UPSC Recruitment 2026: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has come up with a total of 16 vacancies for the posts of Assistant Keeper, Senior Store Officer Grade-II, and Livestock Officer for which an online application process has been commenced from 11 April 2026 onwards at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/. The recruitment has been conducted under Advertisement No. 02/2026. The last date for online application submission has been fixed as 01 May 2026 (by 1800 hrs).
Candidates interested in UPSC Recruitment 2026 are advised to read the complete article before applying. For detailed information, refer to the complete article below.
Download Official Notification PDF
The official indicative advertisement for UPSC Recruitment 2026 (Advt. No. 02/2026) has been released by the Commission. Candidates are advised to download and read the detailed notification carefully before filling the application form.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement No. | 02/2026 |
| Post Names | Assistant Keeper, Senior Store Officer Grade-II, Livestock Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 16 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Selection Process | Recruitment Test (if required) + Interview |
| Application Start Date | 11 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 01 May 2026 (by 1800 hrs) |
| Application Fee | ₹25/- (Exempted for Female/SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ |
| Helpline No. | 011-24041001 / 011-40303444 |
| Helpline Email | upscsoap@nic.in |
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | April 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 11 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 01 May 2026 (by 1800 hrs) |
| Eligibility Determination Date | 01 May 2026 (closing date) |
| Recruitment Test (RT) Date | To be notified on upsc.gov.in |
| Interview Date | To be intimated separately |
The crucial date for determining the age limit and eligibility of all candidates in every respect shall be the closing date for submission of the online application, i.e., 01 May 2026
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details
Through the recruitment drive, a total of 16 posts have been advertised across 3 positions under different central government ministries.
Post-Wise Vacancy Table
| Vacancy No. | Post Name | Ministry / Department | Vacancies | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26040201411 | Assistant Keeper | Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture | 01 | UR-01 |
| 26040202411 | Senior Store Officer Grade-II | DRDO, Ministry of Defence | 07 | UR-05, OBC-01, SC-01, PwBD-01* |
| 26040203111 | Livestock Officer | Dept. of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying | 08 | EWS-04, OBC-01, SC-02, ST-01 |
| Total | 16 |
*One vacancy out of 7 for Senior Store Officer Grade-II has been reserved for PwBD candidates (Blindness and Low Vision category – B and LV).
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Pay Scale
| Post Name | Pay Scale | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Keeper | Level-07 in Pay Matrix | As per 7th CPC |
| Senior Store Officer Grade-II | Level-10 in Pay Matrix | As per 7th CPC |
| Livestock Officer | Level-10 + NPA in Pay Matrix | As per 7th CPC |
NPA (Non-Practising Allowance) has been applicable for the Livestock Officer post in addition to the Level-10 pay.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Post-Wise Details
POST 1: Assistant Keeper (Vacancy No. 26040201411)
Ministry: Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture Vacancies: 01 (UR-01) Pay Scale: Level-07 in Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC Maximum Age: 30 years (for UR) Post Type: Permanent | General Central Service Group-B | Gazetted | Non-Ministerial Probation: 2 years Headquarters: Kolkata | All India Service Liability Pension: New Pension Scheme (w.e.f. 01/01/2004)
PwBD Suitability – Assistant Keeper
The post is not reserved for PwBD but is suitable for certain PwBD categories (40% & above disability):
| PwBD Category | Sub-Category | Suitable (Yes/No) | Reserved (Yes/No) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | HH – Hard of Hearing | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | OL – One Leg Affected (R or L) | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | OA – One Arm Affected (R or L) | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | OLA – One Leg and One Arm | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | LC – Leprosy Cured | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | DW – Dwarfism | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | AAV – Acid Attack Victims | Yes | No |
All other PwBD sub-categories have been marked as Not Suitable (No) for this post.
Essential Qualifications – Assistant Keeper
| Qualification Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational (i) | Master’s Degree in Anthropology from a recognised University or Institute |
| Educational (ii) | Diploma in Museology from a recognised University or Institute |
Desirable Qualification
At least one year of experience in handling, maintaining, and preserving specimens in a recognised museum.
Key Duties
- To organise and develop the Regional Anthropological Museum
- To undertake field collection and studies in tribal and other areas
POST 2: Senior Store Officer Grade-II (Vacancy No. 26040202411)
Organisation: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence Vacancies: 07 (UR-05, OBC-01, SC-01, PwBD-01*) Pay Scale: Level-10 in Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC Post Type: Permanent | General Central Service Group-A | Gazetted | Ministerial Probation: 2 years Headquarters: DRDO HQ, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi | All India Service Liability Pension: New Pension Scheme (w.e.f. 01/01/2004)
Age Limit – Senior Store Officer Grade-II
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR | 35 years |
| OBC | 38 years |
| SC | 40 years |
| PwBD | 45 years |
PwBD Reservation & Suitability – Senior Store Officer Grade-II
1 vacancy has been reserved for PwBD. Posts reserved under category (a) only.
| PwBD Category | Sub-Category | Suitable | Reserved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blindness and Low Vision | B – Blind | Yes | Yes |
| Blindness and Low Vision | LV – Low Vision | Yes | Yes |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | D – Deaf | Yes | No |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | HH – Hard of Hearing | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | OL, OA, BL, BA, OLA, CP, LC, DW, AAV, MDy, SD | Yes | No |
| Intellectual Disability | ID | Yes | No |
| Multiple Disabilities | MD | Yes | No |
Essential Qualifications – Senior Store Officer Grade-II
(A) Educational (any one of the following combinations):
Option 1:
- Master’s Degree with Economics or Commerce or Statistics or Business Studies or Public Administration from a recognised University or Institute
- AND Diploma in Materials Management or Warehousing Management or Purchasing or Logistics or Public Procurement from a recognised University or Institute
Option 2:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Economics or Commerce or Statistics or Business Studies or Public Administration from a recognised University or Institute
- AND Diploma in Materials Management or Warehousing Management or Purchasing or Logistics or Public Procurement from a recognised University or Institute
(B) Experience:
| Qualification Held | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 2 years in store keeping and maintaining stores accounts |
| Bachelor’s Degree / Diploma | 4 years in store keeping and maintaining stores accounts |
Experience must be from: Central Government / State Government / statutory or autonomous organisation / public sector undertaking / University / any recognised institution / Banks / private sector organisation listed on Stock Exchanges of India.
Note: Experience qualification is relaxable for SC candidates at UPSC’s discretion if sufficient SC candidates with required experience are not available.
Key Duties – Senior Store Officer Grade-II
- To assist Senior Stores Officer-I in Management Group activities
- To float tender enquiries and prepare comparative statements of tenders
- Evaluation and registration of vendors
- Disposal of obsolete and unserviceable stores
POST 3: Livestock Officer (Vacancy No. 26040203111)
Department: Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Vacancies: 08 (EWS-04, OBC-01, SC-02, ST-01) Pay Scale: Level-10 + NPA in Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC Post Type: Permanent | General Central Service Group-A | Gazetted | Non-Ministerial Probation: 1 year Headquarters: New Delhi | All India Service Liability
Age Limit – Livestock Officer
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| EWS | 35 years |
| OBC | 38 years |
| SC / ST | 40 years |
PwBD Suitability – Livestock Officer
The post is not reserved for PwBD but is suitable for certain categories:
| PwBD Category | Sub-Category | Suitable | Reserved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | D – Deaf | Yes | No |
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing | HH – Hard of Hearing | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | BA – Both Arms Affected | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | OL – One Leg Affected | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | OA – One Arm Affected | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | DW – Dwarfism | Yes | No |
| Locomotor Disability | AAV – Acid Attack Victims | Yes | No |
| Learning Disability / Mental Illness | SLD, MI | Yes | No |
| Multiple Disabilities | MD | Yes | No |
Essential Qualifications – Livestock Officer
(A) Educational:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry as listed in the First and Second Schedule of the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984 from a recognised university or institution
- Registration in the Veterinary Council of India or Veterinary Council of States
(B) Experience:
- 3 years’ experience in Cattle and Livestock Development or Animal Health or Poultry or Meat and Meat Products from Central Government / State Government / Union Territory Administration / statutory organisation / autonomous bodies / institutes recognised by the Government
(C) Desirable:
- Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science from a recognised university or institute; OR
- 2 years’ additional experience in Cattle and Livestock Development / Animal Health / Poultry / Meat and Meat Products from Central/State Government / UT Administration / statutory or autonomous organisations
Key Duties – Livestock Officer
- To assist Livestock Health-related schemes run by State Government agencies on all-India basis
- To assist in policy and planning work for Livestock Health for the Government of India
- To handle Parliament Questions and Assurances related to Livestock Health
- To coordinate with international bodies such as OIE, APHCA, and FAO on Livestock Health policy and planning
Special Conditions – Livestock Officer
- The post is a whole-time clinical position
- Private practice of any kind is strictly prohibited in the public interest
- Selected candidate shall be liable to serve in any attached or subordinate offices of the Department across India
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹25/- |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Nil (Exempted) |
| SC / ST Candidates | Nil (Exempted) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) | Nil (Exempted) |
Payment Mode: Visa / Master / RuPay Credit/Debit Card / UPI / Internet Banking
The application fee is non-refundable. Applications without the prescribed fee will be summarily rejected. Fee once paid cannot be transferred or held in reserve for any other examination.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Age Relaxation
General Age Relaxation Table
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (General) | 10 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years (10+5) |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years (10+3) |
| Ex-Servicemen / ECOs / SSCOs | 5 years (subject to conditions) |
| Central / UT Government Employees | Up to 5 years |
| Central Govt. Employees (SC/ST) | Up to 10 years |
| Central Govt. Employees (OBC) | Up to 8 years |
Maximum age cap for PwBD candidates: Age of the candidate on the closing date shall not exceed 56 years.
For Ex-Servicemen, continuous service rendered in the Armed Forces must not be less than 6 months after attestation as on the closing date.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Selection Process
The selection process has been prescribed as Recruitment by Selection through the following stages:
Selection Stages
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Recruitment Test (RT) / Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) – if required |
| Stage 2 | Personality Test (Interview) |
Short-listing criteria (if applications are large in number):
- On the basis of Desirable Qualification (DQ)
- On the basis of higher educational qualification than minimum prescribed
- On the basis of higher experience than minimum prescribed
- By counting experience before or after essential qualification acquisition
- By holding a Recruitment Test (RT)
Minimum Qualifying Marks in Interview
| Category | Minimum Marks (out of 100) |
|---|---|
| UR | 50 marks |
| OBC | 45 marks |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 40 marks |
In cases where selection is by Recruitment Test followed by interview, candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks at both stages.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Recruitment Test Centres
In case a Recruitment Test (RT) or Combined Recruitment Test (CRT) is conducted, the test will be held at the following centres:
| S.No. | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ahmedabad |
| 2 | Bhopal |
| 3 | Chennai |
| 4 | Delhi |
| 5 | Dispur (Guwahati) |
| 6 | Jaipur |
| 7 | Jammu |
| 8 | Kochi |
| 9 | Kolkata |
| 10 | Lucknow |
| 11 | Mumbai |
| 12 | Nagpur |
| 13 | Port Blair |
| 14 | Ranchi |
| 15 | Visakhapatnam |
Note: For vacancies related to UT of Ladakh, Recruitment Tests will be held at Leh, Srinagar, Kargil, and Delhi. The list of test centres is subject to change.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Candidates are required to apply online at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/. The Online Application Portal has four modules:
| Module | Purpose | When to Fill |
|---|---|---|
| Account Creation | Create login on portal | Anytime |
| Universal Registration (URN) | Generate Universal Registration Number | Anytime |
| Common Application Form (CAF) | Fill personal, educational details | Anytime |
| Post/Vacancy Specific Module | Apply for the specific post | During notification window only |
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/
- Create an account and generate a Universal Registration Number (URN)
- Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) — upload live photo and scanned signature (sign 3 times on white paper with black ink)
- Fill the Post/Vacancy Specific Module for the desired post
- Upload all required documents in PDF format
- Pay the application fee (₹25/- for applicable categories)
- Submit the application and note the Application Number (post-specific)
- Take a printout of the submitted application
Important:
- Candidates are strongly advised to use Aadhaar Card as the ID document for easy verification
- No correction or alteration in any field is allowed after submission
- Application cannot be withdrawn after submission
- A valid and active e-mail address must be provided — all communications will be made through e-mail only
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Required Documents
At the Time of Online Application (Upload in PDF)
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Matriculation / 10th certificate | Date of Birth proof |
| Degree / Diploma certificate with marksheets | Educational qualification proof |
| Experience certificate (in prescribed format) | Experience proof |
| Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) | Category proof |
| OBC Non-Creamy Layer declaration | For OBC candidates |
| PwBD disability certificate | For PwBD candidates |
| Equivalent qualification order/letter | If claiming equivalent qualification |
| Any other relevant document | Supporting claims made in application |
At the Time of Interview (Originals + Self-Attested Copies)
All documents uploaded at the time of application must be produced in original along with self-attested copies at the time of interview. Additional documents include:
- Photo ID Card (Aadhaar / Voter Card / PAN / Passport / Driving Licence)
- Ex-Serviceman certificate (if applicable)
- Central/UT Government service certificate (if applicable)
- Name change documents (if applicable — marriage certificate, divorce decree, Gazette notification, etc.)
- NOC / Declaration of having informed Head of Department (for candidates in regular government service)
Note: Documents in languages other than Hindi or English must be accompanied by a transcript duly attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary.
Why This Recruitment Is Important
UPSC Recruitment 2026 (Advt. No. 02/2026) has been released for direct recruitment to Group-A and Group-B Gazetted posts under three central government ministries. Posts filled through UPSC carry full Central Government service benefits including job security, pay as per 7th CPC, and New Pension Scheme benefits.
The recruitment covers specialised professional domains including Anthropology and Museology (Ministry of Culture), Defence Store Management (DRDO, Ministry of Defence), and Veterinary Science (Ministry of Animal Husbandry). A total of 16 posts are on offer across varied disciplines, making this notification relevant to candidates from multiple educational backgrounds.
Who Should Apply
Candidates meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- For Assistant Keeper: Master’s degree in Anthropology + Diploma in Museology; aged up to 30 years (UR)
- For Senior Store Officer Grade-II: Master’s/Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Commerce/Statistics/Business Studies/Public Administration + Diploma in Materials Management or related field + relevant experience; aged up to 35 years (UR), 38 (OBC), 40 (SC), 45 (PwBD)
- For Livestock Officer: B.V.Sc. degree + registration with Veterinary Council of India/State + 3 years’ relevant experience; aged up to 35 years (EWS), 38 (OBC), 40 (SC/ST)
- PwBD candidates with 40% or above disability, whose disability category matches the suitability criteria of the respective post
- Citizens of India (and certain other eligible nationalities as per UPSC rules)
Women candidates are encouraged to apply. Government strives to maintain gender balance in the workforce.
Preparation Tips
Read the Full Detailed Advertisement
The detailed advertisement contains complete information on eligibility, duties, probation conditions, and service liability. Candidates must read it thoroughly before applying.
Prepare All Documents in Advance
Experience certificates must be in the prescribed format issued by the Head of the Organisation/Department, clearly mentioning duration, basic pay, and nature of duties. Unsigned or informally worded certificates will not be accepted.
Mention All Qualifications and Experience
As per the notification, if applications are large in number, short-listing may be done on the basis of higher qualifications or experience than the minimum prescribed. Candidates must mention all qualifications and experience in the relevant field.
Use Aadhaar for Registration
UPSC has strongly advised the use of Aadhaar Card for seamless ID verification during the registration and application process.
Submit Well Before the Deadline
Candidates are advised to submit the online application well in advance without waiting for the closing date of 01 May 2026. Last-minute technical issues will not be entertained.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not uploading experience in prescribed format: Pay slips, appointment letters, and unsigned certificates must not be uploaded. Only prescribed format experience certificates are accepted.
- Providing incorrect e-mail address: All communications including interview schedule will be sent by e-mail only. A wrong or inactive e-mail address will result in missed communications.
- Not mentioning all qualifications: Short-listing may be based on higher qualifications/experience. Failing to mention them reduces the chance of being called for interview.
- Missing the fee payment: OBC, EWS, and UR male candidates must pay ₹25/-. Applications without fee will be summarily rejected.
- Applying through offline mode: No offline applications will be accepted. Only online applications at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ are valid.
- Bringing mobile phone to examination venue: Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly banned. Violations will result in disciplinary action including ban from future examinations.
- Submitting false information: Providing incorrect or suppressed information can lead to permanent debarment from UPSC examinations and Central Government employment.
UPSC Helpdesk Details
| Contact Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Helpline No. 1 | 011-24041001 |
| Helpline No. 2 | 011-40303444 |
| upscsoap@nic.in | |
| Helpline Hours | 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (All working days during application window) |
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| UPSC Assistant Keeper, Livestock Officer and More Online Form 2026 – IMPORTANT LINKS | |
| UPSC Senior Store Officer Grade-II Recruitment 2026 Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Homepage | Click Here |
FAQs: UPSC Recruitment 2026 Advt 02 last date apply online upsconline
What is the last date to apply for UPSC Recruitment 2026 Advt. No. 02/2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 01 May 2026 by 1800 hrs at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/. No application will be accepted after this time.
How many posts have been advertised under UPSC Advt. No. 02/2026?
A total of 16 posts have been advertised — 1 for Assistant Keeper, 7 for Senior Store Officer Grade-II (DRDO), and 8 for Livestock Officer.
What is the application fee for UPSC Recruitment 2026?
The fee is ₹25/- for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. Female candidates, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted from payment of fee.
What is the educational qualification for the Livestock Officer post?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry as listed in the Indian Veterinary Council Act, 1984, along with registration with the Veterinary Council of India or a State Veterinary Council, and 3 years of relevant experience.
Is there an interview in UPSC Recruitment 2026?
Yes. The selection process involves interview (Personality Test). A Recruitment Test (RT) may also be conducted if the number of applicants is large, followed by the interview. Minimum qualifying marks in the interview are UR-50, OBC-45, and SC/ST/PwBD-40 out of 100.
Which PwBD categories are eligible for the reserved vacancy under Senior Store Officer Grade-II?
1 vacancy has been reserved for PwBD candidates under the Blindness and Low Vision category — specifically Blind (B) and Low Vision (LV) sub-categories with 40% or more disability.
Can a candidate apply for more than one post under UPSC Advt. No. 02/2026?
Yes, a candidate can apply for more than one post. Each post has a separate vacancy number and requires submission through the post-specific module. A separate Application Number will be generated for each post applied.
This article is based solely on the official Advertisement No. 02/2026 released by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates must verify all details at https://upsc.gov.in and https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ before applying.
