DoPT invites nominations for central deputation, CVO posts under CSS-2026

New Delhi: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has invited nominations of eligible officers for deputation to posts under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS) and for Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) positions in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and other organisations under Central Ministries and Departments for the 2026 recruitment cycle.

In a communication issued to Chief Secretaries of States, Secretaries of Central Ministries and cadre controlling authorities, the DoPT has stressed the need to forward an optimal number of suitable officers to ensure a robust pool of candidates for appointments at the Deputy Secretary, Director and Joint Secretary levels under the Central Staffing Scheme. The department said wider participation would not only strengthen the functioning of the Central Government but also provide officers with valuable exposure to policymaking and administration at the national level.

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The DoPT has reiterated that nominations for both CSS and CVO posts will continue to be processed through the SUPREMO online portal, which also allows officers to indicate their willingness for non-CSS assignments in public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies and other organisations. Ministries and cadre controlling authorities have been directed to ensure that only electronically validated applications are forwarded and that all prescribed details are complete and up to date.

Officers applying for deputation will be required to indicate their preferred locations for CVO assignments and, in the case of CSS posts, their preferred locations along with three indicative choices of Ministries or Departments. However, the DoPT has clarified that the final posting will depend on administrative requirements and the availability of vacancies.

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The department has also advised sponsoring authorities to nominate adequate numbers of women officers as well as officers belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure broader representation. It has further instructed that only officers who have completed the prescribed cooling-off period and are not under any period of debarment from Central deputation should be recommended.

To facilitate uninterrupted staffing, the DoPT has urged cadre authorities to nominate only those officers who are expected to remain available for the full tenure and are unlikely to be recalled for promotion for at least two years. Pending completion of the 2026 offer list, the department has indicated that the 2025 offer list may continue to remain operational till March 31, 2026.

The circular does not mention a closing date for submission of applications or nominations.

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