Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About Visakhapatnam Port Authority Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

Visakhapatnam Port Authority is the only Indian port with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications, reflecting its commitment to quality and safety. Located in Andhra Pradesh, it handles a diverse range of cargo including iron ore, coal, and petroleum products.³ The port is currently undergoing massive modernization under the "Port-Led Prosperity" initiative, integrating smart GSM-based IOT systems and RFID-based access controls.⁴+1

As an employee of VPA, you work in a high-tech maritime environment that bridges Indian industry with global markets. The authority is governed by a Board of Members representing the government, defense services, and customs, ensuring a highly structured and professional administrative culture. The port’s recent shift toward green energy and environment-friendly logistics has also opened new avenues for environmental scientists and safety officers.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Executive Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical): Class-I officers responsible for port infrastructure development, maintenance of berths, and managing heavy machinery like harbor mobile cranes.
• Marine Engineer / Pilot: Critical specialized roles involved in ship maneuvering, vessel maintenance, and ensuring safe navigation within the harbor limits.
• Junior Assistant (Office): Essential administrative support roles within the Traffic and General Administration departments, handling logistics documentation and office management.
• Medical Officer: Professionals serving at the Golden Jubilee Hospital (VPA's in-house medical facility) to provide healthcare services to employees and their dependents.⁵

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

VPA employees are governed by the 7th Pay Commission (CPC) scales for regular cadres, while professional functionaries often work on lucrative consolidated remuneration.

• Senior Secretary/HOD: Level-15/16 (Scale approx. ₹1,00,000 - ₹2,60,000).
• Executive Engineer: Class-I scale (approx. ₹50,000 - ₹1,60,000).⁶
• Junior Assistant: Class-III scale (approx.⁷ ₹38,600 - ₹99,700).
• Contractual Remuneration: Specialists like Marine Engineers or Medical Officers can earn consolidated pay ranging from ₹75,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month.⁸

Standard Perks include:

• Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and special port-area allowances.
• Medical Facilities: Full access to the Golden Jubilee Port Hospital.
• Retirement Benefits: Coverage under the New Pension Scheme (NPS), Gratuity, and Leave Encashment.

🎯 Selection Process

The selection process at VPA is highly transparent and follows Ministry guidelines:

1. Written Test / CBT: For entry-level and Class-III posts, a competitive examination testing technical knowledge and general aptitude is conducted.
2. Absorption/Deputation: Many senior Class-I posts (like Deputy Traffic Manager or Secretary) are filled by absorbing officers from other Major Port Authorities based on their ACR/APAR ratings.
3. Walk-in Interview: Common for medical and specialized contractual roles where immediate engagement is required.
4. Merit-Based Selection: For Graduate/Technician Apprentices, selection is purely based on the aggregate marks obtained in the qualifying degree/diploma.

💡 Expert Tips: "How to Crack VPA Exams"

• Update NATS/NAPS Profiles: If applying for apprenticeship, ensure you are registered on the MHRD NATS portal with a complete profile, as VPA uses this as a primary screening tool.
• Highlight Port Experience: For contractual or executive roles, any prior experience in shipping, heavy engineering, or maritime logistics carries significant weightage (often up to 90% in shortlisting).
• Prepare for ACR/APAR Reviews: If applying via deputation, ensure your "Very Good" or "Outstanding" ratings for the last 5 years are properly documented and attested.