UPSC Recruitment 2026: 16 Group A & B Vacancies for Assistant Keeper, Store Officer & Livestock Officer
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released its Special Recruitment Advertisement No. 02/2026 for 16 vacancies across three important central government posts — Assistant Keeper, Senior Store Officer Grade-II, and Livestock Officer. These are permanent Group A and Group B positions under the Central Government, offering Pay Level 7 to Pay Level 10 under the 7th CPC. If you’re looking for a stable career in the central government with attractive salary and benefits, this is a wonderful opportunity for you.
The online application window is open from 11 April 2026 to 01 May 2026 on the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal. Candidates with qualifications ranging from Master’s Degree to Veterinary Science can apply based on the post they’re eligible for. This article on GovtJobsAlert.in covers every important detail — eligibility, salary, selection process, how to apply, and all important dates. Read carefully so you don’t miss anything. Also check out other UPSC job notifications on our portal.
Key Highlights — UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier recruitment body for Group A and Group B central government posts. This special recruitment drive covers three different ministries — Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Defence (DRDO), and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying. All posts are permanent with All India Service Liability.
- Post Names: Assistant Keeper, Senior Store Officer Grade-II, Livestock Officer
- Total Vacancies: 16
- Salary / Pay Level: Pay Level 7 to Pay Level 10 (7th CPC)
- Job Location: Kolkata, New Delhi (All India Service Liability)
- Last Date to Apply: 01 May 2026
How Many Vacancies Are There in UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026?
| Post Name | Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Keeper | UR | 1 |
| Senior Store Officer Gr-II | UR | 5 |
| Senior Store Officer Gr-II | OBC | 1 |
| Senior Store Officer Gr-II | SC | 1 |
| Livestock Officer | EWS | 4 |
| Livestock Officer | OBC | 1 |
| Livestock Officer | SC | 2 |
| Livestock Officer | ST | 1 |
1 post is also reserved for PwBD candidates under Senior Store Officer Grade-II (from within the 7 vacancies).
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026?
Educational Qualification
Assistant Keeper (Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture):
- Master’s Degree in Anthropology from a recognised University or Institute, OR
- Diploma in Museology from a recognised University or Institute
- Desirable: At least 1 year experience handling, maintaining, and preserving specimens in a recognised museum
Senior Store Officer Grade-II (DRDO, Ministry of Defence):
- Master’s Degree with Economics, Commerce, Statistics, Business Studies, or Public Administration + 2 years’ experience in store keeping and maintaining store accounts, OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in the above subjects + 4 years’ experience, OR
- Diploma in Materials Management, Warehousing Management, Purchasing, Logistics, or Public Procurement + 4 years’ experience
- Experience must be from Central/State Government, PSU, University, Bank, or a private company listed on Stock Exchange
Livestock Officer (Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying):
- Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (as per Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984)
- Registration with Veterinary Council of India or State Veterinary Council
- 3 years’ experience in Cattle & Livestock Development, Animal Health, Poultry, or Meat & Meat Products
- Desirable: Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science or 2 years’ additional experience
If you hold a post-graduate qualification in the relevant field, this recruitment is an excellent match for you.
Age Limit
- Assistant Keeper: 30 years for UR category | OBC, SC/ST, PwBD — not applicable
- Senior Store Officer Grade-II: 35 years for UR | 38 years for OBC | 40 years for SC/ST | 45 years for PwBD
- Livestock Officer: 35 years for UR | 38 years for OBC | 40 years for SC/ST | PwBD — not applicable
Age is calculated as on the closing date of application, i.e., 01 May 2026. Additional relaxation of 5 years for Central Government employees and Ex-Servicemen as per rules.
What is the Salary for UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026?
The salary structure for these posts is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission and offers excellent career growth potential.
- Assistant Keeper: Pay Level 7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 per month)
- Senior Store Officer Grade-II: Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month)
- Livestock Officer: Pay Level 10 + NPA (Non-Practicing Allowance) (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month + NPA)
With all allowances including DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance, the approximate in-hand salary ranges from ₹55,000 to ₹1,00,000+ per month depending on posting location and pay level.
Apart from salary, employees enjoy benefits like NPS (National Pension System), medical reimbursement, LTC (Leave Travel Concession), earned leave encashment, and other central government perks.
What is the Selection Process for UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026?
Recruitment Test (RT) / Combined Recruitment Test (CRT)
UPSC may conduct a Recruitment Test for shortlisting candidates. The test centres include Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, and other major cities across India.
Interview / Personality Test
Shortlisted candidates will be called for an Interview carrying 100 marks. The minimum qualifying marks are:
- UR candidates: 50 marks
- OBC candidates: 45 marks
- SC/ST/PwBD candidates: 40 marks
Document Verification & Medical Examination
Final selected candidates will undergo document verification and medical fitness examination before appointment. You can check the UPSC exam calendar on GovtJobsAlert.in for upcoming exam schedules.
How to Apply Online for UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026?
Before starting, keep your educational certificates, experience letters, caste certificate (if applicable), passport-size photograph, and signature ready.
- Visit the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal (direct link in Essential Links below).
- Create your account and get your Universal Registration Number (URN) if you don’t already have one.
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with your personal details, educational qualifications, and experience.
- Fill the Post/Vacancy-Specific Application Form for the post you wish to apply for.
- Upload your photograph (live capture), signature (black ink on white paper, 3 specimens), and all supporting documents in PDF format.
- Pay the application fee of ₹25 online (SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates are exempted).
- Review all details carefully and submit the application — no correction is allowed after submission.
- Take a printout of the completed application for future reference.
What Are the Important Dates for UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 11 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 01 May 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Interview Date | To be notified separately |
What Are the Application Fees for UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹25 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Exempted (No Fee) |
Payment can be made through Visa/Mastercard/Rupay Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking. Fee once paid is non-refundable.
Essential Links — UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for UPSC Special Recruitment 02/2026
- Visit UPSC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
This is a fantastic opportunity for candidates looking to join the central government through UPSC’s direct recruitment. With only 16 vacancies and a short application window closing on 01 May 2026, make sure you apply as early as possible. Don’t miss this chance — start your application today and keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for all the latest UPSC jobs and government job updates.