Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline for 16 Marine Helper Posts, Salary ₹30,000 Per Month

Unlike many conventional government recruitment exercises, this selection does not prescribe a written competitive examination. Eligible applicants will undergo document scrutiny and a practical swimming test, with final merit determined according to the swimming test.

Candidates interested in Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026 should carefully examine the eligibility conditions, vacancy distribution, experience requirements, contractual salary structure and application procedure before submitting their forms.

Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026 – Key Highlights

Particulars	Details
Recruiting Organization	Deendayal Port Authority
Former Name	Kandla Port Trust
Ministry	Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Recruitment Year	2026
Advertisement Date	23 October 2026
Advertisement Number	DPA/HRM/CM/PS/2077
Post Names	Marine Helper (Survey), Marine Helper (Flotilla)
Total Vacancies	16
Job Category	Government Sector – Contractual
Job Location	Gandhidham/Kandla, Gujarat
Minimum Qualification	Class 7 Pass
Experience	Minimum 1 year, as applicable to the post
Swimming	Mandatory
Maximum Age	25 years
Monthly Remuneration	₹30,000
Contract Duration	3 years
Application Mode	Offline
Application Fee	Nil
Application Commencement	23 October 2026
Last Date to Apply	13 November 2026
Selection Process	Document Scrutiny and Swimming Test
Official Website	https://www.deendayalport.gov.in/

About Deendayal Port Authority

Deendayal Port Authority is one of India’s important major port authorities and plays a significant role in the country’s maritime trade, cargo transportation and logistics infrastructure.

Located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, the port was historically known as Kandla Port. Its development began in response to India’s growing need for a major commercial port following the partition of the country in 1947, when the port of Karachi became unavailable to India.

The foundation of Kandla’s modern port development dates back to 1930, and it was declared a major port on 8 April 1955. Over the decades, the port expanded its cargo-handling capacity and became an important gateway for international and domestic maritime commerce.

In 2017, Kandla Port was renamed Deendayal Port in honour of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. Following the implementation of the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, the organization became Deendayal Port Authority.

Major Functions of Deendayal Port Authority

The authority performs several important responsibilities associated with port management and maritime infrastructure.

Its major functions include:

• Managing port infrastructure and cargo-handling facilities.
• Providing marine services to vessels arriving at the port.
• Coordinating vessel movement and harbour operations.
• Maintaining port channels, jetties and navigational facilities.
• Supporting shipping companies and maritime logistics operators.
• Developing port infrastructure and operational efficiency.
• Ensuring safety and security across port facilities.
• Supporting India’s international trade and maritime connectivity.

Marine Department and Its Importance

The Marine Department is particularly important because it oversees several activities necessary for safe and efficient vessel operations.

These activities include hydrographic surveys, pilotage support, vessel assistance, maintenance of marine equipment, boating operations and coordination of harbour-related services.

The Marine Helper positions announced in 2026 are associated with these operational requirements.

Candidates selected for the Survey category will assist with hydrographic survey-related activities, whereas Flotilla Helpers will support housekeeping, sanitation and maintenance activities involving marine vessels and associated facilities.

Working in this department can provide practical exposure to the operational environment of a major Indian port.

Deendayal Port Authority Vacancy Details 2026

The recruitment notification announces a total of 16 vacancies across two different categories.

The vacancy distribution is provided below.

Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution

Post Name	UR	OBC-NCL	SC	Total
Marine Helper (Survey)	3	1	0	4
Marine Helper (Flotilla)	8	3	1	12
Total	11	4	1	16

Post-Wise Vacancy Analysis

Marine Helper (Survey) – 4 Vacancies

This position is intended for candidates who have experience in marine-related activities and can assist survey personnel with fieldwork and equipment handling.

The authority has announced three unreserved vacancies and one OBC-NCL vacancy.

Marine Helper (Flotilla) – 12 Vacancies

This category accounts for the majority of available positions.

Candidates with experience in housekeeping, sanitation, cleaning and similar activities are eligible to apply, subject to the remaining requirements.

The distribution includes eight unreserved, three OBC-NCL and one SC vacancy.

Current Recruitment Status

As of 31 October 2026, the recruitment application window is open.

Candidates should not confuse the publication of the notification with the closing of applications. Eligible applicants still have an opportunity to submit their offline applications before the prescribed deadline.

The recruitment is contractual and should not be considered a permanent appointment to the regular establishment of Deendayal Port Authority.

Detailed Job Profile and Responsibilities

Understanding the actual responsibilities is essential before applying because the two positions involve different types of work.

A. Marine Helper (Survey)

The Marine Helper (Survey) position is associated with the hydrographic survey activities of the Marine Department.

Hydrographic surveys are important for understanding water depths, navigational conditions and the physical characteristics of port waters.

The selected candidates will support survey personnel during different operational activities.

Major Responsibilities

1. Boat Rowing: Assisting survey personnel by rowing boats using oars during field operations.
2. Distance-Line Preparation: Preparing and handling distance lines required for measurement and survey-related activities.
3. Rope Maintenance: Maintaining nylon ropes and ensuring that they remain suitable for operational use.
4. Jetty Measurement: Assisting in measuring jetties and other port-related structures.
5. Lead-Line Sounding Equipment: Measuring and maintaining lead-line sounding equipment used in determining water depth.
6. Survey Assistance: Providing general operational support to the Hydrographic Surveyor during field activities.
7. Equipment Handling: Handling ropes, measuring equipment and other materials required for survey operations.
8. Safety Compliance: Following prescribed safety instructions and using appropriate personal protective equipment.

Working Environment

Marine Helper (Survey) employees may have to work outdoors, near water bodies and around operational vessels.

The position requires physical stamina, swimming ability, familiarity with marine environments and the willingness to perform field-based responsibilities.

Candidates should understand that the work may involve exposure to weather conditions and operational challenges associated with port activities.

B. Marine Helper (Flotilla)

The Marine Helper (Flotilla) position primarily involves housekeeping, sanitation and maintenance-related responsibilities on marine vessels and associated facilities.

The selected employees will assist in maintaining cleanliness and operational hygiene across different areas.

Major Responsibilities

1. Cleaning and maintaining tugs, pilot boats and mooring boats.
2. Maintaining cleanliness in toilets, washrooms and cabins.
3. Cleaning mess rooms, decks and other vessel areas.
4. Maintaining cleanliness around pontoons, gangways and jetties.
5. Loading and unloading stores, spares and other operational materials.
6. Arranging equipment and materials in designated locations.
7. Collecting and transferring scrap and waste.
8. Assisting with routine housekeeping and sanitation activities.
9. Supporting marine operational requirements whenever assigned.
10. Following workplace safety and hygiene procedures.

Working Conditions

Flotilla Helpers may be required to work in different marine facilities and vessels.

The job can involve physical activity, cleaning operations, material handling and working in shifts.

Candidates should be prepared for operational responsibilities that may not always follow conventional office working hours.

Eligibility Criteria for Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026

Candidates must fulfil the educational, age, experience and swimming requirements prescribed for the respective positions.

Educational Qualification

The minimum educational requirement for both posts is:

Class 7 Pass from a recognized educational institution.

This makes the recruitment accessible to candidates who have not completed Class 10 or Class 12.

However, candidates should remember that the lower educational requirement does not eliminate the mandatory experience and swimming conditions.

Post-Wise Experience Requirements

Post	Minimum Experience
Marine Helper (Survey)	1 year of experience in the marine field
Marine Helper (Flotilla)	1 year of experience in housekeeping, sanitation or cleaning

Candidates must possess documentary proof of their relevant experience.

An experience certificate is compulsory, and applicants should ensure that the certificate clearly establishes the nature and duration of their previous work.

Swimming Requirement

Swimming is mandatory for both positions.

This requirement is especially relevant because the employees will be associated with marine operations and may have to work near water bodies.

Candidates should be capable of demonstrating their swimming ability during the practical selection test.

The notification does not prescribe a publicly specified swimming distance, timing limit or detailed scoring system. Applicants should therefore prepare for a practical assessment rather than assume an examination format that has not been officially announced.

Age Limit

The maximum permissible age is 25 years as on 1 October 2026.

Category	Maximum Age
General/UR	25 years
OBC-NCL	28 years
SC/ST	30 years

The relaxation is calculated according to the provisions mentioned in the notification.

Age Relaxation

• SC/ST candidates are eligible for five years of age relaxation.
• OBC-NCL candidates are eligible for three years of age relaxation.

Applicants claiming relaxation must submit valid supporting category certificates.

Nationality and Domicile

Candidates should satisfy the applicable nationality and eligibility provisions governing recruitment to the authority.

The available recruitment conditions do not establish a separate Gujarat domicile requirement. Candidates should not assume that residence in Gujarat is compulsory merely because the job location is Kandla.

Any additional documentary or nationality requirement should be checked against the complete official notification and application instructions.

Physical Fitness

Although the recruitment notice does not publish numerical physical measurements such as minimum height, chest circumference or running standards, candidates should be medically fit to perform the duties.

The swimming test is an important part of the selection procedure.

Selected candidates are also subject to medical fitness and police antecedent verification as prescribed by the authority.

Salary Structure and Benefits

One of the attractive features of Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026 is the fixed monthly remuneration of ₹30,000.

Both Marine Helper categories carry the same monthly remuneration.

Monthly Salary

Particulars	Amount
Fixed Monthly Remuneration	₹30,000
Annualized Remuneration	₹3,60,000
DA	Not separately admissible
HRA	Not separately admissible
Other Allowances	Not admissible as specified in the contract

The annualized figure of ₹3.60 lakh represents twelve months of fixed remuneration, not a guarantee of additional benefits or a permanent government pay-scale appointment.

Contract Duration

The initial contractual engagement is for three years.

The terms also provide for a one-day break after every 11 months.

Further extensions may be considered, subject to satisfactory performance and the conditions specified by the authority.

Candidates should carefully understand that contractual employment does not provide an automatic right to regularization or permanent appointment.

Additional Facilities

The notification mentions the following facilities, subject to the applicable conditions:

1. Casual Leave

Employees are entitled to one casual leave per month.

2. Medical Facilities

OPD medical facilities are available at the Port Hospital for the employee and spouse, according to the prescribed terms.

3. Accommodation

Port accommodation may be provided subject to availability and applicable charges.

4. Transportation

Port bus transportation between Gandhidham and Kandla is available on a chargeable basis.

5. Working Schedule

The engagement generally involves six working days per week, with eight working hours per day. Depending on operational requirements, employees may be assigned rotational or general shifts.

Is ₹30,000 a Good Salary?

For candidates with a Class 7 qualification and relevant practical experience, a fixed monthly remuneration of ₹30,000 represents a potentially attractive contractual employment opportunity.

However, candidates should evaluate the complete employment arrangement rather than compare the amount directly with permanent government positions.

Regular government employees may receive additional components such as dearness allowance, house rent allowance, retirement-related benefits and other service benefits.

These should not be assumed for this contractual recruitment.

Important Dates – Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026

Candidates must keep track of the important dates to avoid missing the application deadline.

Event	Date
Official Notification Date	23 October 2026
Application Start Date	23 October 2026
Cut-off Date for Age Calculation	1 October 2026
Last Date for Application Receipt	13 November 2026
Swimming Test	To be announced
Document Verification	As notified by DPA
Final Selection Result	To be announced

Important: The last date refers to receipt of the application at the designated office. Candidates should send their forms sufficiently early to account for postal delays.

Selection Process and Exam Pattern

Candidates applying for Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026 should understand that this recruitment does not follow the conventional written examination pattern used in many government recruitment exercises.

The authority has prescribed a practical selection procedure.

Stage 1: Application Scrutiny

Initially, the applications received by the authority will be checked.

The scrutiny process may include verification of:

• Educational qualifications.
• Date of birth.
• Relevant work experience.
• Category certificates.
• Identity documents.
• Completeness of the application form.
• Compliance with the prescribed eligibility conditions.

Applications that fail to satisfy the requirements may be rejected.

Stage 2: Swimming Test

Eligible candidates will be called for a practical swimming test.

Swimming is mandatory because the positions involve responsibilities in and around marine facilities.

The authority will conduct the test through its selection mechanism.

Candidates should be comfortable swimming in water and should focus on developing stamina, confidence and safe swimming techniques.

Stage 3: Final Merit List

The final merit list will be prepared based on the swimming test, as specified in the recruitment notification.

Candidates should therefore take the practical assessment seriously.

Stage 4: Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates will have to produce original documents for verification.

The authority may also undertake medical fitness and police antecedent verification before final engagement.

Written Examination Pattern

Particulars	Details
Written Examination	Not prescribed
General Knowledge	No written-paper pattern specified
Reasoning	No written-paper pattern specified
Mathematics	No written-paper pattern specified
English	No written-paper pattern specified
Total Written Marks	Not applicable
Negative Marking	Not applicable to the prescribed selection process
Swimming Test	Yes
Final Merit	Based on swimming test

Candidates should not waste time preparing for an imaginary written examination. The official notification does not announce a written examination, subject-wise marks or negative marking.

Comprehensive Preparation Strategy

Although no conventional written examination is prescribed, candidates should prepare systematically for the practical selection process.

A. Swimming Preparation

Swimming is the most important practical skill for this recruitment.

Candidates should focus on:

• Developing basic swimming techniques.
• Improving water confidence.
• Practising controlled breathing.
• Building swimming endurance.
• Learning to maintain a steady swimming pace.
• Practising safe entry into and exit from swimming areas.
• Understanding basic water safety procedures.

Candidates who are inexperienced swimmers should seek guidance from a qualified swimming instructor.

Do not attempt difficult swimming exercises without supervision.

B. Physical Fitness

Marine-related responsibilities can involve physical work.

Candidates should maintain general fitness through:

• Regular walking.
• Basic cardiovascular exercise.
• Stretching and mobility exercises.
• Light strength training.
• Appropriate rest and recovery.

The objective should be to improve overall stamina and physical readiness rather than prepare for unannounced physical measurements.

C. Preparation for Marine Helper (Survey)

Candidates applying for Survey positions should understand the basic purpose of hydrographic surveys.

Useful topics include:

• Basic knowledge of boats and oars.
• Types and uses of marine ropes.
• Basic rope-handling practices.
• Measuring distances.
• Understanding jetties and pontoons.
• Introduction to lead-line sounding.
• Basic marine safety procedures.
• Personal protective equipment.

Previous marine-field experience can be particularly valuable during practical interactions and document verification.

D. Preparation for Marine Helper (Flotilla)

Flotilla applicants should focus on the practical responsibilities of housekeeping and sanitation.

Important preparation areas include:

• Vessel housekeeping.
• Washroom sanitation.
• Cabin cleaning.
• Deck maintenance.
• Waste segregation and disposal.
• Cleaning equipment handling.
• Safe material lifting.
• Workplace hygiene.
• Basic occupational safety.

Candidates should be familiar with maintaining cleanliness in confined spaces and operational environments.

E. Interview and Document Verification Tips

The notification does not specify a separate interview with a published marks structure.

Nevertheless, candidates should be prepared to explain their previous work experience and demonstrate their understanding of the position.

Some useful preparation questions include:

1. What work did you perform in your previous organization?
2. How much practical experience do you have?
3. What safety precautions should be followed near water?
4. What is the purpose of a lead line?
5. How should marine equipment be handled?
6. What are the important hygiene requirements on a vessel?
7. Why are you interested in working at Deendayal Port Authority?

These are suggested preparation questions, not an officially published interview syllabus.

Application Fee and Payment Mode

An important advantage of this recruitment is that no application fee is specified in the notification.

Category	Application Fee
General/UR	Nil
OBC-NCL	Nil
SC	Nil
ST	Nil

Payment Mode

Since the application process is offline and no application fee is prescribed, candidates do not need to make an online payment for submitting their applications.

Applicants should avoid paying money to unauthorized agents or individuals claiming to guarantee selection.

How to Apply for Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026

The application process is offline. Candidates must download the prescribed application format, complete it and send it to the designated address.

Follow these instructions carefully.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Open the official Deendayal Port Authority website:

https://www.deendayalport.gov.in/

Navigate to the recruitment or current openings section.

Step 2: Download the Recruitment Notification

Locate the notification for Marine Helper (Survey) and Marine Helper (Flotilla) Recruitment 2026.

Download the official notification package and examine all the instructions.

The application format is provided as Annexure-I.

Step 3: Read the Eligibility Conditions

Before filling out the application, verify:

• Your educational qualification.
• Your date of birth.
• Your applicable category.
• Your relevant experience.
• Your swimming ability.

Candidates should ensure that they satisfy all conditions before proceeding.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Enter the information carefully.

The application should contain accurate details, including:

• Applicant’s full name.
• Father’s or mother’s name, as applicable.
• Date of birth.
• Residential address.
• Contact details.
• Educational qualification.
• Relevant work experience.
• Category details.
• Post applied for.

Avoid spelling errors and incorrect personal information.

Step 5: Affix a Recent Photograph

Attach a recent passport-size photograph in the space provided in the application form.

The notification does not specify separate pixel dimensions or file-size requirements for the photograph because the application is submitted offline.

Candidates should follow the physical application format rather than assume online upload specifications.

Step 6: Attach Self-Attested Documents

Prepare photocopies of the required supporting documents.

The document checklist includes:

1. Class 7 educational certificate.
2. Date-of-birth proof.
3. Relevant experience certificate.
4. SC/ST/OBC-NCL certificate, wherever applicable.
5. Aadhaar Card, PAN Card or Voter ID.
6. Other documents required under the prescribed application format.

Candidates should ensure that all copies are legible and self-attested.

Step 7: Check the Application Form

Before dispatching the application, verify that:

• All required fields are completed.
• The correct post is selected.
• The photograph is attached.
• Required certificates are enclosed.
• Contact information is accurate.
• The application is signed wherever required.

Important: Candidates applying for both Marine Helper (Survey) and Marine Helper (Flotilla) must submit separate application forms.

Submitting one common application for both positions can result in disqualification.

Step 8: Send the Application by Post

Place the completed application and supporting documents in an envelope and send it to the following address:

The Dy. Conservator,

Deendayal Port Authority,
Administrative Office Building, Room No. 211,
Post Box No. 50, Gandhidham,
Kutch, Gujarat – 370201.

Candidates should preferably use a postal service that provides tracking and delivery confirmation.

Step 9: Ensure Timely Receipt

The completed application must reach the designated office by 13 November 2026.

Candidates should not wait until the final day to dispatch their applications.

Keep a photocopy of the complete application and the postal receipt for future reference.

Official Links – Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026

Candidates should use official sources wherever possible to obtain recruitment documents and verify updates.

Description	Official Link
Deendayal Port Authority Website	https://www.deendayalport.gov.in/
Current Recruitment Openings	https://www.deendayalport.gov.in/recruitment/current-openings
Official Notification Package	https://www.deendayalport.gov.in/uploads/MRPS_Manpower2026_57eb31c071.zip
Application Form	Annexure-I inside the notification package
Direct Online Application	Not Available – Offline Application Only

Note: The official notification is provided through a ZIP download package rather than a standalone PDF link. The application form is included in the notification documents.

Candidates should refer to the official notification for the final interpretation of eligibility and contractual conditions.

Conclusion – Should You Apply for Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026?

Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026 is a worthwhile opportunity for candidates seeking contractual employment in India’s maritime and port operations sector.

With 16 vacancies, a minimum Class 7 educational qualification and fixed monthly remuneration of ₹30,000, the recruitment offers an accessible opportunity for candidates who possess the required practical experience and swimming ability.

The two positions provide different career experiences. Marine Helper (Survey) is more suitable for candidates with marine-field experience and an interest in survey-related operational activities. Marine Helper (Flotilla) is appropriate for individuals with housekeeping, sanitation and cleaning experience who are comfortable working in a vessel-based environment.

The most important factors candidates should consider are the compulsory swimming test, relevant experience certificate, contractual nature of employment and the application deadline.

Since the selection process does not prescribe a conventional written examination, applicants should concentrate on swimming preparation, physical readiness and the accuracy of their supporting documents.

The last date is 13 November 2026. Candidates who satisfy the eligibility conditions should complete their application well before the deadline to avoid postal delays.

Before applying, carefully read the complete official notification and verify every document required for the selected position.

A timely and correctly completed application can help eligible candidates take advantage of this opportunity with Deendayal Port Authority.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many vacancies are available in Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026?

A total of 16 vacancies have been announced. These include four Marine Helper (Survey) posts and twelve Marine Helper (Flotilla) posts.

Q2. What is the minimum educational qualification for Marine Helper posts?

Candidates must have passed Class 7. Both Survey and Flotilla positions have the same minimum educational qualification.

Q3. What is the last date to apply for DPA Recruitment 2026?

The last date for receipt of the offline application is 13 November 2026. Candidates should ensure that their applications reach the designated office before the deadline.

Q4. What is the salary of a Marine Helper at Deendayal Port Authority?

Selected candidates will receive fixed monthly remuneration of ₹30,000. This amounts to ₹3.60 lakh when annualized over twelve months.

Q5. Is swimming compulsory for both positions?

Yes. Swimming is mandatory for both Marine Helper (Survey) and Marine Helper (Flotilla) positions. Candidates will have to undergo a practical swimming test as part of the selection process.

Q6. Is there a written examination for Deendayal Port Authority Recruitment 2026?

No conventional written examination is prescribed in the notification. The selection process involves application scrutiny and a practical swimming test, followed by the prescribed verification procedures.

Q7. Can candidates with a Class 10 or Class 12 qualification apply?

Yes. The minimum educational qualification is Class 7, so candidates with higher educational qualifications can also apply if they satisfy the other eligibility requirements.

Q8. What is the age limit for Marine Helper Recruitment 2026?

The maximum age is 25 years as on 1 October 2026. OBC-NCL candidates receive three years of relaxation, while SC/ST candidates receive five years of relaxation.

Q9. Is previous work experience compulsory?

Yes. At least one year of relevant experience is required. Survey applicants need marine-field experience, while Flotilla applicants need experience in housekeeping, sanitation or cleaning.

Q10. What is the contract duration?

The initial contractual engagement is for three years. The contract includes a one-day break after every eleven months, and further extensions may be considered according to satisfactory performance and applicable conditions.

Q11. Is this a permanent government job?

No. The recruitment is contractual. Selection does not create an automatic right to permanent employment or regularization in Deendayal Port Authority.

Q12. What is the application fee?

No application fee is specified for this recruitment. Candidates can submit their applications without paying an application charge.

Q13. Can I apply for both Marine Helper positions?

Yes. Candidates interested in both positions must submit separate application forms for Survey and Flotilla. A single application for both positions is not permitted.

Q14. Is the application process online or offline?

The application process is offline. Candidates must download Annexure-I, complete the form, attach self-attested documents and send the application to the designated address in Gandhidham.

Q15. Where is the job location?

The positions are associated with Deendayal Port Authority’s Marine Department at Kandla/Gandhidham in the Kutch district of Gujarat.