The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has released a recruitment notification for 20 Presiding Officer posts in various Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) across India. This is a significant opportunity for experienced legal professionals. Eligible candidates must apply offline by submitting their applications through the proper channel on or before 09 November 2026. Ensure all required documents are attached for a successful application.
Table of Contents
Overview Table
| ProJobAlert.com | |
| DFS Presiding Officer Recruitment 2026 Advertisement No.: F. No. 07/09/2026-DRT | |
| Recruitment Authority | Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India |
| Post Name | Presiding Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 20 |
| Job Location | Various Debts Recovery Tribunals across India |
| Start Date to Apply | 01 October 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 09 November 2026 |
| Application Mode | Offline (By Post) |
| Qualification | District Judge OR Member of Indian Legal Service in Grade I or above |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Download Application Form | |
Important Dates
- Notification Released: 01 October 2026 (Corrigendum: 10 October 2026)
- Application Start: 01 October 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 09 November 2026
- Cut-off Date for Unforeseen Vacancies: 30 April 2027
- Exam Date: To be Notified
- Admit Card: Not Applicable
Age Limit as on 09/11/2026
- Minimum Age: Not Specified
- Maximum Age: 70 Years (for tenure completion)
- Age Relaxation:
- As per Government of India rules for specific categories (Refer official notification for details).
Qualification Details
- Candidates must be, or have been, a District Judge.
- Alternatively, candidates must be, or have been, a member of the Indian Legal Service in Grade I or above.
- Persons holding or having held the post of Chairperson or Member of any Tribunal are eligible for re-appointment.
- Serving Judges/Members must resign or obtain voluntary retirement from their parent service before joining the Tribunal.
Full Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Presiding Officer post, candidates must meet specific legal and service criteria as outlined by the Department of Financial Services. The primary requirement is a distinguished background in the legal field, ensuring high-level expertise for the Debts Recovery Tribunals.
| Post Name | Educational Qualification | Additional Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Presiding Officer | Must be, or have been, a District Judge OR a member of the Indian Legal Service in Grade I or above. | • Eligible for re-appointment if currently or previously served as Chairperson or Member of any Tribunal. • Serving Judges of Supreme Court/High Court or Members of Central/State Government service must resign or voluntarily retire before joining. • Tenure: 5 years or till 70 years of age, whichever is earlier. |
Salary / Pay Scale
The Presiding Officer position at Debts Recovery Tribunals offers a competitive salary structure. The remuneration is governed by the Tribunal (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021, ensuring a standardized and attractive pay scale for qualified legal professionals.
| Post Name | Pay Scale / Salary |
|---|---|
| Presiding Officer | As per Tribunal (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021, as amended from time to time. |
- The salary and other terms of appointment are subject to the provisions of the National Tribunals Commission and Qualification, Selection and Conditions of Service of Chairpersons and Members of Tribunals Rules, 2026.
Selection Process
The selection for Presiding Officer posts involves a rigorous process managed by a dedicated committee. Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, and a personal interaction to ensure the most suitable individuals are appointed to the Debts Recovery Tribunals.
- Application Scrutiny: The Search-Cum-Selection Committee, constituted under the Tribunal Reforms Act 2021, will scrutinize applications.
- Suitability Assessment: Applications will be assessed for suitability, giving due weightage to candidates' qualification and experience.
- Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted for a personal interaction based on the initial assessment.
- Final Evaluation: The final selection will be based on the Committee's overall evaluation, considering qualification, experience, and performance in the personal interaction.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy Details
The Department of Financial Services has announced 20 vacancies for the Presiding Officer post across various Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) nationwide. These positions are crucial for the efficient functioning of the tribunals in debt recovery processes.
| Post Name | UR | OBC | EWS | SC | ST | Total Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presiding Officer | To be Notified | To be Notified | To be Notified | To be Notified | To be Notified | 20 | As per Tribunal (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021 |
| Grand Total | 20 | ||||||
Job Profile & Responsibility
A Presiding Officer in a Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT) plays a pivotal role in the Indian financial and legal system. The primary responsibility involves the expeditious adjudication and recovery of debts owed to banks and financial institutions. This position demands strong legal acumen, administrative efficiency, and a commitment to upholding justice in financial matters.
- Adjudication of Debts: Presiding over cases related to the recovery of debts due to banks and financial institutions.
- Expeditious Disposal: Ensuring timely and efficient resolution of debt recovery applications.
- Legal Compliance: Upholding the provisions of The Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993, and other relevant laws.
- Tribunal Administration: Managing the administrative functions of the Debts Recovery Tribunal.
- Case Management: Handling matters connected with or incidental to debt recovery proceedings.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in the Presiding Officer position must submit their applications offline through the proper channel. Ensure all necessary documents are attached and the application reaches the specified address by the deadline to avoid rejection.
- Download Application Form: Obtain the prescribed Bio-data proforma (Annexure-I) and other necessary certificates (Annexure-II & III) from the official notification PDF.
- Fill Application: Accurately fill in all details in the application form. Attach a recent passport-size photograph, duly signed.
- Prepare Documents: Gather clear photocopies of your up-to-date CR/APAR dossier for the last five years (2021-22 to 2025-26), attested by a Group A officer.
- Additional Certificates: Include the Certificate to be furnished by the employer/head of office/forwarding authority (Annexure-II), Cadre clearance (for serving candidates), Integrity certificate/vigilance clearance (Annexure-III), and a statement of any major/minor penalties imposed in the last ten years.
- Send Application: Duly filled original applications, along with all required enclosures, must reach the Under Secretary (DRT), Department of Financial Services, 3rd Floor Jeevan Deep Building, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001.
- Deadline: Ensure your application reaches the address latest by 5:00 PM on 09 November 2026. Applications received after the due date will not be entertained.
Important Links
| Download Application Form & Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website (DFS Vacancies) | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| Delhi Jobs | Click Here |
| DL Legal & Judiciary Jobs | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for the DFS Presiding Officer Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the offline application for the Presiding Officer posts is 09 November 2026, by 5:00 PM.
How many vacancies are available for Presiding Officer posts?
There are a total of 20 vacancies for the Presiding Officer posts in various Debts Recovery Tribunals across India.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Presiding Officer position?
Candidates must be, or have been, a District Judge or a member of the Indian Legal Service in Grade I or above. Specific conditions apply for serving judges/members of other tribunals.
What is the application mode for this recruitment?
The application mode is offline. Candidates need to download the prescribed application form, fill it, and send it along with required documents to the specified address.
What is the selection process for the DFS Presiding Officer posts?
The selection process involves scrutiny of applications by a Search-Cum-Selection Committee, followed by shortlisting and a personal interaction. Final selection is based on overall evaluation of qualification, experience, and interaction.
Where will the selected candidates be posted?
Selected candidates will be posted as Presiding Officers in various Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) across India.