DFS Presiding Officer 2026 : Ministry Invites 20 Posts

Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has invited applications for 20 Presiding Officer posts in Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRTs). Eligible judicial officers can apply before 9 November 2026.

DFS DRT Presiding Officer Recruitment Overview

The Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance administers the Debts Recovery Tribunals across the country to expedite recovery of bad loans and non-performing assets for public sector and scheduled commercial banks. Under Vacancy Circular F. No. 07/09/2026-DRT with corrigendum dated 10 October 2026, 20 Presiding Officer positions are open for selection.

This is a prestigious Group A statutory judicial assignment placed in Level 15 of the Pay Matrix. Presiding Officers adjudicate recovery cases filed by financial institutions under the RDDBFI Act and SARFAESI Act. Complete applications must reach DFS New Delhi by 9 November 2026.

Important Dates Schedule

Check these official timeline dates for DRT Presiding Officer selection:

• Vacancy Circular Date: 1 October 2026

• Official Corrigendum Issued: 10 October 2026

• Application Receipt Closing Date: 9 November 2026 (5:00 PM)

• Unforeseen Vacancies Cutoff Horizon: 30 April 2027

• Search-cum-Selection Committee Evaluation: December 2026

Vacancy Locations and Distribution

The 20 vacancies are situated across major DRT benches nationwide:

• Existing Vacancies: DRT benches in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh.

• Anticipated Vacancies: Benches falling vacant up to 30 April 2027 are included in this selection cycle.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications

In terms of the Tribunal (Conditions of Service) Rules:

• Qualification: A person shall not be qualified for appointment as Presiding Officer of a Debts Recovery Tribunal unless he/she is, or has been, or is qualified to be, a District Judge.

• Maximum Age Limit: Candidate must not have attained the age of 67 years as on the closing date.

• Tenure: 4 years or until attaining 67 years of age, whichever is earlier.

Salary Scale and Entitlements

Presiding Officers enjoy full judicial allowances and benefits:

• Pay Scale: Pay Level 15 of the Pay Matrix (Rs. 1,82,200 to 2,24,100) with standard allowances admissible to central statutory tribunal members.

• Official Amenities: Government residential accommodation, staff car, medical facilities, and leave travel concessions.

Selection Process Stages

The selection procedure complies strictly with Supreme Court directives:

1. Committee Screening: Scrutiny of service records, vigilance clearance, and annual confidential reports (ACRs) by the Search-cum-Selection Committee.

2. Personal Interaction: High-level interview conducted by the committee headed by a sitting Judge of the Supreme Court of India.

3. Final Empanelment: Approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).