The Ministry of External Affairs has opened applications for Section Officer (Administrative Cadre) posts. These 74 vacancies are open to eligible candidates through a departmental promotion and lateral entry process. The recruitment is aimed at strengthening administrative functions within the ministry by filling crucial mid-level officer roles.
Eligibility Criteria
Education: Candidates must possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Candidates with diplomas in public administration or related fields will be preferred.
Age Limit: Applicants should be between 25 and 40 years of age as of the closing date of the application. Upper age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.
Nationality: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in administrative roles within central or state government offices is mandatory. Candidates currently working under central government departments will be given preference.
Important Dates
Application Start Date: June 10, 2025
Last Date to Submit Application: July 19, 2025
Written Exam (Tentative): August 2025
Result Declaration (Tentative): October 2025
How to Apply
The application process is strictly offline. Candidates must follow these steps:
Download the application form from the official Ministry of External Affairs website (mea.gov.in).
Fill out the form carefully, ensuring that all details are accurate and supported by official documents.
Attach self-attested photocopies of educational certificates, experience proof, caste certificate (if applicable), and a recent passport-sized photo.
Enclose the form and documents in an envelope superscribed with “Application for the Post of Section Officer – 2025”.
Send the envelope via registered post or speed post to the address mentioned in the official notification.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
The selection will involve the following stages:
Written Examination: Objective-type test covering administrative knowledge, general awareness, and communication skills.
Interview: Candidates shortlisted from the written exam will be called for a personal interview.
Document Verification: Final selection will be based on document authentication and performance in both rounds.
Salary Details
Selected candidates will receive a fixed monthly salary of ₹47,600, based on Pay Level 7 as per the 7th CPC. Additional benefits include:
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Travel Allowance (TA)
Medical Benefits and Pension under the Central Government scheme
Application Fees & Reservation
General/OBC: ₹500
SC/ST/PWD/Female: No fee
Reservations will be provided as per the latest central government rules. Candidates must submit supporting documents for claiming any reservation or relaxation. Government employees applying through the proper channel must also attach a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Official Reference
All details in this article are based on the official notification issued by the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the 2025 Section Officer recruitment.
This is a great opportunity for qualified and experienced professionals to serve in a reputed government department. For those wondering where to find jobs in India, the MEA recruitment offers not just a stable career but also the prestige of serving the country.
Make sure to apply well before the July 19, 2025 deadline, as late applications will not be entertained under any circumstances.