DEA Economic Officer Recruitment 2026

About This Job

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance is hiring 2 Economic Officer posts on deputation (ISTC) or absorption basis. If you are a serving officer in the Central or State Government, UT, Autonomous Body, Statutory Body, or PSU and hold a Master's degree in Economics with 2 years of research experience, you can apply offline. The last date to apply is 9 June 2026 (within 60 days of the circular dated 1 April 2026). The salary is Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400 per month under Level 7 of the 7th CPC.

Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) Economic Officer Recruitment 2026 - 2 Posts

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India has issued a circular (No. A.12011/02/2021-Admn.IA dated 1 April 2026) to fill 2 posts of Economic Officer in the General Central Service, Group-B, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial cadre. This is a deputation/absorption-only post — direct recruitment is not open. The post is based at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi, and applications must be forwarded by the parent cadre through the proper channel.

Who Can Apply?

Service Condition (Either A(I) or A(II))

• Option A(I): You should be holding an analogous post on a regular basis in the parent cadre or department.
• Option A(II): You should have 5 years of regular service in Pay Band-2 (Rs. 9,300-34,800) with Grade Pay Rs. 4,200 (Level 6 of 7th CPC) or equivalent.

Educational Qualification (Mandatory)

• Master's Degree in Economics, Applied Economics, Business Economics, or Econometrics from a recognised University, Deemed University, or approved foreign University.

Experience (Mandatory)

• 2 years of experience in conducting economic investigation or research from a recognised Research Institute, University, Deemed University, or the Central/State Government.

Special Condition for Ex-Servicemen

• Junior Commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces who are due to retire within one year and meet the direct-recruit qualifications under Column 7 of the Schedule of RRs are also eligible. Their initial appointment will be on deputation and continued on re-employment terms after release.

Important Notes

• Only officers from the Central or State Government can be taken on absorption basis.
• Officers from non-Government organisations are eligible only for Short Term Contract (STC).

Age Limit

• The circular does not specify a fixed age limit for deputation. Age limit is governed by standard DoPT deputation rules (typically not exceeding 56 years on the closing date).
• Eligibility is based primarily on service grade and qualifications, not age.

Salary

• Pay Band: PB-2 of Rs. 9,300 - Rs. 34,800 plus Grade Pay Rs. 4,600 (as per 6th CPC).
• 7th CPC Pay Matrix: Level 7 — Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400 per month.
• Plus Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance and other allowances as per Central Government rules.
• Deputation allowance will be admissible as per DoPT guidelines.

Selection Process

Selection will be done by a departmental selection process:

1. Screening of Applications: The Department will scrutinise applications received through the proper channel along with all supporting documents.
2. Document Verification: CR Dossiers (last 5 years), Vigilance/Disciplinary Clearance, Integrity Certificate, statement of major/minor penalties (last 10 years), and Cadre Clearance will be verified.
3. Final Selection: The competent authority will recommend candidates for appointment on deputation (ISTC) or absorption basis.

There is no written exam. Selection is based on service record, qualifications, and experience.

How to Apply

1. Download the bilingual vacancy circular from dea.gov.in (Offerings > Vacancies section).
2. Fill the Bio-Data/Curriculum Vitae proforma given in Annexure-II in duplicate.
3. Attach the following documents: (i) CR dossiers for the last 5 years (attested by an officer not below the rank of Under Secretary if photocopies); (ii) Vigilance/Disciplinary Clearance; (iii) Integrity Certificate; (iv) Statement of major/minor penalties imposed in the last 10 years (NIL statement also required); (v) Cadre Clearance.
4. Get the application certified and countersigned by the Employer/Cadre Controlling Authority.
5. Forward the complete application through proper channel to: Shri Santosh Kumar, Under Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Work Hall: 15051, 'A' Wing, Kartavya Bhawan – 1, New Delhi – 110001.
6. Applications must reach the Department within 60 days of the circular issue date (i.e., on or before 9 June 2026).

Incomplete applications, applications not routed through proper channel, applications without the listed documents, or those received after the due date will not be considered. Once submitted, candidature cannot be withdrawn.

Important Dates

• Circular Date: 1 April 2026
• Last Date to Apply (60 days from circular): 9 June 2026
• Selection & Joining: To be announced

• Conduct economic investigation, analysis, and policy-related research for the Department of Economic Affairs
• Prepare reports, briefs, and notes on macroeconomic and fiscal policy matters
• Assist senior officers in formulating economic policy recommendations
• Compile and analyse economic data from national and international sources
• Coordinate with other ministries and research institutions on economic affairs
• Maintain official records, files, and correspondence related to assigned work
• Support parliamentary work, including drafting replies to questions and references
• Attend meetings and prepare minutes when required