If you have a background in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Aeronautical Engineering, or even M.Sc. Physics/Electronics, this new recruitment from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) could be one of the most valuable Central Government opportunities currently available.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited online applications for 19 Operations Officer posts in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation. The position carries Level 10 Pay Matrix, Group A Gazetted Status, and offers an opportunity to work directly in India’s aviation regulatory ecosystem.
Unlike many engineering recruitments that focus on technical maintenance or project execution, Operations Officers play a crucial role in airport licensing, air traffic systems, flight crew licensing, aviation operations, and operational safety oversight.
Candidates exploring broader engineering career opportunities can also check our Government Jobs for Engineers 2026 guide, which covers PSU, DRDO, ISRO, Railways and Central Government technical vacancies.
Aeronautical Engineering graduates may also apply for DGCA Air Safety Officer Recruitment 2026, which offers 15 Group A vacancies under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Quick Access Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC Online Recruitment Portal | https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ |
| UPSC Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
| Ministry of Civil Aviation Website | https://www.civilaviation.gov.in |
| DGCA Official Website | https://www.dgca.gov.in |
| Download Official Job PDF | Click Here To Download |
| Official Advertisement | UPSC Advertisement No. 06/2026 |
| Vacancy Number | 26060603613 |
DGCA Operations Officer Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Civil Aviation |
| Recruiting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Operations Officer |
| Vacancy Number | 26060603613 |
| Total Vacancies | 19 |
| Pay Scale | Level 10 (7th CPC) |
| Group | Group A |
| Gazetted Status | Gazetted |
| Nature of Post | Permanent |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Probation Period | 1 Year |
| Headquarters | DGCA, New Delhi |
| Service Liability | All India |
Why This Recruitment Is Worth Serious Attention
Most engineering candidates focus only on PSU recruitments and GATE-based opportunities.
However, this recruitment offers several advantages that make it stand out.
✔ Group A Gazetted Post
✔ Permanent Central Government Service
✔ Level 10 Salary Structure
✔ Ministry of Civil Aviation
✔ All India Career Growth Opportunities
✔ Training Provided After Selection
✔ Multiple Engineering Branches Eligible
✔ Direct Recruitment Through UPSC
For candidates interested in aviation regulation, airport operations, air traffic systems, flight operations, and aviation safety, this is a rare opportunity.
Unlike many PSU recruitments that primarily depend on GATE scores, this recruitment provides an alternative pathway for experienced professionals seeking Government Jobs After B.Tech 2026.
Vacancy Details
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has announced a total of 19 vacancies for Operations Officer posts.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 04 |
| EWS | 12 |
| ST | 03 |
| Total | 19 |
PwBD Reservation
One vacancy has been reserved for candidates belonging to the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category.
Eligible PwBD categories include specified Multiple Disabilities as mentioned in the official notification.
Eligibility Criteria
One of the biggest strengths of this recruitment is that candidates from multiple educational backgrounds can apply.
Educational Qualification & Experience
| Qualification | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| Degree in Civil Engineering | 2 Years |
| Degree in Mechanical Engineering | 2 Years |
| Degree in Computer Science Engineering | 2 Years |
| Degree in Information Technology | 2 Years |
| Degree in Aeronautical Engineering | 2 Years |
| Degree in Electrical Engineering | 2 Years |
| Degree in Electronics Engineering | 2 Years |
| M.Sc. Electronics | 1 Year |
| M.Sc. Physics | 1 Year |
| B.Sc. Physics | 3 Years |
| B.Sc. Electronics | 3 Years |
Candidates must possess qualifications from a recognized University or Institution.
Relevant Experience Areas
The required experience should be in one or more of the following fields:
- Air Traffic Control
- Aerodrome Control
- Approach Control
- Area Control Rating
- Licensing of Aerodromes
- Flight Crew Licensing
- Air Transport Operations
- Airside Operations Management
- International Airport Operations
- Aircraft Flying with Commercial Pilot Licence
- Aircraft Flying in Defence Services
- Flight Operations Department of Scheduled Airlines
- Aerodrome Design & Planning
Important Note
Candidates can combine experience from multiple eligible domains to meet the overall experience requirement.
This is a significant relaxation that many candidates often overlook.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR | 35 Years |
| EWS | 35 Years |
| ST | 40 Years |
| PwBD | Additional Relaxation up to 10 Years |
Age relaxation will be applicable as per Government of India rules.
Candidates from Electrical, Electronics and Mechanical Engineering backgrounds may also find relevant opportunities in our dedicated Government Jobs for Electrical Engineers 2026, Government Jobs for Electronics Engineers 2026 and Government Jobs for Mechanical Engineers 2026 career guides.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General (Male) | ₹25 |
| OBC (Male) | ₹25 |
| EWS (Male) | ₹25 |
| SC | No Fee |
| ST | No Fee |
| PwBD | No Fee |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | No Fee |
Candidates should verify the applicable fee on the UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal before submitting the application.
Salary & Service Benefits
The selected candidates will be appointed in:
Level 10 Pay Matrix (7th CPC)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Pay Commission | 7th CPC |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Service Category | General Central Service |
| Group | Group A |
| Gazetted Status | Gazetted |
| Ministry | Ministry of Civil Aviation |
Apart from basic pay, candidates will also be entitled to admissible allowances as per Central Government rules.
What Does an Operations Officer Do?
This is not a desk-only administrative position.
Operations Officers assist DGCA in regulating and monitoring various aviation-related activities across the country.
Major responsibilities include:
- Standardization of Aerodromes
- Airport Licensing Activities
- Flight Crew Licensing
- Processing Air Operator Permits
- Air Traffic Systems Procedures
- Rating of Air Traffic Controllers
- Investigation of Operational Aviation Incidents
- Air Traffic Control Incident Review
- Aviation Safety Monitoring
- Regulatory Aviation Operations
This makes the role highly suitable for candidates interested in aviation systems and regulatory operations.
Training After Selection
A notable feature of this recruitment is the structured training program.
Selected candidates will undergo:
Induction Training
Newly appointed officers will receive induction training to understand:
- DGCA Structure
- Organizational Functions
- Vision & Mission
- Regulatory Framework
On-the-Job Training
After induction training, candidates will receive practical training to handle responsibilities independently.
This structured training process makes the position attractive even for candidates transitioning from industry roles.
Selection Process
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will shortlist candidates based on the information provided in the Online Recruitment Application (ORA).
Selection Stages
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Scrutiny | Verification of eligibility, qualifications and experience |
| Shortlisting | UPSC may shortlist candidates if a large number of applications are received |
| Interview | Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview |
| Document Verification | Verification of original documents |
| Final Selection | Based on UPSC selection process |
Important Notes
⚠️ Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee an interview call.
⚠️ UPSC may adopt shortlisting criteria higher than the minimum prescribed qualifications.
⚠️ Relevant work experience should be clearly mentioned in the application form.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready before submitting the application.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Recent Passport Size Photograph | Yes |
| Signature | Yes |
| Educational Qualification Certificates | Yes |
| Experience Certificates | Yes |
| Category Certificate (If Applicable) | Yes |
| PwBD Certificate (If Applicable) | Yes |
| Government ID Proof | Yes |
| NOC (For Government Employees) | If Applicable |
Important
Experience certificates should clearly indicate:
- Organization Name
- Designation
- Duration of Service
- Nature of Duties Performed
Since this recruitment requires specific aviation-related experience, candidates should ensure that their experience documents properly support their claims.
How to Apply for DGCA Operations Officer Recruitment 2026
Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) Portal.
Apply Online
Website: https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/
Before applying, candidates should carefully ensure that they satisfy all eligibility conditions, particularly the educational qualification and aviation-related experience requirements prescribed for the post.
While filling the application form, applicants should provide accurate details regarding:
- Educational qualifications
- Experience in eligible aviation domains
- Category status (if applicable)
- PwBD status (if applicable)
Candidates claiming experience should ensure that their experience certificates clearly mention the nature of duties performed, as the post requires experience in fields such as:
- Air Traffic Control
- Airport Licensing
- Flight Operations
- Airside Operations
- Aerodrome Design & Planning
- Airline Operations
⚠️ Applications submitted without the prescribed fee (where applicable) will be rejected.
⚠️ Candidates are advised not to wait until the closing date and should submit their applications well in advance.
Important Advice
Candidates should not wait until the last date to submit the application.
Heavy traffic on the UPSC portal during the final days may lead to submission issues.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Number | UPSC Advt. No. 06/2026 |
| Online Application Started | 14 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 03 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Printing Application | As Per UPSC Schedule |
| Interview Date | To Be Notified |
Deadline Alert
⚠️ Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted by UPSC.
Why This Job Can Be a Career-Changing Opportunity
Many engineering recruitments focus only on technical execution roles.
The Operations Officer position is different.
Selected candidates become part of India’s aviation regulatory framework and contribute to:
- Airport Licensing
- Air Traffic Systems
- Flight Operations Oversight
- Aviation Safety
- Air Transport Regulation
- Aerodrome Standardization
The role provides exposure to policy, regulation, operations, and aviation management simultaneously.
For candidates interested in long-term Central Government careers in the aviation sector, opportunities at this level are relatively rare.
Related Opportunities
Candidates interested in engineering and technical government careers may also explore:
- Government Jobs for Engineers 2026
- Government Jobs for Mechanical Engineers 2026
- Government Jobs for Electrical Engineers 2026
- Government Jobs for Electronics Engineers 2026
- Government Jobs After B.Tech 2026
- Technical Government Jobs 2026
- UPSC Engineering Recruitment 2026
- Ministry of Civil Aviation Recruitment 2026
Official Resources & Documents
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC Online Recruitment Portal | https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ |
| UPSC Official Website | https://www.upsc.gov.in |
| Ministry of Civil Aviation Website | https://www.civilaviation.gov.in |
| DGCA Official Website | https://www.dgca.gov.in |
| Download Official Job PDF | Click Here To Download |
| Official Advertisement | UPSC Advertisement No. 06/2026 |
| Vacancy Number | 26060603613 |
FAQs : UPSC DGCA Operations Officer Recruitment 2026
How many vacancies have been announced under DGCA Operations Officer Recruitment 2026?
A total of 19 vacancies have been announced.
Which engineering branches are eligible?
Candidates holding degrees in:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Information Technology
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
are eligible subject to experience requirements.
Is this a permanent government job?
Yes. The post is a Permanent General Central Service Group A Gazetted Non-Ministerial post.
What is the salary level of Operations Officer?
The post carries Level 10 Pay Matrix under the 7th CPC.
Is GATE required?
No. GATE qualification is not required.
Can freshers apply?
No.
Engineering degree holders must possess two years of relevant experience.
Can M.Sc. Physics candidates apply?
Yes.
M.Sc. Physics candidates with the prescribed experience are eligible.
Can B.Sc. Physics candidates apply?
Yes.
B.Sc. Physics candidates can apply if they possess the required experience.
Is experience mandatory?
Yes.
Relevant experience is an essential eligibility condition.
Can experience from multiple eligible fields be combined?
Yes.
The notification specifically allows combining experience from multiple eligible domains.
What is the maximum age limit for UR candidates?
35 years.
What is the maximum age limit for ST candidates?
40 years.
Is there age relaxation for PwBD candidates?
Yes.
Up to 10 years relaxation is available.
What is the application fee?
₹25 for eligible male candidates belonging to General, OBC and EWS categories.
SC, ST, PwBD and Female candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Where will selected candidates be posted?
The headquarters is DGCA, New Delhi, with All India Service Liability.
What is the probation period?
One year.
Is training provided after selection?
Yes.
Selected candidates will receive induction training followed by on-the-job training.
Is this a Group A post?
Yes.
It is a Group A Gazetted post.
What kind of work does an Operations Officer perform?
Operations Officers assist in airport licensing, flight crew licensing, air traffic systems, aviation operations and aviation safety-related activities.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date for online application submission is 03 July 2026.
Conclusion
The DGCA Operations Officer Recruitment 2026 is one of the most attractive engineering-focused Central Government opportunities released through UPSC this year. With 19 vacancies, Level 10 salary, Group A Gazetted status, and eligibility for candidates from multiple engineering disciplines, the recruitment offers an excellent career path in India’s aviation regulatory sector.
Candidates who possess the required educational qualifications and aviation-related experience should carefully review the notification and submit their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute issues.
