Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has published an official recruitment advertisement inviting offline applications from eligible candidates for filling up 5 vacancies for the post of Consultant (Assistant Section Officer - ASO). This recruitment drive is aimed at appointing experienced administrative personnel on a engagement basis to handle administrative, clerical, policy, and secretarial matters within various divisions of the department.
Interested candidates possessing the required domain experience, particularly retired officers from Central Government Ministries, Departments, or attached offices, are encouraged to review the official advertisement hosted on the official DoPT portal (dopt.gov.in). Applications must be meticulously compiled and submitted via the prescribed offline route before the closing date of 30 November 2026.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
The total distribution of posts announced in this engagement notification is outlined below:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Required Qualification & Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant (ASO) | 5 | Retired Assistant Section Officer (ASO) or Section Officer (SO) from Central Government Ministries/Departments with requisite experience in administrative functions, establishment matters, legal, budget, and general governance procedures. |
Detailed Eligibility Standards
- Educational Background: Graduation from a recognized University or Institution.
- Professional Experience: Candidates must have retired from central government service at the level of Assistant Section Officer (Pay Level-7) or equivalent/higher grade pay.
- Computer Literacy: Good working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and standard computer systems, including handling e-Office applications, is mandatory.
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
To ensure smooth selection of seasoned personnel, the Directorate General of Health Services adheres to standard DoPT guidelines for consultant engagements:
- Maximum Upper Age Limit: Generally 64 to 65 years as of the last date of application submission.
- Reservation Policy: As the post is for contractual engagement of retired personnel, standard reservation rules follow relevant Central Government notifications governing engagement of consultants.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
The financial compensation for the position of Consultant (ASO) in DGHS follows standard rules set by the Department of Expenditure / Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT):
| Post Name | Remuneration / Pay Scale | Allowances & Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant (ASO) | Last Basic Pay Drawn minus Basic Pension (Fixed Monthly) | Transport Allowance as per applicable rules; No Dearness Allowance (DA) or HRA is usually payable. |
No extra perks like residential accommodation or medical reimbursement are provided beyond the contractual contract conditions established by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Selection Process
The selection mechanism for the DGHS Consultant (ASO) recruitment consists of systematic evaluation phases:
- Initial Screening of Applications: Offline application forms will be evaluated based on the length of previous service, work experience, and administrative track record.
- Shortlisting: Candidates meeting the criteria will be shortlisted for personal interaction or interview.
- Personal Interview / Interaction: A competent committee will assess the suitability, subject knowledge, and efficiency of shortlisted candidates.
- Final Selection & Empanelling: Selection list will be published based on merit, experience, and suitability.
Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Since this recruitment is purely through contract engagement of retired officials, there is no formal written competitive examination. Evaluation is conducted strictly on past performance, credentials, experience in Central Government administrative roles, and performance in the interaction round.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill the Offline Application Form
Candidates eligible for the DGHS Consultant (ASO) posts must follow these offline application steps:
- Visit the official DoPT website (dopt.gov.in) or official DGHS notice board.
- Download the detailed notification along with the prescribed application proforma.
- Fill out the application form carefully with legible hand-writing or printed text. Ensure all details such as service history, PPO number, pay level at retirement, and contact info are correctly filled.
- Attach self-attested copies of all necessary certificates (PPO, Last Pay Certificate, Retirement Order, Educational certificates, ID proof).
- Place the completed form and documents in a sealed envelope clearly superscribed with "Application for Engagement as Consultant (ASO) in DGHS".
- Send the envelope via Speed Post / Registered Post / Hand Delivery to the designated administrative address mentioned in the notification before 30 November 2026.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Applicants must carry original documents for verification at the time of interaction. Required documents include:
- Proof of Date of Birth (Matriculation Certificate).
- Copy of Pension Payment Order (PPO).
- Copy of Last Pay Certificate (LPC) and Retirement Notification.
- Educational Qualification certificates.
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Voter ID).
- Two recent passport-size photographs.