Gazetted Officer — Meaning, Definition & Examples (Sarkari Exam 2026)
Category: Eligibility
Short definition: A government officer whose appointment, promotion, or posting is published in the official Gazette of India (or the State Gazette), holding the authority to attest documents and verify identities.
What is Gazetted Officer? (Detailed Explanation)
A 'Gazetted Officer' is one whose details are notified in the Gazette of India (Central) or the State Gazette. All Group A officers (IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, Class I officers in ministries) and Group B Gazetted officers (Section Officers, ASOs of certain pay levels, Inspectors in some departments) qualify. Group C and Group D employees are non-gazetted, regardless of seniority.
Gazetted officers have legal authority to attest copies of documents (educational certificates, identity proofs, character certificates). They can also issue attestation for affidavits, no-objection certificates, and identity verification needed during Sarkari exam document verification. Many recruitment boards specifically ask for 'attestation by a Gazetted Officer' for self-attested copies as an alternative.
Job posts in Sarkari recruitment are often described as 'Gazetted' or 'Non-Gazetted'. SSC CGL posts like Assistant Section Officer (CSS), Assistant Audit Officer, and Inspector (CGST) are Group B Gazetted. UPSC CSE results in Group A Gazetted services. The gazetted status carries higher protocol, better grievance protection, and direct disciplinary jurisdiction by the Cadre Controlling Authority.
Live examples from Sarkari Exam notifications
- SSC CGL ASO post — Group B Gazetted
- UPSC CSE IAS — Group A Gazetted
- Bank PO (IBPS/SBI) — Officer Scale-I, not gazetted
Frequently Asked Questions about Gazetted Officer
Q1. Is a school principal a gazetted officer?
Government school principals at certain pay levels (typically Pay Level 7 and above) are gazetted. Private school principals are not.
Q2. Can a Notary Public attest documents instead of a gazetted officer?
For affidavits and sworn statements, yes. For pure document attestation, most boards accept either. Always check the specific notification — some prefer Gazetted Officer attestation only.
Q3. Do I need to know a Gazetted Officer to apply for a Sarkari job?
No. Most exams accept self-attested copies. Gazetted Officer attestation is required only at document verification or for specific certificates like OBC/SC/ST.
Related Sarkari terms you should know
- Self-Attestation — The practice of certifying photocopies of one's own documents as 'true copy of original' by signing …
Where to learn more
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