The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has issued new rules governing the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination for promotion to the post of Junior Secretariat Assistant in the Standardisation, Testing and Quality Certification Directorate. The notification was published in New Delhi on 6 November 2025 and will take immediate effect.
Scope and Eligibility
The rules apply to Multi-Tasking Staff serving in Level-1 of the pay matrix (Rs. 18000-56900) within the Standardisation, Testing and Quality Certification Directorate. To be eligible for the examination, candidates must have completed three years of regular service in the grade. The maximum age limit is 45 years, which extends to 50 years for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Applicants are also required to have passed the 12th standard from a recognised board and completed two weeks of approved training in a relevant area.
Examination Structure
The examination will consist of two parts. Part I is a written examination of 200 marks, conducted in two papers. The first paper is descriptive and involves writing a short essay of 400 to 500 words. The second paper is objective in nature and tests language proficiency and general knowledge. The total time allotted for each paper is two hours.
There will be negative marking for incorrect responses in the objective paper, with a deduction of one-fourth of the marks assigned to the question for each wrong answer. Candidates must obtain at least 35 percent in each paper and an aggregate of 45 percent to qualify in Part I.
Service Record Evaluation and Merit List
Part II involves evaluation of the candidates’ service records by a Departmental Promotion Committee. This part carries a maximum of 60 marks. Selection will be based on the combined marks from both parts of the examination, and a merit list will be prepared accordingly.
The merit list remains valid for up to 18 months or until the notified vacancies are filled, whichever is earlier.
Appointment and Typing Test Requirement
Successful candidates will be considered for appointment in order of merit. However, inclusion in the merit list does not guarantee appointment, as vigilance and disciplinary clearances will also be taken into account.
Those appointed will be required to pass a typing test within one year. The minimum speed required is 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi on a computer. Failure to pass the test will result in withholding of annual increments until the requirement is met, unless exempted under existing government orders.
Misconduct and Penalties
The rules specify penalties for impersonation, use of unfair means or submission of false documents. Candidates found guilty after due process may face disqualification from the examination and disciplinary action under applicable service rules.
Provision for Relaxation
The appointing authority retains the power to relax the operation of the rules in cases of undue hardship to any category of persons or posts, subject to conditions considered appropriate.