The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced a prestigious opening for the position of Assistant Director Grade-I (Food) in the Indian Enterprise Development Service (IEDS), a Group ‘A’ Gazetted post under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). This position is housed within the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME) and is a great opportunity for Food Technology professionals seeking to contribute to national industrial development.
Overview of the Position
- Post Name: Assistant Director Grade-I (IEDS) (Food)
- Ministry/Department: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises / Office of the Development Commissioner, MSME
- Category: General Central Service, Group ‘A’, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial
- Nature of Post: Permanent
- Headquarters: New Delhi with All India Service Liability
- Last date to apply is 3 July 2025
Pay Scale and Allowances
- Pay Level: Level-10 in the Pay Matrix as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC)
- Along with basic pay, the position carries allowances as per Government of India norms.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification (Essential)
Candidates must possess any one of the following:
- Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Food Technology OR
- Post Graduate Diploma in Fruits Technology (Both from a recognized university or institute
Note: The UPSC may relax the essential qualifications in deserving cases if a candidate is otherwise well qualified. Such relaxations will be recorded in writing.
Age Limit
- General Category: Not exceeding 30 years
- OBC: Relaxation up to 33 years
- SC/ST: Relaxation up to 35 years
- Central/U.T. Govt Servants: Up to 5 years relaxation
- Other categories: Age concessions as per Government rules (refer to UPSC guidelines)
Probation Period
- Two years. The selected candidate will be on probation for a period of 2 years from the date of appointment.
Job Duties
The selected candidate will play a crucial role in supporting India’s growing MSME sector, particularly in the food processing domain. Responsibilities include:
- Visiting MSMEs to assess technical issues in food product manufacturing.
- Advising enterprises on cost-effective and improved production techniques.
- Promoting sustainable food processing and preservation technologies.
- Representing the department in various technical bodies and policy discussions concerning MSMEs.
- Facilitating innovation, value addition, and competitiveness in small-scale food industries.
Date – 28 June, 2025 Time – 10 AM to 5 PM Fee – Rs 1180
Application Process
Eligible candidates must apply online via the UPSC official website. Ensure that you have scanned copies of all necessary documents, including:
- Educational certificates
- Caste/category certificates (if applicable)
- Experience certificates (if any)
- Other supporting documents as per eligibility
Selection Process
- The selection will be based on an interview by the UPSC.
- In case of a large number of applicants, UPSC may shortlist candidates based on qualifications and experience.
Why This Role Matters
This position is ideal for early-career professionals with a strong background in Food Technology and a passion for national service. Working within the Office of the Development Commissioner for MSME, the Assistant Director plays a direct role in boosting industrial productivity, helping scale up small food businesses, and contributing to India’s mission of self-reliance and economic growth.
Important Notes
- This is a permanent post with central government benefits.
- Applicants must be willing to travel across India for MSME development activities.
- Ensure compliance with UPSC’s ‘Instructions and Additional Information for Recruitment by Selection.’
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