APEDA Recruitment 2026: Offline Applications Open for 7 Director, Secretary, GM & DGM Posts on Deputation

APEDA Recruitment 2026: Offline Applications for 7 Senior Deputation Posts

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has invited applications for 7 senior-level posts on a deputation basis. The recruitment covers Director, Secretary, General Manager and Deputy General Manager positions, all based in New Delhi. This is a significant opportunity for experienced government officers and professionals from PSUs, universities and autonomous bodies who wish to contribute to India's agri-export ecosystem.

Important Dates and Application Process

The notification was published on 3 October 2026. The original last date for submission was within 30 days of publication, but an addendum has extended the closing date to 2 December 2026. Applications must be sent offline through the proper channel to the Deputy General Manager (Personnel), APEDA, 3rd Floor, NCUI Building, 3 Institutional Area, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi-110016. There is no application fee mentioned in the notification.

Vacancy and Pay Scale Details

The seven vacancies are distributed as follows: Director (1 post, Pay Level 13, Rs. 1,23,100–2,15,900), Secretary (1 post, Pay Level 12, Rs. 78,800–2,09,200), General Manager (2 posts, Pay Level 12, Rs. 78,800–2,09,200) and Deputy General Manager (3 posts, Pay Level 11, Rs. 67,700–2,08,700). Selected officers will have the option to draw pay plus deputation duty allowance or have pay fixed in the scale of the post as per DoPT rules.

Eligibility Criteria

For Director and Secretary posts, applicants must be officers of Organized Group 'A' Services of the Central Government holding analogous posts on a regular basis, or with five years of regular service in the relevant pay level. Alternatively, General Manager/Secretary or Deputy General Manager of APEDA with five years of regular service in the post are also eligible. For General Manager and Deputy General Manager posts, officers from Central/State Government, UT Administration, PSUs, universities, recognised research institutions, semi-government or autonomous bodies or statutory organisations with the required educational qualifications and experience can apply.

The essential qualification for all posts is a Post Graduate Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plantation, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Science, Dairy Science/Technology, Food Processing/Technology, Food Science/Technology, Foreign Trade, International Business, Agriculture Business Management, Horticulture Business Management, Agriculture Marketing, Horticulture Marketing, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Finance, Financial Management or MBA (Finance) from a recognised university/institution, or Chartered Accountancy from ICAI. A minimum of five years' experience in the relevant field after acquiring the qualification is mandatory. Publication of papers in international journals is desirable.

Age Limit and Deputation Terms

The maximum age limit for appointment by deputation is 56 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications. The initial period of deputation is two years, extendable on a year-to-year basis, with a maximum continuous period of five years. Departmental officers in the feeder category who are in the direct line of promotion are not eligible for deputation consideration.

Selection Process

Selection will be made through deputation selection by a committee. Candidates must forward their applications through the proper channel along with photocopies of ACRs/APARs for the last five years duly attested, cadre clearance, vigilance clearance, integrity certificate and a statement of major/minor penalties imposed during the last ten years. Incomplete applications or those not forwarded through proper channel will be rejected.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible officers should download the prescribed application form (Annexure-I for Director/Secretary or Annexure-II for General Manager/Deputy General Manager) from the official APEDA website or the notification PDF. Fill the form completely in block letters, attach all required documents and forward it through the proper channel to the address mentioned above. Applications must reach before the extended last date of 2 December 2026.

Why Consider APEDA Deputation?

APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, responsible for promoting exports of agricultural and processed food products. Working here offers a unique platform to contribute to India's agricultural export growth and policy formulation. The pay scales are attractive and the deputation terms are governed by standard government rules, ensuring job security and benefits.

Final Words

This recruitment is ideal for senior government officers looking to broaden their experience in export promotion and agricultural development. Ensure all documents are in order and submitted well before the deadline to avoid last-minute hassles. Keep visiting the official APEDA website for any further updates or changes.