MSME Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for CEO Posts

Introduction

The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), through the Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME), New Delhi, has announced a recruitment drive for Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in various Autonomous Bodies. These positions are to be filled on a contract basis for an initial period of 5 years, with potential for extension based on performance review until the age of superannuation. The recruitment aims to bring in experienced professionals to lead and enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs. The roles involve day-to-day management, leadership in business growth, client relationship building, and manpower development, overseeing areas like Marketing, Production, Training, Design, Consultancy, and R&D. Candidates are invited to apply offline by speed or registered post. The last date for receipt of applications is 23 November 2026. Detailed information regarding specific eligibility criteria, experience, and the application proforma can be found on the official websites mentioned in the notification. It is crucial for all applicants to carefully read the official notification before submitting their application.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

The official notification specifies vacancies for the following posts, to be filled on a contract basis for an initial period of 5 years:

• General Manager, Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Kolkata
• Principal Director, Fragrance & Flavour Development Centre (FFDC), Kannauj
• Principal Director, Centre for Development of Glass Industry (CDGI), Firozabad
• General Manager, Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar
• Principal Director, Central Institute of Hand Tools (CIHT), Jalandhar
• General Manager, Central Tool Room (CTR), Ludhiana
• Director, Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI), Agra

Category-wise vacancy details have not been specified in the supplied notification.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

The eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and experience, vary for each post. Here are the essential requirements for some of the key positions:

• General Manager (CTTC, Kolkata & Bhubaneswar), Principal Director (CIHT, Jalandhar), General Manager (CTR, Ludhiana):
  • Essential Qualification: Degree in Mechanical / Production Engineering or equivalent from a recognized University / Institution.
  • Desirable Qualification: Post Graduate qualification in Engineering/ Technology/ Management from a recognized University/Institution.
  • Essential Experience: 15 years of experience in Production/Training Department of a Tool Room/reputed Engineering Industry, with at least 10 years in a responsible technology/Management Position.
• Principal Director (FFDC, Kannauj):
  • Essential Qualification: Post Graduate Degree in Chemistry/Botany/Agronomy or a degree in Chemical Technology/Chemical Engineering/Agriculture Engineering from a recognized University/Institution.
  • Desirable Qualification: Doctoral degree in Chemistry/Botany/Agronomy or Post-Graduate degree in Chemical Technology/Chemical Engineering/Agricultural Engineering, or Post Graduate Diploma or degree in Management/Computer Science.
  • Essential Experience: 15 years of experience in a responsible position in an Industrial Establishment/technical/R&D organization dealing with fine chemicals/phyto-chemicals or aromatic and medicinal plants cultivation/processing or creation of fragrance/flavours, or quality management in phyto-chemicals and fine chemicals.
• Principal Director (CDGI, Firozabad):
  • Essential Qualification: Degree in Ceramic/Silicate/Glass Technology or equivalent with glass as a main subject from a recognized university or institute.
  • Desirable Qualification: Post Graduate Degree in Ceramic/Silicate/Glass Technology or management with experience in implementation of glass projects and manufacture of different types of glasses/glass products.
  • Essential Experience: 15 years of experience in production/research in a glass/ceramic industry/R&D organization in a responsible position. Experience in financial, personnel management and general administration is also required.
• Director (CFTI, Agra):
  • Essential Qualification: Degree in Leather Technology/Chemical Engineering or Polymer Technology from a recognized University or equivalent, with 7 years of experience in a responsible capacity in a footwear training institution or technical organization dealing with footwear or footwear manufacturing unit. OR Diploma in Leather Technology/Diploma in Footwear Technology from a recognized Institution, with 12 years of experience in a responsible capacity.
  • Desirable Qualification: Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from a recognized institution and experience in teaching/conducting training programmes.

Post-qualification experience in the relevant field will only be considered.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The maximum age limit for most of the CEO posts is 50 years as on the last date of receipt of application. For the post of Director, Central Footwear Training Institute (CFTI), Agra, the maximum age limit is 45 years.

Age relaxations are applicable as per Government Rules:

• Up to 5 years for SC/ST candidates, Internal candidates, employees of Govt., Semi-Govt./Quasi Govt. Organizations, Departmental Candidates, and Ex-servicemen/PH.
• Up to 3 years for OBC candidates.

The crucial date for determining the age limit is the closing date for receipt of applications.

Application Fee

The application fee details are not specified in the supplied notification.

Salary and Pay Scale

The posts are offered at different levels as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC):

• Level-13A: Entry Pay (Basic) of Rs. 1,31,100/- per month. This applies to General Manager (CTTC, Kolkata & Bhubaneswar), Principal Director (CIHT, Jalandhar), and General Manager (CTR, Ludhiana).
• Level-13: Entry Pay (Basic) of Rs. 1,23,100/- per month. This applies to Principal Director (FFDC, Kannauj) and Principal Director (CDGI, Firozabad).
• Level-12: Entry Pay (Basic) of Rs. 78,800/- per month. This applies to Director (CFTI, Agra).

In addition to the basic pay, candidates will receive other allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), Travel Allowance (TA), and House Rent Allowance (HRA) in case accommodation is not provided, as per Government Rules.

Selection Process

The selection process for these posts has not been specified in the supplied notification. Candidates are advised to refer to the detailed advertisement on the official website for further information.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates are required to apply offline by sending their applications through speed post or registered post. The application should be submitted along with supporting documents as per the proforma provided in the detailed advertisement available on the official websites.

Postal Address for Application:

Additional Development Commissioner (TR)
Office of the Development Commissioner (MSME)
Room No. 32082, 2nd Floor, Kartavya Bhawan-3
Janpath Road, New Delhi-110001

Candidates applying for more than one post or location must send separate applications for each. The envelope containing the application must be clearly superscribed with "Application for the vacancy of respective position/location applied for".

Candidates serving in Central/State Government or any Government Undertaking/Autonomous Organizations are required to send their applications through proper channel. However, they may send an advance copy to the Office of DC (MSME) and produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of interview.

Required Documents

Applicants must ensure that their application is accompanied by the following:

• A duly filled Application Form as per the Proforma provided in the detailed advertisement.
• Supporting documents to substantiate educational qualifications and experience.
• For candidates serving in government or government undertakings: A No Objection Certificate (NOC) to be produced at the time of interview. An advance copy of the application can be sent to the O/o DC (MSME).

Specific details regarding the exact proforma and required documents should be confirmed from the official notification.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

• Read the Official Notification Carefully: Before applying, thoroughly read the detailed advertisement available on the official websites to understand all eligibility criteria, post-specific requirements, and the application process.
• Offline Application: This recruitment requires an offline application via post. Ensure you use the correct postal address and superscribe the envelope as instructed.
• Advance Copy vs. Proper Channel: In-service candidates must send their applications through the proper channel. Sending an advance copy is permissible, but an NOC is mandatory for the interview stage. Failure to comply may lead to disqualification.
• Separate Applications: If applying for multiple posts or locations, submit a separate application for each.
• Age Limit Calculation: The age limit is calculated as of the closing date for receipt of applications (23 November 2026). Ensure you meet the age criteria, including relaxations if applicable.
• Experience Verification: Only post-qualification experience in the relevant field will be considered.
• Proforma: Ensure the application is filled strictly as per the proforma mentioned in the detailed advertisement.

Official Notification and Application Links

FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the MSME CEO posts?
A1: The last date for receipt of applications is 23 November 2026.

Q2: How can I apply for these positions?
A2: Applications must be submitted offline via speed post or registered post to the specified address in New Delhi.

Q3: Are there age relaxations available?
A3: Yes, age relaxations are available for SC/ST, OBC, and other categories as per Government rules.

Q4: What is the salary for these posts?
A4: The salary is based on the 7th CPC, with entry pay ranging from Rs. 78,800/- to Rs. 1,31,100/- per month, plus allowances.

Q5: Is there an application fee?
A5: The application fee is not specified in the supplied notification.