IRD Exam 2026

The Public Service Commission and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development invite applications from qualified citizens of Sri Lanka to fill 200 vacancies in Grade III of the Sri Lanka Inland Revenue Service through an Open Competitive Examination.

Job Overview

• Role: Sri Lanka Inland Revenue Service – Grade III (ශ්‍රී ලංකා දේශීය ආදායම් සේවය - III ශ්‍රේණිය)

• Total Vacancies: 200 Posts

• Organization / Ministry: Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

• Examination Location: Colombo

• Extended Application Closing Date: 23rd October 2026 (Note: Application deadlines and age criteria updated per recent gazette amendments).

• Application Method: Online via the Department of Examinations website (www.doenets.lk).

Salary Scale (SL-1-2025 / Public Service Circular No. 10/2025)

• Scale: LKR 82,150 – 10 × 2,400 – 8 × 2,940 – 17 × 3,900 – LKR 195,970/= per month. (Salaries are paid in accordance with Schedule II provisions of the circular.)

Qualifications & Requirements

1. General Qualifications:

• Citizenship: Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka.

• Character: Must possess an exemplary character.

• Physical & Mental Fitness: Must be physically and mentally fit to serve in any part of the island.

• Religious Status: Must not be a person holding a priesthood in any religious denomination.

• Examination Limit: Eligible to sit for the open competitive examination a maximum of two (02) times.

2. Educational / Professional Qualifications (Any of the following):

• A degree with a First or Second Class pass from a recognized foreign or state university (or a university established by an Act of Parliament of Sri Lanka, or recognized under Section 25A of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 with a minimum study duration of 3 years); OR

• Being an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court; OR

• Being a Chartered Accountant.

3. Age Limit:

• General Candidates: Must be not less than 22 years and not more than 28 years of age as of the qualifying date. (Applicant’s birthday must fall on or between 31.08.1998 and 31.08.2004).

• Public / Provincial Public Service Officers: Maximum age limit is extended up to 35 years (subject to having no disciplinary punishments per Public Service Commission Circular No. 01/2020).

Service Conditions & Probation

• Permanent & Pensionable: This is a permanent executive position entitled to the government pension scheme and Widows'/Widowers' and Orphans' Pension schemes.

• Probationary Period: Appointees are subject to a 3-year probationary period and must pass the First Efficiency Bar Examination and language proficiency requirements within 3 years.

Examination Structure

The competitive examination consists of three (03) written question papers (each carrying 100 marks with a 40% minimum pass mark):

1. Comprehension: Testing understanding, communication skills, summarization, and creativity (1.5 Hours – 100 Marks).

2. Intelligence Test: Testing logic, substitution, interpretation, problem-solving, and pattern recognition via multiple-choice questions (1 Hour – 100 Marks).

3. General Knowledge: Covering Sri Lanka’s geographical, political, economic, social, and cultural environment, international current affairs, and scientific/technological advancements (1 Hour – 100 Marks).

Note: The examination will be conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, and English media.

Examination Fee & How to Apply

• Examination Fee: LKR 1,200/=

• Payment Methods: Payable via the online portal using any Bank Credit Card, Debit Card with internet transaction facilities, Bank of Ceylon Online Banking/Flex App, or directly at any Bank of Ceylon branch.

• Application Method: Applications must be submitted strictly online through the Department of Examinations website at www.doenets.lk under "Online Applications (Recruitment/ EB Exams)".

• Closing Date: Extended up to 23rd October 2026.