KPSC Child Development Project Officer Recruitment 2026
📅 Posted: 30/05/2026 📝 Updated: 31/05/2026
Total VacancyAnticipated
Salary₹50,200 – ₹1,05,300 [Approx. ₹72,000-₹82,000/Month Gross]
LocationKerala
Last Date01/07/2026
Short Information: The Kerala Public Service Commission has notified recruitment for Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) under the Women and Child Development Department, Kerala — a post reserved exclusively for women candidates. Vacancies are Anticipated. The pay scale is ₹50,200 – ₹1,05,300 per month, approximately ₹72,000 to ₹82,000 gross monthly — one of the better-paying Group B posts for women in Kerala state service. The qualification requires a Master's degree in Home Science, Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology from a recognised university. A Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work (recognised by Government of India or Kerala) is a preferential qualification. The age limit is 25 to 45 years (born between 02 January 1981 and 01 January 2001) — note the minimum age of 25, which is higher than most posts. Standard SC/ST/OBC relaxations apply. Selected candidates must undergo a 3-month mandatory training and pass departmental tests (Account Test Lower/Executive Officers and Manual of Office Procedure) during probation. Last date: 01 July 2026. Category No. 25/2026.
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KPSC Child Development Project Officer 2026 2026Important Dates
| Notification Released (Gazette Date) | 30/05/2026 |
| Application Begin | 30/05/2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 01/07/2026 (12:00 Midnight) |
| Exam Date | To be notified |
KPSC Child Development Project Officer 2026 2026Application Fee
| All Candidates | ₹0 |
Payment: No Fee Required
KPSC Child Development Project Officer Recruitment 2026Vacancy Details & Age Limit
Age Limit: 25-45 Years (Born between 02/01/1981 and 01/01/2001) — Women Only
(SC/ST: Usual relaxation as per KPSC rules, OBC: Usual relaxation as per KPSC rules, Note: This post is exclusively for women candidates)
| Post Name | Total Post | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development Project Officer | Anticipated |
|
| Note: Exclusively for female candidates. 4% DA reservation as per G.O (P) No. 5/2023/SJD and G.O (P) No. 11/2025/SJD. | ||
Recruitment Table: Vacancy Details (Category No. 25/2026 — Women Only)
| Department | Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Women and Child Development Department | Child Development Project Officer | Anticipated |
| Note:Vacancies to be updated as departments report. Women Only post. | ||
KPSC Child Development Project Officer 2026Eligibility Criteria
- Post is reserved exclusively for women candidates.
- Master's Degree in Home Science, Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology from a recognised University.
- Preferential: Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work recognised by Government of India or Government of Kerala.
- Age: 25–45 years (women). Born between 02/01/1981 and 01/01/2001.
- SC/ST and OBC women get standard KPSC age relaxation.
- Must register under KPSC One Time Registration (OTR) scheme.
KPSC Child Development Project Officer 2026Pay Scale / Salary Structure
| Post Name | Salary Level |
|---|---|
| Child Development Project Officer | ₹50,200 – ₹1,05,300 (Approx. ₹72,000-₹82,000/Month Gross) |
KPSC Child Development Project Officer 2026Selection Process Steps
- OMR / Written Examination
- Certificate Verification
- 3-Month Mandatory Training (post-selection)
- Medical Examination
KPSC Child Development Project Officer 2026Detailed Exam Pattern
Recruitment Details: Expected Exam Overview (Based on KPSC Pattern for WCD Department Posts)
- Mode: OMR-based Written Examination.
- Syllabus Level: Master's degree level — Social Work, Child Development, Women Welfare.
- Negative Marking: No negative marking mentioned in official notification.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Medium: English / Malayalam.
KPSC Child Development Project Officer 2026Subject-wise Syllabus Topics
Expected syllabus for CDPO exam based on KPSC pattern for Women and Child Development Department posts at PG level.
📚 Child Development & ICDS
- ICDS programme structure and components
- Child nutrition and health
- Anganwadi operations and management
- Early childhood education
📚 Women Welfare & Social Work
- Women empowerment schemes
- Domestic violence and POCSO Act
- SHG and microfinance for women
- Social case work and community organisation
📚 Health & Nutrition
- Maternal and child health
- Anaemia and malnutrition control
- Breastfeeding and complementary feeding guidelines
📚 Kerala Government Schemes
- WCD Kerala schemes
- National missions for women and children
- Kudumbashree and MNREGS linkages
📚 Administrative Skills
- Office administration basics
- Account test fundamentals
- Government file and correspondence procedures
KPSC Child Development Project Officer 2026How to Apply
- Only female candidates are eligible.
- Visit www.keralapsc.gov.in and register/log in under OTR.
- Click 'Apply Now' for Category No. 25/2026.
- Verify Master's degree is from UGC-recognised university.
- Upload recent photograph with name and date at bottom.
- Submit application (no fee). Keep printout.
Recruitment Note: About Women and Child Development Department, Kerala
The Women and Child Development (WCD) Department of Kerala is responsible for implementing programmes for the empowerment of women and the holistic development of children under six years. Established under the Social Justice Department umbrella, WCD Kerala administers the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the Kudumbashree Mission (women SHG programme), various nutritional support schemes for mothers and children, shelter homes for women in distress, and financial assistance programmes. Kerala's ICDS network covers over 33,000 Anganwadi centres across the state, serving lakhs of children and pregnant/lactating mothers. The WCD Department also coordinates with National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyan) to address malnutrition. CDPOs are the project-level officers managing clusters of Anganwadi centres and workers.
Recruitment Note: Job Profile — Child Development Project Officer
A Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) manages an ICDS project area, typically covering multiple Anganwadi centres across a block or urban area. Core responsibilities include supervising and monitoring Anganwadi centres and workers, planning and implementing nutrition and health education programmes, coordinating with Health Department for immunisation and health check-up camps, managing financial disbursement to beneficiaries, preparing project reports and government returns, and grievance redressal for ICDS beneficiaries. CDPOs also supervise Anganwadi Helper recruitment and coordinate with Kudumbashree for convergence programmes. The role involves significant field-level travel and community interaction.
Recruitment Note: Benefits & Perks Beyond Salary
Kerala WCD employees at CDPO level receive: Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA or government quarters, LTC, Provident Fund, Gratuity, NPS coverage, medical reimbursement for self and family, Earned Leave, Casual Leave, Medical Leave, Maternity Leave, children's education allowance, festival advance, and group insurance. The 3-month training period is counted for service benefits. Departmental tests must be passed during the 2-year probation period for permanent confirmation.
Recruitment Note: Mandatory Departmental Tests During Probation
Every CDPO appointed must pass the following tests during probation: (1) Account Test (Lower) or Account Test for Executive Officers, and (2) Manual of Office Procedure test. These tests are a prerequisite for probation declaration and should be prepared for soon after joining duty.
KPSC Child Development Project Officer 2026Important Official Links
| Apply Online Application Window: 30/05/2026 to 01/07/2026 | Click Here ↗ |
| Download Notification Category No. 25/2026 | Click Here ↗ |
| Official Website | Click Here ↗ |
Disclaimer Information provided here is for quick reference. Verify all details on the official website before taking action.
Quick Overview
🚀 Recruitment Overview
Quick Summary of the Notification
| Organization |  KPSC |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Child Development Project Officer |
| Total Vacancy | Anticipated |
| Salary | ₹50,200 – ₹1,05,300 [Approx. ₹72,000-₹82,000/Month Gross] |
| Job Location | Kerala |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 01/07/2026 |
| Official Website | Visit Website ↗ |
💡 Expert Tip
This post is exclusively for women — male candidates' applications will be rejected. The minimum age of 25 is a strict cut-off; candidates under 25 as of the prescribed date are ineligible regardless of qualification. The two departmental tests (Account Test Lower/Executive Officers, and Manual of Office Procedure) during probation are mandatory — failing them delays confirmation and increment. CDPOs handle ICDS (Integrated Child Development Scheme) at project level, so prior experience in social work, nutrition programmes, or women's welfare will strengthen your performance in the written exam's application-based questions. The preferential PG Diploma in Social Work may help in merit ranking, so if you have it, ensure the diploma is from a Government-recognised institution.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 Is CDPO post only for women? ▼
Ans: Yes, the post of Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) is reserved exclusively for women candidates as per Kerala WCD Department rules. Applications from male candidates will be rejected.
Q.2 What is the in-hand salary for CDPO in Kerala? ▼
Ans: Pay scale is ₹50,200 – ₹1,05,300. With DA (~50%), HRA, and allowances, gross monthly salary is approximately ₹72,000 to ₹82,000 per month — among the better-paying Group B posts for women in Kerala state service.
Q.3 What is the last date to apply? ▼
Ans: Last date is 01 July 2026 (Wednesday) by 12:00 midnight through the KPSC OTR portal at www.keralapsc.gov.in.
Q.4 Is there negative marking? ▼
Ans: No negative marking mentioned in the official notification for Category No. 25/2026.
Q.5 What is the age limit for CDPO post? ▼
Ans: 25 to 45 years for women candidates. Born between 02 January 1981 and 01 January 2001. Note the minimum age of 25 — candidates under 25 are not eligible. Standard KPSC relaxations for SC/ST and OBC women apply.
Q.6 What qualification is required for CDPO? ▼
Ans: Master's Degree in Home Science, Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology from a recognised university. Preferential: PG Diploma in Social Work from Government-recognised institution. MSW degree is considered favourable.
Q.7 What is the selection process? ▼
Ans: Written/OMR examination followed by certificate verification. Selected candidates undergo 3-month mandatory training (counted for service benefits). Probation is 2 years, during which Account Test and Manual of Office Procedure test must be cleared.