Who Should Apply? (Quick Eligibility Check)
The Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance has officially released an employment notification inviting offline applications for prestigious Group 'A' positions at the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT). Experienced judicial officers, senior advocates with specialized indirect tax litigation backgrounds, high-ranking Indian Legal Service officers, and senior IRS (Customs and Indirect Taxes) professionals seeking high-level career opportunities should carefully review the eligibility criteria before submitting their paperwork.
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
| Post | Posts | Pay | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member (Technical) | 5 | Rs. 2,25,000 (fixed) | Has performed judicial, quasi-judicial or adjudicating functions for three years |
| Member (Judicial) | 4 | Rs. 2,25,000 (fixed) | As included in the qualification options |
| Total | 9 |
| Post | Qualification | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Member (Technical) | Is, or has been, a member of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes Group 'A'), has held the post of Principal Commissioner of Customs or Central Excise, or an equivalent or higher post, and has performed judicial, quasi-judicial or adjudicating functions for three years. | Has performed judicial, quasi-judicial or adjudicating functions for three years |
| Member (Judicial) | Is, or has been, a District Judge and Additional District Judge for a combined period of ten years; or; Has been an advocate for ten years with substantial experience in litigation under indirect tax laws before CESTAT or High Court or the Supreme Court; or; Is, or has been, a member of the Indian Legal Service in Grade I or above | As included in the qualification options |
Candidates looking for esteemed appellate tribunal roles can explore this opportunity under advertisement number A-12026/15/2022-CESTAT-DOR. Posting locations span multiple major cities across India including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, and Chandigarh. If you are comparing senior legal opportunities, you might also want to review Kendriya Vidyalaya Pattom Primary Teacher Walk-in Interview 2026 recruitment details for alternative educational openings across government institutions.
What Posts Are Available? – Post & Discipline Breakdown
The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 9 vacancies across Member (Technical) and Member (Judicial) categories. Selected candidates will serve under contractual terms lasting 5 years or until attaining the age of 67 years, whichever is earlier.
| Post Designation | Discipline / Branch | Vacancies | Core Qualification Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member (Technical) | Customs & Indirect Taxes (IRS Group 'A') | 5 | Must have held the post of Principal Commissioner or equivalent/higher post with at least 3 years of experience in judicial, quasi-judicial, or adjudicating functions. |
| Member (Judicial) | Judicial & Legal Services | 4 | District Judge / Additional District Judge with 10 years experience, advocate with 10 years indirect tax litigation experience before CESTAT/High Courts/Supreme Court, or Indian Legal Service officer in Grade I or above. |
Who Is Eligible? – Education, Age & Domicile
Applicants must meet strict statutory eligibility criteria established by the Ministry of Finance. For Member (Judicial) posts, candidates must possess a recognized degree in Law (LLB) and have completed a minimum of 10 years of service as a District Judge or Additional District Judge, practiced as an advocate for 10 years with specialized indirect tax litigation exposure, or served as a member of the Indian Legal Service in Grade I or higher.
For Member (Technical) posts, applicants must belong to the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Indirect Taxes Group 'A') and have served in the capacity of Principal Commissioner or an equivalent/higher post, backed by at least 3 years of documented judicial, quasi-judicial, or adjudicating experience. Age limits and statutory rules governing these appointments comply strictly with the governing tribunal regulations.
What Is the Salary & Official Benefits?
Selected officers will draw a lucrative and fixed remuneration package backed by standard government perquisites. The compensation structure for these Group 'A' executive positions includes:
- Fixed Monthly Salary: Rs. 2,25,000 per month.
- Additional Allowances: Admissible allowances equivalent to those drawn by a Group 'A' Government of India officer at the same pay level.
- Tenure & Contract Nature: Contractual appointment for a duration of 5 years or until the age of 67 years.
Selection Process & Exam Pattern Breakdown
There is no written examination or computer-based test for these senior tribunal appointments. The selection methodology relies entirely on a rigorous evaluation process managed by the designated Search-Cum-Selection Committee.
- Stage 1: Screening of Applications: Thorough verification of submitted biodata, annexures, and mandatory clearance certificates against eligibility parameters.
- Stage 2: Personal Interaction / Interview: Comprehensive assessment and personal interaction conducted by the Search-Cum-Selection Committee based on prescribed regulatory weightages.
Important Dates & Schedule Guidance
Candidates must ensure that their applications are dispatched and received within the stipulated window. The application timeline is detailed below:
- Notification Release Date: 2 November 2026
- Last Date for Offline Application Submission: 16 December 2026
- Exam / Interview Date: To be notified separately to shortlisted candidates
What Is the Application Fee & Payment Mode?
No application fee is levied or mentioned in the official notification for any category of applicants. Candidates across all categories (General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST) are fully exempted from fee payments since the application mode is strictly offline.
How to Apply? (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Applications must be submitted strictly through offline channels in the prescribed format. Follow these steps to complete your submission:
- Step 1: Visit the official website at dor.gov.in to download the official advertisement and application form PDF.
- Step 2: Fill out the biodata in the prescribed proforma (Annexure-I) and affix a self-signed passport-size photograph.
- Step 3: Gather all mandatory enclosures, including employer certificates (Annexure-II), last 5 years CR/APAR dossiers, cadre clearance, and vigilance certificates (Annexure-III).
- Step 4: Enclose copies of 2 adjudicating orders (for Judges, ILS, and IRS officers) or latest ITR copies (for advocates).
- Step 5: Dispatch the complete application package via registered post or submit it in person to Shri Tarandeep Singh, Under Secretary (Ad.1C), Department of Revenue, Room No. 14108, 4th Floor, 'C' Wing, Kartavya Bhawan-1, New Delhi-110001 so that it reaches on or before 16 December 2026.
What Can Get Your Application Rejected?
Critical Warning: Pay close attention to administrative guidelines to avoid summary rejection of your application. Applications received after 16 December 2026 will be summarily rejected without exception. Furthermore, applications submitted without necessary Annexures, integrity clearances, or APAR dossiers will not be evaluated. Applicants who applied under the earlier vacancy circular dated 15 April 2026 are required to apply afresh. Finally, withdrawing your candidature after the Selection Committee meeting or declining the appointment offer may result in a mandatory 3-year debarment.
Editor's Key Advisory for Candidates
Ensure that all service records, vigilance clearances, and major/minor penalty statements covering the last 10 years are duly attested by the competent authority if you are a serving government officer. For practicing advocates, ensure your recent Income Tax Returns (ITRs) and high-court or tribunal judgment citations are clearly indexed. Double-check all postal tracking receipts to confirm delivery before the final deadline.
