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The Kerala PSC has released the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Recruitment Notification 2026 (Category No. 25/2026) for anticipated vacancies in the Women and Child Development Department. The online application process is conducted through the Kerala PSC One Time Registration (OTR) portal, and eligible women candidates can submit their applications until 01 July 2026. The Kerala PSC CDPO Selection Process 2026 consists of multiple stages, including application scrutiny, written/OMR/online examination, document verification, publication of the ranked list, and final appointment. Get a detailed overview below!
Download Kerala PSC CDPO Syllabus 2026 PDF
Candidates preparing for the Kerala PSC CDPO 2026 examination can download the detailed syllabus PDF provided below. The syllabus covers all important subjects, including Sociology, Psychology, and Home Science, along with topic-wise modules and units.
Download CDPO Notification 2026 PDF – 025/2026
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Candidates can download the official Kerala PSC CDPO 2026 Notification PDF provided below for complete recruitment details. The notification contains important information regarding eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications, application procedure, selection process, reservation rules, salary, and important dates. Applicants are advised to read the notification carefully before submitting their online application.
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Join Now!Kerala PSC CDPO 2026 Recruitment Overview
The recruitment notification clearly states that only female candidates are eligible to apply for this post
| Particulars | Details |
| Category Number | 25/2026 |
| Department | Women and Child Development Department |
| Post Name | Child Development Project Officer (Women Only) |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment |
| Application Starts | May 30, 2026 |
| Salary Scale | ₹50,200 – ₹1,05,300 |
| Vacancy | Anticipated Vacancies |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 01 July 2026 |
| Gender Eligibility | Women Candidates Only |
| Official Website | Kerala PSC |
Kerala PSC CDPO Selection Process 2026
Understanding the Kerala PSC CDPO Selection Process 2026 is crucial for every applicant.
Stage 1: CDPO 2026 Application Scrutiny
The first stage involves detailed scrutiny of applications submitted through the Kerala PSC One Time Registration system.
Officials verify:
- Age eligibility
- Gender eligibility
- Educational qualifications
- Reservation claims
- Community status
- Supporting details provided in the application
Applications with incorrect information or missing eligibility requirements are rejected.
This stage acts as the first screening process before candidates move to the next level.
Stage 2: Written Examination / OMR Test / Online Test
The Kerala PSC CDPO Selection Process 2026 may include a:
- Written Examination
- OMR-Based Examination
- Online Examination
The exact mode will be announced by Kerala PSC.
Important Requirement
Candidates must provide examination confirmation through their OTR profile.
Failure to submit confirmation within the stipulated period will result in:
- Rejection of candidature
- No admission ticket generation
Admission tickets become available approximately 15 days before the examination.
Expected Subjects
Based on previous Kerala PSC examinations, candidates can expect questions from:
- Social Work
- Child Development
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Women Welfare Programs
- Kerala Administration
- Current Affairs
- General Knowledge
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
Stage 3: CDPO 2026 Document Upload Stage
Kerala PSC may request document uploads at any point during the recruitment process.
Candidates may be asked to upload:
- Degree certificates
- Mark lists
- Community certificates
- Non-Creamy Layer certificates
- Identity proof
- Experience certificates (if applicable)
Failure to upload documents within the prescribed period may lead to disqualification.
Therefore, applicants should keep all documents ready in digital format.
Stage 4: Certificate Verification for CDPO Exam 2026
Candidates who qualify for further stages are called for certificate verification.
Documents Commonly Required
- SSLC Certificate
- Degree and PG Certificates
- Mark Sheets
- Community Certificate
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate
- Gazette Notification (if caste differs from SSLC records)
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size photographs
- Any equivalency certificates
Verification ensures the authenticity of claims made in the application.
Stage 5: CDPO 2026 Ranked List Publication
After successful completion of examination and verification procedures, Kerala PSC publishes the ranked list.
The ranked list is prepared based on:
- Examination performance
- Verification status
- Reservation rules
- Eligibility compliance
CDPO 2026 Ranked List Validity
Candidates are advised from this list whenever vacancies are reported.
| Criteria | Duration |
| Minimum Validity | 1 Year |
| Maximum Validity | 3 Years |
Stage 6: CDPO 2026 Appointment and Training
Selected candidates receive appointment as Child Development Project Officers.
Immediately after appointment, candidates undergo:
Three-Month Training
Training is conducted according to the program prescribed by the Director of Women and Child Development.
Key points:
- Training duration: 3 months
- Counts for service benefits
- Mandatory for direct recruits
Kerala PSC CDPO 2026 Probation Period
- Two years on duty
- Within a continuous period of three years
During probation, officers must demonstrate satisfactory performance.
Mandatory Departmental Tests
Candidates who have not already passed these tests must clear:
- Account Test (Lower) or Account Test for Executive Officers
- Manual of Office Procedure Test
Successful completion is necessary for confirmation in service.
Reservation Benefits
As per government orders, 4% of reported vacancies are reserved for eligible differently abled candidates. The reservation follows provisions under:
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- Applicable Kerala Government Orders
Candidates claiming reservation benefits must produce relevant certificates when required.
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Join Now!Kerala PSC CDPO Exam Pattern 2026
The Kerala PSC CDPO 2026 examination will be conducted for a total of 100 marks, with 1 mark awarded for each correct answer. The exam follows a negative marking system, where one-third (1/3) mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. The medium of examination will be English, and candidates will be given 1 hour and 30 minutes (90 minutes) to complete the test.
| Subject | Module / Unit |
|---|---|
| Sociology (25 Marks) | Module 1: Origin and Development of Sociology |
| Module 2: Sociology in India | |
| Module 3: Globalization and Development | |
| Module 4: Social Problems | |
| Module 5: Social Research Methods | |
| Psychology (25 Marks) | Unit 1: Introduction to Psychology |
| Unit 2: Biological Basis of Behaviour | |
| Unit 3: Sensation, Attention, Perception and Consciousness | |
| Unit 4: Psychological Processes | |
| Unit 5: Personality and Abnormal Behaviour | |
| Unit 6: Social Psychology | |
| Home Science (25 Marks) | Unit 1: Physiology and Microbiology |
| Unit 2: Child Development and Welfare | |
| Unit 3: Human Nutrition and Dietetics | |
| Unit 4: Extension Education and Communication | |
| Unit 5: Basic Food Science |
Kerala PSC CDPO Vacancy 2026 – District-wise Details
Kerala PSC CDPO notification 2026 mentions anticipated vacancies. Kerala PSC will advise candidates from the ranked list whenever vacancies are reported during the validity period of the list.
The ranked list will remain valid:
- Minimum: 1 year
- Maximum: 3 years
- Until a new ranked list is published, whichever is earlier
Eligibility Criteria for Kerala PSC CDPO Recruitment 2026
CDPO 2026 Age Limit
Candidates must be born between:
- 02 January 1981
- 01 January 2001
Age Range:
25 to 45 years
Usual age relaxation is available for:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Communities (OBC)
CDPO 2026 Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess a Master’s Degree from a recognized university in any one of the following subjects:
- Home Science
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Psychology
The qualification must be obtained from a recognized university approved under applicable government norms.
CDPO 2026 Preferential Qualification
Candidates having the following qualification receive preference:
Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work recognized by the Government of India or Government of Kerala.
Although not mandatory, this qualification can strengthen a candidate’s profile during recruitment.
How to Apply for Kerala PSC CDPO 2026
Candidates interested in applying for the Kerala PSC Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Recruitment 2026 must submit their applications online through the Kerala Public Service Commission’s One Time Registration (OTR) system. No offline applications will be accepted.
Step 1: Complete One Time Registration (OTR)
New applicants must first register through the Kerala PSC One Time Registration portal. Visit the official Kerala PSC website and create a profile using your personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information.
Step 2: Upload Photograph
Candidates registering for the first time must upload a recent passport-size photograph taken within the last six months. The photograph should clearly display:
- Candidate’s name
- Date on which the photograph was taken
The uploaded photograph will remain valid for 10 years if it meets Kerala PSC guidelines.
Step 3: Log in to Your Profile
After completing registration, log in using your:
- User ID
- Password
Ensure all personal and educational details are updated correctly before applying.
Step 4: Search for the Notification
Go to the “Notifications” section and find: Child Development Project Officer (Women Only) Category Number: 25/2026. Check the notification and carefully read all eligibility conditions.
Step 5: Click “Apply Now”
Eligible candidates should click the “Apply Now” button available against the CDPO notification. Verify all details before final submission because applications cannot be modified after submission.
Step 6: Submit the Application
- After confirming the information provided, submit the application online.
- There is no application fee for Kerala PSC CDPO 2026 recruitment.
Step 7: Save the Application
After successful submission:
- Download the application copy
- Save a soft copy for future reference
- Take a printout if required
Candidates can access submitted applications through the “My Applications” section in their Kerala PSC profile.
Step 8: Monitor Your Profile Regularly
Kerala PSC may send notifications regarding:
- Exam confirmation
- Admission ticket download
- Document upload requests
- Certificate verification schedules
Candidates should regularly check their Kerala PSC profile and registered mobile number for updates.
Important Instructions
- Only women candidates are eligible to apply.
- Applications must be submitted before 01 July 2026, 12:00 Midnight.
- Aadhaar should be added as ID proof in the profile.
- Original documents must be produced when requested by Kerala PSC.
- Incorrect or false information may lead to disqualification and disciplinary action.
Official Website
Candidates can apply online through the official Kerala PSC website: https://www.keralapsc.gov.in
Kerala PSC CDPO 2026 Salary & Career Growth
The salary offered is:
₹50,200 – ₹1,05,300
Additional benefits include:
- Dearness Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
- Medical Benefits
- Pension Benefits (as applicable)
- Leave Benefits
- Government Service Security
