MoEFCC Consultant-A Recruitment 2026 – 2 Posts

About the Recruitment

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), a pivotal central government body responsible for planning, promoting, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programs in India, has issued a significant circular for the engagement of Consultant-A positions. This recruitment drive, identified by the reference number JPR-37/2025(Admin-C), aims to onboard skilled professionals on a contractual basis to bolster the operational capabilities of its regional offices. Specifically, two critical vacancies have been announced: one for the Regional Office situated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and another for the Sub-Regional Office located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. These roles are designed to bring specialized expertise into the Ministry's framework, supporting its extensive mandate in environmental protection, forest conservation, and climate change mitigation. The circular meticulously details the essential qualifications, required experience, comprehensive terms of engagement, and the precise application procedure for all interested and eligible candidates, underscoring the Ministry's commitment to robust environmental governance.

Post-wise and Category-wise Vacancy Details

The current recruitment initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) is focused on filling a total of two Consultant-A positions. These vacancies are strategically distributed across two key regional establishments to enhance their functional efficiency and support their diverse operational requirements. One of the Consultant-A roles is specifically allocated to the Regional Office in Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat, where the incumbent will contribute to regional environmental policies and projects. The second Consultant-A position is designated for the Sub-Regional Office located in Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, focusing on local and sub-regional environmental challenges and initiatives. The official notification does not provide any further breakdown of these two posts based on specific categories such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), or Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). This indicates that the selection process for these contractual engagements will primarily be based on the merit and suitability of applicants from the general pool. Prospective candidates are encouraged to note the specific geographical location associated with each vacancy, although the application submission process is centralized. It is important to reiterate that these engagements are purely on a contract basis, reflecting the temporary and project-oriented nature of these specialized roles within the Ministry's overarching structure.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Consultant-A positions within the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, aspiring candidates must meticulously fulfill a set of prescribed educational and professional experience requirements. For direct applicants, the foundational academic prerequisite is either a Master's degree in any Science discipline or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology. This minimum qualification ensures a strong technical or scientific grounding relevant to the Ministry's work. In addition to academic credentials, candidates must demonstrate proficient knowledge and practical skills in using MS Office applications, which are indispensable for daily administrative and data management tasks. Crucially, applicants are also mandated to possess practical experience in a relevant field, ranging from a minimum of three years to a maximum of five years. This experience threshold is designed to ensure that selected individuals bring immediate value and practical insights to the environmental and forestry sectors. In a parallel pathway, the Ministry also extends an invitation to retired Government Employees who wish to contribute their seasoned expertise. For this specific category, the eligibility criteria stipulate that the individual must have retired from a government service position with a Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- or higher. This ensures a certain level of seniority and experience from their previous public service. Analogous to direct applicants, retired government employees are also required to exhibit strong proficiency in MS Office and must have accumulated between three to five years of experience in a field pertinent to environmental management or forestry. This provision is a strategic move to leverage the vast experience and institutional knowledge of former government personnel, allowing them to continue their valuable contributions to critical national environmental initiatives. The dual eligibility pathways underscore the Ministry's intent to attract a diverse pool of highly qualified and experienced professionals.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has established a clear and uniform age criterion for all individuals seeking to be engaged as Consultant-A. Irrespective of whether an applicant is a direct candidate from the open market or a retired government employee, the maximum age limit for consideration is set at 65 years. This age ceiling is a strict requirement and applies universally across all categories of applicants for these contractual engagements. The official notification does not specify any provisions for age relaxations that are typically extended to candidates from reserved categories in permanent government recruitments. The overarching limit of 65 years is generally considered to be sufficiently broad to accommodate a wide spectrum of experienced professionals, including those who have recently concluded their full-time government service and possess valuable expertise. Therefore, it is imperative for all prospective candidates to meticulously verify that they meet this stipulated age requirement by the application deadline before proceeding with their submission.

Application Fee and Payment Method

A notable aspect of the recruitment process for Consultant-A positions by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change is the absence of any application fee. The official circular explicitly states no requirement for candidates to pay a fee when submitting their applications. This policy significantly streamlines the application process and enhances accessibility for all interested and eligible individuals, removing a potential financial barrier to participation. Applicants can therefore focus solely on preparing their application forms and gathering the necessary supporting documents without the added concern of making a payment. While the notification refers to an "Annexure-II" for the application format, which typically might contain payment instructions if applicable, the main body of the circular makes no mention of a fee. Consequently, candidates should proceed with the understanding that the application for these contractual roles is entirely free of charge, simplifying the initial step in their pursuit of these opportunities.

Selection Process

The selection methodology for the Consultant-A positions at the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change is a meticulously structured, multi-stage process designed to identify and onboard the most competent and suitable professionals. The journey begins with the initial receipt of applications, which will then undergo a rigorous scrutiny phase. The Sub-Regional Office (SRO) Jaipur of MoEF&CC is tasked with the crucial responsibility of meticulously reviewing all submitted applications. This shortlisting exercise will be conducted strictly in adherence to the Ministry's established consultancy guidelines, giving due consideration to the essential and desirable qualifications, as well as the depth and relevance of each applicant's professional experience. Following the comprehensive shortlisting, the MoEF&CC SRO-Jaipur retains the discretionary authority to invite a select number of qualified applicants for a personal interview. This interview stage is a critical component, providing an opportunity to assess candidates' technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and overall suitability for the demanding roles within the Ministry. After the interviews have been successfully concluded, the Regional Office (RO) Gandhinagar of MoEF&CC will compile and submit a detailed proposal to the dedicated Consultancy Evaluation Committee (CEC). This high-level committee is entrusted with the responsibility of thoroughly evaluating the interviewed candidates. The CEC will then proceed to recommend the most suitable candidate(s) for the available vacancies. Furthermore, to ensure continuity and preparedness, the committee will also identify and recommend one additional candidate to serve as a reserve. This robust and transparent selection framework is designed to ensure that only highly qualified and experienced professionals are engaged to contribute to the Ministry's vital environmental and forestry mandates.

Pay Scale and Benefits

Individuals selected for the Consultant-A positions within the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change will receive a consolidated monthly remuneration of Rs. 60,000/-. This payment is fixed and comprehensive, meaning it covers all aspects of the engagement without additional financial components. The official notification explicitly clarifies that consultants will not be eligible for various allowances typically associated with permanent government employment. These include, but are not limited to, Dearness Allowance (DA), Residential Telephone allowance, provisions for Residential Accommodation, Personal Staff, benefits under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), or Medical Reimbursement. This consolidated pay structure is a defining characteristic of these contractual roles, simplifying the financial administration. Beyond the fixed monthly pay, the performance of each consultant will be subject to an annual review conducted by the Head of Office (HOD) at MoEF&CC, RO-Gandhinagar. Based on a judicious assessment of the quality of their performance throughout the year, an annual increment ranging from 0% to 8% of their existing remuneration may be determined and applied. This performance-linked increment mechanism serves as a recognition for meritorious service while maintaining the contractual nature of the engagement. The overall compensation package is strategically designed to attract and retain experienced professionals, ensuring that the Ministry benefits from their expertise in advancing its critical environmental and forestry objectives.

Job Profile / Responsibilities

The Consultant-A roles at the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change are integral to the operational efficiency and strategic objectives of its regional offices, encompassing a diverse array of responsibilities. These duties are primarily aimed at providing robust support for the Ministry's core functions in environmental protection and forest conservation. Key responsibilities for the selected consultants will include:

• Comprehensive Operational Assistance: Consultants will be expected to provide extensive support across all facets of forestry and environment-related works undertaken by the respective regional offices. This broad mandate involves contributing to various projects and initiatives crucial for fulfilling the Ministry's overarching mission.
• Data Management and Analytical Reporting: A significant and recurring aspect of the role involves the meticulous compilation, collection, and efficient management of diverse datasets. Consultants will be tasked with preparing detailed monthly and yearly reports, with a specific focus on critical areas such such as the status of Forest Clearance proposals, Environment Clearance processes, and the progress of compensatory afforestation schemes. The accuracy and timeliness of these reports are paramount for effective monitoring, policy formulation, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Meeting Coordination and Facilitation: Consultants will play a pivotal role in the logistical and preparatory aspects of official meetings, particularly those concerning forest diversion proposals. This includes the preparation of meeting agendas, coordination with various stakeholders, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order, and potentially assisting with the recording of minutes to facilitate smooth and productive discussions.
• Diverse Administrative and Project Functions: The position also encompasses a variety of other administrative and project-specific duties. These may involve the development and preparation of action plans for various environmental initiatives, the systematic submission of files and documentation required for site inspections, and other related tasks that contribute to the seamless functioning and regulatory compliance of the office.
• Flexible Assignment Acceptance: Consultants are expected to demonstrate a high degree of adaptability and willingness to undertake any other work or special assignments as directed by the Head of Office or other senior officials. This ensures that the regional offices can respond effectively to evolving priorities and urgent operational needs.

These responsibilities collectively underscore the multifaceted nature of the Consultant-A position, demanding a blend of technical expertise, strong organizational and administrative capabilities, and a proactive commitment to advancing environmental governance and sustainable development.

Terms of Engagement

The engagement for Consultant-A positions with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change is strictly governed by a comprehensive set of contractual terms, meticulously outlining aspects such as tenure, leave policies, attendance protocols, and expected standards of conduct. Tenure of Service: The initial period of engagement for a consultant is established for a maximum duration of three years. This tenure is structured in a progressive 1+1+1 model, meaning that continuation beyond each annual interval is contingent upon a satisfactory performance review. Should the consultant consistently demonstrate satisfactory performance, the engagement may be further extended beyond the initial three-year period for an additional term of up to two years. Any such extension will be considered on a case-to-case basis, requiring the explicit approval of the Competent Authority within the Ministry. It is unequivocally stated that these positions are inherently temporary and purely contractual in nature, and as such, no requests for promotion from any candidate will be entertained under any circumstances. Leave Policy: Consultants are granted the privilege of paid leave of absence, which accrues at a rate of 1.5 days for each full month of service completed. This leave entitlement is calculated and credited on a pro-rata basis, commencing from their official date of joining. However, it is important to note that consultants will not be eligible to draw remuneration for any period of absence that collectively exceeds 18 days within a single year, with this limit also calculated on a pro-rata basis. Furthermore, any unavailed leave from a specific year's tenure cannot be carried forward to the subsequent year, emphasizing the annual nature of the leave entitlement. A beneficial provision states that any intervening Saturdays, Sundays, or Gazetted Holidays that fall within a continuous spell of approved leave will not be counted against the consultant's admissible leave days, offering some flexibility. Additionally, female consultants engaged under this scheme are fully eligible for maternity leave benefits, which are governed by the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, as amended periodically, and the extant Maternity Leave Rules derived from this Act. Annual Increment: The financial progression for consultants includes a provision for an annual increment. The quantum of this annual increment, which can range from 0% to 8% of their current remuneration, will be determined based on a judicious assessment of the quality of their performance. This evaluation will be conducted by the Head of Office (HOD) at MoEF&CC, RO-Gandhinagar, ensuring that performance is directly linked to potential remuneration adjustments. Attendance and Working Hours: The working hours for professionals engaged as consultants will be consistent with those observed by regular Government employees working at the MoEF&CC, RO-Gandhinagar. It is explicitly stated that no additional remuneration will be provided for work performed beyond the standard office hours or on designated non-working days such as Saturdays, Sundays, or Gazetted holidays. Consultants are also required to meticulously mark their attendance in the official Attendance Register maintained by the respective office, ensuring accountability and adherence to work schedules. Conflict of Interest and Professional Conduct: Consultants are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional integrity, encompassing utmost honesty, strict secrecy, unwavering sincerity, and exemplary good conduct throughout the discharge of their duties. Should a consultant's service be found to be in conflict with the fundamental interests of the Government, or if their performance is deemed unsatisfactory, their engagement is liable for immediate discontinuation without the necessity of assigning any specific reason. During their tenure with MoEF&CC, RO-Gandhinagar, including the SRO Jaipur, consultants will be bound by the stringent provisions of the Indian Official Secret Act, 1923, and are strictly prohibited from disclosing any classified information to unauthorized individuals. As part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to furnish an integrity certificate obtained from two references known to them. Furthermore, each candidate must provide a self-undertaking, formally declaring that they possess no criminal record and have no criminal cases pending against them in any court of law. The Ministry reserves the unequivocal right to terminate the engagement of any consultant at any time, at the sole discretion of MoEF&CC, RO-Gandhinagar, without the obligation to cite any specific reason for such termination.

How to Apply — Step by Step

Prospective candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and are keen on contributing to the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change as Consultant-A must meticulously follow the prescribed application procedure by the stipulated deadline. The application process is designed to be straightforward, involving the completion of a specific format and its submission through designated channels. 1. Access and Complete Application Format: The primary step involves obtaining and thoroughly filling out the application form. Candidates are required to use the format provided as "Annexure-II" within the official recruitment notification. It is crucial to ensure that all sections of this form are accurately and completely filled with the required personal details, educational qualifications, and comprehensive professional experience. Any incomplete or inaccurate information may lead to disqualification. 2. Prepare Supporting Documents: While the notification refers to Annexure-II for the format, it is implied that supporting documents will be necessary. Candidates should gather all relevant certificates and testimonials as outlined in the "Documents Required" section to be submitted along with the application form. 3. Choose Submission Method: Applicants have the flexibility to submit their completed application either through postal mail or via email.

• Submission by Post: For those opting for postal submission, the duly filled application form, along with all necessary enclosures, should be dispatched to the Head of Office, Sub Regional Office Jaipur, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. The complete postal address is: Room No. B-213, B-214, "Aranya Bhawan”, Jhalana Institutional Area, Jaipur- 302004. It is advisable to use a reliable postal service, such as Speed Post, to ensure timely delivery.
• Submission by Email: Alternatively, candidates can send their completed application form and scanned copies of supporting documents to the official email address: iro.jaipur-mefcc@gov.in. When submitting via email, ensure that all documents are clearly scanned and attached, and that the email subject line is appropriate, indicating the application for Consultant-A.

4. Adhere to Deadline: The absolute cutoff date for the receipt of applications is precisely 21 days from the date of issue of the advertisement. Given that the advertisement was issued on 13 July 2026, the final deadline for submitting applications is 03 August 2026. Candidates are strongly urged to submit their applications well in advance of this deadline to prevent any last-minute technical glitches or postal delays that could jeopardize their application. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Documents Required

While the official notification refers to an "Annexure-II" for the application format, which would typically detail the exact list of documents, based on the eligibility criteria and standard recruitment practices, candidates should prepare the following essential documents for submission along with their application form:

• Educational Qualification Certificates: Copies of mark sheets and degree certificates for Master's degree in Science or Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology, as applicable.
• Experience Certificates: Official documents proving relevant work experience for a period of 3 to 5 years, such as experience letters, service certificates, or appointment letters from previous employers.
• Proof of Age: A copy of a birth certificate or matriculation (10th standard) certificate clearly indicating the date of birth.
• Proof of MS Office Proficiency: While often implied by experience, any relevant certification or testimonial demonstrating good knowledge of MS Office would be beneficial.
• For Retired Government Employees: Official documents confirming retirement from government service and specifying the Grade Pay of Rs. 4600/- or above at the time of retirement.
• Identity Proof: A copy of a valid government-issued identity proof such as an Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Passport.
• Integrity Certificate: (Required for selected candidates) A certificate of integrity from two reputable references known to the candidate.
• Self-Undertaking: (Required for selected candidates) A formal declaration by the candidate stating that they have no criminal record and no criminal cases pending against them in any court of law.
• Passport-sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs as specified in the application format.

It is highly recommended that candidates ensure all submitted copies of documents are clear, legible, and self-attested where required. Providing accurate and verifiable information is paramount for a successful application.

Important Dates

Candidates interested in the Consultant-A positions with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change must keep track of the following crucial dates to ensure timely application submission:

Event	Date
Advertisement Issue Date	13 July 2026
Application Submission Deadline	03 August 2026

Strict adherence to the application deadline is essential, as applications received after 03 August 2026 will not be considered under any circumstances. Prospective applicants are advised to complete and dispatch their applications well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

Important Links

For the convenience of applicants, here are the essential contact details for submitting applications and inquiries related to the Consultant-A recruitment:

• Email for Application Submission: iro.jaipur-mefcc@gov.in (Candidates can send their completed application form and scanned documents to this email address.)
• Postal Address for Application Submission: Head of Office, Sub Regional Office Jaipur, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Room No. B-213, B-214, "Aranya Bhawan”, Jhalana Institutional Area, Jaipur- 302004 (Applications sent via post should be addressed to this location.)
• Telephone Numbers for Inquiry: 0141-2713786, 0141-2713778 (For any queries regarding the recruitment, candidates may contact these numbers during office hours.)

Please note that no direct online application portal or specific official website link for this particular recruitment has been provided in the official circular. All communications and submissions are to be directed through the email or postal address mentioned above.

General Conditions and Important Instructions

The engagement of Consultant-A by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change is subject to a set of overarching general conditions and important instructions designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and administrative clarity. These positions are unequivocally temporary and purely contractual in nature, a fact that candidates must fully understand; consequently, no requests for promotion will be entertained at any stage of the engagement. The Ministry retains the inherent right to introduce any amendments or grant relaxations to the guidelines stipulated in this notification. However, any such modifications would necessitate prior approval from the Competent Authority, ensuring that changes are made through due process and with proper authorization. To facilitate broad outreach and ensure that all interested and eligible candidates have access to the recruitment details, the Under Secretary, IT Division, has been formally requested to upload this advertisement on the official website of the Ministry. This step is crucial for maximizing visibility and providing equitable access to information. Furthermore, for internal administrative record-keeping and oversight, copies of this circular have been forwarded to the Regional Office Headquarters (ROHQ) Division in New Delhi and maintained in the Guard file. Applicants are strongly advised to meticulously read and comprehend the entirety of the official notification, including any referenced annexures, to gain a complete understanding of all terms, conditions, and expectations before proceeding with their application. Strict adherence to the specified procedures and deadlines is paramount for ensuring that their candidature is validly considered in this recruitment process.