What the notice says
DFS DRT Presiding Officer 2026 is the vacancy circular F. No. 07/09/2026-DRT dated 1 October 2026, with corrigendum dated 10 October 2026. Last date for receipt of original applications is 9 November 2026, 5:00 PM. Apply by post through proper channel where applicable. Detailed notice and form on financialservices.gov.in/vacancies. Corrigendum PDF linked from the vacancies page.
- What the Department of Financial Services actually does
- What kind of role this is
- Who should apply — and who should skip
- Dates and fee
- Available positions
- 1. Presiding Officer, Debts Recovery Tribunal — tenure post 20 Vacancies (plus unforeseen)
- Educational qualifications
- Selection
- How to prepare (free, official)
- How to apply without getting played
- FAQs
What the Department of Financial Services actually does
The Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance oversees banking, insurance, pension, and financial institutions. It administers the Debts Recovery Tribunals set up under the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 to speed up recovery of dues to banks and financial institutions. There are 39 DRTs across the country.
What kind of role this is
This is a tenure post as Presiding Officer of a Debts Recovery Tribunal. It is not a regular civil service appointment. Successful candidates may be posted at any DRT vacancy in India. The post is governed by the Tribunal (Conditions of Service) Rules, 2021 as amended and the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2026. No bond is printed in the circular.
Who should apply — and who should skip
Apply if you are or have been a District Judge, or if you are or have been a member of the Indian Legal Service in Grade I or above. Serving judges or government officers must resign or take voluntary retirement from parent service before joining, as printed in the rules referenced.
Skip if you are a practising advocate without District Judge experience or ILS Grade I service, a fresh law graduate, or anyone who cannot meet the judicial eligibility. This is not for entry-level legal officers.
Dates and fee
| Item | On the official notice |
|---|---|
| Original circular date | 1 October 2026 |
| Corrigendum date | 10 October 2026 |
| Last date for receipt | 9 November 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Unforeseen vacancies covered up to | 30 April 2027 |
| Fee | Not printed in the circular |
Available positions
1. Presiding Officer, Debts Recovery Tribunal — tenure post 20 Vacancies (plus unforeseen)
Eligibility criteria
A person shall not be qualified for appointment as Presiding Officer of a Debts Recovery Tribunal unless he is, or has been, a District Judge, or is, or has been a member of the Indian Legal Service in Grade I or above. Tenure is five years or until attaining the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. Serving Supreme Court or High Court judges, or serving members of Central or State services, must resign or obtain voluntary retirement before joining.
No category-wise vacancy split is printed on this notice. The circular lists specific DRTs for current and anticipated vacancies (including DRT-3 Mumbai, DRT-2 Chandigarh, Allahabad, Lucknow and others across the country) and covers unforeseen vacancies up to 30 April 2027.
Total listed vacancies — 20, plus unforeseen up to 30 April 2027.
Educational qualifications
| Post | Degree / marks | Experience / extras |
|---|---|---|
| Presiding Officer, DRT | As per judicial eligibility (District Judge or ILS Grade I) | Is or has been a District Judge; or member of Indian Legal Service Grade I or above. APARs/APARs for last 5 years required for serving officers. |
Selection
- Applications through proper channel with bio-data, employer certificate, APARs, cadre clearance, integrity/vigilance clearance and penalty statement.
- Search-cum-Selection Committee scrutinises applications and shortlists based on qualifications and experience.
- Personal interaction.
- Final selection on overall evaluation by the Committee.
How to prepare (free, official)
How to apply without getting played
- Download the prescribed proforma (Annexure-I) and supporting certificates from the DFS vacancies page.
- Fill the bio-data completely. Serving officers route through proper channel.
- Attach attested APAR copies for 2021-22 to 2025-26, vigilance clearance and other required documents.
- Send the original application so that it reaches the Under Secretary (DRT), Department of Financial Services, 3rd Floor, Jeevan Deep Building, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001 by 5:00 PM on 9 November 2026.
- No TA/DA is admissible. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
FAQs
What is the last date?
9 November 2026, 5:00 PM for receipt of original applications.
Who can apply?
Persons who are or have been a District Judge, or members of the Indian Legal Service in Grade I or above.
How many vacancies?
20 listed (current and anticipated) plus unforeseen vacancies up to 30 April 2027.
Where do I apply?
By post to Under Secretary (DRT), Department of Financial Services, 3rd Floor, Jeevan Deep Building, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001. Form available on financialservices.gov.in/vacancies.
What is the fee?
Not printed in the circular.
Can final-year students apply?
No. The eligibility is for those who are or have been a District Judge or ILS Grade I. Final-year students do not meet this.