UPSC Ship Surveyor & DGS Recruitment 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened 11 vacancies across three specialist posts at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Mumbai, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. If you have a Naval Architecture degree, a Marine Engineer Officer's Certificate of Competency, or a graduate degree with 5 years of administrative experience, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 17 July 2026. Salary ranges from Rs. 67,700 to Rs. 2,09,200 per month depending on the post and pay level.

UPSC Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) Recruitment 2026 - 11 Posts

The Union Public Service Commission has released Advertisement No. 07/2026, which includes 11 posts at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Mumbai. The posts cover ship survey, marine engineering inspection, and administrative leadership roles at the DGS headquarters in Mumbai and at Mercantile Marine Departments located across India. All three posts are permanent, Group A/B Gazetted positions selected through shortlisting and an interview - there is no written exam. This is a strong opportunity for experienced marine professionals and administrators to join India's shipping regulator. Since UPSC runs the selection, your candidature is judged purely on merit, and appointment orders are issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways once you clear the interview.

Vacancy Breakdown

Of the 9 Engineer & Ship Surveyor vacancies, 7 are unreserved and 2 are for OBC candidates. The Ship Surveyor post is reserved for SC candidates, and the Assistant Director General of Shipping post is reserved for OBC candidates with a benchmark disability (PwBD).

Who Can Apply?

For Engineer & Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Technical) - 9 posts:

• You need a Certificate of Competency of Marine Engineer Officer First Class (Steam or Motor or Combined) under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• You must have 5 years of sea service, including at least 1 year as Chief Engineer or Second Engineer.
• Desirable: An Extra First Class Engineer Certificate plus 2 years of statutory survey or inspection experience on foreign-going ships.

For Ship Surveyor-cum-Deputy Director General (Technical) - 1 post (SC category only):

• You need a Bachelor's Degree in Naval Architecture from a recognized university or institute.
• You must have 8 years of experience in ship design, construction, repair, or surveying at shipbuilding or ship repairing yards.

For Assistant Director General of Shipping - 1 post (OBC-PwBD category only):

• You need a graduate degree from a recognized university.
• You must have 5 years of experience in administration and establishment matters.
• Desirable: A Law degree and knowledge of Merchant Shipping laws.

Age Limit

• For Engineer & Ship Surveyor: up to 50 years (UR) or 53 years (OBC) as on 17 July 2026.
• For Ship Surveyor: up to 55 years (SC).
• For Assistant Director General of Shipping: up to 43 years (OBC).
• Age Relaxation: 5 years for Ex-Servicemen and Commissioned Officers; up to 5 years for Central Government employees (SC/ST get up to 10 years, OBC gets up to 8 years); up to 10 years for PwBD candidates, subject to a maximum age of 56 years.

Salary

• Engineer & Ship Surveyor and Ship Surveyor posts: Level 12 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, starting at Rs. 78,800 per month.
• Assistant Director General of Shipping: Level 11 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, starting at Rs. 67,700 per month.
• You will also get DA, HRA and other allowances as per central government rules.

Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS / Unreserved Male candidates: Rs. 25
• SC / ST / PwBD / Women (all categories): No fee
• Payment mode: Online only, via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or internet banking.
• Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstance.

Selection Process

Selection happens in 2 stages - there is no written exam for these posts:

1. Shortlisting: Based on the qualifications and experience you enter in your online application.
2. Personality Test (Interview): Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview at a UPSC-notified centre.

You must carry your original documents and self-attested copies when you attend the interview. If you are called for interview at a centre other than Delhi, UPSC reimburses your Second Class train fare by the shortest route from your home station.

How to Apply

1. Go to the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal at upsconline.nic.in/ora.
2. Register and create your Universal Registration (URN) profile using a valid Photo ID.
3. Fill in your educational qualification, experience, and category details.
4. Upload your photograph, signature, and supporting documents.
5. Pay the Rs. 25 application fee online, if applicable to your category.
6. Submit the form and save a printout for your records.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Published: 27 June 2026
• Online Application Start: 27 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 17 July 2026 (1800 hrs)
• Last Date for Fee Payment: 17 July 2026

• Survey and inspect ships for hull design, stability, and load line compliance
• Inspect marine engines, boilers, and mechanized ship equipment for safety compliance
• Examine and certify ship engineers and engine drivers under the Merchant Shipping Act
• Carry out statutory surveys and audits of foreign-going merchant ships
• Supervise branches of the Directorate and monitor policy implementation
• Handle recruitment, establishment, and pension matters for DGS staff
• Coordinate with Mercantile Marine Departments located across India
• Prepare reports and represent the Directorate in shipping and maritime training policy matters