ITAT Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for Senior Private Secretary & Private Secretary Posts, Salary, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Selection Process

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India has invited online applications from eligible Indian citizens for recruitment to the posts of Senior Private Secretary (SPS) and Private Secretary (PS) at various ITAT Benches across the country.

According to the vacancy circular dated 18 July 2026, the recruitment is for 42 existing as well as anticipated vacancies, including 22 Senior Private Secretary posts and 20 Private Secretary posts. Candidates can apply online through the ITAT recruitment portal.

The posts are Group 'B' Gazetted positions and offer attractive Central Government pay scales under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).

ITAT Recruitment 2026 – Overview

ITAT has stated that the number of vacancies is likely to increase further due to revival of vacancies. Consequently, the reservation-wise vacancy distribution may also change.

ITAT Vacancy 2026

A total of 42 vacancies have been notified for the two posts.

Senior Private Secretary Vacancy

There are 22 vacancies for Senior Private Secretary.

Private Secretary Vacancy

There are 20 vacancies for Private Secretary.

The vacancy figures are provisional and may increase depending upon the revival of vacancies. The reservation-wise distribution may also be revised accordingly.

ITAT Recruitment 2026 – Post-Wise Vacancy Summary

ITAT Recruitment 2026 Salary / Pay Scale

Both posts are Group 'B' Gazetted positions, but they carry different Pay Matrix levels.

Senior Private Secretary Salary

The Senior Private Secretary post carries:

Pay Level-8

₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100

as per the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix.

Private Secretary Salary

The Private Secretary post carries:

Pay Level-7

₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400

as per the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix.

Salary Comparison

The notification specifies the Pay Matrix scale but does not provide a fixed monthly in-hand salary. Actual monthly salary will depend on applicable Central Government allowances and deductions.

ITAT Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the Senior Private Secretary or Private Secretary posts must satisfy the prescribed educational and technical requirements.

The eligibility requirements are the same for both posts according to the vacancy circular.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess:

1. Graduation Degree

A Degree from a recognised University or equivalent is required.

Candidates should have valid documentary proof of their graduation qualification.

2. English Shorthand Speed

Candidates must possess:

120 words per minute (WPM) in English Shorthand.

This is an important skill requirement for both posts.

3. Computer Knowledge

Candidates should have working knowledge of computers, including the ability to operate software such as:

• Microsoft Office

• Microsoft Excel

• Page-makers

ITAT Recruitment 2026 Age Limit

The maximum age for applying for the posts is:

35 Years

The vacancy circular states that the age of all candidates applying for these posts should not exceed 35 years.

Age Relaxation

Standard age relaxation will be applicable to eligible categories according to the instructions/orders issued by the Central Government from time to time.

This includes applicable relaxation for:

• SC candidates

• ST candidates

• OBC candidates

• Government servants

Important Age Cut-Off Date

The crucial date for determining the age limit is:

The 30th day from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News.

The same crucial date applies to candidates residing in the specified North-Eastern areas, Ladakh, certain areas of Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Note: The notification does not specify a fixed calendar date for the age cut-off because it is linked to the publication date of the advertisement in Employment News.

ITAT Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

The selection process consists of three stages:

1. Written Examination

2. Skill Test

3. Personal Interview

The recruitment scheme is explicitly prescribed in the notification.

Selection Process

Written Examination
↓
Skill Test
↓
Personal Interview
↓
Final Merit List

Candidates must qualify in the written examination before their Skill Test is evaluated. Candidates shortlisted after the Skill Test will be called for the Personal Interview.

ITAT Written Examination Pattern 2026

The Written Examination consists of two papers, with a total of 200 marks.

Paper-I: General English

The General English paper carries 100 marks and includes:

• Essay writing – minimum 250 words

• Letter writing

• Precis writing

• Grammar

Paper-II: General Knowledge & Reasoning

The second paper carries 100 marks and includes:

• General Knowledge

• General Studies

• Logical Reasoning

• Current Affairs

ITAT Skill Test 2026

The Skill Test carries 100 marks.

Candidates will be tested on:

The skill test is particularly important because the job requires candidates to have strong shorthand and typing skills.

ITAT Personal Interview 2026

The Personal Interview carries:

75 Marks

Only candidates shortlisted after the Skill Test will be called for the Personal Interview. The date and venue of the interview will be notified later.

ITAT Minimum Qualifying Marks

The notification prescribes category-wise minimum qualifying marks for each paper as well as the aggregate of both written papers.

Candidates must meet both the individual-paper and aggregate qualifying requirements.

The Skill Test will be evaluated only for candidates who secure the prescribed minimum qualifying marks in the Written Examination.

How Final Merit Will Be Prepared

The notification states that the overall merit list will be prepared on the basis of the combined merit obtained by candidates in the Skill Test and Personal Interview.

Therefore, candidates should not focus only on the written examination. After qualifying in the written examination, performance in the Skill Test and Interview becomes crucial for final selection.

ITAT Examination Centres 2026

The Written Examination and Skill Test will be conducted at the following 9 stations:

Centre Choice

Candidates are required to choose two examination centres in order of preference.

However, ITAT reserves the right to cancel a particular examination centre if sufficient applications are not received for that station. In such a case, the candidate will have to appear at the second centre chosen by them.

Written Examination and Skill Test Medium

The Written Examination papers and Skill Test will be conducted in:

English Medium Only

This applies to:

• General English

• General Knowledge & Reasoning

• English Shorthand

• English Typing

ITAT Recruitment 2026 Application Process

Applications for the Senior Private Secretary and Private Secretary posts are to be submitted online only through the ITAT recruitment portal.

The vacancy circular states that applications can be submitted through:

itat.gov.in/recruitments

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1 – Visit the ITAT Recruitment Portal

Visit the official ITAT recruitment page and locate the vacancy circular for Senior Private Secretary / Private Secretary Recruitment 2026-27.

Step 2 – Read the Notification

Before filling out the form, carefully check:

• Educational qualification

• Shorthand speed

• Computer knowledge

• Age eligibility

• Category requirements

• Examination centres

• Required documents

Step 3 – Complete the Online Application

Enter the required personal, educational and other information in the online application form.

Candidates applying for both Senior Private Secretary and Private Secretary do not need to submit separate applications.

The notification specifically states that a candidate wishing to apply for both posts should submit a single application. A single examination will be conducted for both posts.

Step 4 – Upload Required Documents

Self-attested copies of the prescribed documents must be uploaded along with the online application.

Step 5 – Select Examination Centres

Candidates should select two examination centres in order of preference.

Step 6 – Submit the Application

Review all information carefully and submit the application online within the prescribed period.

Documents Required for ITAT Recruitment Application

Candidates need to upload self-attested copies of the applicable documents.

Candidates should ensure that the documents are properly self-attested and support the information entered in the application.

ITAT Recruitment 2026 – Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted:

Within 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News

The notification specifies that applications will be accepted through online mode only.

Because the closing date is linked to the Employment News publication date rather than a fixed date in the vacancy circular, candidates should check the official ITAT recruitment portal for the exact closing date and any subsequent updates.

Can Candidates Apply for Both Posts?

Yes.

Candidates interested in both Senior Private Secretary and Private Secretary can apply for both posts through one application.

ITAT will conduct a single examination for both posts.

The post offered will depend on the candidate's rank in the consolidated merit list.

This is an important point because candidates do not need to submit two separate applications.

ITAT Recruitment 2026 Disqualification

Applications may be rejected if they are:

• Incomplete

• Not supported by self-attested documents relating to age or educational qualifications

• Missing required caste/non-creamy layer/disability/EWS certificates

• Submitted by applicants against whom a criminal case is pending

Candidates found to be involved in malpractice or canvassing will also have their candidature rejected.

ITAT Recruitment 2026 Probation Period

Selected candidates will be placed on probation for:

2 Years

The probation period begins from the date of joining the post.

ITAT Recruitment 2026 Posting

Selected candidates are liable to be posted at:

Any Bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal across India

Therefore, candidates should be prepared for an all-India posting after selection.

TA/DA for Examination and Interview

Generally, candidates are not entitled to TA/DA for appearing in:

• Written Examination

• Skill Test

• Personal Interview

However, eligible SC/ST candidates who are not already employed in specified Government/PSU/local government institutions etc. may be reimbursed to-and-fro 2nd Class Ordinary/Sleeper Class railway fare or bus fare by the shortest route, subject to Government of India guidelines and production of tickets.

Communication with Candidates

ITAT will communicate important recruitment-related information through:

• Email

• Official ITAT website

This includes:

• Application discrepancies

• Written Examination admit card

• Skill Test admit card

• Personal Interview call letter

• General recruitment notifications

• Final result information

Candidates are advised to regularly check their registered email address and the official ITAT website.

ITAT Recruitment 2026 – Important Highlights

Important Points for Applicants

• The recruitment is being conducted by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal under the Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India.

• There are 42 notified vacancies for Senior Private Secretary and Private Secretary.

• The vacancy numbers may increase because ITAT has mentioned the possibility of revival/addition of vacancies.

• Both posts require a recognised University degree or equivalent.

• Candidates need 120 WPM English shorthand speed.

• Candidates must have working knowledge of computers and applications such as Microsoft Office and Excel.

• The maximum age is 35 years, subject to applicable relaxation.

• The written examination has 200 marks.

• The Skill Test carries 100 marks.

• The Personal Interview carries 75 marks.

• The Skill Test is evaluated only for candidates who qualify in the written examination.

• Final merit is based on the combined performance in the Skill Test and Personal Interview.

• Candidates applying for both posts need to submit only one application.

• Candidates can select two examination centres in order of preference.

• Selected candidates will undergo 2 years of probation.

• Posting can be at any ITAT Bench across India.

ITAT Recruitment 2026 – Important Links

Official Notification / Recruitment Portal

Download Official ITAT Recruitment Notification

Apply Online

Apply Online for ITAT Recruitment 2026

Note: The notification specifies the ITAT recruitment portal at itat.gov.in/recruitments as the online application portal.

Helpful Tools for Applicants

Applicants can use the following tools while checking eligibility and preparing their application documents.

Age Calculator

Calculate your exact age according to the applicable recruitment cut-off date.

Age Calculator

Date Calculator

Useful for calculating dates and determining application deadlines or eligibility periods.

Date Calculator

Photo Resizer / Editor

Resize and edit your photograph before uploading it to an online recruitment application.

Photo Resizer / Editor

ITAT Recruitment 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions

How many vacancies are available in ITAT Recruitment 2026?

There are 42 notified vacancies: 22 for Senior Private Secretary and 20 for Private Secretary.

What is the salary of Senior Private Secretary in ITAT?

The Senior Private Secretary post carries Pay Level-8, with a pay scale of ₹47,600 to ₹1,51,100 under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.

What is the salary of Private Secretary in ITAT?

The Private Secretary post carries Pay Level-7, with a pay scale of ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400 under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.

What is the educational qualification?

Candidates must possess a Degree from a recognised University or equivalent.

Is shorthand required?

Yes. Candidates must have a speed of 120 words per minute in English Shorthand.

Is computer knowledge required?

Yes. Candidates must have working knowledge of computers and software such as Microsoft Office, Excel or Page-makers.

What is the maximum age for ITAT Recruitment 2026?

The maximum age is 35 years, with standard Central Government age relaxation applicable to eligible categories.

What is the ITAT selection process?

The selection process consists of Written Examination, Skill Test and Personal Interview.

What is the ITAT written exam pattern?

There are two 100-mark papers: General English and General Knowledge & Reasoning, making the written examination worth 200 marks in total.

What is the Skill Test?

The Skill Test carries 100 marks and tests English Shorthand at 120 WPM and English Typing at 45 WPM.

Can I apply for both Senior Private Secretary and Private Secretary?

Yes. Candidates interested in both posts need to submit one application only. A single examination will be conducted, and the post will be offered according to the candidate's rank in the consolidated merit list.

Where will selected candidates be posted?

Selected candidates are liable to be posted at any Bench of ITAT across India.

What is the probation period?

The selected candidates will remain on probation for 2 years from the date of joining.

The ITAT Recruitment 2026 provides an opportunity for graduates with strong English shorthand and computer skills to join the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India as Senior Private Secretary or Private Secretary.

With 42 notified vacancies, Group 'B' Gazetted status, and Pay Level-8 and Level-7 salary structures, these posts offer an attractive Central Government career opportunity. Candidates should pay particular attention to the 120 WPM English shorthand requirement, written examination qualifying marks and subsequent Skill Test and Interview.

Candidates interested in both posts can submit a single online application, and the final post will be determined based on the consolidated merit position. Applicants should carefully check the official ITAT recruitment portal for the exact application closing date linked to the Employment News publication and any subsequent updates.