The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released a fresh recruitment notification for the year 2026, inviting eligible candidates to apply for 40 vacancies of Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Lower Division Clerk (LDC) posts. This job opportunity is on a deputation basis, offering attractive central government pay scales and a promising career move for government officers currently serving in similar roles across Central and State Government departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) or autonomous bodies.
In this comprehensive blog post, we break down all the key information you need — from eligibility criteria and selection process to important dates, salary details, and the step-by-step offline application process.
NIA Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Recruitment Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Investigation Agency (NIA) |
| Notification No. | E-78/001/Dep-DEO/NIA/2025/11880 |
| Posts | Data Entry Operator (DEO) & Lower Division Clerk (LDC) |
| Total Vacancies | 40 (35 DEO + 5 LDC) |
| Application Mode | Offline (Deputation Basis) |
| Job Type | Deputation |
| Application Start Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 06 April 2026 |
| Official Website | nia.gov.in |
| Salary Scale | Level 5 (DEO): ₹29,200–₹92,300 Level 2 (LDC): ₹19,900–₹63,200 |
This recruitment drive invites applications through offline mode, with eligible candidates required to send their complete nomination forms along with supporting documents via postal service well before the deadline.
Vacancy Distribution
The total 40 posts are divided as:
- 📊 Data Entry Operator (DEO) – 35 vacancies
- 📁 Lower Division Clerk (LDC) – 5 vacancies
Both posts are filled on a deputation basis, meaning candidates must currently be employed in equivalent posts with regular appointment in their parent department (Central/State Government, PSUs or autonomous bodies) before applying.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
📌 For Data Entry Operator (DEO)
- Candidates must be officers holding analogous posts on a regular basis in Central Government, State Government, PSUs or Autonomous Institutions.
- Must possess an ‘O’ Level or ‘A’ Level Certificate in Information Technology, recognized by the Government of India.
📌 For Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
- Officers should be working in analogous posts in their parent cadre on a regular basis.
- Must be 12th class pass from a recognized Board or equivalent.
These eligibility criteria ensure that only experienced and qualified government employees are considered for deputation to the National Investigation Agency. Aspiring applicants should carefully verify their eligibility before initiating the application process.
Age Limit
- The maximum age limit for appointment to both DEO and LDC posts on deputation basis shall not exceed 56 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications. Age relaxation may be applicable in accordance with government deputation norms.
Pay Scale & Benefits
NIA offers competitive pay scales as per the Government of India’s Pay Matrix:
| Post | Pay Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) | Level 2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
These salary structures include admissible allowances and benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) and other government perks as per applicable rules.
Important Dates
To make sure you don’t miss this opportunity, here are the key dates:
- 🗓 Notification Release & Application Start: 20 February 2026
- 📮 Last Date to Submit Offline Application: 06 April 2026
All applications must physically reach the designated NIA address before the last date. Delayed or late submissions are likely to be rejected without consideration.
Selection Process
Since this recruitment is conducted on a deputation basis, the selection process is not through written exams or interviews. Instead, it involves:
- ❗ Screening of Eligibility Criteria
- 📂 Verification of Documents and employment records
- 📑 Assessment of Service Records and Experience
Career progression will be as per deputation norms of the Government of India. Candidates must provide accurate and complete information to avoid rejection during the evaluation process.
How to Apply Offline for NIA Recruitment 2026
The application process is simple but must be followed carefully:
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Download Official Notification: Visit the official NIA website at https://nia.gov.in/ and download the detailed notification & proforma (Annexure-II).
- Prepare Bio-Data: Fill in the personal and professional details in the prescribed proforma.
- Collect Required Documents: Attach self-attested photocopies of the following:
- Service records and appointment orders
- APAR dossier (2020-21 to 2024-25)
- Vigilance Clearance Certificate
- Integrity Certificate
- Penalty details (if any)
- Educational qualification proof (e.g., 12th pass/IT certificate)
- Get Through Proper Channel: The nomination must be forwarded through the parent department with necessary endorsements.
- Address & Submission: Send the complete application package by registered post / speed post to the following address: SP (Adm), NIA HQ
Opposite CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi – 110003, India - Ensure Timely Receipt: Ensure the application reaches the NIA headquarters on or before 06 April 2026. Late submissions are not accepted.
Documents Checklist
- Bio-data in prescribed proforma
- APAR dossier (last 5 years)
- Vigilance Clearance Certificate
- Integrity Certificate
- Penalty/Disciplinary record details
- Educational certificates (12th/‘O’/’A’ level)
- Service records and appointment orders
Final Thoughts & Job Outlook
The NIA Recruitment 2026 for 40 DEO and LDC posts offers an excellent deputation opportunity for eligible government officers seeking new challenges in a premier central investigative agency. With competitive allowances, satisfactory pay scales, and the respect of working in a national agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, this drive is an ideal career progression step for deserving candidates.
Keep your documents ready, verify your eligibility thoroughly, and submit your offline application well before 06 April 2026 to avoid last-minute rush and rejection. Best of luck!
