CMD Recruitment 2026: 7 Project Officer & Other Posts, Apply by March 22

The Centre for Management Development (CMD), an autonomous institution under the Government of Kerala, has released a recruitment notification (No.CMD/RKP/01/2026) for various positions on a contract basis. This is a significant opportunity for eligible candidates looking to contribute to the Resilient Kerala Program (P for R) supported by the World Bank. A total of 7 vacancies are announced for roles such as Project Officer, Product Development Specialist, Marketing Manager, and more. Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official CMD website before the deadline of March 22, 2026.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the posts and their respective vacancies:

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the specific educational qualifications, age limits, and work experience criteria as on March 01, 2026. The qualification stipulated for the post must be from a recognized University/Institute. Applicants with equivalent qualifications must submit an equivalency certificate.

Educational Qualification

• Project Officer: Graduation in Agriculture and Post-Graduation in Business Administration or Agri Business Management.
• Product Development Specialist: B Tech / M Tech in Food Technology/Food Engineering.
• Marketing Manager: Post-Graduation in Business Administration or Agri Business Management with specialisation in Marketing.
• Business Development Manager: Post-Graduation in Business Administration or Agri Business Management with specialisation in Business Analytics or Operations Management.
• Office Administrator: Bachelor Degree in Business Administration & Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application.
• District Coordinator/Resource Person: BSc/MSc in Agriculture.

Age Limit (as on 01.03.2026)

Work Experience (as on 01.03.2026)

• Project Officer: 10 years of experience in agribusiness promotion, FPO promotion, DPR preparation, market linkage, credit linkage etc.
• Product Development Specialist: 5 years of experience in product development, food processing and safety standards, production process, plant & machineries etc.
• Marketing Manager: 5 years of experience in branding and marketing of agri products/FMCG, digital marketing and promotional activities.
• Business Development Manager: 5 years of experience in preparing DPRs, developing, partnerships, B2B meets, industry connects etc.
• Office Administrator: 7 years of experience in data collection, data analysis, documentation, preparation of reports and related project analysis such as FPC wise analysis of various interventions, coordination with team members, book keeping accounting MIS.
• District Coordinator/Resource Person: 3 years of experience in working with FPCs, extension activities, training and capacity building.

Application Fee

Application fee details are not mentioned in the official notification. Candidates are advised to check the online application portal or the detailed notification on the official website for any updates regarding application fees.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The Centre for Management Development (CMD) reserves the right to determine the selection process based on the specific requirements of each post. The process may include:

1. Application Screening: Initial scrutiny of submitted applications to check for eligibility and completeness.
2. Criteria-based Screening: Further evaluation of applications based on specific criteria like educational qualification, experience, and other notified eligibility requirements.
3. Assessment Tests: This may involve a written test, group discussion, skill test/proficiency test, or an interview. CMD may utilize any combination of these methods.
4. Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates will be intimated about the further stages of the selection process via their registered email ID, SMS, or phone call.
5. Candidates must upload either the original certificate or the provisional certificate issued by a competent authority for their educational qualifications. Mark sheets, consolidated mark sheets, or statements will not be accepted.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply online for the CMD Recruitment 2026:

1. Visit the official website of the Centre for Management Development (CMD) Kerala: www.cmd.kerala.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the ‘Recruitment’ or ‘Notifications’ section and locate the notification titled “No.CMD/RKP/01/2026”.
3. Click on the online application link, which will be active from March 08, 2026 (10:00 AM).
4. Read the detailed notification carefully to understand all eligibility criteria, instructions, and terms before proceeding with the application.
5. Fill out all required fields in the online application form accurately and completely. Ensure there are no discrepancies, as incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected.
6. Upload a scanned copy of your latest passport-sized photograph. The image must be less than 200KB and in JPG format only.
7. Upload a scanned copy of your full signature on a white paper. The image must be less than 50KB and in JPG format only. The signature must be genuine, in full, and not in capital letters.
8. Upload either the original certificate or the provisional certificate issued by a competent authority for your educational qualifications. Mark sheets, consolidated mark sheets, or statements will not be accepted.
9. Ensure you have a valid personal email ID and mobile number. Keep them active throughout the recruitment process, as all official communications will be sent to them.
10. Review your application thoroughly before final submission. Once submitted, no changes will be entertained.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

The roles offered at CMD are crucial for the implementation of the Resilient Kerala Program, focusing on strengthening agribusiness and improving farmers’ income. These contract-based positions provide an excellent opportunity to work on high-impact projects with the Government of Kerala and the World Bank.

• Project Officer: This is a leadership role involving overall project management, strategic planning for FPC business expansion, market access, and ensuring compliance with World Bank guidelines. Career growth can lead to higher-level project management or consultancy roles in agricultural development.
• Product Development Specialist: Focuses on identifying and developing viable value-added products, market analysis, and ensuring quality standards. This role offers hands-on experience in food technology and agribusiness innovation, with potential for growth into R&D or quality assurance management.
• Marketing Manager: Drives market access, brand visibility, and buyer engagement for FPC products. This involves developing marketing strategies, digital onboarding, and B2B linkages. A successful tenure can lead to senior marketing positions in the agri-food sector.
• Business Development Manager: Responsible for financial viability, market integration, and scaling of FPCs, including preparing business plans and facilitating access to finance. This role is ideal for those seeking growth in agribusiness strategy and financial advisory.
• Office Administrator: Ensures smooth administrative functioning, project documentation, HR records, and logistical support. This provides a strong foundation in project administration and coordination, with potential for growth into executive assistant or project coordination roles.
• District Coordinator/Resource Person: Involves field-level execution, capacity building for FPCs, and facilitating market linkages at the grassroots level. This role offers extensive exposure to rural development and direct community engagement, leading to roles in field operations or community development.

These positions offer a dynamic work environment with exposure to government initiatives, international funding agencies, and direct impact on rural livelihoods.

Preparation Tips

To successfully navigate the CMD recruitment process, consider the following tips:

Application Stage:

• Read Carefully: Go through the entire notification multiple times to ensure you understand all eligibility criteria, required documents, and application instructions.
• Gather Documents: Keep all educational certificates, experience letters, scanned photograph, and signature ready in the prescribed format and size before starting the application.
• Accuracy is Key: Double-check all information entered in the online form. Any false or incorrect information can lead to rejection.
• Active Contact Details: Ensure your email ID and mobile number are active and frequently checked, as all communication will be through them.

Selection Process (If tests/interviews are conducted):

• General Aptitude: For most government contract roles, a basic understanding of quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and general awareness is beneficial.
• Domain Knowledge: Thoroughly revise concepts related to your specific educational background (Agriculture, Food Technology, Business Management, etc.) and the job role’s responsibilities.
• Interview Preparation: Prepare for common interview questions, especially those related to your experience, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the project’s objectives (Disbursement Linked Indicator-8, FPOs, agribusiness development).
• Communication Skills: Practice clear and concise communication, both written and verbal, as these are often assessed in selection processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the last date to apply for CMD Recruitment 2026?

The last date for submitting the online application is March 22, 2026, by 05.00 PM.

Q2: How many vacancies are announced in this recruitment?

A total of 7 vacancies have been announced across various posts like Project Officer, Product Development Specialist, Marketing Manager, etc.

Q3: What is the mode of application?

The application mode is strictly online. Candidates must apply through the official CMD website: www.cmd.kerala.gov.in.

Q4: Is there an application fee for these posts?

The official notification does not specify any application fee. Candidates should check the online application portal for any fee-related information.

Q5: What is the age limit for the Project Officer post?

The upper age limit for the Project Officer post is 60 years as on March 01, 2026.

Q6: What documents are required to be uploaded during the application process?

You need to upload a scanned copy of your latest photograph, signature, and either the original or provisional certificate for your educational qualification. Mark sheets will not be accepted.

Q7: What is the selection process for these contract positions?

The selection process may include application screening, criteria-based screening, and could involve a written test, group discussion, skill test/proficiency test, or an interview, or any combination of these methods, as determined by CMD.

Q8: Can candidates from outside Kerala apply?

The general instructions state that applicants must be citizens of India. There is no explicit restriction on candidates from outside Kerala, but they should ensure they meet all other eligibility criteria.

Q9: What if I face issues while uploading documents?

Ensure your photograph and signature files meet the specified size (less than 200KB for photo, less than 50KB for signature) and format (JPG). If issues persist, refer to the official website’s help section or contact support if provided.

Q10: What is the cut-off date for age and experience calculation?

The cut-off date for calculating the upper age limit and work experience is March 01, 2026.