Tea Board of India Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About Tea Board of India Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

The Tea Board of India was constituted on April 1, 1954, under the Tea Act, 1953. It succeeded the Central Tea Board and the Indian Tea Licensing Committee, consolidating the nation's efforts to regulate tea cultivation, improve quality, and expand markets both domestically and internationally.

Operating from its iconic "Tea Board" head office in Kolkata, the Board manages a network of 23 offices including Zonal offices in Guwahati and Coonoor, and overseas offices in Dubai and Moscow. The Board's functions range from providing financial and technical assistance to small growers to conducting advanced research at the Darjeeling Tea Research & Development Centre (DTR&DC). For employees, this means a versatile career involving field inspections, scientific research, and representing Indian tea at global trade fairs.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Factory Advisory Officer: A technical role focusing on engineering support for tea processing units. Requires a B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Electrical, or Agriculture Engineering.
• Assistant Director of Tea Development: Manages developmental schemes for tea plantations. Usually requires a Master's degree in Agriculture/Botany with relevant experience.
• Tea Scientist / Microbiologist: Conducts research on soil health, pest control, and quality improvement at research centers. Requires an M.Sc. or Ph.D. in specialized Life Sciences.
• Tea Taster: A niche and prestigious role involving the sensory evaluation of tea for quality grading and export standards.
• Executive Assistant / Accountant: Handles the administrative and financial governance of regional and zonal offices.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

Salaries at the Tea Board are governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales.

• Secretary / Deputy Chairman: Level-12/13 (₹78,800 - ₹2,15,900)
• Assistant Director / Scientist: Level-10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
• Factory Advisory Officer (Contractual): Consolidated pay (approx. ₹60,000 per month).
• Assistant Administrative Officer: Level-7 (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400)
• Standard Perks: Includes Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (with North-East region benefits where applicable), Medical Facilities, and LTC. Regular employees are under the National Pension System (NPS).

🎯 Selection Process

The Board follows a transparent recruitment process tailored to the specific nature of the post:

1. Online Application: Candidates apply via the official Tea Board portal or specified offline mode for contractual posts.
2. Written Examination (CBT): For administrative and junior technical roles, a test covering General Aptitude and Subject Knowledge.
3. Personal Interview: Mandatory for Group A and scientific roles to assess domain expertise and leadership.
4. Skill Test: For clerical roles (LDC/UDC) and stenographers to verify typing and shorthand proficiency.

💡 Expert Tips (How to Crack Tea Board Exams)

Study the Tea Act, 1953

Regardless of the post, having a fundamental understanding of the Tea Act and the Tea Control Orders is essential for the interview stage. It demonstrates your commitment to the Board's regulatory mission.

Focus on Export-Import Dynamics

For marketing and development roles, stay updated on India's bilateral trade with key markets like Russia, Iran, and the USA. Familiarity with the "Plant Protection Code" (PPC) is also a significant advantage for technical roles.

Prepare for Practical Domain Questions

If you are an engineer or scientist, expect questions on the specific challenges of tea manufacturing—such as withering, rolling, and fermentation processes or the management of pests like the "Tea Mosquito Bug."