Applications are invited for the Limited Competitive Examination for Recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) – 2026. Eligible officers can apply online through the Sri Lanka Department of Examinations.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government has called applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service through the Limited Competitive Examination – 2026.
According to the official Gazette notification, this recruitment is conducted to fill 40 vacancies in Grade III of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service on a limited competitive basis.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Service | Sri Lanka Administrative Service |
| Grade | Grade III |
| Recruitment Method | Limited Competitive Examination |
| Year | 2026 |
| Number of Vacancies | 40 Vacancies |
| Application Method | Online Only |
| Exam Fee | Rs. 1,200/- |
| Maximum Age | 53 Years |
| Application Closing Date | 30 September 2026 – 9.00 PM |
Salary Code: SL-1-2025
Rs. 82,150 – 10 × 2,400 – 8 × 2,940 – 17 × 3,900 – Rs. 195,970/-
In addition to the above salary, officers will be entitled to allowances paid by the Government from time to time in accordance with applicable regulations.
The appointment is stated to be permanent and pensionable, subject to the conditions and regulations applicable to the Sri Lanka Administrative Service.
Applicants should carefully read the official Gazette before submitting an application. The principal general requirements include being a Sri Lankan citizen, being of good character and having the physical and mental fitness required to serve in any part of Sri Lanka.
One route specified in the Gazette requires a recognized degree awarded by a university or institution recognized under the relevant Sri Lankan university laws, together with the required public-service experience.
Under this route, an officer should have completed at least five (05) years of active and satisfactory service in the Public Service or Provincial Public Service in an eligible permanent and pensionable service/post under the salary codes specified in the Gazette.
The Gazette also provides another eligibility route based on at least ten (10) years of active and satisfactory service in an eligible permanent and pensionable Public Service or Provincial Public Service post/service under the applicable salary codes.
Applicants should be not more than 53 years of age on the date specified for satisfying the qualifications.
According to the Gazette, applicants whose date of birth falls on or after 28 August 1973 satisfy the stated age requirement, subject to all other eligibility conditions.
The examination fee is Rs. 1,200/-. Applicants must make the payment using one of the payment methods provided by the Department of Examinations online application system.
Available payment methods include eligible bank credit cards, debit cards with online payment facilities, Bank of Ceylon online banking/Flex facilities and the Bank of Ceylon teller payment method as described in the official instructions.
The written examination consists of four question papers. Candidates are required to sit all four papers.
| Subject | Marks | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 100 | 50 |
| Social, Economic and Political Background of Sri Lanka & Global Trends | 100 | 50 |
| Public Administration Subject Study I | 100 | 50 |
| Public Administration Subject Study II | 100 | 50 |
Candidates must obtain at least 50 marks from each subject to satisfy the minimum written examination requirement.
Candidates who obtain the required marks and rank sufficiently high in the written examination will be considered for the interview process, subject to the provisions of the Gazette.
The structured interview carries a maximum of 25 marks and assesses areas including management skills, leadership qualities, communication skills and personality.
The examination will be conducted in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Candidates must answer all papers in the same language medium, and the selected examination medium cannot subsequently be changed.
Applications can be submitted online only through the Sri Lanka Department of Examinations online recruitment examination system.
1. Open the Department of Examinations online application portal.
2. Select the relevant SLAS Grade III Limited Competitive Examination – 2026.
3. Enter the required applicant details carefully.
4. Complete the application in English.
5. Verify all information before submitting.
6. Pay the prescribed examination fee.
7. Complete the final submission and download/print the application for your records and further official action.
Do not wait until the final day to submit your application. Applicants should carefully check the official Gazette and application instructions before making payment and submitting the online application. Incorrect, incomplete or late applications may be rejected.
The Gazette states that the limited competitive examination is being held to fill 40 vacancies.
Online applications open on 31 August 2026 at 9.00 AM.
The online application closes on 30 September 2026 at 9.00 PM.
The prescribed examination fee is Rs. 1,200/-.
The examination application itself must be submitted online through the Department of Examinations system. Applicants should also follow the Gazette requirements relating to the printed application copy and their institution.
Eligible candidates can apply through the official Department of Examinations online recruitment examination portal using the Apply Online button above.
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Follow WhatsApp ChannelDisclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes. Applicants should refer to the official Gazette notification and Department of Examinations instructions for complete eligibility requirements, conditions and amendments before applying.
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