🧾 UPSC Recruitment Notification 2026 – Engineers & Directors in Lighthouses Directorate

📢 What Is This Notification About?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Advertisement No. 10/2026 inviting online applications for multiple posts in the Directorate of Lighthouses & Lightships under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Applications are to be submitted through the official portal upsconline.nic.in/ora/.

📅 Important Dates

• Notification Published:8 August 2026
• Application Start Date:8 August 2026
• Application End Date:28 August 2026
• Application Mode: Online only
• Probation Period: 1 year (for all posts)

🏛️ Vacancy Details

1. Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil)

• Vacancy: 01
• Reservation: Not reserved, but suitable for PwBD candidates
• Pay Scale: Level‑10, 7th CPC
• Age Limit: 38 years (PwBD candidates get 10 years relaxation)
• Essential Qualification: Degree in Civil Engineering or AMIE (India) enrolled before 31.05.2013
• Experience: 2 years in design, maintenance, and construction of structural/reinforced concrete works
• Desirable: Experience in administration, maintenance, and operation of lighthouses/navigation facilities
• Job Role: Construction, improvement, and maintenance of lighthouses and navigation facilities
• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh (liable to serve anywhere in India including coastal islands)

2. Assistant Executive Engineer (Electronics)

• Vacancies: 09
• Reservation: UR‑04, OBC‑03, SC‑01, ST‑01 (PwBD‑01)
• Pay Scale: Level‑10, 7th CPC
• Age Limit: UR‑35 years, OBC‑38 years, SC/ST‑40 years (PwBD relaxation +10 years)
• Essential Qualification: Degree in Telecommunication/Electronics/Electronics & Communication Engineering or AMIE/IETE enrolled before 31.05.2013
• Experience: 2 years supervisory experience in radio aids for navigation
• Desirable: Experience in power generation, supply, transmission, lighting, wiring, and small motors
• Job Role: Installation, improvement, and maintenance of navigation equipment and aids
• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh (service liability across India)

3. Assistant Director (Engineering)

• Vacancy: 01
• Reservation: UR‑01
• Pay Scale: Level‑07, 7th CPC
• Age Limit: UR‑30 years (PwBD relaxation +10 years)
• Essential Qualification: Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering
• Experience: 2 years in harbour engineering/civil engineering design, construction, maintenance OR mechanical/marine workshop operations
• Job Role: Supervision of harbour engineering works, mechanical operations, and maintenance
• Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh (service liability across India)

📄 General Conditions

• All posts are permanent, Group “A” Gazetted.
• Probation period: 1 year.
• Service liability: Anywhere in India including Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
• PwBD candidates get age relaxation of 10 years.
• UPSC may relax qualifications for deserving candidates with valid reasons.

📊 Quick Eligibility Snapshot

🖊️ How to Apply

• Apply online only through upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
• Fill in all required details carefully and upload documents as per instructions.
• Keep a printout of the application for future reference.

👤 Who Should Apply?

Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil)

• Law graduates in Civil Engineering who want to work in structural design and maintenance.
• Professionals with at least 2 years’ experience in reinforced concrete works.
• Candidates interested in public infrastructure projects like lighthouses and navigation facilities.
• PwBD candidates (suitable categories) looking for Group “A” permanent roles.

Assistant Executive Engineer (Electronics)

• Electronics/Telecommunication/Electronics & Communication engineers with supervisory experience.
• Professionals with 2 years’ experience in radio aids for navigation.
• Candidates keen on working with marine navigation systems, power supply, and electrical installations.
• Those seeking a career in central government technical services with nationwide service liability.

Assistant Director (Engineering)

• Civil or Mechanical engineers with 2 years’ experience in harbour engineering or mechanical/marine workshops.
• Ideal for candidates who want to combine engineering with administrative responsibilities.
• Young professionals (UR age limit 30 years) aiming for a Group “A” Gazetted post early in their career.
• Those ready to serve across India, including coastal and island regions.

✅ Why This Opportunity Matters

This recruitment offers engineers in Civil, Electronics, and Mechanical streams a chance to work in a prestigious central government organization under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. With permanent Group “A” positions, competitive pay scales, and nationwide service opportunities, it is a valuable career option for eligible candidates.

📈 Career Growth Path

Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil/Electronics)

• Entry at Level‑10, Group “A” Gazetted post.
• After successful probation and service, promotion to Executive Engineer.
• Further progression to Deputy Director/Deputy Chief Engineer in the Directorate of Lighthouses & Lightships.
• Senior roles include Director/Chief Engineer overseeing national lighthouse and navigation infrastructure.
• Eventually eligible for Joint Director General / Director General

Assistant Director (Engineering)

• Entry at Level‑07, Group “A” Gazetted post.
• Promotion to Deputy Director (Engineering) after probation and satisfactory service.
• Further progression to Joint Director/Director roles in harbour engineering and mechanical operations.
• Senior positions include Chief Engineer / Senior Director in the Ministry’s technical divisions.

General Career Benefits

• Permanent central government service with pension and allowances as per rules.
• Opportunities to serve across India, including coastal and island regions.
• Exposure to marine navigation, harbour engineering, and national infrastructure projects.
• Scope for deputation to allied ministries, international projects, or UN/IMO technical assignments.

📈 Career Growth Ladder

Below is the official career ladder chart that shows how engineers progress in the Directorate of Lighthouses & Lightships:

🔎 Step‑by‑Step Explanation

1. Step 1 – Entry Level: Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil/Electronics) or Assistant Director (Engineering).
2. Step 2 – Mid Level: Promotion to Executive Engineer / Deputy Director / Deputy Chief Engineer.
3. Step 3 – Senior Level: Director / Chief Engineer overseeing lighthouse and navigation projects.
4. Step 4 – Top Management: Joint Director General and finally Director General in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

This ladder clearly shows how candidates can grow from entry‑level engineers to senior leadership roles, with opportunities to serve across India’s coastal and island regions.

💰 Salary Growth Snapshot (7th CPC Pay Matrix)

*Gross salary range includes DA, HRA, TA, and other admissible allowances; actual figures vary by posting location and government revisions.

🎁 Perks & Benefits Overview

🏠 Housing & Accommodation

• Government‑provided accommodation or House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per posting city.
• Maintenance allowance for official quarters where applicable.

🚗 Travel & Transport

• Transport Allowance (TA) for daily commute.
• Official travel reimbursement for inspection, lighthouse visits, and field duties.
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for domestic travel every four years.

💼 Professional & Career Benefits

• Annual increments and promotions under Central Government rules.
• Training and deputation opportunities in allied ministries and international maritime bodies.
• Eligibility for foreign assignments under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.

💊 Health & Insurance

• Coverage under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).
• Medical reimbursement for dependents and self.
• Group insurance and accident coverage for field engineers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Retirement & Welfare

• Pension benefits under the National Pension System (NPS).
• Gratuity and leave encashment as per service rules.
• Family pension and welfare fund membership.

📚 Additional Allowances

• Dearness Allowance (DA) revised twice yearly.
• Special duty allowance for postings in coastal or island regions.
• Uniform and field allowance for technical inspection duties.

Note: Actual allowances and benefits may vary depending on posting location, service tenure, and government revisions.

🌟 Why Choose This Career?

Joining as an Assistant Executive Engineer or Assistant Director (Engineering) in the Directorate of Lighthouses & Lightships is more than just a job — it’s a gateway to a prestigious Group “A” Central Government service. You’ll be working on vital national infrastructure projects that ensure safe marine navigation across India’s vast coastline and islands.

• ✅ Prestige: Permanent, gazetted posts under the Union Public Service Commission.
• ✅ Growth: Clear career ladder leading to senior leadership roles in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways.
• ✅ Security: Stable government service with pension, allowances, and welfare benefits.
• ✅ Impact: Direct contribution to India’s maritime safety and coastal development.
• ✅ Opportunities: Scope for deputation, international assignments, and exposure to cutting‑edge navigation technology.

For engineers in Civil, Electronics, or Mechanical streams, this career path offers a rare combination of technical challenge, administrative responsibility, and national service. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking both professional growth and meaningful contribution to the country.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q1. Is AMIE qualification valid for these posts?
  Yes. Candidates enrolled for AMIE (India) or IETE before 31 May 2013 are eligible, provided they meet other criteria.
• Q2. Are these posts permanent or contractual?
  All advertised posts are permanent, Group “A” Gazetted positions under the Central Government, with a probation period of one year.
• Q3. Can PwBD candidates apply?
  Yes. Several posts are suitable for PwBD candidates, and age relaxation of 10 years is applicable. One post in Electronics is reserved for PwBD.
• Q4. What is the service liability?
  Selected candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in India, including coastal regions, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
• Q5. What is the pay scale?
  - Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil/Electronics): Level‑10, 7th CPC
  - Assistant Director (Engineering): Level‑07, 7th CPC
• Q6. Is prior work experience mandatory?
  Yes. A minimum of 2 years supervisory experience in relevant fields (civil, electronics, mechanical, or navigation) is required.
• Q7. How can I apply?
  Applications must be submitted online only through the UPSC portal: upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
• Q8. Can UPSC relax qualifications?
  Yes. UPSC may grant relaxation in qualifications for deserving candidates, with written justification.