The latest Tribal Development Department (TDC) Recruitment 2026 has been announced for Chowkidar (Watchman) posts! Published on 27th April 2026 at tribal.maharashtra.gov.in, this new recruitment drive offers 416 openings for eligible candidates. Applicants within the 18 to 40 years age group and possessing a Secondary School Certificate (SSC / 10th Pass) can apply online from 27th April 2026 to 18th May 2026. Find all details about the TDC Chowkidar new vacancy 2026, including eligibility, online form, and notification PDF here.
Tribal Development Department Watchman Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
The Commissioner, Tribal Development Department, Maharashtra State, Nashik has released the official Recruitment Advertisement No. आस्था-पद भरती-2025/प्र.क्र.65/का.2(8)/नाशिक dated 27 April 2026 for the post of Chowkidar (Watchman), Group-D in Ashramshala and Vastigruh under 29 Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs). The notification contains complete details on vacancies (project-wise and category-wise), eligibility criteria, examination pattern, age limits, reservation rules, application fee, and the online application process. Candidates are strongly advised to read the full notification carefully before applying. All updates, schedule changes, and announcements will be published exclusively on the official website - no individual correspondence will be made with candidates.
Tribal Development Department Watchman Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Department Name | Commissioner, Tribal Development Department, Maharashtra State, Nashik |
| Post Name | Chowkidar (Watchman) - Group-D |
| Post Location | Government Ashramshala and Vastigruh (Residential Schools & Hostels) under 29 ITDPs |
| Total Vacancies | 416 Posts |
| Educational Qualification | SSC (Secondary School Certificate / 10th Pass) |
| Selection Mode | Computer Based Online Examination (CBT) - 200 Marks, 120 Minutes, Marathi Medium |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 45% marks in the online examination |
| Application Mode | Online only - https://tdcwatchman2026.cbtexam.in |
| Official Website | https://tribal.maharashtra.gov.in |
Tribal Development Department Watchman Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Start Date for Online Application & Examination Fee Payment | 27/04/2026 from 3:00 PM onwards |
| Last Date for Online Application Submission | 18/05/2026 till 11:55 PM |
| Last Date for Online Examination Fee Payment | 18/05/2026 till 11:55 PM |
| Online Examination Date | To be announced separately on https://tribal.maharashtra.gov.in |
Tribal Development Department Watchman Recruitment 2026 - Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Watchman (Group-D) | 416 |
Category Code Key used in Vacancy Tables:
| Category Code | Full Name |
|---|---|
| (SC) | Scheduled Castes |
| (ST) | Scheduled Tribes |
| VJ-A | Vimukta Jati (A) |
| NT-B | Nomadic Tribes (B) |
| NT-C | Nomadic Tribes (C) |
| NT-D | Nomadic Tribes (D) |
| SBC | Socially and Educationally Backward Class |
| EWS | Economically Weaker Section |
Horizontal Reservation Sub-categories:
| Sub-Category | Description |
|---|---|
| (General) | Open / General candidates |
| (Women) | Female candidates |
| (Sports Persons) | Meritorious sports persons |
| (Ex-Servicemen) | Ex-military service personnel |
| (Part-time) | Part-time government employees (up to 3 years) |
| (Earthquake-Affected) | Victims of earthquake |
| (Project-Displaced) | Persons displaced due to government projects |
| (Divyang / PH) | Persons with disabilities - Low Vision / Deaf / Locomotor etc. (min. 40% disability) |
| (Orphan) | Orphan candidates as per GR dated 23 August 2021 |
Tribal Development Department Chowkidar Recruitment 2026 - Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions specified below on the date of advertisement (27/04/2026) to apply for the post of Chowkidar. The minimum educational qualification is passing the Secondary School Certificate (SSC / 10th Standard) examination.
Merely possessing the minimum qualification does not entitle a candidate to be recommended - the final selection is strictly on the basis of merit in the computer-based examination. All service entry rules as per Maharashtra government norms and as amended from time to time will apply throughout the recruitment process. Candidates are advised to apply only after verifying their eligibility in full.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed Secondary School Certificate (SSC / 10th Standard) Examination |
| Qualification Date | Candidate must have acquired the prescribed educational qualification as on the date of advertisement (27/04/2026) |
| Domicile | Candidate must be a resident of Maharashtra. Candidates from 865 Marathi-speaking villages in the Maharashtra-Karnataka border area may also apply, subject to submission of valid domicile certificate issued by competent authority. |
| Reservation Benefit | Only available to candidates who are general residents of Maharashtra as defined under Section 20 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. |
Tribal Development Department Chowkidar Recruitment 2026 - Age Limit
The age of candidates will be calculated on the closing date for online applications (18/05/2026). The general upper age limit and relaxations are governed by Government Resolution, General Administration Department No. SRV-2015/P.No.404/Work.12, dated 25 April 2016.
Age relaxation is available to candidates belonging to government-recognized backward categories, Divyang (PH), Ex-Servicemen, Sportspersons, and Part-time employees as per respective government orders.
Creamy Layer candidates in VJ-A, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, Vimapra, Imav (SBC), SEBC, and EWS categories are not eligible for age relaxation. Candidates should verify their age eligibility from the official notification before applying.
| Category | Age Limit / Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General (Open/Unreserved) | As per GR dated 25 April 2016 (standard age limits for government posts) |
| Government-recognized Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer) | Age relaxation as per Maharashtra Govt. rules |
| Divyang (PH) - All categories | Maximum upper age limit: 45 years (as per GAD GR No. SRV-1998/P.No.39/16-A, dated 16.01.2001) |
| Sportspersons | Maximum upper age limit: 43 years (including reserved category candidates) as per School Education & Sports Dept. GR dated 06.10.2010 |
| Ex-Servicemen | Relaxation equal to military service period + 3 years (as per GAD GR dated 20.08.2010); Divyang Ex-Servicemen - additional relaxation as applicable |
| Part-time Government Employees | Relaxation as per GAD GR dated 02.01.2019 |
| Creamy Layer candidates (VJ-A, NT-B, NT-C, NT-D, Vimapra, Imav, SEBC, EWS) | No age relaxation available |
Tribal Development Department Chowkidar Recruitment 2026 - Application Fee
| Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| All categories | Rs.1,000/- |
| Backward Classes / OBC / Orphans / Disabled | Rs.900/- |
| Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen | Nil |
| Mode of Payment | Online only - Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, UPI, Mobile Wallet |
| Refund Policy | Non-Refundable - fee will not be returned under any circumstances |
Tribal Development Department Chowkidar Recruitment 2026 - Selection Process & Exam Pattern
Selection for the post of Chowkidar (Watchman) will be done entirely on the basis of a Computer-Based Online Examination (CBT) in Marathi medium. There is no physical or trade test for this post. The examination will be of 200 marks, comprising 100 objective multiple-choice questions of 2 marks each, to be completed in 120 minutes (2 hours).
The exam will be held at district headquarters across Maharashtra. Candidates must score a minimum of 45% marks to be eligible for inclusion in the merit list. Final appointment will be made on the basis of the merit list prepared from the online examination scores. In case of equal marks between two or more candidates, the tie-breaking priority order will be as per Government Resolution, GAD No. Pranimbh-1222/P.No.54/Ka.13-A, dated 4 May 2022.
Examination Pattern
| Post Name | Marathi | English | General Knowledge | Intellectual/Aptitude Test | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chowkidar (Watchman) | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 120 Minutes |
Key Rules for the Online Examination:
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Online Examination (CBT) |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) - 2 marks per question |
| Medium of Examination | Marathi only |
| Exam Centers | District headquarters across Maharashtra (subject to change) |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | 45% of total marks |
| Banned Items | Mobile phone, calculator, iPad, or any electronic/communication device strictly banned at exam center |
| Scribe (Lekhanik) Facility | Available for visually impaired and candidates with permanent writing disability (must be declared in application form); 20 extra minutes per hour provided |
| Extra Time for PH Candidates | Locomotor/Cerebral Palsy (min. 40% disability): 20 extra minutes per hour; Visually impaired (more than 40% disability): 20 extra minutes per hour + magnified font option available |
| Multiple Sessions | If conducted in multiple sessions, scores will be normalized across sessions to ensure parity |
| Admit Card | Available for download from https://tdcwatchman2026.cbtexam.in - will not be sent by post or any other means |
| Result | Final result published on https://tribal.maharashtra.gov.in |
How to Apply for Tribal Development Department Chowkidar Recruitment 2026
Applications will be accepted through online mode only at https://tdcwatchman2026.cbtexam.in. No offline or postal applications will be entertained. Candidates do not need to upload supporting certificates at the time of applying - however, all information entered in the online application must be accurate and complete.
The online application portal is open from 27/04/2026 to 18/05/2026 (till 11:55 PM). New candidates must first register, after which a temporary Registration Number and Password will be generated and sent to their registered mobile number/email.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process:
- Visit https://tdcwatchman2026.cbtexam.in and click on "APPLY ONLINE".
- Click "Click here for New Registration" - enter name, contact details, and email ID. A temporary Registration Number and Password will be displayed on screen and sent via SMS/email. Note these carefully.
- Log in using the Registration Number and Password. Fill in all required details including personal information, address, category, Aadhaar number, and educational qualifications.
- Use "SAVE AND NEXT" to save progress. Verify all details carefully before final submission.
- Upload the following scanned documents as per specifications: passport-size colour photograph (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm), signature in black ink on white paper, left thumb impression in black/blue ink on white paper, handwritten declaration in English on white paper in black ink (in capital letters is NOT acceptable).
- Select the post and ITDP project office for which you are applying.
- Click "Proceed to Payment" and pay the examination fee online.
- After successful payment, an E-Receipt will be generated - download and save it.
- Take a printout of the completed application form and E-Receipt. Retain until the entire recruitment process is complete.
Documents to be Uploaded (Scanned, JPG/JPEG format):
| Document | Dimensions | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Passport-size colour photograph (recent, light background) | 200 x 230 pixels (preferred); 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm | 20 KB to 50 KB |
| Signature in black ink on white paper (not in capital letters) | 140 x 60 pixels (preferred) | 10 KB to 20 KB |
| Left thumb impression in black/blue ink on white paper | 240 x 240 pixels at 200 DPI; 3 cm x 3 cm | 20 KB to 50 KB |
| Handwritten declaration in English (black ink, white paper, NOT in capitals) | 800 x 400 pixels at 200 DPI; 10 cm x 5 cm | 50 KB to 100 KB |
Apply Online at: https://tdcwatchman2026.cbtexam.in/Candidate/EntryForm.aspx
Official Website: https://tribal.maharashtra.gov.in
Documents Required at the Time of Examination / Document Verification
Candidates are not required to submit supporting documents at the time of the online application. However, after publication of the interim merit list based on online examination scores, shortlisted candidates will be called for a thorough document verification. If a candidate is found ineligible at any stage, their candidature will be cancelled. Candidates must carry the following documents to the examination center:
- Valid Admit Card (downloaded from the official website)
- Original Photo Identity Proof (PAN Card / Passport / Driving License / Voter ID / Aadhaar Card with photo / Bank Passbook with photo / College/University valid ID / Employee ID / Bar Council ID with photo)
- Photocopy of the Photo Identity Proof
Ration Card and temporary driving licence are NOT accepted as valid identity proof. The name on the admit card must exactly match the name on the identity proof. Female candidates who have changed their name after marriage must carry original Gazette Notification / Marriage Registration Certificate / Affidavit as proof of name change.
Documents for Final Document Verification (after shortlisting):
- Printout of submitted online application form
- Educational qualification certificates (SSC onwards)
- Copy of examination fee payment receipt
- Caste Certificate / Caste Validity Certificate / Non-Creamy Layer Certificate (as applicable to category)
- Other relevant certificates as applicable (Domicile, Disability, Ex-Servicemen, Sports, Orphan, EWS, etc.)
Important Instructions for Tribal Development Chowkidar Recruitment 2026 Candidates
- Only online applications are accepted - no hard copy, postal, or offline applications will be entertained.
- Certificates need not be uploaded at the time of online application - however, all details entered must be truthful and accurate.
- Online application information cannot be modified after fee payment is completed.
- Candidates must have a valid personal email ID and active mobile number for the entire duration of the recruitment process.
- Admit cards will be available for self-download only from the official website - no other mode of delivery.
- Candidates must arrive at the examination center at least 1 hour before the scheduled start time to complete verification formalities.
- Mobile phones, calculators, iPads, and all electronic/communication devices are strictly banned inside the examination premises - violation will lead to disqualification and debarment from future exams.
- Candidates who wish to use a scribe (lekhanik) must declare this in the online application form - requests made later will not be entertained.
- The scribe must not be a candidate in the same examination; one scribe cannot serve more than one candidate.
- If false, tampered, or incomplete information is submitted at any stage, the candidature will be cancelled, and the candidate may face criminal prosecution.
- Candidates who share answers with others or adopt unfair means will have their candidature cancelled and results withheld.
- Reservation benefits (social, horizontal, or concession) are available only to candidates with valid certificates issued by competent authorities before the closing date of application.
- For Women reservation: a valid Maharashtra domicile certificate must be submitted. Non-Creamy Layer requirement for open category women's posts has been waived as per Women & Child Development Department GR dated 04 May 2023.
- EWS certificate must be produced at the time of document verification as per prescribed format issued by competent authority.
- Orphan candidates must submit a certificate issued by the Women & Child Development Department authority only - certificates from other agencies will not be accepted.
- Ex-Servicemen must clearly claim their status in the application; must have their name registered with the District Sainik Board and present original certificates at verification.
- The department reserves the right to cancel/modify/alter recruitment conditions - announcements will be published on the official website only.
- All examination-related disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the competent court as per applicable law.
Tribal Development Department Maharashtra Watchman Important Links
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
- Join Arattai Channel: Click Here
- Join Telegram Channel: Click Here
- Join WhatsApp Channel: Click Here
- Sarkari Result: Click Here
- Download Mobile App: Click Here