MEA Consultant Recruitment 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Salary, Last Date 3 March

MEA Consultant Recruitment 2026: Official Notification for 02 Posts

Recruitment Overview

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has released an official notification (Advt No: Q/PF/575/36/2024) for the recruitment of 02 Consultant Posts in the Centre of Contemporary China Studies (CCCS) Division. This is a distinguished opportunity for experienced professionals with expertise in foreign policy, international relations, and China-specific studies to contribute to the nation's strategic policy formulation.

Recruitment Type: This is a Contractual/Consultancy Engagement. The selection is based on a review of applications and an Interview/Written Test, not a competitive examination. The engagement is for a period of 01 year initially, extendable based on performance.

Key Highlights Table

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria (In-Depth)

1. Educational Qualification

• Essential: The applicant must be an Indian National holding a Graduate or higher degree in any field.
• Desirable:
  • Knowledge of the Chinese language (HSK level 4 to 6).
  • Relevant publications/writings in reputed journals or periodicals.

2. Experience Requirements

Candidates must have previous work experience in handling issues relating to foreign policy/international relations, specifically concerning China and party politics in China. Experience in reputed universities, think-tanks, or research organizations in this area is highly valued.

3. Age Limit & Relaxation

• Age Limit: The applicant should not be more than 50 years of age.
• Age as on: The age is calculated as of 03 March 2026 (the last date of application submission).
• Relaxation: Standard government age relaxation rules are generally not applicable for purely contractual consultant positions, but candidates should verify specific instructions in the official notification PDF.

4. Physical & Other Requirements

• No specific physical standards (height/chest) are mentioned for this role.
• Language Requirement: Proficiency in Chinese (HSK 4-6) is desirable but not mandatory.

Selection Process

The Ministry of External Affairs follows a merit-based selection process for consultant posts:

1. Application Review: The MEA will review all received applications and supporting documents.
2. Shortlisting: Eligible candidates will be shortlisted for the interview/written test phase.
3. Interview/Written Test: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (and/or a written test). The date, time, and venue will be communicated via email.
4. Final Selection: The decision of the Government regarding the selection of the candidate will be final.

Application Fee

No application fee has been mentioned in the notification. Candidates should verify this in the official PDF before applying.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Applications can be submitted in Offline (Registered Post) or Online (Email) mode. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare Documents: Gather documents supporting educational qualifications and experience in Govt. service or relevant sectors.
2. Download Form: Download the application proforma from the official notification (Annexure I).
3. Fill Application: Fill in the details accurately indicating interest in the Consultant position.
4. Choose Mode of Submission:
   • Mode A (Offline - Registered Post): Send the application in an envelope labeled "Application for the position of Consultant in CCCS Division of Ministry of External Affairs" to the following address:
     
     Under Secretary (PF&PG)
     Ministry of External Affairs
     Room No. 4071, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan
     23-D, Janpath, New Delhi-110011
   • Mode B (Online - Email): Send the application and scanned documents to [email protected]. The subject line must clearly mention: "Name of Candidate - Application for Consultant in CCCS Division".
5. Check Completeness: Ensure all supporting documents are attached. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
6. Deadline: Submit the application before 3 March 2026.

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: 09 February 2026
• Application Start Date: Immediate
• Last Date for Application Submission: 03 March 2026
• Interview/Selection Date: To be intimated via email (No fixed date yet).

Important Links Section

• Download Official Notification PDF
• Official Website: mea.gov.in
• Email for Application: [email protected]