GPSC Recruitment 2026 is officially open: the Gujarat Public Service Commission has released 15 new advertisements (Advt. 42/2026-27 to 56/2026-27) covering 26 Class 1 and Class 2 vacancies across marine, port, management, architecture, and horticulture departments. Salary ranges from Rs.44,900 to Rs.2,15,900 per month depending on the post. This guide is for graduates with engineering, management, or science backgrounds who want a prestigious Gujarat government officer-level job. It covers every post, salary, eligibility, exam dates, and the step-by-step application process on GPSC OJAS.
GPSC Recruitment 2026 invites online applications for 26 Class 1 and Class 2 posts including Marine Engineer, Port Officer, Pilot Officer, and Naval Architect under Advertisement Nos. 42–56/2026-27. Apply online at gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in from September 24 to October 8, 2026. Salary starts at Rs.44,900/month (Level-8) and goes up to Rs.2,15,900/month (Level-13).
- Recruiting Body: Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC)
- Advertisement Numbers: 42/2026-27 to 56/2026-27 (15 Separate Advts)
- Total Vacancies: 26 Posts (Class 1 and Class 2)
- Key Posts: Marine Engineer, Port Officer, Pilot Officer, Naval Architect, Manager, Assistant Director, Junior Architect, Joint Director of Horticulture
- Salary Range: Rs.44,900–Rs.2,15,900/month (7th CPC Pay Matrix)
- Application Start: September 24, 2026 (1:00 PM)
- Application Last Date: October 8, 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Fee Payment (Offline): October 9, 2026 (Post Office Challan)
- Preliminary Test (Tentative): December 13, 2026
- Application Mode: Online via gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in
- Employer: Gujarat Maritime Board (not Government of Gujarat directly)
- Special PwD Drive Posts: 9 out of 15 advertisements
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is GPSC Recruitment 2026?
- Who Should Apply for GPSC 2026?
- Post-Wise Vacancy and Salary Details
- Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
- How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Process
- GPSC Class 1 vs UPSC – Key Differences
- Pros and Cons of GPSC Recruitment 2026
- Important Terms Related to GPSC Recruitment
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is GPSC Recruitment 2026 and Why Does It Matter?

GPSC Recruitment 2026 refers to the Gujarat Public Service Commission’s combined notification covering Advertisement Numbers 42/2026-27 through 56/2026-27, released on September 23, 2026. It offers 26 prestigious officer-level vacancies across 15 separate advertisements, making it one of the most important Gujarat government recruitment drives of the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) is the constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution to conduct recruitment for Class 1 and Class 2 gazetted officer posts in the state of Gujarat. Unlike GSSSB (which handles Class 3 and Class 4 posts), GPSC oversees the most senior direct-recruitment positions in the Gujarat government structure.
This 2026 batch is distinctive because it spans marine and maritime engineering posts, port administration roles, horticulture leadership, management, and architecture — all under the Gujarat Maritime Board umbrella for the maritime posts. Nine of the 15 advertisements are dedicated Special Recruitment Drives for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), making this notification particularly inclusive.
Who Should Apply for GPSC Class 1 and Class 2 Recruitment 2026?
- 🚢 Marine Engineers and Mechanical Engineers — holding a B.E./B.Tech in Marine or Mechanical Engineering with a Class-1 Certificate of Competency under the Merchant Shipping Act and 5+ years post-certificate experience.
- ⚓ Nautical Officers and Port Officers — candidates with a Master Foreign Going (FGM) certificate or Pilot Licence and 6–8 years maritime experience for Class 1 roles.
- 🏛️ Architecture Graduates — diploma or B.E. in Architecture graduates with 3 years experience, eligible for the Junior Architect post under PwBD special drive.
- 🌿 Horticulture Post-Graduates and PhD Holders — with 5–8 years of field experience, eligible for Joint Director of Horticulture (Class 1).
- 🏨 Hotel Management Diploma/Degree Holders — with 2 years experience for Manager Grade-1 post.
- 📊 Science/Commerce/Engineering Post-Graduates — holding PG degrees or Port Management diplomas with 2 years experience for Assistant Port Officer and Traffic Officer posts.
- ♿ Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) — 9 advertisements are exclusively reserved for eligible disabled candidates meeting the disability type specified per post.
- 🎯 Gujarat domicile candidates aged 13–12-1987 or later (approximate, as the age cut-off is the application closing date of October 8, 2026) who meet post-specific age criteria.
Post-Wise Vacancy Details and Salary for GPSC Recruitment 2026
The 2026-27 GPSC notification is structured across 15 advertisements. Below is the complete post-wise breakdown with salary levels based on the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix, as confirmed in the official notification dated September 23, 2026.
| Advt. No. | Post Name | Class | Vacancies | Pay Level | Salary (Rs./Month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42/2026-27 | Marine Engineer (PwBD Drive) | Class 1 | 01* | Level-12 | 78,800–2,09,200 |
| 43/2026-27 | Engineer Surveyor (PwBD Drive) | Class 1 | 01* | Level-13 | 1,23,100–2,15,900 |
| 44/2026-27 | Port Officer/Nautical Officer/Addl. Port Officer FGM (PwBD) | Class 1 | 01* | Level-12 | 78,800–2,09,200 |
| 45/2026-27 | Assistant Port Officer (PwBD Drive) | Class 2 | 01* | Level-8 | 44,900–1,42,400 |
| 46/2026-27 | Traffic Officer / Communication Officer (PwBD) | Class 2 | 01* | Level-8 | 44,900–1,42,400 |
| 47/2026-27 | Safety Officer (PwBD Drive) | Class 2 | 01* | As per notification | As per notification |
| 48/2026-27 | Dredging cum Marine Engineer | Class 1 | 01 | Level-12 | 78,800–2,09,200 |
| 49/2026-27 | Port Officer/Nautical Officer/Addl. Port Officer FGM | Class 1 | 03 | Level-12 | 78,800–2,09,200 |
| 50/2026-27 | Pilot Officer (FGM) | Class 1 | 04 | Level-12 | 78,800–2,09,200 |
| 51/2026-27 | Naval Architect | Class 1 | 01 | As per notification | As per notification |
| 52/2026-27 | Assistant Port Officer | Class 2 | 07 | Level-8 | 44,900–1,42,400 |
| 53/2026-27 | Manager Grade-1 (PwBD – 4th Drive) | Class 2 | 01* | As per notification | As per notification |
| 54/2026-27 | Assistant Director (FS) (PwBD – 3rd Drive) | Class 2 | 01* | As per notification | As per notification |
| 55/2026-27 | Junior Architect (PwBD – 3rd Drive) | Class 2 | 01* | As per notification | As per notification |
| 56/2026-27 | Joint Director of Horticulture (PwBD – 2nd Drive) | Class 1 | 01* | As per notification | As per notification |
| Total | 26 | ||||
*Posts marked with asterisk are exclusively reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities under Special Recruitment Drives. Salary for posts without confirmed figures should be verified at the official GPSC website.
Eligibility Criteria for GPSC Class 1 and Class 2 Recruitment 2026
Eligibility requirements vary significantly across the 15 advertisements. The following covers the key criteria for the highest-vacancy and most-sought posts.
Educational Qualification Requirements by Post
- Marine Engineer (Advt. 42 & 48): B.E./B.Tech in Marine Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from a recognised university, plus Marine Engineer Officer Class-1 Certificate of Competency (Steam, Motor, or Combined) under the Merchant Shipping Act. Minimum 5 years post-certificate experience including 1 year as Chief Engineer or 2 years as 2nd Engineer on a Foreign Going Ship.
- Engineer Surveyor (Advt. 43): B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical or Marine Engineering plus Class-1 COC. Minimum 8 years of relevant maritime engineering experience.
- Port Officer / Nautical Officer (Advt. 44 & 49): Master Foreign Going (FGM) Certificate or equivalent Pilot Licence from a recognised authority. Minimum 8 years relevant nautical experience.
- Pilot Officer (Advt. 50): Master FGM Certificate / Pilot Licence. Minimum 6 years relevant experience as specified in the detailed notification.
- Naval Architect (Advt. 51): Diploma or B.E. in Naval Architecture or Ship Building. Minimum 7 years experience.
- Assistant Port Officer (Advt. 45 & 52): Post-Graduate degree in Business Administration, Science, Commerce, or Engineering — OR — Post-Graduate Diploma in Port Management / Port and Shipping Management. Minimum 2 years of relevant experience.
- Traffic Officer (Advt. 46): Same PG qualification as Assistant Port Officer. Minimum 2 years experience.
- Manager Grade-1 (Advt. 53): Diploma or Degree in Hotel Management. Minimum 2 years experience.
- Assistant Director FS (Advt. 54): Bachelor’s or Post-Graduate degree in the relevant field. Minimum 5 years experience.
- Junior Architect (Advt. 55): Diploma or B.E. in Architecture. Minimum 3 years experience.
- Joint Director of Horticulture (Advt. 56): Post-Graduate degree or Ph.D. in Horticulture. Minimum 8 years experience (or 5 years for PG; 8 years for other qualifications as per notification).
Age Limit and Relaxation Rules
The age cutoff date for GPSC Recruitment 2026 is October 8, 2026 (the application closing date). Age relaxation applies to reserved category candidates including SC, ST, SEBC, EWS, Women, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities as per Government of Gujarat rules. Exact post-specific age limits are available in the individual detailed advertisements on the GPSC website.
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved / General | As per detailed advertisement | Online (OJAS) or Post Office Challan |
| SC / ST / SEBC / EWS | Check individual notification | Online or Post Office Challan |
| PwBD Candidates | Check individual notification | Online or Post Office Challan |
| Offline Fee Last Date | October 9, 2026 (Post Office working hours) | |
| Online Fee Last Date | October 8, 2026 (11:59 PM) | |
Note: Always refer to the specific advertisement at gpsc.gujarat.gov.in for the confirmed fee applicable to your post and category.
Category-Wise Reservation (General Recruitment Posts)
| Advt. No. | Post | UR | EWS | SEBC | ST | SC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | Dredging cum Marine Engineer | 1 | – | – | – | – |
| 49 | Port Officer / Nautical Officer | – | – | 2 | 1 | – |
| 50 | Pilot Officer | 3 | – | 1 | – | – |
| 51 | Naval Architect | 1 | – | – | – | – |
| 52 | Assistant Port Officer | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – |
How to Apply Online for GPSC Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step
- Visit the Official GPSC OJAS Portal: Go to gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in and navigate to the “Online Application” menu.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): If you are a new user, complete your OTR on the GPSC portal. OTR alone does not constitute an application — you must also submit the post-specific application form.
- Select Your Advertisement Number: Choose the specific advertisement number (e.g., 52/2026-27 for Assistant Port Officer). Read all instructions carefully before proceeding.
- Fill in All Required Details: Enter personal information, educational qualifications, experience details, and address accurately. Any error may lead to rejection at the document verification stage.
- Upload Photo and Signature: Upload a clear, passport-size photograph and specimen signature in the required file size and format. Uploading someone else’s photo is grounds for disqualification.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the prescribed fee online through the GPSC OJAS portal, or through a Post Office Challan on or before October 9, 2026 (during Post Office working hours). Unreserved category candidates must pay; check exemptions for your category.
- Confirm and Submit: Review all entered information carefully, then confirm and submit the form. The system will generate a Confirmation Number — this is mandatory proof of application. Download and save it immediately.
- Download and Print the Application Form: Save a copy of the confirmed application form along with your photo, signature, and all details for future reference at the interview/document verification stage.
Do not wait until October 8 to apply. The GPSC OJAS website experiences heavy traffic near the deadline. Apply at least 3–4 days in advance. You can still edit your application using the “Edit” option under the “Online Application” menu right up to the final deadline. Changes after October 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM are not permitted under any circumstances.
GPSC Class 1 vs UPSC Civil Services — Key Differences Compared
| Criteria | GPSC Class 1 (2026) | UPSC Civil Services |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Gujarat State only | All India / Central Government |
| Posts Offered | State officer-level posts (GMB, departments) | IAS, IPS, IFS, and Allied Services |
| Entry-Level Salary | Rs.44,900–Rs.78,800/month | Rs.56,100/month (Level-10) |
| Exam Stages | Preliminary + Interview | Prelims + Mains + Personality Test |
| Medium of Exam | Gujarati (primarily) | English or Hindi |
| Competition Level | Moderate (state-level) | Very High (national) |
| Posting Location | Within Gujarat | Anywhere in India |
| Application Portal | gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in | upsconline.nic.in |
| Employer Entity | Gujarat Maritime Board / State Depts | Government of India |
| Best For | Gujarat domicile candidates, maritime professionals | All-India aspirants, generalist administrators |
For marine engineers, port professionals, and other technical specialists who want to serve Gujarat while earning a government salary of Rs.78,800+ per month, GPSC 2026 is the stronger immediate opportunity. UPSC offers higher prestige and national reach but is significantly more competitive and generalist in nature. If you hold a maritime Certificate of Competency, GPSC is your best pathway to a government job in 2026.
Advantages and Disadvantages of GPSC Class 1 and Class 2 Jobs 2026
Advantages of GPSC Recruitment 2026
- ✅ Competitive salary: Class 1 posts start at Rs.78,800/month and can reach Rs.2,15,900/month, plus government allowances (HRA, DA, TA).
- ✅ Job security: Gazetted officer status with permanent government employment and pension benefits under NPS.
- ✅ Technical specialists are preferred: These posts require specialized maritime qualifications — competition is narrower than general recruitment drives.
- ✅ Inclusive PwBD drives: 9 out of 15 advertisements cater exclusively to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities, ensuring equitable access.
- ✅ Edit window available: Applications can be edited until the October 8 deadline, reducing the risk of minor errors derailing your candidacy.
Disadvantages of GPSC Recruitment 2026
- ❌ Very low total vacancies: Only 26 posts across 15 advertisements — most advertise just 1 post each, making selection highly competitive per vacancy.
- ❌ High experience bar: Most Class 1 posts demand 5–8 years of specialized post-certificate experience, ruling out fresh graduates entirely.
- ❌ Gujarati medium examination: The preliminary exam is primarily in Gujarati, posing a challenge for non-Gujarati candidates even with technical expertise.
Important Terms and Concepts Related to GPSC Recruitment 2026
- GPSC (Gujarat Public Service Commission): The constitutional body under Article 315 that conducts selection for gazetted officer-level posts in Gujarat’s state services. Its website is gpsc.gujarat.gov.in.
- Class 1 Posts: Senior gazetted officer positions in Gujarat state services, attracting 7th CPC Level-10 and above pay scales. Class 1 carries higher administrative authority.
- Class 2 Posts: Junior gazetted officer positions, typically at 7th CPC Level-6 to Level-9. Class 2 officers report to Class 1 superiors.
- GPSC OJAS Portal: The official online application portal at gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in through which all GPSC applications are submitted.
- 7th CPC Pay Matrix: The salary framework implemented following the 7th Central Pay Commission’s recommendations, governing all government employees’ pay. Level-8 starts at Rs.44,900; Level-12 starts at Rs.78,800; Level-13 starts at Rs.1,23,100.
- Certificate of Competency (COC): A mandatory maritime certification under the Merchant Shipping Act required for marine engineers and nautical officers to work on foreign-going ships. Class-1 COC is the highest grade.
- FGM (Foreign Going Master): The highest nautical qualification certifying an officer to command any ship on international voyages. Mandatory for Port Officer and Pilot Officer posts in GPSC 2026.
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): Candidates with certified disabilities of 40% or more, eligible for special recruitment drives. 9 of 15 GPSC 2026 advertisements are exclusively for this category.
- Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB): The Gujarat state body overseeing ports and maritime operations. Most GPSC 2026 technical posts place selected candidates on GMB’s payroll — not directly on the State Government’s payroll.
- OTR (One-Time Registration): A one-time online registration on the GPSC portal required before applying for any specific advertisement. OTR is not a substitute for the post-specific application.
Important Dates and Exam Timeline for GPSC Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | September 23, 2026 |
| Online Application Opening | September 24, 2026 (1:00 PM) |
| Online Application Closing | October 8, 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Offline Fee Payment (Post Office) | October 9, 2026 (during working hours) |
| Preliminary Test – Part I (General Studies) | December 13, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Preliminary Test – Part II (Subject) | January 23 – February 7, 2027 (Post-wise; Tentative) |
| Interview / Personality Test | To be announced after Preliminary Test results |
| Final Merit List | To be announced post-interview |
All dates as per official GPSC notification dated September 23, 2026. Preliminary test dates are tentative — confirm at gpsc.gujarat.gov.in for any updates.
Important Links for GPSC Recruitment 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (GPSC OJAS Portal) | gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in |
| Official GPSC Website | gpsc.gujarat.gov.in |
| Notification PDF (Agrijob Telegram) | Download Notification – t.me/agrijob_in/850 |
| Gujarat Maritime Board | gmbports.org |
| Government of Gujarat Official Portal | gujarat.gov.in |
| Agrijob.in – Government Jobs India | agrijob.in |
Conclusion – Should You Apply for GPSC Recruitment 2026?
GPSC Recruitment 2026 presents a rare, time-sensitive opportunity to secure a gazetted officer position in Gujarat’s maritime and administrative sectors, with salaries reaching Rs.2,15,900 per month for Class 1 technical posts. The combination of specialist maritime roles, PwBD-focused drives, and a transparent GPSC selection process makes this one of the most valuable state-level recruitment cycles in 2026-27. Apply online at gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in before the October 8, 2026 deadline — and download your Confirmation Number as soon as you submit.
- GPSC Recruitment 2026 covers 26 Class 1 and Class 2 vacancies under 15 advertisements (Advt. 42–56/2026-27).
- Salary ranges from Rs.44,900/month (Level-8) to Rs.2,15,900/month (Level-13) as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
- 9 out of 15 advertisements are exclusive Special Recruitment Drives for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
- Online applications are open from September 24 to October 8, 2026 at gpsc-ojas.gujarat.gov.in.
- Preliminary Test is tentatively scheduled for December 13, 2026 (Part-I: General Studies).
- Bookmark this page and apply well before the deadline — GPSC OJAS portals get congested on the last day.
Frequently Asked Questions About GPSC Recruitment 2026
What is the last date to apply for GPSC Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for GPSC Recruitment 2026 (Advt. 42–56/2026-27) is October 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM on the official GPSC OJAS portal. Candidates paying the fee via Post Office Challan get one additional day — October 9, 2026, during Post Office working hours.
How many total vacancies are there in GPSC Recruitment 2026?
A total of 26 vacancies have been announced across 15 advertisements under GPSC Recruitment 2026. These span Class 1 and Class 2 posts including Marine Engineer, Engineer Surveyor, Port Officer, Pilot Officer, Naval Architect, Assistant Port Officer, Manager Grade-1, Assistant Director, Junior Architect, and Joint Director of Horticulture.
What is the salary for GPSC Marine Engineer 2026?
The GPSC Marine Engineer post (Advt. 42/2026-27) carries a 7th CPC Level-12 pay scale of Rs.78,800–2,09,200 per month. The Engineer Surveyor post (Advt. 43) is one level higher at Level-13, with pay of Rs.1,23,100–2,15,900 per month.
Can I edit my GPSC 2026 application after submitting it?
Yes. The GPSC OJAS system allows candidates to edit their submitted application using the “Edit” option under the “Online Application” menu, right up to the final deadline of October 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM. No edits are permitted after this deadline. If multiple applications are submitted for the same advertisement, only the last confirmed one is considered valid.
What is the selection process for GPSC Class 1 posts in 2026?
The GPSC Recruitment 2026 selection process comprises three stages: (1) Preliminary Test — a 300-mark objective exam (100 marks General Studies + 200 marks Subject-specific, tentatively on December 13, 2026); (2) Application Scrutiny and Document Verification for shortlisted candidates scoring above the 10% minimum threshold; and (3) Interview / Personality Test — the final merit list combines preliminary test and interview scores with equal weightage.
Is GPSC Recruitment 2026 only for Gujarat residents?
GPSC recruitment is open to candidates meeting the eligibility criteria; however, the examination is primarily conducted in Gujarati, and many posts have domicile-related reservation structures. Candidates from outside Gujarat can apply but should confirm domicile requirements in the specific advertisement. Age is calculated as of the application closing date of October 8, 2026.
Are there GPSC posts for Persons with Disabilities in 2026?
Yes. 9 out of 15 advertisements in GPSC Recruitment 2026 are part of Special Recruitment Drives exclusively for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). These include Advertisement Nos. 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 53, 54, 55, and 56. Each post specifies the type of disability eligible (e.g., Group A: Blindness or Low Vision). PwBD candidates must meet all other eligibility criteria and the disability suitability conditions stated in the respective notification.
What documents are required for the GPSC 2026 application?
For the online application, candidates must upload a passport-size photograph and specimen signature in specified formats. For age proof, only the SSCE Certificate showing date of birth is accepted — no other document is valid. SEBC candidates must upload the Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (Parishisht-K / Parishisht-4 in Gujarati). EWS candidates need the Annexure-KH / Parishisht-G certificate issued under Gujarat Government resolution dated January 25, 2019.
What is the preliminary exam date for GPSC Recruitment 2026?
The tentative date for the Preliminary Test (Part-I: General Studies) is December 13, 2026. Part-II (Subject-specific paper) dates vary by post: January 23, 2027 (for some posts), January 28, 2027, February 3, 2027, February 6, 2027, and February 7, 2027. All preliminary test dates are subject to final confirmation by GPSC — always check gpsc.gujarat.gov.in for the official schedule.
Last Updated: September 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest GPSC Recruitment 2026 updates. Always verify details at the official GPSC website before applying.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All recruitment data is sourced from the official GPSC notification (Advt. 42–56/2026-27) dated September 23, 2026. Agrijob.in is not an official government website. Verify all salary figures, vacancy counts, eligibility criteria, and dates at gpsc.gujarat.gov.in before applying.
