Foreign Service (SLFS) Exam Application (Jobs) 2026
Sri Lanka Foreign Service Grade III Open Competitive Examination 2026 – 25 Vacancies
Applications are invited for the Open Competitive Examination for Recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service – 2026. The recruitment is conducted under the Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
Application Start Date: 07 September 2026 – 9.00 AM
Closing Date: 06 October 2026 – 9.00 PM
Examination: November 2026
Examination Centre: Colombo
Vacancy Details
| Recruiting Service | Sri Lanka Foreign Service |
| Grade | Grade III |
| Total Vacancies | 25 Vacancies |
| Recruitment Method | Open Competitive Examination and Eligibility Assessment Interview |
| Examination Month | November 2026 |
| Closing Date | 06 October 2026 – 9.00 PM |
Educational Qualifications
Applicants should possess one of the following degree qualifications specified in the official Gazette:
- A degree obtained from a foreign or State university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- A degree awarded by a university established by an Act of Parliament of Sri Lanka.
- A degree recognized under Section 25A of the Universities Act, No. 16 of 1978.
Other Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants should be citizens of Sri Lanka.
- Applicants should be of excellent character.
- Applicants should be physically and mentally fit to serve in Sri Lanka or any part of the world.
- All required qualifications should be completed by the closing date.
- A candidate cannot sit this examination on more than three occasions.
Age Limit
Applicants must have attained the age of 22 years and must not have attained the age of 28 years on the closing date.
Eligible applicants should have been born:
On or before 06 October 2004
and
On or after 06 October 1998.
Eligible applicants already serving in the Public Service should not have attained the age of 35 years on the closing date and should satisfy the required service conditions mentioned in the Gazette.
Salary Scale
Monthly Salary Scale:
Rs. 82,150 – 10 × 2,400 – 8 × 2,940 – 17 × 3,900 – Rs. 195,970
Nature of Appointment
The post is permanent and pensionable. Selected candidates will be subject to a three-year probation period and the relevant provisions of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service Minute and Public Service Commission rules.
Examination Medium
The written examination will be conducted in:
- Sinhala
- Tamil
- English
Candidates should sit all applicable papers in the language medium selected in the application. The selected examination medium cannot later be changed.
Written Examination Subjects
| Subject | Duration | Marks | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Paper | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| World Affairs I | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| World Affairs II | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| Essay | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| Précis | 30 Minutes | 50 | 25 |
| MCQ Paper – IQ Test + General Knowledge and Current Affairs | 2 Hours 30 Minutes | 150 | 75 |
| Language Proficiency | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
All candidates are required to sit the MCQ paper first. Only candidates who obtain the required minimum marks in the MCQ paper will be eligible to sit the remaining examination papers.
MCQ Paper
The MCQ paper consists of two sections:
- Intelligence Test – tests logical ability and analytical skills.
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs – tests knowledge of political, economic and socio-cultural developments in Sri Lanka and internationally.
Eligibility Assessment Interview
Candidates who obtain the required pass marks in all seven examination papers and achieve the required aggregate mark may be called for the eligibility assessment interview.
The number of candidates called for the interview will not exceed five times the number of available vacancies.
The interview carries 100 marks.
Interview Assessment Areas
- Additional Educational Qualifications
- Other / Professional Qualifications
- Proficiency in English Language
- Proficiency in Foreign Languages
- Computer Skills
- Proficiency in Official Languages
- Personality
- Communication Skills
- Interview Skills
Examination Fee
The examination fee can be paid using the payment methods available through the Department of Examinations system, including:
- Bank Credit Card
- Bank Debit Card with Internet Transaction Facility
- Bank of Ceylon Online Banking / Flex App
- Bank of Ceylon Branch
The examination fee will not be refunded or transferred to another examination.
Application Procedure
The examination application should be submitted through the official Sri Lanka Department of Examinations application system.
The application form should be completed in English only.
Applicants are strongly advised to download and read the official application instructions before completing the application.
After the application is submitted, the Department of Examinations may notify applicants regarding acceptance of the application by SMS or email.
Official Gazette Details
Candidates should carefully read the official Gazette notification before submitting their application.
Application Instructions
Applicants should read the common recruitment instructions issued for the examination before completing the application.
Valid Identification for the Examination
Candidates should produce one of the following valid identification documents at the examination:
- National Identity Card
- Valid Passport
- Valid Sri Lankan Driving Licence
Important Notice for Applicants
Sri Lanka Foreign Service Exam 2026 – Quick Summary
| Exam | Sri Lanka Foreign Service Grade III Open Competitive Examination 2026 |
| Vacancies | 25 |
| Minimum Qualification | Recognized Degree |
| General Age Limit | 22 – below 28 years |
| Exam Fee | Rs. 1,200 |
| Application Start | 07 September 2026 – 9.00 AM |
| Closing Date | 06 October 2026 – 9.00 PM |
| Exam Month | November 2026 |
| Exam Location | Colombo |
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