Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 1 Consultant - Policy Planning & Research Posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline by sending the application form to the official address. The last date to submit the application is 03-03-2026.
In this article, you'll find the Consultant - Policy Planning & Research recruitment details, including eligibility criteria, age limit, salary structure, selection process, application procedure, and direct links to the official notification and application form download.
Quick Overview
| Company Name | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) |
| Post Name | Consultant - Policy Planning & Research Division |
| No of Posts | 1 |
| Qualification | Post Graduate + Domain expertise in International Affairs/Public Policy |
| Salary | Up to ₹10,00,000/- per annum (subject to experience) |
| Last Date | 03.03.2026 (5:30 PM) |
| Apply Mode | Offline (Post) / Online (Email) |
| Job Type | Contract (1 Year, Extendable) |
| Official Website | mea.gov.in |
Notification PDF
Ministry of External Affairs Consultant Vacancy 2026 Notification PDF
For complete details of the recruitment including application proforma (Annexure-I), eligibility criteria, and additional instructions, download the official notification PDF.
Vacancy Details
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is recruiting 1 Consultant for the Policy Planning & Research (PP&R) Division on a contractual basis for 1 year. The engagement is extendable based on performance assessment and organizational requirement. This is a specialized position requiring domain expertise in international affairs and public policy.
| Position | No. of Posts | Contract Period | Job Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultant - Policy Planning & Research Division | 1 | 1 Year (Extendable) | New Delhi (MEA) |
Eligibility Criteria
Essential Qualifications
- Nationality: Must be an Indian national
- Educational Qualification: Post Graduate from a recognized university in India or abroad
- Age: Between 35-45 years as on the last date of application submission (03.03.2026)
- Domain Expertise: Specialized knowledge in International Affairs/Public Policy with evidence of:
- Original thinking or peer-reviewed publications
- Content writing in journals, newspapers, or media reports
- Work experience in reputed universities, think-tanks, or research organizations
- Writing & Presentation: Evidence of wide-ranging experience in writing and presentation skills
- Government Experience: Previous experience in any Ministry/Department of Government of India is a strong advantage
Desirable Qualifications
- Previous experience in the Ministry of External Affairs
- Knowledge of foreign languages
- Prior experience in administrative/HR work
- Subject expertise with Post Graduate research focus or PhD in areas such as:
- International trade and economy
- Human rights and democracy
- Climate diplomacy
- Immigration and digital diplomacy
- Strategic and security matters
- Defence diplomacy
- Work experience in reputed academic institutions or international think-tanks
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Released | 09.02.2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 03.03.2026 (5:30 PM) |
| Shortlisting & Interview | To be notified via email |
| Contract Period | 1 Year (Extendable) |
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed by MEA and eligible candidates will be shortlisted
- Shortlisted candidates will appear for written test and/or interview as deemed necessary
- Interview will be conducted at MEA office premises in New Delhi
- Date, time, and venue details will be communicated via email to shortlisted candidates
- No Travel Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be provided to candidates for attending the interview
- The decision of the Government regarding selection will be final and binding
- All shortlisted candidates must provide supporting documents and educational certificates
Salary/Remuneration
- Consolidated Remuneration: Up to ₹10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakh only) per annum, subject to experience and profile of the selected candidate
- Salary Structure: Remuneration is commensurate with qualifications and experience; amount shall remain unchanged during the term of engagement
- Tax Deduction: Applicable taxes will be deducted from the remuneration
- No Additional Benefits: No benefits like Provident Fund, Pension, Gratuity, Medical Attendance/Treatment, Seniority, Promotion, or other benefits available to regular employees will be provided
- No HRA: House Rent Allowance is not admissible
- Working Hours: Full-time engagement with normal working hours from 09:00 AM to 5:30 PM (subject to change from time to time)
- Leave Entitlement: Paid leave at the rate of 1.5 days per completed month; no leave shall be claimed as a matter of right and maximum leave is restricted to 10 days at a time
- Travel Benefits: Ministry will cover travel, accommodation, and per-diem for official travel as per guidelines
How to Apply
Eligibility Check
- Ensure you meet all Essential Qualifications mentioned above
- Verify your age falls within 35-45 years as on 03.03.2026
- Prepare supporting documents for all educational qualifications and work experience
Application Submission
- Download the Application Proforma (Annexure-I) from the official notification PDF
- Fill the application form completely and accurately with all details
- Attach required supporting documents:
- Educational qualification certificates
- Employment history with proof
- Copies of publications or relevant work samples
- Passport-size photograph
- Submit application through ANY ONE of the following modes:
- OFFLINE MODE: Send by registered post in an envelope labeled "Application for the position of Consultant in PP&R Division of Ministry of External Affairs" to:
Under Secretary (PF&PG)
Ministry of External Affairs
Room No. 4071, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan
23-D, Janpath, New Delhi-110011 - ONLINE MODE: Send via email with subject clearly mentioning your name and the position:
Email: [email protected]
- OFFLINE MODE: Send by registered post in an envelope labeled "Application for the position of Consultant in PP&R Division of Ministry of External Affairs" to:
- Ensure application is received by 03.03.2026 at 5:30 PM (only registered post or email timestamp will be considered)
- Incomplete applications or those without supporting documents will be summarily rejected
Important Links
- 📄 Official Notification with Application Proforma (Annexure-I)
- 🌐 Ministry of External Affairs Official Website
- Email for Queries: [email protected]
- Address: Ministry of External Affairs, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, New Delhi-110011
- Advt No: Q/PF/575/56/2025 dated 09.02.2026
FAQs
Q1: What is the nature of duties for the Consultant - PP&R Division position?
A: The Consultant will work as a domain expert on International Relations and Policy. Responsibilities include preparation of briefs and reports, analysis of geopolitical and geoeconomic trends, content generation on foreign policy issues, summarizing published materials, reviewing policy documents, attending seminars, conducting research on foreign policy topics, preparing speeches and presentations, and other tasks assigned by the Head of Division.
Q2: What are the essential qualifications required?
A: Applicants must be Indian nationals with a Post Graduate degree from a recognized university. They must have specialized domain knowledge in International Affairs or Public Policy with evidence of original thinking, peer-reviewed publications, media contributions, or work experience in reputed universities/think-tanks. They should also have wide-ranging experience in writing and presentation skills.
Q3: What is the age limit for this position?
A: Candidates must be in the age group of 35-45 years as on the last date of application submission (03.03.2026).
Q4: How much is the salary for this Consultant position?
A: The remuneration package is commensurate with experience and profile, subject to a maximum of ₹10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakh only) per annum. The amount remains unchanged during the engagement term. Applicable taxes will be deducted.
Q5: What benefits are provided to the Consultant?
A: The engagement is strictly contractual and does not provide benefits like Provident Fund, Pension, Gratuity, Medical Treatment, Seniority, or Promotion. However, paid leave (1.5 days per completed month) is allowed up to 10 days at a time. Travel costs for official duties are covered by MEA.
Q6: What is the contract period and is it extendable?
A: The initial contract period is 1 (one) year. It can be extended further depending on performance assessment, mutual willingness, and organizational requirement. The contract can be terminated by either side with one month's notice or payment of one month's pay in lieu.
Q7: What are the working hours for this position?
A: Normal working hours are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (full-time basis). The Consultant may be required to work beyond office hours and/or on holidays/weekends as per work exigencies. No extra allowance is provided for such work.
Q8: Can I apply if I don't have prior government experience?
A: Yes, prior government experience is desirable but not mandatory. However, you must have specialized domain knowledge in International Affairs/Public Policy with evidence of publications, writing, or work in reputed organizations. Previous experience in any Ministry or Department of Government of India is considered a strong advantage.
Q9: What is the last date to submit the application and what are the submission modes?
A: The last date for receiving applications is 03.03.2026 at 5:30 PM. Applications can be submitted through: (1) Offline Mode - By registered post to the MEA address, or (2) Online Mode - By email to [email protected]. Incomplete applications or those without supporting documents will be rejected.
Q10: Will I be eligible if I have specialized knowledge in specific areas like climate diplomacy or digital diplomacy?
A: Yes, absolutely! Subject expertise in areas such as international trade and economy, human rights, democracy, climate diplomacy, immigration, digital and cyber diplomacy, strategic and security matters, or defence diplomacy is considered highly desirable for this position.
Q11: How will candidates be informed about the interview schedule?
A: MEA will review all applications and shortlist eligible candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be intimated via email with the date, time, and venue of the interview. Applicants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements, and no Travel Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will be provided.
Q12: Are there any restrictions on accepting other employment while working as a Consultant?
A: Yes, the Consultant shall not accept any other professional appointment, paid or otherwise, in the government or private sector or in any other organization during the term of engagement with MEA. This is a full-time position requiring exclusive engagement.