UPSC Recruitment 2026: Notification Released for 13 Law Officer, JTO and Specialist Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Advertisement No. 12/2026 for direct recruitment by selection to 13 specialized government posts in different Central Government and Government of NCT of Delhi organisations.
The recruitment includes vacancies for Junior Technical Officer (Sugar Technology), Assistant Legislative Counsel, Law Officer and Specialist Grade II (Junior Scale) – Cardiology.
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the UPSC recruitment portal. The application process started on 26 September 2026, and the last date to submit the online application is 16 October 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
Unlike large-scale UPSC examinations such as Civil Services Examination, this recruitment is being conducted as recruitment by selection, meaning candidates are considered for specific posts based on the qualifications, experience and selection procedure prescribed for each vacancy.
UPSC Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Union Public Service Commission |
| Advertisement Number | 12/2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment by Selection |
| Total Vacancies | 13 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 26 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 16 October 2026 |
| Closing Time | 6:00 PM |
| Posts | JTO, Assistant Legislative Counsel, Law Officer, Specialist Grade II |
| Application Fee | ₹25 for applicable candidates |
| Women/SC/ST/PwBD Fee | Nil |
| Selection | Recruitment Test, where applicable, and/or Interview |
| Official Portal | UPSC Online |
The UPSC website directs candidates to its online application portal for submitting applications for recruitment and examination processes.
UPSC Vacancy Details 2026
A total of 13 vacancies have been announced under Advertisement No. 12/2026. The vacancies are distributed among four different posts.
| Post | Organisation/Department | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Technical Officer (Sugar Technology) | National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, Department of Food & Public Distribution | 1 |
| Assistant Legislative Counsel, Grade IV | Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice | 8 |
| Law Officer | Land and Building Department, Government of NCT of Delhi | 3 |
| Specialist Grade II (Junior Scale) – Cardiology | New Delhi Municipal Council | 1 |
| Total | 13 |
The vacancies cover technical, legal and specialist medical positions, so the eligibility requirements differ considerably from one post to another.
1. Junior Technical Officer (Sugar Technology)
There is one vacancy for Junior Technical Officer (Sugar Technology) at the National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, under the Department of Food & Public Distribution.
Educational Qualification
Candidates should possess the prescribed degree-level qualification in Science or Engineering from a recognised university or institute along with the required specialised qualification in Sugar Technology.
The notification provides for qualifications such as:
- A degree in Science or Engineering from a recognised university/institution with Associateship in Sugar Technology; or
- A recognised Post-graduate Diploma in Sugar Technology.
Experience
Candidates should also have relevant professional experience, including either:
- Three years of teaching, research or advisory experience in Sugar Technology; or
- Three years of practical experience in a sugar factory in a managerial capacity.
Desirable Qualification
Additional qualifications or experience that may be useful include:
- M.Sc. in Chemistry;
- M.Tech. in Sugar Technology; and
- Experience in preparing, drafting or editing scientific and technological reports.
The post is associated with the National Sugar Institute and may involve duties connected with technical, scientific, research, advisory or industrial aspects of sugar technology.
2. Assistant Legislative Counsel, Grade IV – Indian Legal Service
The largest number of vacancies under this notification is for Assistant Legislative Counsel, Grade IV, in the Indian Legal Service.
There are 8 vacancies for this position under the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have a Degree in Law from a recognised university or equivalent qualification.
In addition to the law degree, candidates must satisfy one of the prescribed experience/qualification routes mentioned in the notification.
These routes include relevant experience such as:
- At least seven years as a member of a State Judicial Service;
- At least seven years in a superior post in the legal department of a State;
- At least seven years as a Central Government servant dealing with legal affairs;
- A Master’s Degree in Law with at least five years of teaching or research experience in Law; or
- Qualification as a legal practitioner meeting the prescribed age and professional experience requirements.
The notification contains detailed conditions regarding advocate, pleader and High Court attorney experience, so applicants should carefully match their professional history with the exact requirement before applying.
Desirable Experience
Experience in legislative drafting is desirable for this post.
Candidates applying for the position should therefore carefully document their legal and legislative experience and upload the prescribed supporting certificates wherever applicable.
3. Law Officer
The UPSC notification also includes 3 vacancies for Law Officer in the Land and Building Department, Government of NCT of Delhi.
Educational Qualification
Candidates should possess a Degree in Law from a recognised university or institution.
Experience
Applicants should have either:
- At least two years of experience in legal work as a Legal Practitioner; or
- At least two years of experience in legal work in a Government office.
The experience certificate should clearly establish the nature and duration of the candidate’s legal work.
Important Note for OBC Candidates
The Law Officer vacancies are associated with the Government of NCT of Delhi. Candidates claiming OBC reservation should therefore carefully check the specific GNCTD OBC requirements mentioned in the official advertisement rather than relying only on a general Central OBC certificate.
4. Specialist Grade II (Junior Scale) – Cardiology
One vacancy has been announced for Specialist Grade II (Junior Scale) – Cardiology under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).
This post is intended for appropriately qualified medical specialists.
Educational Qualification
Candidates should possess:
- A recognised medical qualification as specified in the recruitment notification; and
- A postgraduate qualification in Cardiology, such as D.M. Cardiology or an equivalent qualification recognised under the applicable rules.
Professional Experience
Candidates are required to have the prescribed experience in Cardiology after obtaining the relevant postgraduate qualification.
The notification specifies three years of experience in Cardiology after the postgraduate degree.
Applicants should verify recognition and equivalence of their medical qualification before submitting the application.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of the application deadline because the form must be submitted online within the prescribed time.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification/Advertisement | September 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 26 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2026 |
| Closing Time | 6:00 PM |
| Interview/Recruitment Test Date | To be announced by UPSC |
The current application window runs from 26 September to 16 October 2026, with the application deadline at 6:00 PM on the closing date.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
The maximum age varies according to the post and reservation category.
| Post | Prescribed Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Junior Technical Officer (Sugar Technology) | 38 years for OBC |
| Assistant Legislative Counsel | 40 years for UR/EWS, with category-based relaxation |
| Law Officer | 30 years for UR |
| Specialist Grade II – Cardiology | 48 years for OBC |
The applicable age is calculated with reference to the closing date of the application, i.e. 16 October 2026, subject to the conditions in the official advertisement.
Age Relaxation
Relaxation may be available to eligible candidates belonging to categories covered under government rules.
Depending on the vacancy and candidate category, the notification provides for provisions relating to:
- SC/ST candidates;
- OBC candidates;
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD);
- Ex-Servicemen;
- Certain Central/UT Government employees; and
- Other categories covered by the applicable rules.
PwBD candidates may receive the prescribed additional age relaxation subject to the conditions and maximum-age provisions specified by UPSC.
Candidates should not calculate age relaxation solely from a general rule. The post-specific eligibility conditions in Advertisement No. 12/2026 should be treated as final.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Salary and Pay Level
The posts carry different pay levels under the 7th Central Pay Commission, depending on the position.
| Post | Pay Level |
|---|---|
| Junior Technical Officer | Level 10 |
| Assistant Legislative Counsel | Level 11 |
| Law Officer | Level 7 |
| Specialist Grade II – Cardiology | Level 11 + NPA |
The Specialist Grade II medical post carries Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) as applicable under government rules, with private practice restrictions as prescribed.
Junior Technical Officer
The JTO position is a Group A Gazetted post under the General Central Service and is permanent, subject to the prescribed probation and service conditions.
Assistant Legislative Counsel
The Assistant Legislative Counsel post is a Group A Gazetted position in Grade IV of the Indian Legal Service.
Law Officer
The Law Officer position is a Group B Gazetted post under the General Central Service.
Specialist Grade II
The Cardiology post is a Group A Gazetted specialist medical position under NDMC, with the applicable NPA provisions.
Actual monthly take-home salary will depend on basic pay, allowances, deductions, posting location and applicable government rules.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for recruitment-by-selection posts can differ depending on the number of applications received and the requirements of the particular post.
The selection may involve:
- Shortlisting of applications;
- Recruitment Test (RT) or Combined Recruitment Test (CRT), where prescribed;
- Interview;
- Document verification; and
- Final recommendation by UPSC.
UPSC may shortlist candidates when the number of eligible applicants is substantially higher than the number of vacancies.
Shortlisting can be based on factors such as:
- Higher educational qualifications;
- Higher relevant qualifications;
- More relevant professional experience;
- Experience beyond the minimum requirement;
- Experience gained after obtaining the essential qualification; and/or
- Performance in a Recruitment Test.
Therefore, merely possessing the minimum qualification does not automatically guarantee an interview call.
Interview Suitability
The notification specifies minimum interview suitability standards for different categories. Where a Recruitment Test is conducted before the interview, candidates may need to satisfy the prescribed qualifying requirements at both stages.
The exact Recruitment Test arrangements, where applicable, will be communicated by UPSC.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
The prescribed application fee is ₹25 for candidates who are required to pay.
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Male candidates belonging to UR/OBC/EWS, where applicable | ₹25 |
| Women candidates | Nil |
| SC candidates | Nil |
| ST candidates | Nil |
| PwBD candidates | Nil |
The fee, once paid, is generally non-refundable.
Candidates should ensure that the correct fee is paid before final submission because an application without the prescribed fee, where fee payment is required, may be rejected.
How to Apply for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Candidates who satisfy the eligibility conditions can apply online through the UPSC recruitment portal.
Step 1: Visit the UPSC Online Portal
Open the official UPSC online application portal.
Step 2: Complete Registration
Candidates may need to complete the required registration process and create or use their Universal Registration information.
Step 3: Complete the Common Application Form
Fill in personal, educational, professional, category and other required information carefully.
Step 4: Select Advertisement No. 12/2026
Choose the relevant vacancy under UPSC Advertisement No. 12/2026.
Step 5: Select the Post
Select the specific post for which you satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Candidates should carefully compare their qualification and experience with the exact post-specific requirements.
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed format and size.
Step 7: Pay the Fee
Pay the application fee online if you belong to a category for which payment is required.
Step 8: Review the Form
Before final submission, check:
- Name;
- Date of birth;
- Educational qualification;
- Experience;
- Category;
- Disability details, if applicable;
- Communication details;
- Uploaded documents; and
- Selected post.
Step 9: Final Submission
Submit the application before 16 October 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Step 10: Save the Application
Download or print the final submitted application for future reference.
Candidates should remember that mistakes in important details can create problems during document verification and subsequent stages.
Documents Required for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Applicants should keep scanned copies and original documents ready.
Commonly required documents include:
- Matriculation/10th certificate showing date of birth;
- Degree certificate;
- Diploma or postgraduate qualification certificate, wherever applicable;
- Mark sheets;
- Experience certificates;
- Category certificate;
- OBC non-creamy-layer certificate/declaration, where applicable;
- PwBD certificate, where applicable;
- Age-relaxation documents;
- Government employee-related documents, where applicable;
- Equivalence certificate, if claiming an equivalent qualification;
- Name-change documents, where applicable; and
- Other certificates specifically required for the selected post.
Experience Certificate
Experience is particularly important for several posts under this recruitment.
Candidates should ensure that their experience certificates clearly establish:
- Organisation/employer;
- Designation;
- Starting and ending dates;
- Nature of duties;
- Relevant work performed;
- Pay or remuneration details where required; and
- Issuing authority.
Experience that does not meet the notification’s prescribed conditions may not be counted.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Vacancy and Reservation
The 13 vacancies are distributed across different categories.
| Post | Total Vacancies | Broad Reservation Details |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Technical Officer | 1 | OBC |
| Assistant Legislative Counsel | 8 | UR, EWS, OBC and SC |
| Law Officer | 3 | UR and OBC |
| Specialist Grade II – Cardiology | 1 | OBC |
| Total | 13 | — |
The official notification also specifies the suitability and reservation provisions for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
A candidate should distinguish between a vacancy reserved for a particular PwBD category and a vacancy that is merely identified as suitable for candidates with certain disabilities. These are not the same thing.
Candidates should consult the post-specific disability table in the official notification before applying.
Important PwBD Provisions
The notification contains post-specific provisions regarding disability suitability and reservation.
Depending on the position, the identified disability categories may include conditions relating to:
- Blindness and low vision;
- Deafness and hard of hearing;
- Locomotor disability;
- Autism spectrum disorder;
- Specific learning disability;
- Multiple disabilities; and
- Other categories recognised under the applicable rules.
The exact suitability differs from post to post.
PwBD applicants should therefore check the relevant disability category against the particular vacancy instead of assuming that eligibility for one post automatically applies to another.
Important Instructions for Candidates
Before submitting the UPSC Recruitment 2026 application, candidates should carefully note the following points:
- Applications are accepted online only.
- Submit the application before the closing date and time.
- Meeting the minimum qualification does not necessarily guarantee shortlisting.
- UPSC can apply shortlisting criteria where applications are numerous.
- Candidates should provide accurate information regarding education and experience.
- Supporting certificates should be available when required.
- Candidates already working in government service should follow the prescribed intimation requirements.
- Reservation claims must be supported by valid certificates.
- OBC applicants should satisfy the applicable non-creamy-layer and certificate requirements.
- PwBD candidates should possess the prescribed disability documentation.
- Candidates should retain a copy of the submitted application.
- Original documents may be required during the interview or verification stage.
- Canvassing for selection can result in disqualification.
- False information, impersonation or unfair practices can lead to serious action under applicable rules.
- Candidates should rely on the official UPSC notification for the final interpretation of eligibility and service conditions.
Things to Check Before Applying
Because these are specialised posts, applicants should perform a post-specific eligibility check.
For JTO Applicants
Check:
- Sugar Technology qualification;
- Science/Engineering degree;
- Required professional experience;
- Nature of sugar-industry experience; and
- Age and category requirements.
For Legal Applicants
Check:
- Law degree;
- Type of legal experience;
- Required number of years;
- Whether the experience falls under the specified route;
- Legislative drafting experience, where relevant; and
- Category-specific requirements.
For Cardiology Applicants
Check:
- Recognised medical qualification;
- D.M. Cardiology or equivalent qualification;
- Post-qualification Cardiology experience;
- Registration requirements; and
- Applicable age and reservation provisions.
Why Candidates Should Read the Official Notification
Recruitment-by-selection advertisements can contain detailed conditions that are easy to miss in short job summaries.
The official notification provides the definitive information regarding:
- Post-wise eligibility;
- Educational qualifications;
- Experience;
- Age;
- Reservation;
- PwBD suitability;
- Pay;
- Selection;
- Documents;
- Application procedure;
- Government service conditions; and
- Other recruitment rules.
Candidates should therefore read Advertisement No. 12/2026 in full before submitting the form.
UPSC Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
Apply Online: UPSC Online Application Portal
Official UPSC Website: Union Public Service Commission
Official Recruitment Information: Candidates can access the latest recruitment advertisements, recruitment status, notices and other updates through the official UPSC website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many vacancies are available in UPSC Recruitment 2026 Advertisement No. 12/2026?
There are 13 vacancies across four specialised posts: Junior Technical Officer, Assistant Legislative Counsel, Law Officer and Specialist Grade II (Cardiology).
Q2. When did the UPSC Recruitment 2026 application process begin?
The online application process began on 26 September 2026.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for UPSC Advertisement No. 12/2026?
The last date is 16 October 2026 up to 6:00 PM.
Q4. What posts are included in this UPSC recruitment?
The recruitment includes:
- Junior Technical Officer (Sugar Technology);
- Assistant Legislative Counsel, Grade IV;
- Law Officer; and
- Specialist Grade II (Junior Scale) – Cardiology.
Q5. How many vacancies are available for Assistant Legislative Counsel?
There are 8 vacancies for Assistant Legislative Counsel, Grade IV, in the Indian Legal Service.
Q6. What qualification is required for the Law Officer post?
A Degree in Law from a recognised university or institution is required along with the prescribed legal-work experience.
Q7. What is the qualification for Specialist Grade II in Cardiology?
Candidates need the prescribed recognised medical qualification, a postgraduate qualification in Cardiology such as D.M. Cardiology or equivalent, and the required post-qualification Cardiology experience.
Q8. What is the application fee?
The prescribed fee is ₹25 for candidates who are required to pay. Women, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt from the application fee.
Q9. Is there a written examination for these UPSC posts?
The selection process depends on the number of applications and the requirements of the post. UPSC may use a Recruitment Test/Combined Recruitment Test followed by an interview, while in other cases candidates may be shortlisted for interview directly.
Q10. Does fulfilling the minimum qualification guarantee an interview?
No. UPSC may shortlist candidates when applications exceed the number that can reasonably be called for interview. Shortlisting can consider additional qualifications, relevant experience and/or a Recruitment Test.
Q11. Can I apply offline?
No. Applications for this recruitment are submitted online through the UPSC application portal.
Q12. What should candidates do after submitting the application?
Candidates should save or print the final application and keep their original certificates and supporting documents ready for later stages of recruitment.
Q13. Where should candidates check the final eligibility requirements?
Candidates should refer to the official UPSC Advertisement No. 12/2026, because post-specific qualifications, experience, reservation and other conditions may differ.
Conclusion
The UPSC Recruitment 2026 Advertisement No. 12/2026 provides an opportunity for experienced professionals from Sugar Technology, Law and Cardiology backgrounds to apply for 13 specialised government positions.
The application window is open from 26 September 2026 to 16 October 2026 at 6:00 PM. Since each post has different educational and experience requirements, applicants should carefully verify their eligibility before completing the online form.
Candidates should use the official UPSC portal for application submission and rely on the original notification for the complete recruitment rules, rather than applying solely on the basis of a summary.
Important: Recruitment details, eligibility conditions, reservation provisions and selection procedures are subject to the official UPSC Advertisement No. 12/2026 and any subsequent official notices issued by the Commission.
Job Features
| Job Category | UPSC Recruitment |