Government Librarians Service Vacancies 2026 – Quick Details

About Sri Lanka Government Librarians’ Service Recruitment 2026

Applications are invited for recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Government Librarians’ Service through an Open Competitive Examination.

Candidates who possess the required educational and professional qualifications will be eligible to apply. Selection for appointment will be based on merit according to the results of the competitive examination and the number of vacancies approved for recruitment.

Applicants are strongly advised to read the original Gazette notification together with the latest Gazette amendments before submitting the online application.

Eligibility & Qualifications

1. General Qualifications

2. G.C.E. Ordinary Level Qualification

3. G.C.E. Advanced Level Qualification

Applicants should have passed all subjects at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination at one sitting, excluding the General Test and General English.

Professional Qualifications in Library Science

In addition to the educational qualifications, applicants should possess one of the following professional qualifications:

Government Librarian Grade III Salary

Nature of Appointment

• Permanent and pensionable post.
• Selected candidates will be appointed to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Government Librarians’ Service.
• Newly appointed officers will generally be subject to a three-year probation period.
• The required Efficiency Bar Examination should be passed according to the provisions applicable to the service.
• Officers may be required to serve at the first appointed workplace for the prescribed period, subject to the appointing authority's decisions.

Reservation for Persons with Disabilities

According to the original Gazette notice, 3% of vacancies to be filled are reserved for eligible persons with disabilities, subject to the prescribed examination requirements and relevant public administration provisions.

Government Librarians Service Exam Structure

The competitive examination consists of three question papers. The examination may be taken in Sinhala, Tamil or English medium. Applicants should select the required examination medium when applying.

Library Science Examination Syllabus

The Library Science paper covers a wide range of theoretical and practical areas related to librarianship.

1. Libraries and Librarianship

• History and development of libraries
• Ancient and modern libraries
• Origin and development of writing and books
• Development of printing technology
• Types of libraries
• Special libraries
• Government ministry and departmental libraries
• Research libraries
• Academic and university libraries
• School libraries
• Public libraries
• Libraries in religious institutions
• Library committees
• Professional library organizations
• Library buildings and planning
• Maintenance and conservation
• Disaster and disaster management

2. Organization of Information and Knowledge

• Objectives and benefits of book classification
• Dewey Decimal Classification
• Universal Decimal Classification
• Objectives of cataloguing
• Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR)
• Bibliographical description
• Compilation of entries using AACR-2

3. Library Resources & Information Services

• Different types of library resources
• Collection development
• Collection development policies
• Selection and acquisition of library resources
• Technical services
• Processing of resources
• Stock taking and weeding
• Publishing
• Copyright and censorship
• Current awareness services
• Reader education programmes
• Public relations and publicity for libraries

4. Information & Communication Technology

Application of computer technology in libraries, the importance of information technology and the use of ICT in library activities and functions.

Intelligence Test

The Intelligence Test is designed to assess candidates' abilities in areas such as:

• Comprehension
• Quantitative ability
• Logical inference
• Problem solving
• Verbal reasoning
• Numerical reasoning
• Spatial reasoning and time-space relationships

The paper contains 50 multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions, and all questions are compulsory.

General Knowledge Test

The General Knowledge paper assesses awareness and understanding of matters relating to Sri Lanka and the wider world, including:

• Social affairs
• Culture
• Education
• Political affairs
• Economic matters
• National and regional developments
• International affairs and organizations
• General knowledge relating to Library Science and librarianship

The General Knowledge paper also contains 50 multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions.

Pass Marks & Selection

Examination Date Update

Examination Fee

The examination fee specified in the original Gazette notification is:

Payment is made through the payment methods provided by the Department of Examinations online application system.

How to Apply for Government Librarians Service Vacancies 2026

Download Government Librarians Service Gazette 2026

The official Gazette details are available in English, Tamil and Sinhala. Select your preferred language below.

Important Instructions for Applicants

• Check your eligibility carefully before applying.
• Read both the original Gazette and the latest amendment.
• Enter all information accurately in the online application.
• Use a valid mobile phone number and email address.
• Pay the correct examination fee through the official system.
• Keep a copy of the submitted application.
• Keep the examination fee payment receipt safely.
• Check your admission card carefully when issued.
• Follow Department of Examinations notices regarding the examination date.
• Do not wait until the final day to submit the application.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions