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The Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) has officially released the CDPO Notification 2026 on 30 May 2026 (Gazette Date). The notification (Category No. 25/2026) invites applications from eligible women candidates for the post of Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) under the Women and Child Development Department, Kerala Government. The last date to submit applications online is 01 July 2026 via the official Kerala PSC website (keralapsc.gov.in). Applications are accepted only through the One Time Registration (OTR) system.
Kerala PSC CDPO Notification 2026 PDF Download
The Kerala PSC CDPO Notification 2026 (Category No. 25/2026) has been officially released by the Kerala Public Service Commission. Candidates can download the notification PDF to check detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, age limit, qualifications, salary, reservation benefits, and the online application process. It is recommended to read the official notification carefully before applying to ensure compliance with all recruitment requirements. Below, you can find the direct link to download the notification PDF.
Kerala PSC CDPO Notification 2026 Details
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The post of Child Development Project Officer is reserved exclusively for women candidates. Male candidates are not eligible to apply. Get the detailed Kerala PSC CDPO Notification 2026 PDF below!
| CDPO Notification 2026 Details | |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Kerala Public Service Commission (Kerala PSC) |
| Category Number | 25/2026 |
| Department | Women and Child Development Department |
| Post Name | Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) |
| Pay Scale | ₹50,200 – 1,05,300 per month |
| Vacancies | Anticipated Vacancies |
| Method of Appointment | Direct Recruitment |
| Eligible Gender | Female Candidates Only |
| Gazette Date | 30.05.2026 |
| Application Starts | 30.05.2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 01.07.2026 (Wednesday) up to 12:00 Midnight |
| Application Mode | Online via keralapsc.gov.in (OTR) |
| Application Fee | No Fee Required |
| Website | Link Here! |
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Join Now!Kerala PSC CDPO Apply Online 2026 – Last Date
The online application for the Kerala PSC CDPO (Child Development Project Officer) Recruitment 2026 started on 30 May 2026 with the publication of the Extra Ordinary Gazette notification. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the Kerala PSC One Time Registration (OTR) profile. The last date to apply online is 01 July 2026. Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues. Details regarding exam confirmation, admit card release, and examination date will be announced later by the Kerala Public Service Commission.
Kerala PSC CDPO Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Important Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 30 May 2026 |
| Category Number | 25/2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 30 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 01 July 2026 |
| Exam Confirmation Date | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Exam Date | To be announced |
Kerala PSC CDPO Vacancy 2026 & Reservation
The Kerala PSC CDPO Notification 2026 lists Anticipated Vacancies for the post of Child Development Project Officer. The exact number of vacancies will be updated as and when reported to the Commission.
4% Reservation for Differently Abled Candidates As per GO (P) No. 5/2023/SJD dated 01.10.2023 and GO (P) No. 11/2025/SJD dated 15.08.2025, 4% of total reported vacancies shall be reserved for eligible Differently Abled candidates with specified disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (Section 34).
Validity of Kerala PSC CDPO Ranked List 2026
The Ranked List published against this notification will remain in force for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years. The list will continue until a new list is published after the expiry of one year, or until the end of three years — whichever is earlier. Candidates will be advised against vacancies reported to the Commission during this period.
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Join Now!Kerala PSC CDPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria 2026 — Age, Qualification & More
Age Limit for CDPO 2026
The age limit for the CDPO post is 25 to 45 years. Candidates must have been born between 02 January 1981 and 01 January 2001 (both dates inclusive).
Note on Age Relaxation
| Age Relaxation for CDPO Recruitment 2026 | |
|---|---|
| General Category | 25 – 45 Years (Born between 02.01.1981 – 01.01.2001) |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | Standard age relaxation applicable as per Kerala PSC rules |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | Standard age relaxation applicable as per Kerala PSC rules |
| Other Backward Communities (OBC) | Standard age relaxation applicable as per Kerala PSC rules |
For detailed conditions regarding age relaxation, refer to Part II, Para 2 of the General Conditions in the official Gazette Notification.
Educational Qualification for Kerala PSC CDPO 2026
(a) Essential Qualification:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in any one of the following subjects from a recognized University:
- Home Science
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Psychology
(b) Preferential Qualification:
Candidates who hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work recognized by the Government of India or Government of Kerala will be given preference in selection.
Equivalent Qualifications Accepted
In addition to the prescribed qualifications, equivalency declared through executive orders or standing orders of the Government, as well as higher qualifications that presuppose the lower prescribed qualification, shall also be accepted. Candidates claiming equivalent/higher qualifications must produce the relevant Government orders when required by the Commission.
UGC-Approved University Degrees Valid
As per G.O (MS) No. 526/PD dated 17.07.1965, degrees and diplomas awarded by UGC-approved Universities or Universities established through Acts of Parliament/State Legislative Assemblies are acceptable for government service appointments.
How to Apply for Kerala PSC CDPO Notification 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide
Applications for the CDPO Project Officer Notification 2026 must be submitted online only through the One Time Registration (OTR) system on the official Kerala PSC website: www.keralapsc.gov.in. No application fee is required.
Register via One Time Registration (OTR) – Visit keralapsc.gov.in and register under the One Time Registration system if you haven’t already. Existing registered candidates can log in directly with their User ID and Password.
Upload Your Photograph – New registrants must upload a photograph taken within the last 6 months. The candidate’s name and date of the photograph must be legibly printed at the bottom. A properly uploaded photo is valid for 10 years from the date of upload.
Click ‘Apply Now’ on Category No. 25/2026 – Log in to your profile, find the notification for CDPO (Category 25/2026) in the Notification Link, and click ‘Apply Now’. Ensure all details in your profile are accurate before submission.
Submit Confirmation for Written/OMR/Online Test – If a written, OMR, or online examination is conducted, you must submit confirmation through your OTR profile within the stipulated period. Admission Tickets can be generated in the last 15 days before the exam date.
Add Aadhaar as ID Proof – Candidates who possess an Aadhaar Card must add it as ID proof in their OTR profile.
Save a Copy of Your Application – After final submission, take a printout or save a soft copy for future reference. Applications cannot be deleted or altered once submitted. Access your application via ‘My Applications’ in your profile.
Once Submitted, Applications Cannot Be Changed – Applications are accepted on a provisional basis. Once submitted, no changes or deletions are permitted. Ensure your profile information is correct before clicking submit. Any corrections made after the last date will not be reflected in the submitted application and will only take effect from the date the correction is made.
Kerala PSC CDPO Selection Process 2026
CDPO 2026 Screening
- Application Scrutiny: Kerala PSC reviews all submitted applications for eligibility — age, gender (women only), and educational qualification (Master’s in Home Science / Social Work / Sociology / Psychology). Applications that do not meet the criteria are summarily rejected.
CDPO 2026 Examination
- Written / OMR / Online Exam: If a written/OMR/online test is conducted, candidates must submit an exam confirmation through their OTR profile within the stipulated period. Admission tickets are available to download during the last 15 days before the exam. Candidates who don’t confirm their attendance will be rejected outright.
CDPO 2026 Document Verification
- Document Upload on Request: At any stage, Kerala PSC may send a profile message asking candidates to upload specific documents (degree certificates, community certificate, etc.). This must be done within the given deadline — failing to do so means disqualification from further stages.
- Certificate Verification: Shortlisted candidates are called for original document verification. Required documents include degree certificates, SSLC/age proof, community/caste certificate (with Gazette Notification if caste differs from SSLC book), Non-Creamy Layer certificate, and photo ID.
CDPO 2026 Ranked List
- Publication of Ranked List: Based on exam performance and document verification, Kerala PSC publishes a ranked list. This list is valid for a minimum of 1 year and maximum of 3 years. Candidates are advised (called for appointment) against vacancies reported during the list’s validity. 4% of vacancies are reserved for differently abled candidates.
CDPO 2026 Appointment & Confirmation
- Appointment & Training: Selected candidates are appointed to the post of Child Development Project Officer. They must undergo a 3-month training as per the program of the Director, Women and Child Development. The training period counts toward all service benefits. After joining, candidates are on probation for 2 years on duty within a continuous period of 3 years.
- Probation Tests: During probation, candidates must clear two departmental tests — the Account Test (Lower) or Account Test for Executive Officers, and the Manual of Office Procedure Test — if not already cleared.
Kerala PSC CDPO Salary 2026 & Service Conditions
| Pay & Service Details | |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | ₹50,200 – 1,05,300 per month |
| Training Period | 3 months (as per program by Director, Women & Child Development) |
| Training Benefit | Training period counts for all service benefits |
| Probation Period | 2 years on duty within a continuous period of 3 years |
Tests to be Passed During CDPO 2026 Probation
Every person appointed to this post shall, during the period of probation, pass the following tests (if not already cleared):
- Account Test (Lower) or Account Test for Executive Officers
- Manual of Office Procedure Test
KS & SSR Rule Applicable
Rule 10 a(ii) of Part II of Kerala Service and Subordinate Service Rules (KS & SSR) is applicable to this post.
Special Instructions for CDPO 2026 Applicants
Document Upload During Selection Process
Candidates who receive a profile message at any stage of the selection process directing them to upload documents to prove their qualifications and other claims must do so within the stipulated time. Failure to upload documents will result in the candidate not being considered for the next stage of selection.
Caste / Community Certificate
If there is a difference between the caste/community claimed in the application and what is recorded in the SSLC book, the candidate must produce a Gazette Notification along with a Non-Creamy Layer Certificate / Community Certificate at the time of certificate verification.
Original Documents Required
Original documents to prove qualification, experience, age, community, etc., must be produced as and when called for by the Commission.
Strict Action Against Bogus ClaimsAs per Rule 22 of the Kerala PSC Rules of Procedure, disciplinary action will be initiated against candidates who submit applications with false claims regarding education, experience, or other qualifications. This may include disqualification, debarment from applying to the Commission (permanently or for a specified period), invalidation of answer scripts, criminal proceedings, or removal/dismissal from office if already appointed.
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Join Now!Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of CDPO?
CDPO stands for Child Development Project Officer. It is a gazetted post under the Women and Child Development Department of Kerala Government.
Can Male candidates apply for CDPO 2026?
No. The post of Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) is reserved exclusively for women candidates. Male candidates are not eligible.
What is the CDPO 2206 Salary in Kerala?
The pay scale for CDPO in Kerala 2026 is ₹50,200 – 1,05,300 per month as per the 11th Pay Revision.
What is the qualification required for CDPO 2026 Recruitment?
A Master’s Degree in Home Science, Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology from a recognized University is required. Additionally, a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work (recognized by Government of India or Kerala) is a preferential qualification.
What is the age limit for CDPO 2026?
The age limit is 25 to 45 years. Candidates must be born between 02 January 1981 and 01 January 2001 (both dates inclusive). Age relaxation is available for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.
What is the last date to apply for Kerala PSC CDPO Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit applications online is 01 July 2026 (Wednesday) up to 12:00 Midnight. Applications must be submitted at www.keralapsc.gov.in.
Is there any application fee for CDPO Kerala PSC 2026 Recruitment?
No application fee is required. The Kerala PSC CDPO 2026 application is completely free of charge.
What is the category number of latest CDPO Recruitment?
The Category Number for the CDPO Recruitment 2026 is Category No. 25/2026.
