Coconut Development Board Driver Grade I and Grade II Recruitment 2026

Overview of Coconut Development Board Driver Recruitment 2026

The Coconut Development Board (CDB), functioning under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, has officially released an employment notification numbered F.No. I/18864/2026. This recruitment drive invites applications from eligible candidates for filling up 11 regular deputation vacancies for Driver Grade I and Driver Grade II positions. Headquartered in Kochi, Kerala, the board manages promotional activities for the coconut industry nationwide, offering stable central government career paths. Candidates seeking stable career opportunities or wishing to explore all latest Kerala Government Jobs can review the comprehensive notification details below.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

The recruitment process specifically targets experienced personnel currently serving as regular staff car drivers. Alongside these opportunities, aspirants tracking central administrative openings may also check NMPA Sr. Assistant Secretary (Class-I) Recruitment 2026 recruitment details for parallel central government postings. The positions at CDB offer attractive pay scales under the 7th Central Pay Commission and are based permanently in Kochi, Kerala.

Post-Wise Vacancy Distribution

The Coconut Development Board has sanctioned a total of 11 posts distributed across two distinct grade levels. Applicants must clearly mention the exact post name on their application proforma.

Eligibility Criteria & Service Conditions

The selection is conducted purely through deputation. Therefore, general educational qualifications are not explicitly detailed in the standard format, but specific service background requirements apply:

• Service Requirement: Applicants must be serving Staff Car Drivers in Central or State Governments, Universities, recognized research institutes, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), semi-Government bodies, statutory organizations, or autonomous bodies.
• Age Limit: The upper age limit is set at not exceeding 56 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications. No separate age relaxations are detailed in the official notice.
• Trade Test Compliance: Candidates must successfully satisfy all post conditions, including qualifying the mandatory trade test of appropriate standard prescribed by the Central Government.

Salary Structure & Remuneration

Selected candidates will be placed in lucrative 7th CPC pay scales with standard government allowances including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA).

• Driver Grade I: Pay Matrix Level 5, spanning from ₹29,200 to ₹92,300. The approximate gross salary is calculated around ₹52,656 per month with an estimated in-hand salary of ₹47,000.
• Driver Grade II: Pay Matrix Level 4, spanning from ₹25,500 to ₹81,100.

Selection Methodology & Stages

Unlike standard open market recruitments, this deputation process does not involve any competitive written examination. The evaluation follows a structured three-stage assessment:

• Stage 1 (Application Scrutiny): Thorough verification of service records, CV details, and employment history through the proper channel.
• Stage 2 (Trade Test): Practical driving and vehicle maintenance test administered by an authorized Selection Committee to verify professional driving competence.
• Stage 3 (Document Verification): Final credential check confirming vigilance clearance, integrity certificates, and APAR dossiers.

Application Fee Structure

The official notification explicitly states that no application fee is required for candidates applying across any category (General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST). The application fee is fully exempted for all applicants.

Step-by-Step Application Process (Offline Mode)

Because applications must be submitted offline through proper channels, candidates should follow these precise procedural steps:

• Step 1: Visit the official website at coconutboard.gov.in to download the official vacancy circular and the Annexure-I application proforma.
• Step 2: Fill out the application form in triplicate. Clearly write the desired post name at the top: either "Driver Grade I" or "Driver Grade II".
• Step 3: Affix a recent passport-size colour photograph and accurately fill in service history, current pay scale, and professional details. Ensure regular service details are entered correctly while keeping ACP/MACP benefits listed separately.
• Step 4: Route the application through your present employer or cadre controlling authority. Obtain the necessary official seal, certification, integrity certificate, and vigilance clearance.
• Step 5: Dispatch the completed application package via postal mail to: The Chief Executive Officer, Coconut Development Board, Kera Bhavan, SRV Road, Kochi - 682 011. Ensure it reaches within 60 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in the Employment News.

Essential Documents Checklist

To prevent rejection, applicants must attach the following documents along with their application proforma:

• Completed application in triplicate (Annexure-I) with a passport-size colour photograph.
• Attested copies of complete and up-to-date Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APAR) for the last 5 years.
• Original CR dossier or attested photocopies of ACRs/APARs for the last 5 years.
• Official Integrity Certificate and Vigilance Clearance Certificate.
• Employer/Cadre Controlling Authority certification bearing an official seal.
• Latest salary slip (mandatory for applicants working in non-Central Government pay scale organizations).
• Separate sheets for additional employment details if the main proforma space is insufficient.

Candidate Advisory & Warnings