The Defence Quality Assurance office in Kanpur is hiring 32 ITI-qualified technicians, and every application has to go by post. There is no online form. Eleven posts are Technician (Skilled) and 21 are Technician (Semi Skilled), spread over Kanpur (24 posts), Shahjahanpur (5) and New Delhi (3). These are regular Group C jobs under the Ministry of Defence, with a probation period (a trial period before the job is made permanent) of two years. The advertisement came out in Employment News, 17–23 October 2026, and gives 21 days to apply.
Controllerate of Quality Assurance (General Stores), Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence
Notification / Advertisement No.
Advertisement No. CQA (GS)/2026/1
Location
Uttar Pradesh (Kanpur and Shahjahanpur) and Delhi (New Delhi)
Total Vacancies
32 (Skilled 11, Semi Skilled 21)
Qualification
10th pass plus ITI in the trade (Skilled posts also need 1 year of trade experience)
dgqadefence.gov.in (department website, for updates; the notification has no online application)
Important Dates
Event
Date
Advertisement published in Employment News
17.10.2026 (issue dated 17–23 October 2026)
Last date to apply (21 days from publication)
06.11.2026
Last date for remote areas (28 days from publication)
13.11.2026
Date for checking age limit
The closing date (06.11.2026; 13.11.2026 for remote areas)
Written test date, time and venue
Printed on the admit card sent by post; test is held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
The notification gives no calendar date. It says the last date is 21 days from the day the advertisement was published in Employment News (28 days for the remote areas below). We counted from 17.10.2026, the first day of the issue. If your copy of the issue is dated differently, count 21 days from that date.
The 28-day window is for people living in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Lahaul and Spiti, the Pangi sub-division of Chamba (Himachal Pradesh), the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Application Fee
Item
Detail
Application fee
Not specified in notification
Postage stamp on the self-addressed envelope
Rs 60 (the envelope is for sending you the admit card)
Vacancy Details
Technician (Skilled) – 11 posts
Unit
UR
OBC
SC
ST
EWS
Total
CQA (GS), Kanpur
4
1
–
–
–
5
CQA (T and C), Kanpur
–
–
–
–
–
0
CQA (M), Kanpur
1
–
–
–
–
1
CQA (PP), Kanpur
–
–
–
–
–
0
SQAE (GS), Kanpur
–
1
1
–
–
2
SQAE (GS), New Delhi
–
–
–
–
–
0
SQAE (GS), Shahjahanpur
2
–
–
–
1
3
Total
7
2
1
0
1
11
Technician (Semi Skilled) – 21 posts
Unit
UR
OBC
SC
ST
EWS
Total
CQA (GS), Kanpur
3
–
–
–
–
3
CQA (T and C), Kanpur
3
–
–
–
–
3
CQA (M), Kanpur
1
1
–
–
1
3
CQA (PP), Kanpur
1
–
–
–
1
2
SQAE (GS), Kanpur
2
2
–
–
1
5
SQAE (GS), New Delhi
–
2
–
–
1
3
SQAE (GS), Shahjahanpur
–
1
1
–
–
2
Total
10
6
1
0
4
21
Horizontal reservation (a quota that cuts across the category columns above) is 10% for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and 10% for Agniveers on both posts. Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) get 4%, listed for the Semi Skilled posts only. The notification does not split the posts by trade; you pick one trade and one station on the form.
Eligibility Criteria
Criterion
Detail
Nationality
Only Indian nationals can apply
Education – Technician (Skilled)
Matriculation (10th pass) from a recognised board, plus an ITI pass certificate in the trade (or the matching Defence Services Tradesman Course approved by the Central or a State Government)
Experience – Technician (Skilled)
1 year in the same trade, from a recognised organisation or undertaking
Education – Technician (Semi Skilled)
10th pass, plus the same kind of ITI certificate in the trade. No experience is asked for
Skill test
You must qualify a departmental Trade Skill Test in the trade of the post
Good mental and physical health. Night blindness or colour blindness makes a candidate medically unfit for the post
Application restriction
One application per candidate, for one trade and one station
Cannot be appointed
Anyone who has married a person whose spouse is living (the Government can exempt a case), or who is convicted or under trial for criminal offences
Trades allowed on each post
Trade
Skilled
Semi Skilled
Computer Hardware and Networking
Yes
Yes
Computer Operator and Programming Assistant
Yes
Yes
Cutting and Sewing
Yes
Yes
Electrician
Yes
Yes
Fitter
Yes
Yes
Information Technology and Electronic System Maintenance
Yes
Yes
Instrument Mechanic
Yes
Yes
Machinist
Yes
–
Painter
Yes
Yes
Pattern Maker
Yes
–
Plumber
Yes
Yes
Refrigeration and Air Conditioner Mechanic
Yes
Yes
Tool and Die Maker, or Tools and Die (Jig and Fixture)
Yes
Yes
Book Binder
–
Yes
Carpenter
–
Yes
Maximum age as on the closing date
Category
Maximum age
UR / EWS
27 years
OBC
30 years
SC / ST
32 years
Ex-Servicemen (after taking off military service from your actual age) – UR
30 years
Ex-Servicemen – OBC
33 years
Ex-Servicemen – SC / ST
35 years
Agniveer – UR
32 years
Agniveer – OBC
35 years
Agniveer – SC / ST
37 years
Departmental Candidate with at least 3 years of continuous service – UR
40 years
Departmental Candidate – OBC
43 years
Departmental Candidate – SC / ST
45 years
PwBD
As per the relevant DoP and T (Department of Personnel and Training) guidelines
So if you are 29 and from OBC, you are inside the 30-year OBC limit. If you are 28, unreserved, and have no other relaxation, you are over the limit. The minimum age is 18 years on the closing date. A Departmental Candidate means someone already serving in the department.
Not sure whether you are within the age limit?
Enter your date of birth, the 06.11.2026 closing date and your category relaxation to see at once whether you fall inside the 27 year (UR / EWS), 30 year (OBC) or 32 year (SC / ST) limit.
This is a regular government job, not a contract. You start on a 2-year probation and are covered by the National Pension System (NPS) or the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), as the notification states.
Kanpur has 24 of the 32 posts, Shahjahanpur 5 and New Delhi 3 (all Semi Skilled). You choose one trade and one station on the form and cannot change it later, though DGQA can post you anywhere in India, including remote field locations.
A fresher with ITI can go for Semi Skilled, which has 21 posts and asks for no experience. Skilled needs a year of work in your trade on top of ITI.
The form must be typed, printed back to back and posted with several attachments. If you cannot get the envelope to Kanpur before the last date, this is not the job to wait on.
The written test is held in Kanpur only and the notification says no travel allowance or daily allowance is paid for the test.
Selection Process
Stage
Details
1. Scrutiny of applications
Forms are checked for qualification, age and documents. Late, unsigned or incomplete applications are rejected. Reserved-category candidature stays provisional until the certificates are verified.
2. Written test
Objective multiple choice test in one session (forenoon or afternoon) at Kanpur. No marks are cut for wrong answers. Questions follow the syllabus of 10th (Matriculation) of Central or State boards.
3. Shortlisting
Candidates are shortlisted on written test marks and category. Names of shortlisted candidates are published on the same day or the next day after the test.
4. Trade test
Shortlisted candidates take the departmental Trade Skill Test in the trade of their post.
5. Merit list
The merit list (the final ranking) is prepared on the marks obtained after the written test and trade test. A tie is broken by older date of birth, then higher marks in Numerical Aptitude, then higher marks in English Language and Comprehension.
6. Verification and appointment
Provisionally selected candidates show original certificates, go through a medical examination at a Government hospital, and have their character and antecedents (past record) checked before the appointment letter is issued.
In short: the written test decides who gets a trade test, and your final place comes from the marks after both. The notification does not say how many marks the trade test carries or whether it is only pass or fail. Passing both tests gives no right to the job until the Government is satisfied with your documents and enquiry.
Written test pattern
Part
Subject
Questions
Marks
Language
(i)
General Awareness
30
30
English and Hindi
(ii)
English Language and Comprehension
30
30
English only
(iii)
Numerical Aptitude
40
40
English only
Total
100
100
The notification does not state how long the test lasts.
Salary and Benefits
Component
Detail
Pay matrix
7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix
Technician (Semi Skilled)
Pay Level 1 – Rs 18,000 to 56,900 a month
Technician (Skilled)
Pay Level 2 – Rs 19,900 to 63,200 a month
Allowances and benefits
Pay as per the level, plus other benefits and allowances as admissible (the notification does not list them)
Pension
National Pension Scheme (NPS) or Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), as per Government of India rules
Probation
2 years at the start
Posting
Kanpur, New Delhi or Shahjahanpur; liable to serve anywhere in India, including field locations and remote areas
In plain terms, you start at Rs 18,000 a month (Semi Skilled) or Rs 19,900 (Skilled) before allowances. A Pay Level is the grade your job sits in on the Government pay table. Because the notification does not list the allowances, your in-hand pay depends on the rules that apply at your posting.
How to Apply
Type the Application Form (Appendix A of the notification) in English on A4 paper, Arial size 12, and print it on both sides. Do not write over or strike out anything.
Fill the Admit Card form (Appendix B) twice, and paste your photographs on the application and on both admit cards, as the notification explains.
Write your own address on a 30 cm by 12 cm envelope and stick a Rs 60 postage stamp on it. This envelope brings your admit card back to you.
Attach self-attested copies of your certificates and the signed Instructions for Examination (Appendix C). The table below lists everything.
Put it all in an envelope marked “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TECHNICIAN (SKILLED)” or “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF TECHNICIAN (SEMI SKILLED)”.
Post it by ordinary post or Speed Post to: The Controller, Controllerate of Quality Assurance (General Stores), DGQA Stores Complex, Ashok Path, Meerpur Cantt, Kanpur – 208004, Uttar Pradesh.
Note: applications that arrive after the due date are rejected, even if the delay was in the post. Online and emailed applications are not mentioned in the notification.
Documents Required
Document
Format / Notes
Application Form
Appendix A, typed in English on A4 paper
Admit Cards (2)
Appendix B, on A4 paper
Self-addressed envelope
30 cm by 12 cm, with a Rs 60 postal stamp
Passport size photographs (3)
Recent and coloured. One goes on the application form; two, self-signed, go on the admit cards. The photo must have been taken within one month before you apply, and the same photo must be used on the form and the admit card
NOC (No Objection Certificate)
For people in Government or public sector service. Send the application through your Head of Office with a certificate that no vigilance or disciplinary case is pending
Aadhaar card
Self-attested copy
Birth certificate
Self-attested copy
Educational and technical qualification
Self-attested copies (10th and ITI)
Experience certificate
Self-attested copy, if applicable (Skilled posts)
Caste certificate
OBC / SC / ST, self-attested, if applicable. OBC certificate in the format of Annexure II
EWS certificate
Self-attested, if applicable, in the format of Annexure IV, issued by the competent authority
Ex-Servicemen / Agniveer papers
Copy of e-PPO or discharge certificate, plus the undertaking in Annexure III
Central Government civilian employees
Certificate in Annexure I showing at least 3 years of continuous regular service, if you claim age relaxation
Instructions for Examination
Appendix C, signed by you
Important Links
Link
Open
Official Notification (Employment News, 17-23 October 2026)
Send only one application. If you send more than one, all of them are rejected without any reason being given.
Mention any higher qualification you hold (a diploma or a degree) on the form. The notification lists hiding it among the reasons for rejection, even though ITI is the minimum.
Do not strike out or write over entries, and type the form. Use the same photo on the form and the admit card, taken within one month before you apply.
If you work in a Government office or a public sector undertaking, send the application through proper channel with an NOC. An application without one is rejected at once.
Write the address on the self-addressed envelope carefully. DGQA is not responsible if the admit card does not reach you because of a wrong or overwritten address.
You cannot change your post or station after you apply, and a late postal delivery is not forgiven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for DGQA Technician Recruitment 2026? The notification gives 21 days from the Employment News advertisement, which works out to 06.11.2026, and 28 days (13.11.2026) for the remote areas it names.
How many posts are there? There are 32 posts: 11 Technician (Skilled) and 21 Technician (Semi Skilled), in Kanpur, New Delhi and Shahjahanpur.
What qualification is needed? You need to be 10th pass with an ITI certificate in the trade, and Skilled posts also need 1 year of experience in that trade.
What is the age limit? You must be at least 18 on the closing date, and the maximum is 27 for UR and EWS, 30 for OBC and 32 for SC and ST, with extra years for Ex-Servicemen, Agniveers and Departmental Candidates.
Is there an application fee? The notification mentions no application fee; you only pay for the Rs 60 stamp on your self-addressed envelope.
Can I apply online? No, the application must be sent by ordinary post or Speed Post to the Controller, CQA (GS), Meerpur Cantt, Kanpur – 208004.
How are candidates selected? You take a 100-mark multiple choice written test with no negative marking, then a trade test, and the merit list is made from your marks.
What is the salary? Semi Skilled technicians are paid Rs 18,000 to 56,900 a month (Pay Level 1) and Skilled technicians Rs 19,900 to 63,200 (Pay Level 2), plus allowances as admissible.
Disclaimer: The information above has been compiled from the official notification for the convenience of job seekers. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
