Active Central Adoption Resource Authority Vacancies
Showing 12 of 12 jobs (Page 1 of 1)
About CARA Careers
| Feature | Organization Details |
| Organization Type | Statutory Body (Ministry of Women & Child Development) |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Primary Entry Gate | Direct Recruitment / Deputation / Contractual Interview |
| Salary Range | ₹30,000 - ₹2,15,900 (Varies by Level-6 to Level-13) |
🏛️ Organization Overview
The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is a high-impact statutory body established to ensure that every orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered child in India finds a loving family. Originally set up in 1990, it gained statutory status under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.3 CARA functions as the central authority for the Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, making it a critical player in international social policy and child rights.4+1
Based in R.K. Puram, New Delhi, CARA coordinates with State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARA), District Child Protection Units (DCPU), and Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAA). A career here involves high-level policy implementation, legal oversight, and the management of the Child Adoption Resource Information & Guidance System (CARINGS), a sophisticated IT platform that streamlines the adoption process nationwide.
💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)
- Program Officer / Assistant Director (Programme): These professionals manage the core adoption cycle, including home study report reviews, matching processes, and coordination with stakeholders. Requires a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) or Psychology.
- Legal Consultant / Assistant Director (Legal): Responsible for handling court cases related to adoption petitions, drafting counter-affidavits, and ensuring all procedures comply with the JJ Act and HAMA.
- Young Professional / Junior Consultant: Often recruited on a contractual basis, these roles focus on data analysis, monitoring adoption timelines, and providing technical support for the CARINGS portal.
- Administrative & Secretarial Staff: Roles such as Personal Assistant and Data Entry Operator support the executive functioning of the Member Secretary and CEO’s office.5
💰 Salary & Employee Benefits
CARA follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales for regular and deputation posts, while contractual roles receive consolidated monthly remuneration.
- Executive Level (Director/Deputy Director): Pay levels range from Level-11 to Level-13, with gross salaries typically between ₹67,700 and ₹2,15,900.
- Officer Level (AO/Assistant Director): Usually placed in Level-10 (approx. ₹56,100 base).
- Contractual Professionals: Young Professionals start at approximately ₹30,000, while Senior Consultants can earn up to ₹80,000 - ₹90,000 depending on experience.
Employee Benefits: Regular employees receive HRA, DA, Transport Allowance, and Medical Reimbursement as per Central Government norms. Contractual staff typically receive a consolidated sum with annual increments of 5-10%.
🎯 Selection Process
The recruitment process at CARA is highly specialized due to the sensitive nature of the work:
- Screening of Applications: Candidates are shortlisted based on their academic qualifications (MSW/LLB/MBA) and years of relevant experience in the social sector.
- Written/Skill Test: For secretarial and IT roles, a proficiency test (shorthand or data entry) is mandatory.6
- Personal Interview: For professional and officer-grade roles, a personal interview is conducted to assess the candidate's understanding of the Juvenile Justice Act and adoption regulations.
- Deputation Clearance: For government employees, selection is based on APAR dossiers and "No Objection Certificates" from their parent departments.
💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack CARA Exams
1. Study the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act
The backbone of all work at CARA is the Juvenile Justice Act and the Adoption Regulations. Prospective candidates should be thoroughly familiar with the 2015 Act and its latest amendments, as most interview questions revolve around these legal frameworks.
2. Understand the CARINGS Portal
CARA is a technology-driven organization. Understanding how the Child Adoption Resource Information & Guidance System works will give you a significant edge during the technical round or interview.
3. Highlight Social Sector Experience
CARA prioritizes "Social Sector" experience. If you have worked with NGOs, Child Care Institutions (CCIs), or International Child Welfare bodies, ensure this is prominently featured in your CV and discussed during your interview.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Central Adoption Resource Authority Jobs
What is the typical age limit for recruitment at CARA?
For direct recruitment and contractual roles, the age limit usually ranges from 28 to 50 years. For deputation posts, the maximum age is typically 56 years as per DoPT guidelines.
Are final year students eligible for CARA Young Professional roles?
Generally, CARA requires the degree to be completed and the final result declared by the time of application, as a minimum of 1-3 years of work experience is often a prerequisite.
Does CARA offer permanent job positions to freshers?
Most entry-level professional roles are initially offered on a contractual basis for 1-3 years. Permanent posts are frequently filled through deputation of existing government employees.
Is there a service bond for joining CARA?
No, CARA does not typically require a financial service bond, but contractual employees must sign an agreement adhering to the organization's confidentiality and ethics codes.
Where are the primary job locations for CARA employees?
The vast majority of CARA positions are based at the Head Office in R.K. Puram, New Delhi, as it does not currently have regional branch offices.
What is the educational requirement for the Program Officer post?
The standard requirement is a Post Graduate Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Development, or Sociology from a recognized university.
Does CARA allow for inter-departmental transfers?
Since CARA is a statutory body, staff on deputation can eventually return to their parent departments, but internal regular staff are generally stationed in New Delhi.
Is work experience in the private sector accepted for CARA roles?
Yes, for contractual and consultant roles, relevant experience in private NGOs, Law Firms (for legal posts), or International Organizations is highly valued.