1. Introduction - From a Legal Career Perspective

Every year thousands of law graduates enter the Indian job market with dreams of stable, respectable and intellectually satisfying careers. The harsh reality is that meaningful legal roles-especially in government and PSU sector-are extremely limited and fiercely competitive.

The present recruitment by Indian Railway Construction International Limited (IRCON) for the post of Deputy General Manager / Company Affairs is one such rare opening where legal and corporate governance professionals get a chance to enter the senior management layer of a Navratna PSU.

Although this post is not a traditional courtroom-oriented “legal officer” job, it sits at the intersection of:

  • Corporate law
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Governance
  • Board-level advisory work

For law graduates who have chosen the path of corporate law or company secretarial practice instead of litigation, this position can be a career-defining milestone.

This article breaks down the notification not as an advertisement, but as practical career guidance for legal aspirants.

2. Verified Key Notification Details

ParticularDetails
OrganizationIRCON International Limited
Post NameDeputy General Manager / Company Affairs
Advertisement No.04/2026
Number of Vacancies01 (UR)
Mode of ApplicationOffline
Essential QualificationFellow/Associate Member of ICSI
Desirable QualificationLLB Degree
Experience Required9 years total, including 3 years in a listed company
Age Limit41 years (as on 01.01.2026)
Pay ScaleRs. 70,000 - 2,00,000 (IDA) + allowances
Selection ProcessWritten Test and/or Interview
Last Date to Apply13 February 2026

3. Real Meaning of Eligibility Criteria

What Does “ICSI Membership” Imply?

This recruitment is fundamentally aimed at Company Secretaries, not pure law graduates.

The essential requirement is:

  • Associate/Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)

This means:

  • A simple LLB degree holder without CS qualification is NOT eligible
  • The post is designed for professionals deeply trained in company law, SEBI regulations, and corporate governance

Role of LLB in This Recruitment

The notification states:

“Additional Qualification of LLB will be preferred.”

This line is very important for law aspirants.

It clearly indicates that:

  • The core professional identity expected is that of a Company Secretary
  • LLB is only an added advantage
  • Candidates who are CS + LLB will have a strong edge

Therefore:

  • Pure law graduates should NOT treat this as a typical legal officer vacancy
  • It is ideal for those who combine CS qualification with legal education

Experience Expectations - Decoded

The notification requires:

  • Total 9 years of experience
  • Out of which minimum 3 years must be in a listed company

This is a senior-level requirement.

Realistically, IRCON is looking for someone who has:

  • Handled board meetings
  • Drafted resolutions
  • Managed SEBI and stock exchange compliances
  • Dealt with corporate governance issues
  • Coordinated with senior management and legal teams

Fresh law graduates or even young advocates should clearly understand that this is NOT an entry-level job.

Unlike typical “Legal Officer” posts that focus on litigation, this role is heavily corporate in nature.

Core Responsibilities Likely to Include:

  • Secretarial compliances under Companies Act, 2013
  • Preparation of board agendas and minutes
  • Handling SEBI and stock exchange related filings
  • Corporate governance advisory
  • Drafting of legal and regulatory documents
  • Coordination with statutory authorities
  • Ensuring compliance with PSU norms

Skills That Actually Matter

To succeed in this position, a candidate must be strong in:

  • Interpretation of company law
  • Drafting of board resolutions and legal notes
  • Regulatory compliance management
  • Corporate communication
  • Attention to procedural detail
  • Understanding of PSU functioning

Courtroom advocacy skills are largely irrelevant here.

This is more of a corporate legal-administrative leadership role.

5. How to Apply - Lawyer-Friendly Walkthrough

Since this is an offline application process, candidates must be extra careful.

Practical Steps:

  1. Download the official application format from IRCON website
  2. Fill the form meticulously without overwriting
  3. Attach all required documents such as:
    • ICSI membership proof
    • Experience certificates
    • LLB degree (if applicable)
    • Identity and age proof
  4. Prepare a Demand Draft (if applicable)
  5. Send the application by post to:

Joint General Manager/HRM
IRCON International Limited
C-4, District Centre, Saket
New Delhi - 110017

  • Sending incomplete applications
  • Not attaching proof of listed company experience
  • Ignoring proper channel NOC requirements
  • Missing signature on application
  • Incorrect envelope superscription

Any of these can result in straight rejection.

6. Salary, Career Growth & Professional Impact

Financial Perspective

The pay scale of Rs. 70,000 - 2,00,000 (IDA) is highly attractive.

With allowances, the real monthly package can easily cross:

  • ₹1.4 to 1.6 lakh depending on posting location

Additional benefits include:

  • HRA
  • Medical facilities
  • PRP (Performance Related Pay)
  • EPF and pension
  • Gratuity
  • Leave encashment

Long-Term Career Impact

This role offers:

  • Entry into senior PSU management
  • Excellent job stability
  • Exposure to high-level corporate governance
  • Strong resume value for future leadership roles

For CS + LLB professionals, this can be a dream profile.

7. Exam / Interview Preparation Strategy

Although selection may involve written test or interview, preparation must be focused.

Subjects to Focus On:

  • Companies Act, 2013
  • SEBI (LODR) Regulations
  • Corporate Governance norms
  • Secretarial Standards
  • Contract law basics
  • PSU governance frameworks

Interview Preparation Tips

Expect questions on:

  • Handling of board meetings
  • Compliance management
  • Ethical dilemmas
  • Practical corporate scenarios

This will be a technical-professional interview, not a general knowledge test.

8. Pros and Cons - Honest Assessment

Pros

  • Prestigious PSU role
  • Excellent salary
  • Stable career
  • Corporate governance exposure
  • Senior management interaction

Cons

  • Not suitable for litigation-oriented lawyers
  • Highly competitive due to single vacancy
  • Transferability within PSU system
  • Bureaucratic work environment

9. Practical Applicant Checklist

Before applying, ensure you have:

  • Valid ICSI membership
  • Minimum 9 years post-qualification experience
  • Proof of 3 years experience in a listed company
  • Proper NOC (if in government/PSU)
  • All certificates ready
  • Demand draft prepared
  • Application sent well before deadline

10. Conclusion - Mature Career Advice

Who Should Definitely Apply

  • CS professionals with LLB
  • Corporate governance specialists
  • Those already working in listed companies
  • Mid-career professionals seeking PSU stability

Who Should Avoid Applying

  • Fresh law graduates
  • Advocates without CS qualification
  • Candidates without listed company experience

This is a high-level corporate governance position, not a general legal job.

Apply only if your profile genuinely matches the expectations.

11. FAQ - Law-Specific Doubts

Q1. Is Bar Council enrollment required?
Not mandatory. The essential qualification is ICSI membership.

Q2. Can a pure LLB graduate apply?
No. CS qualification is compulsory.

Q3. Does internship count as experience?
No. Only full-time post-qualification professional experience is counted.

Q4. Can final year CS students apply?
No. Only qualified Associate/Fellow members are eligible.

Q5. Is courtroom experience useful?
Not really. Corporate compliance experience matters more.

Q6. Is this a legal officer post?
No. It is primarily a Company Affairs / Secretarial post with legal orientation.

Apply Now

Apply Link: https://www.ircon.org