CMD Kerala Recruitment 2026: 03 Planner Consultant Posts, Apply by Feb 28

The Centre for Management Development (CMD), Thiruvananthapuram, on behalf of the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD), Government of Kerala, has released a recruitment notification for the post of Planner Consultant. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified and experienced professionals to work on a contract basis under the Planning Department of LSGD. A total of 03 vacancies have been announced for candidates with a Post-Graduation in Town and Country Planning and relevant experience.

Interested candidates must apply online through the official CMD Kerala website (www.cmd.kerala.gov.in) before the deadline. The online application process commenced on February 24, 2026, and the last date to submit applications is February 28, 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria, selection process, and application instructions before applying.

Quick Overview

Vacancy Details

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Candidates must possess a Post-Graduation in Town and Country Planning from a recognized University/Institute.
• Applicants having qualifications equivalent to the prescribed qualification must submit an equivalency certificate issued by the competent authority.
• Candidates with qualifications from foreign universities must submit an equivalency certificate from a competent authority/Association of Indian Universities.

Age Limit

The notification does not explicitly mention an age limit. However, the cut-off date for experience calculation is January 01, 2026.

Experience

• Candidates must have 10 years’ experience in the relevant field (as on January 01, 2026).
• Experience certificates must include specific information like date of joining, relieving, duties and responsibilities, signature, and seal of the authorized person. Appointment letters, salary certificates, or pay slips will not be accepted in lieu of a work experience certificate.
• For the latest experience, applicants may upload an AFFIDAVIT detailing employer, designation, period, nature of job, tasks, and responsibilities.

Application Fee

Application fee details are not mentioned in the official notification. Candidates should check the application portal on the official website for any applicable fees.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The selection process for the Planner Consultant post may involve one or a combination of the following methods:

1. Application Screening
2. Criteria-based Screening
3. Written Examination
4. Proficiency Test
5. Technical Presentation
6. Group Discussion
7. Skill Test
8. Personal Interview

The LSGD/CMD reserves the absolute right to decide the specific mode or combination of modes for selection based on the requirements.

How to Apply

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

1. Visit the official website of the Centre for Management Development (CMD) Kerala: www.cmd.kerala.gov.in.
2. Look for the ‘Recruitment’ or ‘Latest Notifications’ section on the homepage.
3. Find the notification for “Planner Consultant Recruitment” (No.CMD/LSGD/001-2/2026) and click on the ‘Apply Online’ link.
4. Register yourself by providing the necessary details, if you are a new user.
5. Log in using your registration credentials (User ID and Password).
6. Fill out the online application form with all the required personal, educational, and experience details accurately.
7. Upload scanned copies of your latest photograph (less than 200 kB, JPG format) and signature (full signature, not initials, less than 50 kB, JPG format) as per the specifications.
8. Review all the entered details carefully before final submission to avoid any discrepancies, as incomplete or incorrect forms will be rejected.
9. Submit the application form. It is advisable to take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.

Important Links

Job Profile & Career Scope

A Planner Consultant within the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) in Kerala typically plays a crucial role in urban and rural planning, infrastructure development, and policy formulation. Key responsibilities may include:

• Conducting surveys and data analysis for planning projects.
• Developing master plans, zonal plans, and development schemes.
• Providing technical expertise and advice on various planning and development initiatives.
• Coordinating with different government departments, local bodies, and stakeholders.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and proposals for urban and regional development.
• Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of planning projects.

While this is a contract position, it offers valuable experience in the government planning sector of Kerala. Successful candidates can leverage this experience for future permanent positions in government planning departments, urban development authorities, or even private consulting firms specializing in urban and regional planning. The role provides an opportunity to contribute significantly to the sustainable development of local communities.

Preparation Tips

Given the potential selection methods (Written Exam, Proficiency Test, Technical Presentation, Interview), a multi-faceted preparation strategy is essential:

For Technical Knowledge

• Review Core Concepts: Revisit fundamental theories and principles of Town and Country Planning, urban design, regional planning, environmental planning, infrastructure planning, and relevant laws/policies.
• Case Studies: Familiarize yourself with successful planning projects and policies, especially those implemented in Kerala or other Indian states.
• Current Affairs: Stay updated on recent developments, government initiatives, and challenges in urban and rural planning in India, particularly in Kerala.

For Interview/Presentation

• Communication Skills: Practice clear and concise communication. Be ready to articulate your experience and ideas effectively.
• Presentation Skills: If a technical presentation is part of the process, prepare a concise and impactful presentation on a relevant planning topic, showcasing your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare for questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, handling conflicts, and your motivation for this role.

Document Preparation

• Ensure all your educational certificates, experience letters, and other supporting documents are in order.
• Keep both original and self-attested photocopies ready for any verification stage.
• Pay special attention to the experience certificate format as specified in the notification.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The last date for submitting online applications is February 28, 2026, by 05:00 PM.

Q2: How many vacancies are available for the Planner Consultant post?

There are 03 vacancies for the Planner Consultant post.

Q3: What is the required educational qualification for this post?

Candidates must have a Post-Graduation in Town and Country Planning from a recognized University/Institute.

Q4: Is there any age limit specified in the notification?

An explicit age limit is not mentioned in the notification. However, the cut-off date for calculating experience is January 01, 2026.

Q5: What is the application fee for this recruitment?

The official notification does not specify any application fee details. Candidates should check the application portal on the CMD Kerala website for this information.

Q6: What is the mode of appointment for the Planner Consultant position?

The appointment will be on a contract basis, initially for a period of one year, with potential extensions based on project requirements and government approval.

Q7: What documents are needed for the online application?

You need a scanned latest photograph (less than 200 kB, JPG) and a scanned full signature (less than 50 kB, JPG). Ensure all details in the application match your original documents.

Q8: What is the official website to apply?

Candidates must apply online through the official website of the Centre for Management Development (CMD) Kerala: www.cmd.kerala.gov.in.

Q9: Can candidates with foreign qualifications apply?

Yes, candidates with qualifications from foreign universities can apply, but they must submit an equivalency certificate from a competent authority/Association of Indian Universities.

Q10: What kind of experience certificate is required?

Experience certificates must detail date of joining, relieving, duties, responsibilities, and bear the signature and seal of an authorized person. Appointment letters, salary slips, etc., are not accepted as substitutes. For latest experience, an affidavit with specific details can be uploaded.