WCD Pune Defence Officer (2026) Eligibility Criteria 2026

The educational qualification for the WCD Pune Defence Officer recruitment is strictly defined to ensure a baseline of professional competence. Candidates must hold a degree in any of the following streams from a Statutory University: Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Social Work, Home Science, or Nutrition. Alternatively, candidates possessing any other qualification that has been formally declared as equivalent by the Government are also eligible to apply. This broad educational requirement is intended to bring in a diverse workforce capable of handling various facets of social development and administrative tasks within the department. Proof of these educational qualifications, including degree certificates and mark sheets, must be presented during the document verification phase. Candidates who do not meet these specific academic requirements will not be allowed to proceed in the selection process.

Candidates applying for the WCD Pune Defence Officer recruitment must adhere to the specified age criteria to be eligible for the position. The minimum age limit is set at 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 38 years. The crucial date for calculating this age requirement is 3rd November 2024. Only candidates falling within this age bracket (18 to 38 years) as of the specified date will be considered for the selection process. Candidates exceeding this age limit will not be eligible to apply unless they fall under a specific category that allows for age relaxation according to government norms. It is mandatory for candidates to provide proof of their date of birth, such as a school leaving certificate or birth certificate, during the verification stage.

The selection process for the WCD Pune Defence Officer recruitment is divided into two clear stages, ensuring that only eligible and capable individuals are selected. 1. Online Examination: This is the first stage where candidates must appear for a computer-based test (CBT). The test consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering various subjects like Marathi, English, General Knowledge, and others. The exam is worth 200 marks and must be completed within 120 minutes. Candidates are expected to secure at least 45% marks in this exam to qualify for the next stage. 2. Document Verification (DV): Candidates who qualify in the online examination are invited for the document verification stage. This is a critical step where the WCD department verifies the original educational certificates, category certificates, identity proof, and other relevant documents against the information provided in the initial application form. This stage serves to confirm the authenticity and eligibility of the candidates. Discrepancies discovered during this process will lead to immediate disqualification. The final merit list is then prepared based on the performance in the online exam and successful clearance of the document verification.

The Women & Child Development (WCD) department recognizes the need for equity in recruitment and provides age relaxations for reserved category candidates. As per government norms, these candidates are eligible for an extension of the upper age limit beyond the standard 38 years. Specific details regarding the duration and categories for this relaxation follow the state government's existing guidelines for public sector appointments. Candidates belonging to reserved categories (such as SC, ST, OBC, and others as applicable under state law) are advised to check the official notification for the exact number of years of relaxation permitted for their respective category. It is essential to possess a valid and authentic caste/category certificate issued by the competent authority to claim these benefits during the document verification process.