Cabinet Secretariat Recruitment 2025: Direct Entry for 250 Deputy Field Officer (Technical) Vacancies
Join the Elite Government Wing - Direct Recruitment through GATE Score (2023, 2024, 2025) for Group B Non-Gazetted Positions
The Cabinet Secretariat of India, an administrative body that reports directly to the Prime Minister, has officially launched its highly anticipated recruitment drive for the year 2025. Functioning as the vital link between the Prime Minister’s Office and various ministries, the Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, and the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961. This year, the Secretariat has released a notification for the post of Deputy Field Officer (Technical) [DFO-Tech], which is a Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted position. This recruitment is a specialized drive aiming to induct high-caliber technical talent into the organization through the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) scores of 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Working for the Cabinet Secretariat is widely considered one of the most prestigious career paths in the Indian government. The organization operates with a high level of confidentiality and technical sophistication, often involving field operations that are critical to national interest. For engineering graduates and science post-graduates, this is a rare opportunity to bypass traditional written competitive exams and enter the service based on their academic and technical excellence in GATE. The 2025 drive is extensive, with approximately 250 vacancies spread across various technical disciplines, including Computer Science, Electronics, and emerging fields like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The application process is strictly offline, requiring candidates to send their physical forms through Ordinary Post by December 14, 2025.
The role of a Deputy Field Officer (Technical) involves the application of advanced technological solutions to administrative and field challenges. Whether it is ensuring secure communication networks, analyzing technical data, or supporting the infrastructure of various specialized departments, a DFO (Tech) is at the heart of the Secretariat’s technical wing. This 2000-word comprehensive guide serves as your definitive manual, providing an in-depth analysis of the salary matrix, discipline-wise eligibility, the intricacies of the "Ordinary Post" requirement, and strategic interview tips to help you secure your future in this elite government department.
Important Highlights and Recruitment Timeline
Candidates must be exceptionally careful with the timeline and the mode of application. Unlike most government exams today, the Cabinet Secretariat adheres to a traditional offline verification system. Submitting your application through any mode other than the prescribed Ordinary Post will result in immediate disqualification. The cut-off for all eligibility criteria, including age and experience, is December 14, 2025.
| Recruitment Feature | Dates and Key Information |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Number | DFO-Technical Drive 2025 |
| Application Start Date | Active Now |
| Last Date for Application Receipt | December 14, 2025 |
| Selection Mode | GATE Score Shortlisting + Personal Interview |
| Job Type | Group B (Non-Gazetted) / Permanent |
| Application Mode | Offline (Ordinary Post Only) |
| Job Location | All India (Liability to Serve Anywhere) |
Discipline Wise Vacancy Breakdown
The 250 vacancies are strategically distributed among various engineering and science branches. This ensures that the Secretariat has a diverse technical workforce to handle its multifaceted operations. The Computer Science and Electronics branches have the highest share of vacancies, reflecting the organization’s focus on cybersecurity and communication.
| Technical Stream / Discipline | Total Vacancies (Approx) | Mandatory GATE Paper Code |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science / IT | 124 | CS |
| Electronics & Communication | 95 | EC |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | 10 | DA |
| Physics | 06 | PH |
| Chemistry | 04 | CY |
| Other Streams (Civil/Mech/Maths) | 11 | CE, ME, MA, etc. |
| Grand Total | 250 Vacancies | - |
Salary Matrix and Special Allowances
The pay structure for the Deputy Field Officer (Technical) post is highly attractive. Positioned in the Level-7 Pay Matrix of the 7th CPC, it is one of the highest-paying entry-level technical roles in the civil services, comparable to that of an Inspector in Central Excise or CBI.
- Pay Scale: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 (Pay Level-7)
- Basic Pay: ₹44,900 per month.
- Special Security Allowance (SSA): Selected candidates are entitled to a 20% Special Security Allowance over and above their basic pay. This allowance is provided due to the sensitive nature of the organization.
- Gross Salary: Including current DA (50%+), HRA (27% for X cities), and TA, the starting gross salary ranges between ₹80,000 to ₹88,000 per month.
Career Progression: A DFO (Tech) can advance to the ranks of Field Officer, Senior Field Officer, and Assistant Director. The career growth is structured, offering periodic promotions based on performance and departmental exams, eventually leading to high-level managerial positions within the Secretariat.
Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
Eligibility for the Cabinet Secretariat is non-negotiable. Candidates must fulfill the academic requirements and possess a valid GATE scorecard for the specific years mentioned. Self-attested copies of all qualifying certificates must be attached to the offline application.
- Engineering Graduates: B.E. / B.Tech or equivalent in the relevant discipline (Computer, Electronics, etc.) from a recognized university.
- Science Post-Graduates: M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Statistics from a recognized university.
- GATE Requirement: A valid GATE Scorecard for the years 2023, 2024, or 2025. The score must be in the paper code corresponding to the candidate's qualification branch.
- Age Limit: Maximum 30 years as of the closing date. Relaxations are provided: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and up to 40 years for departmental candidates.
- Medical Standard: Candidates must be in sound mental and physical health. A clear medical certificate will be required during the final document verification stage.
Selection Process and Roadmap
The selection process for the Cabinet Secretariat is unique. It avoids the lengthy multi-tier examination system used by the SSC or UPSC, relying instead on established national standards like GATE to ensure technical quality.
- Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted based on their GATE marks and the vacancies available in each technical stream. The shortlisting ratio is typically 1:5 or 1:10.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview in New Delhi. This interview is not just technical; it focuses on personality, emotional intelligence, and integrity.
- Character Verification: As a high-security organization, the Secretariat conducts a detailed background check of the candidate’s history, social circle, and educational records.
- Final Merit: The final list is prepared based on the cumulative evaluation of the GATE Score and Interview performance.
Detailed Interview Syllabus
Since there is no written test, the interview is the ultimate filter. Candidates should prepare for a three-part interaction with the board.
Part 1: Technical Depth (50% Focus): Questions will revolve around the fundamental concepts of your branch. For CS candidates, focus on Cryptography, Data Structures, and Network Security. For Electronics, focus on Signal Processing and Radar Systems.
Part 2: Logical & Situational Aptitude: The board may present hypothetical scenarios to test your decision-making abilities. You will be evaluated on your ability to stay calm and think logically under pressure.
Part 3: Awareness of National Interest: Basic knowledge of India’s internal security framework, international relations (specifically the neighborhood), and current technological trends like 5G, Quantum Computing, and AI is essential.
Expert Preparation Strategy for DFO-Technical
Success in this recruitment depends on how well you leverage your technical background during the interview. Follow this expert roadmap to maximize your chances of selection.
Polish your GATE Core Subjects: Do not assume that since you passed GATE, you don't need to study. The interview panel consists of senior scientists and intelligence officers who will test the practical application of your theoretical knowledge. Re-read your core textbooks and focus on real-world troubleshooting.
Security Awareness: The Cabinet Secretariat is involved in highly sensitive work. Read about Cybersecurity frameworks in India, the role of the National Security Advisor (NSA), and the basic hierarchy of the Cabinet Secretariat. Demonstrating an awareness of the organization’s importance will set you apart from other candidates.
Interview Etiquette: Since this is a Group B Officer-level role, your body language, attire, and communication must reflect professionalism. Practice mock interviews to refine your tone. Be honest; if you do not know the answer to a technical question, it is better to admit it than to provide wrong information, as integrity is highly valued here.
Best Books and Resources for Preparation
While your engineering textbooks are the primary source, these resources can help you prepare for the non-technical aspects of the Cabinet Secretariat interview.
| Subject Area | Recommended Resource |
|---|---|
| Technical Core | Standard GATE Series books (Made Easy / ACE Academy Handbooks). |
| Cyber Security | "Cryptography and Network Security" by William Stallings. |
| General Awareness | Lucent’s General Knowledge and Manorama Yearbook. |
| National Security | "India's National Security: A Reader" by Bajpai and Pant. |
| Interview Prep | "The Ultimate Guide to Job Interviews" by Dr. Sandeep Goyal. |
How to Apply Offline: Step-by-Step Guide
The most critical part of this recruitment is the Offline Application Process. Thousands of applications are rejected every year simply because candidates fail to follow the postage rules. Follow these steps meticulously.
- Download the official Prescribed Application Form from the link provided in the important links section.
- Fill the form in BLOCK LETTERS using a blue or black ballpoint pen. Ensure your signature is placed in all the designated boxes.
- Document Preparation: Attach self-attested copies of your 10th marksheet (age proof), B.E/B.Tech/M.Sc degree, GATE Scorecard, and Category Certificate.
- Photograph Requirement: Paste one recent passport-size photograph on the form and attach two extra photographs inside the envelope. Write your name on the back of the extra photos.
- The Envelope: Use a sturdy A4 size envelope. On the top of the envelope, write in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS: "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF DEPUTY FIELD OFFICER (TECHNICAL) - [YOUR GATE BRANCH NAME]".
- Mode of Postage: Go to your nearest post office and send the envelope via ORDINARY POST ONLY. Avoid Speed Post, Registered Post, or private couriers.
- Address to Send: Send it to the Post Bag address mentioned below.
Important Links and Postal Address
| Resource Description | Official Link / Details |
|---|---|
| Postal Address to Send Application | Post Bag No. 001, Lodhi Road Head Post Office, New Delhi-110003 |
| Download Application Form PDF | Click Here to Download |
| Cabinet Secretariat Official Site | Visit cabsec.gov.in |
Documents Checklist to Avoid Rejection
Ensure you have checked all these items before sealing your envelope. A missing document or signature is the most common reason for disqualification.
- GATE Scorecard: Self-attested copy of 2023, 2024, or 2025 score.
- Birth Proof: 10th Standard passing certificate or valid birth certificate.
- Degree/Diploma: Final passing certificate and year-wise marksheets.
- Identity Proof: Clear photocopy of Aadhaar Card.
- Caste/Category: Valid SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate in the format specified by the Govt of India.
- Two Extra Photos: Unsigned photographs attached with a paper clip to the application form.
- NOC: "No Objection Certificate" if you are currently working in a Government or PSU role.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: Can I apply if I don't have a GATE score?
No. This specific recruitment drive (DFO-Technical) is conducted exclusively on the basis of GATE scores from 2023, 2024, or 2025. Without a valid GATE scorecard, you are not eligible for shortlisting.
- Q2: Why is Ordinary Post mandatory for submission?
The Secretariat utilizes the Post Bag system at the Lodhi Road Post Office for high-security handling and efficient categorization. Ordinary post ensures that the applications are collected and processed as per the internal security protocols of the department.
- Q3: Is there a probation period for the DFO (Tech) role?
Yes. Selected candidates will be on a probation period of two years. During this time, they will undergo specialized training at the department’s training academy. Performance during probation determines final confirmation.
- Q4: Are final year students eligible to apply?
Yes, final year students can apply provided they have a valid GATE 2025 score and can produce their final degree certificates by the time of the personal interview, which is expected to be held in early 2026.
- Q5: What is the medical vision standard for this post?
As a Group B technical field officer, candidates should have normal color vision. Sight corrected with spectacles is usually allowed, but certain field divisions may have stricter vision requirements. A general medical examination will verify this.
- Q6: Can I apply for multiple branches if I am eligible?
Generally, you should apply for the branch in which you have obtained your highest GATE score. If you possess degrees in two different fields and have GATE scores for both, you must send separate applications in separate envelopes for each branch.
