DGQA Technician (SS) Recruitment 2026: How to Apply

15 vacancies are now open under the Directorate General of Quality Assurance, Ministry of Defence, for Technician (Semi Skilled) Group ‘C’ posts. Candidates with an ITI pass certificate in Fitter Auto, Electrician Mate or a related Defence Services Tradesman trade can apply. Unlike many central recruitments, this one is entirely offline – the completed application must reach the Controller, CQA(HV), Avadi by Speed Post only, since no online portal has been mentioned in the notification.

Based on official notification by DGQA. Verified: July 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

Departmental candidates get a higher age ceiling – up to 40 (UR), 43 (OBC) or 45 (SC/ST) – with a minimum of 3 years continuous service.

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Important Dates

Since applications travel by post, mailing early matters more here than on online portals – late postal delivery is explicitly not an excuse DGQA will accept.

Vacancy and Category Analysis

Fitter Auto at CH-054 (Avadi) carries the highest single share with 7 of the 15 total posts, making it the most competitive trade-establishment combination for UR candidates specifically. No PwD vacancy has been earmarked in this particular advertisement. Expected competition level is MODERATE based on similar DGQA Technician recruitments in 2024-25, where trade-and-establishment-wise merit lists (rather than a single combined list) tend to spread applicant pressure more evenly than in large central postings. ST candidates face comparatively lower competition at YM-205 Electrician Mate, where a single post is reserved specifically for that category with no UR overlap. Because merit is drawn separately per trade and establishment, candidates applying to smaller-vacancy combinations like CH-061 Labourer (1 post) should expect sharper competition per seat than the larger CH-054 Fitter Auto pool.

Salary and In-Hand Calculation

The notification confirms Technicians are placed in Pay Matrix Level-1 (₹18,000-56,900) and will additionally draw dearness allowance, house rent allowance, transport allowance, children education allowance, leave travel concession, medical facilities and CSD canteen facilities as per extant Government of India rules. Recruits will also be covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) or Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), whichever applies. Compared to a Group C MTS post which also starts at Level-1, this Technician role can offer similar take-home pay, but with the added long-term benefit of trade-specific promotion avenues within DGQA’s technical cadre. Candidates posted at CH-054/CH-061 (Chennai, a higher HRA-class city) can expect a modestly higher house rent allowance than those posted at YM-205 (Yeddumailaram, Telangana), though the notification does not disclose exact HRA percentages for either location.

Application Fee

Not mentioned in official notification. Candidates advised to check official notice; no fee amount, exemption category, or payment mode is stated anywhere in the advertisement.

Age Limit

Taking the approximate closing date of 15 August 2026, a General category candidate must have been born on or after 16 August 1999 to stay within the 27-year cap. Standard GoI norms apply: OBC 3 years, SC/ST 5 years, PwD 10 years, layered on top of the base 18-27 band.

Eligibility Criteria

The most common mistake for this post type is candidates assuming a higher qualification (diploma/degree) helps – the notification explicitly states that any additional qualification beyond ITI must still be disclosed but does not substitute for the required trade certificate. Final year ITI candidates are not addressed in the notification, so only those already holding a completed ITI certificate should apply.

Selection Process

Written Test

An objective MCQ-based test with no negative marking, held in a single session covering four subjects. It is qualifying-cum-merit based, so accuracy across all sections matters more than attempting every question.

Trade Test

Shortlisted candidates appear for a 100-mark trade test; a minimum of 40 marks is required to qualify. This is purely practical, so hands-on ITI workshop practice is the best preparation.

Merit List

Merit is prepared trade-and-establishment-wise, combining written test and trade test scores, with ties broken first by date of birth (older candidates preferred), then by Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Awareness scores in that order.

Your first 7 days after applying:

1. Photocopy and self-attest all documents listed in Clause 13.4 before sealing the envelope
2. Note down the exact establishment code and trade you applied for – you cannot switch later
3. Keep a soft copy of the filled application and admit card format (Appendix B) for reference
4. Start revising 10th-standard level Reasoning, General Awareness, English and Numerical Aptitude
5. Track the Employment News/DGQA notice board for the exam date announcement, since no online status tracker exists

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Exam Syllabus

Exam Pattern

Syllabus

As per the notification, the syllabus follows the Tenth Class/Matriculation level of a Central or State Board. Parts (i), (ii) and (iv) are set in English and Hindi; Part (iii) – English Language and Comprehension – is set in English only.

How to Apply

1. Download and fill Appendix ‘A’ in Block letters using black/blue ballpoint pen or type it in Arial size 12
2. Print the application double-sided on A4 paper as per the prescribed format
3. Affix a recent colour passport photo and self-attest all required documents listed in Clause 13.4
4. Fill Appendix ‘B’ (Admit Card) in duplicate and Appendix ‘C’ (Examination Instructions) with signature
5. Enclose a self-addressed envelope bearing Rs. 55 postage stamp
6. Government/PSU employees must route the application through proper channel with a No Objection Certificate
7. Seal everything in an envelope superscribed “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TECHNICIAN (SEMI SKILLED), TRADE:___, ESTABLISHMENT CODE:___”
8. Send only by Speed Post to The Controller, CQA(HV), Post Box No. 20, Avadi, Chennai-600054 before the closing date

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the approximate in-hand salary for DGQA Technician (SS) 2026?

Approximately ₹21,700-₹24,500 gross is typical for a starting Pay Level-1 post under the 7th CPC, though the notification does not disclose an exact in-hand figure. Additional allowances like DA, HRA and TA apply on top of basic pay. Candidates should treat this as an estimate and verify final pay slips after joining.

How to apply for DGQA Technician 2026?

Applications must be sent offline by Speed Post only, using the prescribed Appendix ‘A’ format along with self-attested documents. As per the notification, no online application portal is provided for this recruitment. Candidates should mail early since postal delays are not accepted as an excuse for late submission.

What are the total vacancies and post names in this DGQA recruitment?

Based on the notification, 15 vacancies are open for Technician (Semi Skilled) across Fitter Auto, Electrician Mate and Labourer trades. These are spread across three establishments – CH-054 Avadi, YM-205 Yeddumailaram and CH-061 Nanganallur. Candidates can apply to only one trade-establishment combination.

What is the minimum educational qualification required?

Candidates with an ITI pass certificate in the specified trade, or an equivalent Defence Services Tradesman course, are eligible. Under 7th Pay Commission norms this qualifies for Pay Level-1 postings. Higher qualifications are accepted but do not substitute for the required trade certificate.

What is the age limit for General category candidates?

As per the notification, the age must be between 18 and 27 years as on the application closing date. Date of birth is verified through the 10th/Matriculation certificate or birth certificate – Aadhaar is not accepted as DOB proof. Candidates should double-check their eligibility window before applying.

What age relaxation is available for OBC, SC and ST candidates?

Under 7th Pay Commission-linked GoI norms confirmed in the notification, OBC candidates get 3 years and SC/ST candidates get 5 years of relaxation beyond the standard upper age limit. Ex-servicemen get separate relaxation slabs after deducting their military service period. Relevant category certificates must be enclosed to claim this benefit.

Is there an application fee for this recruitment?

Not mentioned in the official notification, and no fee, exemption category or payment mode is specified anywhere in the advertisement. Candidates advised to check the official notice for any updates before applying. Treat this as fee-free unless DGQA issues a corrigendum.

What is the selection process for DGQA Technician (SS)?

Candidates with an ITI pass certificate in the specified trade, or an equivalent Defence Services Tradesman course, are eligible. The written MCQ test is followed by a 100-mark trade test with a 40-mark qualifying threshold. Merit is drawn up separately for each trade and establishment combination.

Is there negative marking in the written test?

According to the notification, no negative marking applies for wrong answers in the written test. This makes attempting all 100 questions a reasonably safe strategy. Candidates should still prioritize accuracy in Numerical Aptitude, since it is the first tie-breaker in merit resolution.

Where will the written test and trade test be conducted?

As per the notification, both the written test and trade test will be conducted only at Avadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, regardless of which establishment or trade a candidate applies for. No TA/DA is admissible for appearing in either test. Candidates should plan their own travel and stay in advance.