8th Pay Commission: Consultant positions have been divided into three different categories based on experience. A total of 23 positions are up for grabs. The Commission has amended the recruitment rules.

8th Pay Commission changes the rules for consultant recruitment

8th Pay Commission: The 8th Pay Commission on Monday announced new rules for the appointment of consultants on a contract basis. In an office memorandum, the commission announced the revised qualifications, experience requirements, age limits, and maximum numbers for three categories of consultants. This notification relates to the commission's staffing needs and does not announce any changes to the salaries or pensions of central government employees.

What are the new norms for consultants now?

The Commission has created three categories of consultants – Senior Consultant, Consultant and Young Professional.

The Senior Consultant category requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. The maximum age limit is 45 years, and a maximum of two consultants can be appointed under this category. Previously, the number was five, but this has now been reduced.

The Consultant category requires a minimum of six years of relevant experience. The maximum age limit is 40 years, and a maximum of five consultants can be appointed under this category.

The Young Professional category requires at least two years of relevant experience. The maximum age limit is 32 years, and a maximum of 16 consultants can be appointed under this category. Previously, the number was 10. The age and experience cut-off date for all three categories is August 1, 2026.

Essential Educational Qualification

Candidates with a master's or MBA degree in human resources, industrial relations, or similar subjects can apply for these positions. The commission has also included law graduates with an LL.B. degree who have experience in legal research or handling service-related matters in tribunals or courts.

B.Tech and M.Tech candidates with experience in IT, data analysis, and data visualization are also eligible. Preference will be given to the ability to conduct research, gather and organize information, and prepare draft notes. The Commission stated that experience using Excel or spreadsheets and preparing presentations or slide decks is required for all consultant categories.

Some important things

• Selected consultants will be required to provide full-time service and will not be able to join any other organization or undertake assignments during their tenure.
• Since this appointment is purely contract based, it can be terminated by the Commission at any time without assigning any reason.