The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has initiated the recruitment process for the position of Mali (Gardener), a key Group C role dedicated to the upkeep of the capital’s extensive parks, gardens, and urban landscaping projects. This recruitment drive, cataloged under Advertisement No. 09/2025, represents a significant career opportunity for individuals seeking to contribute to the beautification and environmental health of Delhi's green infrastructure. As a Mali within the DDA framework, candidates are entrusted with essential horticultural duties, including the meticulous planting of flora, consistent irrigation, pruning, and the daily maintenance of various green zones throughout the city.
The announcement of 282 vacancies highlights the organization's commitment to strengthening its gardening workforce. With a structured recruitment timeline, the authority has finalized the examination schedule, setting the written examination for 31st December 2025. Prospective candidates are required to navigate a competitive selection process, which includes a comprehensive Computer-Based Test (CBT) followed by a mandatory Trade/Practical Test designed to verify hands-on horticultural expertise. This dual-stage assessment ensures that only the most proficient individuals are selected for these vital public-sector roles. Candidates are encouraged to monitor the official DDA web portal frequently for any specific updates regarding venue allocations, specific reporting protocols, and administrative notifications related to the upcoming examination.
The Delhi Development Authority conducts the DDA Mali examination as a standardized, state-level recruitment effort aimed at staffing gardening and horticultural positions across its jurisdiction. The selection process is meticulously structured to balance theoretical knowledge with professional field skills. The process begins with a Computer-Based Test (CBT), serving as the initial screening mechanism, followed by a specialized Trade or Practical Test, and culminating in a rigorous Document Verification stage to confirm the veracity of candidates' academic and professional credentials.
As an official government entity, the DDA ensures transparency and accessibility by conducting these examinations through centralized digital frameworks. The CBT format is designed to test technical proficiency in agriculture and horticulture alongside general cognitive aptitude. Following the written assessment, the Trade/Practical Test acts as a pivotal hurdle where candidates must demonstrate their proficiency in real-world gardening tasks, such as plant identification, soil preparation, tool maintenance, and pruning techniques. This holistic approach ensures that the selected personnel are not only theoretically sound but also practically competent in the nuanced demands of urban landscaping. All recruitment activities, including the announcement of exam dates, the release of hall tickets, and the subsequent publication of results, are strictly governed by the official regulations of the Delhi Development Authority, with all relevant documentation and updates centralized at their official web portal, dda.gov.in.
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Candidates appearing for the DDA Mali recruitment must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure a smooth examination experience. It is mandatory to carry the official DDA Mali Hall Ticket 2025 to the examination center on 31st December 2025. Without this document, entry into the test hall will be denied. Additionally, candidates should bring a valid government-issued photo ID (such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID) for verification purposes.
During the Computer-Based Test (CBT), strict compliance with digital testing protocols is expected. Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying electronic devices such as calculators, mobile phones, or smartwatches into the examination hall. Any deviation from these rules may result in disqualification. Regarding the later stages, specifically the Trade/Practical test, candidates should prepare for a hands-on assessment where their proficiency in tool usage, plant identification, and basic horticultural techniques will be scrutinized. Attendance is mandatory at all stages of the selection process. Candidates should consistently monitor the official DDA website for any last-minute notifications regarding center changes or special advisories. For those submitting applications, it is essential to ensure that all information provided is accurate, as no editing or corrections are permissible once the application is finalized.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) conducts the recruitment for the post of Mali under Group C non-gazetted services. Candidates must monitor the official DDA website (dda.gov.in) exclusively for recruitment notifications. All recruitment processes, including application filing and admit card issuance, are managed through the DDA online portal. No external coaching portal or third-party recruitment aggregator is authorized to issue official updates or exam schedule changes.
To download the official DDA Mali notification, follow these steps:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | As per DDA Schedule |
| Application Start Date | As per DDA Schedule |
| Application Closing Date | As per DDA Schedule |
| Examination Date | To be notified via DDA portal |
| Designation | Department | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mali | DDA Horticulture | Level 1 |
The application fee for the DDA Mali post is as follows:
Payment must be made via the online payment gateway integrated into the DDA application portal using Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
The age limit for the DDA Mali post is 18 to 25 years as of the crucial date mentioned in the official notification.
Candidates must possess a Matriculation (10th) pass certificate from a recognized board or institution. Preference is often given to candidates with experience in gardening or horticulture maintenance.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| English Language | 25 | 25 |
Note: Total duration is 120 minutes. Negative marking of 0.33 marks applies for every incorrect answer.
The Mali post in DDA falls under Pay Level 1 of the 7th CPC. The basic pay starts at ₹18,000 plus admissible allowances including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance as per Delhi government norms.
Admit cards are released exclusively on the DDA recruitment portal. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the e-admit card and one original photo ID (Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID) to the examination center.
Candidates can access the provisional answer key via the DDA login portal post-examination. Objections can be filed within the specified window by paying a prescribed fee per question. Final answer keys are released after reviewing the submitted challenges.
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Computer Based Examination and qualifying the Skill Test. Normalization is applied if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts to ensure equity across candidates.
Focus on high-weightage topics in General Intelligence and Quantitative Aptitude. Practice previous year question papers to understand the DDA exam pattern. Maintain a strict revision schedule for General Awareness, focusing on current events and basic horticultural science. Time management during the 120-minute window is critical to maximizing scores.
The cut-off marks for the DDA Mali examination are determined by the Delhi Development Authority based on several factors, including the total number of applicants, the difficulty level of the question paper, and the available vacancies. Following the completion of the Computer-Based Test, the official cut-off list is published for various categories (UR, EWS, SC, ST, OBC). Candidates can access these details on the official DDA website. Since the exam aims to filter candidates based on both technical and general proficiency, higher cut-offs are generally expected in the technical domain (80 marks weightage). Candidates are advised to check the category-wise cut-off tables as soon as they are released to gauge their standing and prepare for the subsequent stages of the selection process, such as the trade test and document verification.
Applying for the DDA Mali position requires a systematic approach via the official Delhi Development Authority web portal. Candidates should carefully follow these steps to ensure their application is successful:
The application window opened on 6th October 2025 and officially concluded on 5th November 2025, with a final deadline for fee payment on 7th November 2025.
