The Audit Service Commission (විගණන සේවා කොමිෂන් සභාව | கணக்காய்வு சேவை ஆணைக்குழு), together with the National Audit Office and the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka (ශ්රී ලංකා විභාග දෙපාර්තමේන්තුව | இலங்கை பரீட்சைத் திணைக்களம்), has called for applications for the Open Competitive Examination for Recruitment of Audit Officers to Class III of Grade II in the Field/Office-Based Service Category of the Sri Lanka State Audit Service – 2026. A total of 244 vacancies are being filled. Applications must be completed online via the official DoENets examination portal on or before 12 October 2026 at 9:00 PM.
Closing date passed: this guide was written while applications were open, and the closing date in the notice was 12 October 2026. Check the official notice for any extension or the next call before you act (last reviewed 18 October 2026).
Notice Highlights: Appointed officers join salary code AS 01-2025 (Rs. 64,610 – Rs. 116,520 monthly). The recruitment is open to degree holders in Accounting, Commerce, Management and Information Technology, as well as qualification holders from CA Sri Lanka, CMA Sri Lanka and SLIATE (HNDA/HNDC).
Quick Facts Table
| Parameter | Official Gazette Specification |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Audit Service Commission / National Audit Office |
| Examination Agency | Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka (DoENets) |
| Post Title & Grade | Audit Officer, Class III of Grade II (Sri Lanka State Audit Service) |
| Total Vacancies | 244 |
| Salary Scale | AS 01-2025: Rs. 64,610 – 10×1,190 – 11×1,360 – 15×1,670 – Rs. 116,520 per month |
| Application Fee | Rs. 1,200.00 (Non-refundable) |
| Online Application Window | 14 September 2026 (9:00 AM) to 12 October 2026 (9:00 PM) |
| Application Portal | applications.doenets.lk/exams |
| Gazette Date | 11 September 2026 |
| Examination Date & Centres | December 2026; exact day to be announced. See the Gazette for centre details. |
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Routes
Applicants must satisfy all age and academic or professional requirements by the closing date of 12 October 2026:
- Age Limit: Not less than 22 years and not more than 28 years of age as of 12 October 2026 (born on or before 12.10.2004 and on or after 12.10.1998). Serving permanent public officers may apply up to 45 years of age.
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka. Check the official Gazette for the full list of general conditions.
Approved Qualification Pathways
Candidates must qualify under one of the following pathways, as detailed in the official Service Minute:
- Pathway 1 (Section 7.2.1.1.1(a) – Accounting, Commerce & Management):
- A Bachelor’s degree with Accountancy or Auditing as a main subject from a university or degree-awarding institute recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in Accountancy, Commerce, Business or State Management; OR
- Passed CA Sri Lanka Licentiate II, Intermediate, Certificate in Accounting and Business II, Business Level, Business Level II, or a higher examination level listed in the Gazette; OR
- Passed CMA Sri Lanka Management Level or a higher examination level; OR
- A Higher Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Accountancy (HNDA) or Commerce (HNDC).
- Pathway 2 (Section 7.2.1.1.1(b) – Technology & Taxation):
- A Bachelor’s degree from a UGC-recognized university in Taxation, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering Science or Computer Technology.
- Quota note: Recruitment under this pathway is limited to a maximum of 10% of the Audit Officer vacancies.
Important: Your degree, professional level or diploma must be fully completed, with results issued, on or before 12 October 2026. Do not apply on the basis of pending results.
Written Examination and Pass Marks
Candidates sit three written question papers. The papers you take depend on the qualification category you apply under, as listed in the official Gazette.
Pass rule: You must score at least 40% in each paper and an average of at least 50% across all papers. A weak mark in one paper can disqualify you even if your total is high.
How to Apply Step-by-Step
- Open the official Department of Examinations online application portal at https://applications.doenets.lk/exams.
- Locate the entry titled “Open Competitive Examination for Recruitment of Audit Officers to Class III of Grade II … Sri Lanka State Audit Service – 2026”.
- Download and carefully read the official Gazette notification (published 11.09.2026) and instructions before proceeding.
- Click “Apply” and fill in your personal details, address and qualification stream exactly as they appear on your certificates.
- Select your preferred examination medium (Sinhala, Tamil or English).
- Pay the non-refundable examination fee of Rs. 1,200 using one of the payment methods shown on the portal.
- Check all details in the preview, submit before 9:00 PM on 12 October 2026, and save or print the confirmation with your reference number.
Required Documents Checklist
- National Identity Card (NIC), valid Sri Lankan Passport, or Postal Identity Card.
- Birth Certificate confirming your age on 12.10.2026 (or service details if you are a serving public officer).
- Degree certificate and academic transcript showing your main subjects, or your pass certificate from CA Sri Lanka, CMA Sri Lanka or the HNDA/HNDC awarding institute.
- Payment receipt for the Rs. 1,200 examination fee.
- For serving public officers: any approvals required by your department, as stated in the Gazette.
BrightNook Practical Tips
- Check which pathway you are in: IT, Computer Science and Taxation graduates apply under Pathway 2, which is limited to a maximum of 10% of the 244 vacancies (roughly 24 posts), so competition in that stream can be tighter.
- Prepare evenly for every paper: Because you need at least 40% in each paper and a 50% average, don’t rely on one strong subject to carry you.
- Pay the exact fee and keep proof: Pay exactly Rs. 1,200 through the method shown on the portal and keep the receipt or transaction reference until the exam is over.
- Apply early: The portal gets busy in the last days before a deadline. Aim to submit at least three days before 12 October.
- Save your confirmation: Download the final PDF and keep a printed copy with your reference number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can candidates with pending final-year results apply?
No. Your qualification must be completed, with results issued, on or before 12 October 2026.
Are HNDA and HNDC holders eligible?
Yes. A Higher Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Accountancy or Commerce is listed as a qualifying route under Pathway 1.
What is the age limit?
22 to 28 years on 12 October 2026. Serving permanent public officers may apply up to 45 years of age.
When is the exam?
The Gazette schedules the exam for December 2026. The exact day will be announced by the Department of Examinations. Check the official Gazette and admission card for centre details.
Official Sources & Action Links
Official Audit Officer Gazette — 11 September 2026 (Sinhala/Tamil PDF)
- DoENets Online Examination Application Portal (applications.doenets.lk)
- Department of Examinations Sri Lanka (doenets.lk)
- National Audit Office Sri Lanka (auditorgeneral.gov.lk)
BrightNook.lk is an independent education website, not affiliated with the Audit Service Commission, National Audit Office or the Department of Examinations. Always confirm details with the official notice.
