UPSC Recruitment 2026: 16 Assistant Keeper and Livestock Officer Posts Open – Apply Now!
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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced direct recruitment for 16 specialized posts, including Assistant Keeper, Livestock Officer, and Senior Store Officer Grade-II. Applications are open until May 1, 2026, offering promising career paths in government.
Overview of UPSC Direct Recruitment 2026
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Advertisement No. 02/2026, inviting online applications for 16 permanent vacancies across various Central Government departments. This recruitment drive, which commenced on April 11, 2026, presents a golden opportunity for eligible candidates seeking prestigious government positions. The application window is set to close on May 1, 2026, at 18:00 Hrs. These specialized roles are distinct from the widely known Civil Services Examination (CSE), focusing instead on direct recruitment for technical and administrative expertise.
The 16 vacancies are distributed across three distinct roles: Assistant Keeper, Livestock Officer, and Senior Store Officer Grade-II. These positions offer significant job security, attractive pay scales as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), and excellent opportunities for career growth within the Central Government.
Assistant Keeper Posts
There is one vacancy for the post of Assistant Keeper in the Anthropological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture.
Eligibility and Responsibilities for Assistant Keeper
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in Anthropology and a Diploma in Museology from a recognized university.
- Experience: Desirable qualification includes one year of experience in handling and preserving museum specimens.
- Age Limit: The maximum age limit for Unreserved (UR) candidates is 30 years.
- Pay Scale: The selected candidate will be placed at Level-07 in the Pay Matrix as per the 7th CPC.
- Duties: Key responsibilities involve organizing and developing the Regional Anthropological Museum, and undertaking field collection and studies in tribal and other areas.
Livestock Officer Posts
A total of eight vacancies have been announced for the position of Livestock Officer in the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Eligibility and Responsibilities for Livestock Officer
- Educational Qualification: Applicants need a Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry from a recognized university or veterinary institute. Furthermore, registration with the Veterinary Council of India or a State Veterinary Council is mandatory.
- Experience: Three years of professional experience in Cattle/Livestock Development or Animal Health is required. A Master's Degree in Veterinary Science is a desirable qualification.
- Age Limit: The maximum age limit for Unreserved (UR) candidates is 35 years.
- Pay Scale: This post offers a lucrative Level-10 in the Pay Matrix, along with Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA), as per the 7th CPC.
- Duties: Responsibilities include assisting livestock health-related schemes on an all-India basis, aiding policy and planning work related to livestock health, handling Parliament-related questions and assurances, and coordinating with international organizations on livestock health matters.
Senior Store Officer Grade-II Posts
Seven vacancies are available for Senior Store Officer Grade-II within the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence. This includes reservations for UR, OBC, SC, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
Eligibility and Responsibilities for Senior Store Officer Grade-II
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Master's Degree in Economics, Commerce, Statistics, Business Studies or Public Administration. Alternatively, a Bachelor's Degree in the same subjects along with a Diploma in Materials Management, Warehousing Management, Purchasing, Logistics or Public Procurement is accepted.
- Experience: Two years of experience in store keeping and maintaining stores accounts for Master's degree holders, or four years of experience for those with a Bachelor's Degree or Diploma.
- Age Limit: The maximum age for Unreserved (UR) candidates is 35 years, with relaxations for reserved categories (e.g., 38 for OBC, 40 for SC, 45 for PwBD).
- Pay Scale: The position is at Level-10 in the Pay Matrix as per the 7th CPC.
General Eligibility Criteria
Beyond the specific qualifications for each post, general eligibility criteria apply to all applicants:
- Minimum Age: The minimum age for all posts is 30 years.
- Maximum Age: The maximum age varies by post and category, generally up to 30 years for Assistant Keeper and 35 years for Livestock Officer and Senior Store Officer Grade-II for UR candidates, with age relaxation applicable as per government rules for reserved categories.
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of India.
Application Process & Key Dates
Aspiring candidates should carefully note the following:
- Application Start Date: April 11, 2026.
- Application Last Date: May 1, 2026 (until 18:00 Hrs).
- How to Apply: Candidates must apply online through the UPSC's Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/. The process involves registration, filling out the application form with accurate details, uploading required documents, and paying the application fee (if applicable). It is crucial to submit the application before the deadline and retain a printout for future reference.
- Application Fee: The application fee is expected soon; candidates should refer to the official notification for updates.
Selection Procedure
The selection for these UPSC Direct Recruitment posts is primarily done through a 'Recruitment by Selection' process, which typically involves screening of applications followed by an interview. There is no mention of a written examination for these specific posts. In cases with a large number of applicants, a Recruitment Test (RT) might be conducted before interviews, but for specialized roles with fewer applicants, selection can be based solely on interviews.
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates for these positions will enjoy competitive salaries and a range of benefits typical of Central Government jobs:
- Pay Scale: Assistant Keeper (Level-07), Senior Store Officer Grade-II (Level-10), and Livestock Officer (Level-10 + NPA) as per the 7th CPC. Entry-level salaries generally start from around ₹44,900 for Level 7 and ₹56,100 for Level 10, excluding allowances.
- Allowances: In addition to basic pay, officers receive various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), medical benefits, and pension under the National Pension System (NPS).
- Job Security and Growth: These are permanent Central Government Group A and B positions, offering long-term job security, annual increments, and opportunities for career progression through departmental promotions.
For those also considering other significant governmental opportunities, it's worth noting the UPSC CSE 2026 Notification Postponed: What Aspirants Must Know Now, which covered the release of 933 vacancies for various administrative posts, with preliminary exams scheduled for May 24, 2026.
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