Management Service Officer (MSO) Grade III Vacancies 2026 – Open & Limited Exam Online Application
Sri Lanka Government Jobs 2026 | Management Service Officers’ Service Grade III Recruitment
Applications are invited for the Open Competitive Examination and Limited Competitive Examination for Recruitment to Grade III of the Management Service Officers’ Service – 2026 under the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
According to the Government Gazette dated 28 August 2026, applications must be submitted online through the Sri Lanka Department of Examinations. Candidates are strongly advised to read the official Gazette and common instructions carefully before submitting the application.
Important Dates
| Application Opening Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Opening Time | 9.00 AM |
| Closing Date | 25 September 2026 |
| Closing Time | 9.00 PM |
| Examination Month | December 2026 |
Management Service Officer Grade III – Open Competitive Examination 2026
The Open Competitive Examination is conducted for recruitment to Grade III of the Management Service Officers’ Service. Selection will be made according to the examination results, merit and the relevant recruitment conditions stated in the Gazette.
Open Exam – Basic Eligibility
- Applicant must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.
- Applicant must possess good character.
- Must be physically and mentally fit to serve in any part of Sri Lanka.
- Age must be not less than 18 years and not more than 30 years as at 25 September 2026.
- Applicants should have the required G.C.E. O/L and G.C.E. A/L qualifications specified in the official Gazette.
- All required qualifications must have been completed by the closing date.
Educational Qualifications – Open Exam
Applicants must have passed the G.C.E. Ordinary Level Examination in six subjects in one sitting, with credit passes in four subjects including the relevant language and Mathematics, subject to the detailed conditions in the Gazette.
Applicants must also have passed all required subjects at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination in one sitting, excluding General English and the Common General Test, in accordance with the Gazette notice.
Salary
Salary Code: MN 02-2025
Salary Scale: Rs. 48,470 – 10 × 540 – 11 × 630 – 10 × 1,010 – 10 × 1,190 – Rs. 82,800
Open Examination Structure
| Paper | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Language Ability | 100 | 2½ Hours |
| Aptitude | 100 | 1 Hour |
Candidates must obtain at least 40% for each subject and at least 50% of the total marks to satisfy the minimum examination requirement.
Management Service Officer Grade III – Limited Competitive Examination 2026
A separate Limited Competitive Examination has also been announced for recruitment to Grade III of the Management Service Officers’ Service.
Who Can Apply for the Limited Exam?
The Limited Examination is mainly available to eligible officers holding permanent appointments in the Public Service who have been confirmed in their posts.
Eligible applicants must fall within the relevant PL salary categories or MN 1-2025 salary code and satisfy all other service and qualification requirements stated in the official Gazette.
Examination Fee
The Gazette specifies an examination fee of Rs. 600 for the Open Competitive Examination. Payment must be made using the payment methods provided through the online examination application system.
How to Apply Online
- Read the official Gazette notice carefully.
- Download and read the Common Recruitment Instructions.
- Visit the Department of Examinations online application portal.
- Select the relevant MSO Grade III Open or Limited Examination.
- Complete the application with accurate information.
- Pay the examination fee where applicable using an approved payment method.
- Submit the application before 25 September 2026 at 9.00 PM.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and payment confirmation for future reference.
Official Documents & Online Application
📄 Open Exam Gazette Details 📄 Limited Exam Gazette Details 📘 Download Common Instructions ✅ Apply Online – Department of ExaminationsImportant Notice for Applicants
Do not wait until the final day to submit your application. Read the Gazette carefully and confirm your age, educational qualifications, service qualifications, district details and other eligibility requirements before applying. Incorrect or incomplete applications may be rejected.
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| Post / Service | Management Service Officers’ Service – Grade III |
| Recruitment | Open & Limited Competitive Examinations |
| Year | 2026 |
| Gazette Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Applications Open | 31 August 2026 – 9.00 AM |
| Closing Date | 25 September 2026 – 9.00 PM |
| Exam Month | December 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
| Open Exam Age Limit | 18 – 30 Years |
| Salary Scale | Rs. 48,470 – 82,800 (MN 02-2025) |
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes. Applicants should refer to the official Government Gazette and Sri Lanka Department of Examinations instructions for complete eligibility, examination and application requirements.