Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA, Andhra Pradesh), an autonomous major port authority under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has officially published recruitment notification inviting applications for 1 post of Deputy Chief Law Officer (Class-I). Qualified law graduates with executive legal experience in major port trusts, public sector undertakings, or maritime commercial arbitration are invited to apply. The selected officer will be placed in the executive pay scale of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 2,20,000 per month (Class-I Cadre). The closing date for submission of applications is 28 October 2026.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority 2026: Cadre Overview and Salary Structure
The recruitment fulfills a crucial legal advisory position overseeing maritime legal proceedings and arbitration:
| Parameter | Official Port Authority Standards |
|---|---|
| Organization | Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA, Andhra Pradesh) |
| Post Name | Deputy Chief Law Officer (Class-I) |
| Total Vacancies | 1 Post (Unreserved) |
| Executive Pay Scale | Rs. 80,000 - 2,20,000 (Class-I Executive) |
| Recruitment Mode | Direct Recruitment / Absorption / Deputation |
| Last Date to Apply | 28 October 2026 |
| Official Website | vpt.shipping.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria, Educational Qualifications & Age Limit
Candidates applying for the Deputy Chief Law Officer opening must fulfill official gazetted requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Degree in Law (LL.B / B.L.) from a recognized university recognized by the Bar Council of India. Post Graduate Degree in Law (LL.M) specializing in Mercantile Law, Commercial Law, or Maritime Law is desirable.
- Executive Experience: Minimum 12 years executive experience in the legal department of a Major Port Authority, Central/State Government undertaking, or commercial corporation handling industrial disputes, arbitration, land contracts, and maritime litigations.
- Age Limit: Upper age limit is 42 years as on 01 October 2026. Age relaxations apply for SC/ST (5 years) and OBC (3 years) as per central government directives.
Selection Process, Exam Pattern and Shortlisting Criteria
The selection will be finalized based on professional credentials, merit screening, and personal interview:
- Scrutiny of Applications: Evaluation of educational pedigree, professional bar enrolment, and proven experience in handling High Court and Supreme Court maritime cases.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted eligible candidates will appear before the Class-I Selection Committee at Visakhapatnam Port Authority headquarters.
- Vigilance Clearance: For departmental or government/PSU candidates applying via proper channel or deputation, APAR grading for the last 5 years and vigilance clearance are mandatory.
Qualifying Marks, Benchmark Cutoffs and Evaluation Criteria
The port trust selection board follows strict executive recruitment benchmarks:
- Interview Benchmark: Minimum 50% qualifying marks in personal interview are required for inclusion in the final select panel.
- Service Scrutiny: Length and relevance of senior executive legal experience in port operations, maritime law, and commercial arbitration carry 50% weightage in preliminary shortlisting.
- Merit Roster: The final appointment list is issued in order of merit subject to medical fitness and vigilance clearance.
Candidate Guidelines and Next Steps for Offline Submission
Eligible applicants must follow the official submission guidelines:
- Download the official application format from the careers section on vpt.shipping.gov.in.
- Fill in educational, bar council registration, and comprehensive executive experience details.
- Attach self-attested copies of law degree certificates, bar council enrollment proof, age verification, and experience certificates.
- Forward the completed application envelope marked "Application for the post of Deputy Chief Law Officer" to the Secretary, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Port Area, Visakhapatnam - 530035, Andhra Pradesh.
- The physical application along with all enclosures must reach the administrative office before 28 October 2026.
Perks, Medical Benefits and Accommodation
The appointed Class-I officer is entitled to official port residential quarters in Visakhapatnam, Contributory Provident Fund, gratuity, comprehensive medical facilities for self and family in the Port Trust Hospital, leave travel concession, and cafeteria allowances under major port statutory regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (Notice-Grounded)
What is the last date to apply for VPA Deputy Chief Law Officer?
Applications complete in all respects must reach the Secretary, Visakhapatnam Port Authority by 28 October 2026.
How many posts are available under this VPA recruitment notification?
There is 1 post for Deputy Chief Law Officer (Class-I) notified under official advertisement on vpt.shipping.gov.in.
What is the pay scale for Deputy Chief Law Officer at VPA?
The selected officer will be placed in the executive IDA pay scale of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 2,20,000 per month.
What is the maximum age limit for applying to this Class-I post?
The upper age limit is 42 years as on 01 October 2026, with applicable statutory government relaxations.