) |
|---|---|
| Deputy Secretary (General-Admin.) | Research or doctoral degree in literature; knowledge of book production and publication; experience in editing publications |
| Assistant Editor | Research degree in literature; research experience and published work; general knowledge of Indian literature; diploma in journalism |
| Senior Library & Information Assistant | Master of Library Science; working knowledge of one or two Indian languages besides mother tongue |
| Junior Translation Officer | Experience of working on computers in Hindi and English |
| Technical Assistant | General knowledge of Indian literature and the literary community |
| Programme Assistant | Good knowledge of one or more languages and literature; knowledge of the Indian literary community; knowledge of office rules and procedure |
| Publication Assistant | Postgraduate or equivalent; good knowledge of one or more languages and literatures with ability to handle literary material; knowledge of office rules and procedures |
| Proof Reader cum General Assistant | Postgraduate degree or equivalent |
| Stenographer Gr. II | Knowledge of more than one Indian language besides mother tongue |
| Messenger cum Rider | Working knowledge of at least two languages |
| Van Driver | Knowledge of more than one Indian language besides mother tongue |
| Junior Clerk | Graduate from a recognised university; knowledge of more than one Indian language besides mother tongue |
| Multi-Tasking Staff | Knowledge of at least two languages; knowledge of cycling and various localities |
Age Limit for Sahitya Akademi Non Teaching Posts 2026
| Item | What the Notice Says |
|---|---|
| Maximum age | 50 years — identical for all 13 designations, with no per-post variation |
| Minimum age | Not stated |
| Age relaxation | “As per Government of India rules” — no category-wise years are printed in the notice |
| Reckoned as on | The closing date for submission of applications |
🎂 Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our free Age Calculator for Government Exams to find your exact age on the cut-off date and instantly check your eligibility — including any age relaxation you qualify for. →
Note that the same cut-off governs your qualification and experience too: General Instruction 9 requires the educational qualification, age limit and experience all to be complete as on the closing date. A degree awarded in October or a fifth year of experience completed in November does not count.
What is the Salary and Pay Level for Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026?
| Post | Pay Level | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Secretary (General-Admin.) | Level-11 | Rs 67,700 – 2,08,700 |
| Assistant Editor | Level-10 | Rs 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Senior Library & Information Assistant | Level-6 | Rs 35,400 – 1,12,400 |
| Junior Translation Officer | Level-6 | Rs 35,400 – 1,12,400 |
| Technical Assistant | Level-6 | Rs 35,400 – 1,12,400 |
| Programme Assistant | Level-6 | Rs 35,400 – 1,12,400 |
| Publication Assistant | Level-6 | Rs 35,400 – 1,12,400 |
| Proof Reader cum General Assistant | Level-4 | Rs 25,500 – 81,100 |
| Stenographer Gr. II | Level-4 | Rs 25,500 – 81,100 |
| Messenger cum Rider | Level-2 | Rs 19,900 – 63,200 |
| Van Driver | Level-2 | Rs 19,900 – 63,200 |
| Junior Clerk | Level-2 | Rs 19,900 – 63,200 |
| Multi-Tasking Staff | Level-1 | Rs 18,000 – 56,900 |
These are pay-matrix figures, not take-home; allowances are added on top as admissible, and the notice does not list them. Ten of the thirty seats sit at Level-6 or above, so this is not a clerical-only recruitment. Deputy Secretary is a tenure post — five years from the date of assuming charge, with a second term only at the Appointing Authority’s discretion. Whoever is selected is also liable to be transferred to any Akademi office in India.
What is the Selection Process for Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026?
| Post | Route to Selection |
|---|---|
| Deputy Secretary (General-Admin.) | Interview alone — selection based on performance in the interview |
| Assistant Editor | Interview alone — selection based on performance in the interview |
| Senior Library & Information Assistant | Written test, Pattern 1; Part-II is Library Science |
| Junior Translation Officer | Written test, Pattern 1; Part-II covers translation both ways, official terminology, grammar, proofreading and editing |
| Technical Assistant | Written test, Pattern 1; Part-II covers publication, book production and printing |
| Programme Assistant | Written test, Pattern 1; Part-II covers publication, printing and programme |
| Publication Assistant | Written test, Pattern 1; Part-II covers publication and printing |
| Proof Reader cum General Assistant | Written test, Pattern 1; Part-II covers editing and proof reading |
| Stenographer Gr. II | Written test, Pattern 1 (Part-II: essay, letter, comprehension, notice) + stenography skill test |
| Messenger cum Rider | Written test, Pattern 2 + driving skill test |
| Van Driver | Written test, Pattern 2 + driving skill test |
| Junior Clerk | Written test, Pattern 2 + typing test |
| Multi-Tasking Staff | Written test, Pattern 2 |
The written test is 100 marks and 2 hours long for every post that has one, but it comes in two shapes. Check which pattern your post follows before you build a study plan, and keep our government exam calendar handy for the test date.
| Component | Pattern 1 (Level-6 and Level-4 posts) | Pattern 2 (Level-2 and Level-1 posts) |
|---|---|---|
| Part-I, objective | 50 marks | 60 marks |
| Part-I composition | 30 questions GS/GK + 5 each from Hindi, English, Computer, Quantitative Aptitude | 40 questions GS/GK + 5 each from Hindi Grammar, English Grammar, Computer, Quantitative Aptitude |
| Marking | 1 mark per correct answer, no negative marking | 1 mark per correct answer, no negative marking |
| Part-II, descriptive | 50 marks on the post’s own subject | 40 marks, 10 marks a question: Essay, Letter, English Comprehension, Notice/Advertisement |
| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Posts | Senior Library & Information Assistant, Junior Translation Officer, Technical Assistant, Programme Assistant, Publication Assistant, Proof Reader cum General Assistant, Stenographer Gr. II | Messenger cum Rider, Van Driver, Junior Clerk, Multi-Tasking Staff |
| Skill Test | Post | Is it Qualifying? |
|---|---|---|
| Stenography at 80 w.p.m. shorthand with good typing speed | Stenographer Gr. II | Yes — the notice calls it qualifying in nature |
| Typing test | Junior Clerk | Yes — the notice calls it qualifying in nature |
| Driving test | Messenger cum Rider | The notice says written-test qualifiers are called for it, and does not describe it as qualifying |
| Driving test | Van Driver | The notice says written-test qualifiers are called for it, and does not describe it as qualifying |
The notice contradicts itself on the Junior Clerk typing speed and does not reconcile it. The eligibility clause requires net typing of 35 w.p.m. in English or 30 w.p.m. in Hindi, while the skill-test clause for the same post requires 35 w.p.m. in English and 30 w.p.m. in Hindi. Prepare for the stricter reading — both speeds — and treat the gap as unresolved until the Akademi clarifies it.
What are the Important Dates for Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of advertisement | 22 August 2026 |
| Application window as worded in the detailed advertisement | Within 30 days from publication in Employment News |
| Last date for the application to reach the Akademi | 21 September 2026 |
The detailed advertisement prints no calendar date anywhere — it only says applications must be sent within 30 days of publication in Employment News. The short public notice carries the publication date of 22 August 2026, and thirty days from there is 21 September 2026. That is where the deadline in this article comes from. It is a receipt deadline, not a postmark deadline, and the Akademi will not be responsible for postal or courier delay, so post early.
Is There an Application Fee for Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All candidates, every category | The notification prescribes no application fee |
The nineteen general instructions cover documents, certificates, NOC and shortlisting, and none prescribes a fee — the word does not appear in the notice at all. There is no challan, no payment gateway and no fee column on any of the three forms, so budget only for attestation and speed post.
Which Sahitya Akademi Application Form Should You Use?
Three separate proformas exist and they are not interchangeable. Sending the wrong one is a rejection at scrutiny, and a separate application must be submitted for each post you apply for.
| Post | Application Form to Use |
|---|---|
| Deputy Secretary (General-Admin.) | Application Form – Deputy Secretary |
| Assistant Editor | Application Form – Assistant Editor |
| Senior Library & Information Assistant | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Junior Translation Officer | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Technical Assistant | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Programme Assistant | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Publication Assistant | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Proof Reader cum General Assistant | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Stenographer Gr. II | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Messenger cum Rider | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Van Driver | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Junior Clerk | Application Form – Other Posts |
| Multi-Tasking Staff | Application Form – Other Posts |
The Deputy Secretary and Assistant Editor forms each carry a reference-number box coded DS and AE, which you fill yourself with the first three letters of your name in capitals plus your birth year — the form’s own example is Mukesh Kumar, born 1995, who writes MUK1995. The form for the other eleven posts has no such box. All three are linked below.
How to Apply for Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026 by Post?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download the prescribed format from sahitya-akademi.gov.in — only that format is accepted |
| 2 | Pick the right proforma for your post from the three available |
| 3 | Fill every column and sign the form; attach a recent self-attested passport-size photograph |
| 4 | Enclose self-attested copies of all educational, experience and category certificates |
| 5 | If you serve in Central or State Government, a PSU or an autonomous body, apply through proper channel or attach an NOC |
| 6 | Candidates at Level 10 and above: enclose five years’ ACRs/APARs, an integrity certificate and vigilance clearance |
| 7 | Superscribe the envelope “Application for the post of _________” |
| 8 | Send by speed post or registered post to The Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Rabindra Bhavan, 35 Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi-110001, to reach by 21 September 2026 |
There is no online application, and applications sent by email are not accepted. Applying for two posts means two complete envelopes with two full sets of self-attested documents.
What Can Get Your Sahitya Akademi Application Rejected?
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Wrong or incomplete form | Applications not in the prescribed format, incomplete, unsigned, without self-attested documents, or late are liable to be rejected and will not be accepted under any circumstances |
| Email applications | Applications received through email are liable to be rejected |
| Duplicate applications | A separate form is needed for each post, and candidature may be cancelled if more than one application is submitted for the same post |
| Certificates | Missing self-attested educational, experience or caste certificates make the application liable to rejection; OBC certificates must carry the non-creamy-layer clause |
| False information | If any information is found false or ineligibility is detected at any stage — even after appointment — candidature or appointment is liable to be cancelled or terminated without further notice |
| Self-assessment | It is your own responsibility to assess your eligibility against the advertisement before applying |
| Qualifications may change | General Instruction 10 states the prescribed qualifications are framed under Akademi rules pending approval of the Ministry, so they are not final |
| Seats may change | General Instruction 5 lets the Akademi vary the number of posts advertised, or decline to fill any of them, if circumstances so warrant |
| Shortlisting | The Akademi may fix any shortlisting criteria if a post draws a large number of applications, and only shortlisted candidates are called |
| Departmental candidates | For Senior Library & Information Assistant, Junior Translation Officer, Technical Assistant and Publication Assistant, selection of a departmental candidate is treated as promotion by selection |
| Past record | The application proforma requires you to declare any conviction, any departmental inquiry pending or contemplated, any debarment by an examination body, and any past dismissal, discharge or forced resignation |
| Travel | Candidates attend the written test, skill test or interview at their own expense — no TA/DA is paid |
| Updates | Any addendum or corrigendum will be posted only on the Akademi website |
Essential Links: Sahitya Akademi Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF and Forms
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Detailed Advertisement with Eligibility | Download Eligibility Criteria PDF |
| Official Notification | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Form – Deputy Secretary | Download Form |
| Form – Assistant Editor | Download Form |
| Form – Other Posts | Download Form |
| Official Website | Sahitya Akademi |
| WhatsApp Channel | Join WhatsApp Channel |
| Telegram Channel | Join Telegram Channel |
Thirty seats across five cities in India’s premier literary institution, with pay running from Level-1 to Level-11 and no fee to apply, is a rare combination. The homework is real, though: match your row in the essential-qualification table exactly, use the right proforma, get every certificate self-attested, and post the envelope well before 21 September 2026. Keep checking GovtJobsAlert.in and browse our full list of government jobs.