UPSC SRD 04/2026 Notification: 45 Central Govt Vacancies, Pay Up to Rs. 2.17 Lakh
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the Special Recruitment Drive 04/2026 notification on its online portal. This is a focused central government drive for 45 vacancies spread across DRDO, the Indian Bureau of Mines, the Ministry of Defence, the UT of Ladakh and the Ministry of Culture. The biggest opening here is 29 Senior Administrative Officer Grade-II posts in DRDO at Pay Level 10. If you are looking for stable UPSC Jobs with strong pay and central deputation benefits, this drive is worth a serious look.
The application window is short — only 21 days. Online submission opens on 9 May 2026 and closes on 29 May 2026 at 1800 hrs. Candidates with Bachelor’s, Master’s or Engineering degrees in the relevant branches can apply through UPSC ORA. Read this full guide on GovtJobsAlert.in carefully so you understand each post, eligibility, fee and the apply process before you start the form.
Key Highlights — UPSC SRD 04/2026 Recruitment
The Union Public Service Commission is the country’s premier recruiting agency for Group A and Group B central services. Through this Advertisement No. 04/2026, UPSC will fill 11 distinct posts across multiple ministries by selection method — primarily computer-based shortlisting followed by interview. This is a great chance to enter central government service through a transparent UPSC selection.
- Post Names: Senior Administrative Officer Gr-II, Assistant Mining Engineer, Assistant Research Officer, Accounts Officer, Assistant Library & Information Officer, Associate Professor & Assistant Professors (CME Pune), Translators (Chinese & Tibetan)
- Total Vacancies: 45 posts
- Salary / Pay Level: Pay Level 7 to Level 13A1 (Rs. 44,900 – Rs. 2,17,100)
- Job Location: Pan-India — New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, UT Ladakh
- Application Start Date: 9 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 29 May 2026 (1800 hrs)
Vacancy Breakdown — UPSC SRD 04/2026 Post-Wise Distribution
| Post Name | Department | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Administrative Officer Gr-II | DRDO | 29 |
| Assistant Mining Engineer | Indian Bureau of Mines | 4 |
| Assistant Research Officer | Indian Bureau of Mines | 2 |
| Accounts Officer | UT Ladakh | 3 |
| Asst Professor (Civil) | CME Pune, Defence | 1 |
| Asst Professor (Electrical) | CME Pune, Defence | 1 |
| Asst Professor (Mechanical) | CME Pune, Defence | 1 |
| Associate Professor (Civil – Structural) | CME Pune, Defence | 1 |
| Asst Library & Information Officer (Kannada) | Ministry of Culture | 1 |
| Translator (Chinese) | Central Govt | 1 |
| Translator (Tibetan) | Central Govt | 1 |
Eligibility Criteria — UPSC SRD 04/2026
Educational Qualification
The eligibility differs by post. Candidates must hold the qualification listed in the official notification PDF for the specific post applied for. Broadly:
- Senior Administrative Officer (DRDO): Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with relevant administrative or establishment experience.
- Assistant Mining Engineer (IBM): Degree in Mining Engineering from a recognised university or institute.
- Assistant Research Officer (IBM): Master’s degree in Geology / Applied Geology / Mineral Exploration with relevant experience.
- Accounts Officer (UT Ladakh): Graduate with experience in accounts; restricted to Ladakh domiciles.
- Associate / Assistant Professor (CME Pune): M.E. / M.Tech in the relevant discipline (Civil — Structural Engg, Electrical, Mechanical) with teaching or research experience.
- Asst Library & Information Officer: Master’s in Library Science with proficiency in Kannada.
- Translators (Chinese & Tibetan): Master’s degree with the relevant language as a subject and translation experience.
This is a strong opportunity for graduate level government job seekers and engineering specialists. For complete trade-wise qualifying details, read the official PDF before applying.
Age Limit
Age limits vary post-wise as per the notification. The crucial age cut-off date is 29 May 2026. Standard age relaxation applies as per central government rules:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per rules |
What is the Salary for UPSC SRD 04/2026?
Selected candidates will be paid as per the 7th Central Pay Commission under various pay levels depending on the post applied for. The total range across all posts spans Pay Level 7 for translators and assistant officers up to Pay Level 13A1 for Associate Professor.
- Pay Level 7: Rs. 44,900 – Rs. 1,42,400 (Translators, Asst Library & Info Officer)
- Pay Level 10: Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 (Senior Administrative Officer Gr-II, DRDO)
- Pay Level 11: Rs. 67,700 – Rs. 2,08,700 (Assistant Mining Engineer, Asst Research Officer, Accounts Officer)
- Pay Level 12: Rs. 78,800 – Rs. 2,09,200 (Asst Professor)
- Pay Level 13A1: Rs. 1,31,100 – Rs. 2,17,100 (Associate Professor)
With Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance, the in-hand monthly salary ranges from approximately Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2,17,100 depending on post and posting city.
Apart from salary, employees enjoy NPS (National Pension System) coverage, medical benefits under CGHS, leave travel concession, earned leave encashment, and the prestige of working in central ministries through a clean UPSC selection.
What is the Selection Process for UPSC SRD 04/2026?
UPSC follows a multi-stage Recruitment by Selection method for these posts. The process is transparent and merit-based.
Stage 1: Computer-Based Shortlisting
Based on the data filled by candidates in the online application form, UPSC shortlists eligible candidates against pre-decided criteria such as essential qualification, experience, and age.
Stage 2: Recruitment Test (If Conducted)
For posts where a large number of applications are received, UPSC may conduct a computer-based Recruitment Test (RT) to further narrow the list before interview.
Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview
Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview before a UPSC selection board. The interview tests subject knowledge, communication, and suitability for the post.
Stage 4: Document Verification
Original certificates of qualification, age, category, experience, and identity are verified at the time of interview.
Stage 5: Medical Examination
Final selection is subject to fitness in the prescribed medical examination. For full exam pattern guidance, see the Syllabus & Exam Pattern page on GovtJobsAlert.in.
How to Apply Online for UPSC SRD 04/2026?
Before starting the form, keep ready: a recent passport-size photo, scanned signature, photo identity proof, qualification certificates, experience certificates, and category certificate (if applicable).
- Visit the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal (link in Essential Links below).
- Click on the link for “Special Recruitment for SC, ST, OBC – Advt 04/2026”.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
- Fill the post-specific application form with personal, educational, and experience details.
- Upload your scanned photo, signature, photo ID and supporting documents in the required format.
- Pay the application fee online through Net Banking / Visa-Master-RuPay Debit/Credit Card / UPI.
- Submit the form before 29 May 2026 (1800 hrs) and download the system-generated PDF for your records.
UPSC SRD 04/2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 9 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 29 May 2026 (1800 hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 29 May 2026 (1800 hrs) |
| Recruitment Test / Interview | To be notified |
UPSC SRD 04/2026 Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 25 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Female Candidates | Nil |
Fee can be paid online via Visa, Master, RuPay Credit / Debit Card, UPI or Internet Banking of any nationalised bank. No offline mode is allowed.
Essential Links — UPSC SRD 04/2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for UPSC SRD 04/2026
- Visit UPSC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
This UPSC Special Recruitment Drive 04/2026 is a clean, low-fee shot at central government service across DRDO, IBM, CME Pune and the UT of Ladakh. If you meet the eligibility for any of the 11 posts, do not delay — the window closes on 29 May 2026 (1800 hrs) and UPSC does not extend such drives. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for more such UPSC notifications and timely apply-online updates.