Procedure for Selecting Candidates for Deputation Posts in Government Ministries, Departments, or PSUs
Deputation is a method of recruitment where officers from Central Government Departments, State/UT Governments, or PSUs are appointed to posts in another department/organization for a limited period.
The selection process is governed by DoPT (Department of Personnel & Training) guidelines, relevant service rules, and the recruitment norms of the borrowing organization.
Step-by-Step Selection Process
1️⃣ Vacancy Notification (Circular/Advertisement)
- The borrowing department (Ministry/PSU) issues a vacancy circular.
- Published on:
- Official websites (e.g., DoPT, concerned Ministry/Department)
- Employment News/Rozgar Samachar
- Internal department circulars
2️⃣ Eligibility Criteria
- Must meet:
- Service requirements (e.g., Central/State Government or PSU employee)
- Grade/pay scale equivalence
- Relevant experience & educational qualifications
- Cadre clearance and vigilance clearance from the parent department are often mandatory.
3️⃣ Application Process
- Candidates apply through the proper channel via their parent department.
- Documents required:
- Bio-data (prescribed format)
- ACR/APAR (Annual Confidential/Performance Appraisal Reports)
- Vigilance/Integrity certificate
- NOC (No Objection Certificate)
4️⃣ Screening & Shortlisting
- Applications are reviewed based on:
- Service record
- Experience
- Suitability for the post
5️⃣ Selection Interview (if applicable)
- For senior/technical posts, a personal interview may be conducted.
- In many cases, selection is based purely on records and suitability.
6️⃣ Selection & Offer of Deputation
- Selected candidates receive an offer letter mentioning:
- Deputation term (usually 3–5 years)
- Pay & allowances
- Joining date
7️⃣ Joining & Posting
- After being relieved by the parent department, the candidate joins the borrowing organization.
- Deputation period may be extended with mutual agreement.
Important Notes
⚡ Deputation ≠ Absorption:
- Deputation is temporary.
- Absorption requires a separate process where the employee is permanently transferred.
⚡ Selection is not through competitive exams, but based on service record, experience, and suitability.
⚡ Mostly applicable to Group A & B officers, but Group C deputations also occur in specific cases.
Let’s discuss
What is the maximum age limit for Deputation?
How is the field of deputation decided?
Whether absorption and Deputation are synonymous? What is absorption?
What is the difference between Promotion, Deputation, and Direct recruitment?
What is the difference between Recruitment Rules & Service Rules?
Which organizations or agencies recruit candidates on deputation?
