The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has officially notified new recruitment rules for the post of Junior Accounts Officer (JAO) in the MSME Development Organisation, replacing the earlier rules formulated in 1988. 

The changes come as part of a broader restructuring to streamline recruitment procedures and ensure enhanced administrative efficiency in the MSME sector, which plays a pivotal role in India’s economic growth.

Key Highlights of the Notification:

• Number of Posts: 12 (subject to workload variation)
• Classification: General Central Service, Group ‘B’, Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial
• Pay Scale: Level-6 in the pay matrix (₹35,400–₹1,12,400)
• Recruitment Method: Primarily by promotion; if not feasible, then by deputation
• Direct Recruitment: Not applicable under current rules

Promotion Criteria:
Eligible candidates for promotion must be Upper Division Clerks (UDC) with ten years of regular service in Level-4 pay matrix and must have completed training in Cash and Accounts from a recognized institute such as the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM).

For current UDCs as of the notification date, the qualifying service period for promotion has been reduced to eight years.

Deputation Guidelines:
Officers from other central government departments may be considered for deputation if they:

• Hold analogous posts or have six years of service in Level-5, or ten years in Level-4,
• Have completed the required Cash and Accounts training,
• Possess a minimum of two years’ experience in cash, accounts, and budget handling.

The deputation term is limited to three years and the upper age limit is capped at 56 years at the time of application.

Selection Committees:
The selection and confirmation processes will be managed by Group ‘B’ Departmental Promotion and Confirmation Committees, chaired by senior officials including the Additional or Joint Development Commissioner (Administration).

No Consultation with UPSC Required:
Recruitment under these revised rules will not necessitate consultation with the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), thereby expediting the appointment process.

Notification Details

Notification No. : F. No. A.12018/1/2017-A(NG)

Date: 24th July, 2025

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