How to Secure a Job in the Election Commission: Qualifications and Requirements Explained
In Brief
What positions are available in the Election Commission?
How to get a job?
What is the salary in the Election Commission?
The Bihar Assembly Election 2025 has been announced. Voting will take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, and the counting of votes will be done on November 14, with the results being declared. If you are also considering getting a job in the Election Commission, you will definitely have an opportunity. Working in the Election Commission is not just a government job but an honorable opportunity to strengthen democracy. Let's find out how to get a job there. What are the positions? How is the selection done? And what is the salary? You will definitely find detailed answers to all these questions here.
What positions are there in the Election Commission?
There are various types of positions in the ECI. People working in these positions conduct the election process. The most important positions include the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners. They are appointed based on the recommendation of the selection committee of the President. The Prime Minister is the chairman of this committee. The tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner is 6 years or until the age of 65.
Administrative positions: Section Officer, Assistant, Junior Secretariat Assistant.
Technical/Support positions: Data Entry Operator (DEO), Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), Stenographer, Research Assistant, Librarian.
Others: Staff Car Driver, Canteen Staff, Field Officer (contractual), Electoral Assistant.
Individuals who have passed the 10th grade or are graduates can apply for positions like DEO and MTS. These positions are at the Delhi headquarters and state level, and sometimes temporary staff is required during elections.
How to get a job?
Getting a job at ECI is not easy, but it is systematic. Selection is done through three main methods:
1) Direct Recruitment: Some positions are filled through UPSC, SSC, or State PSC. This requires a written exam, skill test (such as typing), and an interview. For example, a degree and 35 WPM typing speed are required for DEO, and matriculation is required for MTS.
2) For Contractual/Temporary Positions: A degree is required for positions like Field Officer or Election Assistant, and selection is based on interviews. Recruitment for these positions is also done through agencies like BECIL.
3) Deputation/Transfer: Some officers are appointed from IAS, state officers, or central services.
What is the eligibility?
Each position has different qualifications. A graduate/postgraduate degree is required for DEO, while passing matriculation is necessary for MTS. Speaking of skills, some positions require communication, teamwork, computer (MS Office, Excel), data handling, and GIS/mapping skills. The age limit for most positions is 30 to 35 years. A relaxation of 5 years is given for Scheduled Castes/Tribes, 3 years for Other Backward Classes, and 10 years for persons with disabilities. Recruitment notifications are issued from time to time on the ECI website (eci.gov.in) or SSC/UPSC portal for these positions. Selection is based on merit, examination, and interview. A government job provides permanent security and also opens doors for promotion through contracts.
What is the salary?
The salary is given based on the 7th CPC by the Election Commission. Speaking of the initial salary, an assistant receives 44,900 rupees, a section officer receives 47,600, a DEO receives 23,082 to 25,500 (25,500-81,100 under BECIL), and an MTS receives 17,494 to 20-22 thousand. Similarly, a staff car driver receives about 20 thousand and an election assistant (contractual) receives 25 to 30 thousand. Additionally, HRA, TA, pension, and medical facilities are also available.