The Department of Sri Lanka Customs (ශ්රී ලංකා රේගුව | இலங்கை சுங்கம்), operating under the Ministry of Finance, has officially called for applications for the Open Competitive Examination for Recruitment to the Post of Inspector of Customs, Grade II – 2026. Administered through the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka (ශ්රී ලංකා විභාග දෙපාර්තමේන්තුව | இலங்கை பரீட்சைத் திணைக்களம்), this national examination selects qualified young candidates into the frontline executive grade responsible for revenue collection, border protection, cargo clearance, and maritime trade facilitation. Applications must be completed online via the official DoENets application 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: The recruitment provides direct appointment into the RS-1 government salary scale (Rs. 49,550 – Rs. 71,420 monthly) for Sri Lankan citizens aged 18 to 24 who hold G.C.E. A/L and O/L qualifications.
Quick Facts Table
| Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Institution | Department of Sri Lanka Customs (Ministry of Finance) |
| Conducting Authority | Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka (DoENets) |
| Post Title | Inspector of Customs, Grade II (Open Competitive Examination) |
| Salary Scale | RS-1-2025: Rs. 49,550 – 7×540 – 27×670 – Rs. 71,420 per month (PA Circular 10/2025) |
| Application Fee | Rs. 600.00 (Non-refundable) |
| Application Window | 14 September 2026 (9:00 AM) to 12 October 2026 (9:00 PM) |
| Submission Mode | 100% Online via applications.doenets.lk/exams |
| Proposed Exam Date | December 2026 (Official venue and timetable to be notified by DoENets) |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all educational, age, and physical standards as of the closing date of 12 October 2026:
- Age Limit: Must be not less than 18 years and not more than 24 years of age on 12.10.2026 (Born on or before 12.10.2008 and on or after 12.10.2002).
- G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L): Must have passed three (03) principal subjects in one single sitting. Passes obtained across multiple sittings cannot be combined.
- G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L): Must have passed six (06) subjects in not more than two sittings, including Credit (C) passes in Mother Tongue (Sinhala or Tamil) and Mathematics, with at least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English Language.
- Physical Qualifications (Male): Minimum height of 5 feet 5 inches (5′ 5″) and chest measurement of not less than 33 inches when expanded.
- Physical Qualifications (Female): Minimum height of 5 feet 3 inches (5′ 3″).
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of Sri Lanka. Check the official Gazette for the full list of general conditions.
Written Examination Structure
The selection examination consists of three written question papers:
| Question Paper | Duration | Total Marks | Minimum Qualifying Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. General Intelligence | 1 Hour | 100 | 60% |
| 2. Mathematics | 1 Hour | 100 | 60% |
| 3. English Language | 1.5 Hours | 100 | 60% |
Crucial Examination Rule: Candidates must score a minimum of 60 marks (60%) in each individual subject paper to be considered for interview shortlisting. Scoring 59% in any single paper results in disqualification, regardless of total overall score. Interview marking details are set out in the official Gazette.
How to Apply Step-by-Step
- Access the official Department of Examinations online application portal at https://applications.doenets.lk/exams.
- Locate the entry titled “OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION FOR RECRUITMENT TO THE POST OF INSPECTOR OF CUSTOMS, GRADE II – 2026”.
- Download and review the official Gazette notification and instructions PDF before initiating the form.
- Click the “Apply” button and authenticate using your 10-digit or 12-digit National Identity Card (NIC) number and active mobile phone number.
- Complete your personal bio-data, district of permanent residence, accurate height and chest measurements, and G.C.E. A/L and O/L examination index numbers.
- Select your preferred examination language medium (Sinhala, Tamil, or English) and examination center.
- Pay the non-refundable examination fee of Rs. 600 using the payment method shown on the portal.
- Review the completed application carefully in draft preview, verify that all details are accurate, and click submit before 9:00 PM on 12 October 2026.
- Download, save, and print the generated PDF application copy containing your unique application reference number for future record.
Required Documents Checklist
- National Identity Card (NIC), valid Sri Lankan Passport, or Postal Identity Card.
- Original G.C.E. A/L certificate verifying three subject passes in a single sitting.
- Original G.C.E. O/L certificate(s) verifying six subjects across not more than two sittings, including Credit passes in Language and Mathematics, and Pass in English.
- Original Birth Certificate confirming date of birth between 12.10.2002 and 12.10.2008.
- Online payment receipt or bank counter proof for Rs. 600.00.
BrightNook Practical Tips
- Measure Physical Criteria First: Measure your height barefoot and check your chest expansion with a tape measure before paying the Rs. 600 fee. Coming short of the minimum by even half an inch can lead to disqualification.
- Target the 60% Floor in Every Paper: Many candidates concentrate entirely on General Intelligence while neglecting English or basic arithmetic. Because 60 marks is mandatory in each individual paper, allocate balanced preparation time across Mathematics, English grammar/comprehension, and IQ reasoning.
- Avoid Last-Minute Server Congestion: The DoENets application portal experiences heavy traffic during the final days of major open exams. Submit your application and complete payment at least three days before the 12 October deadline.
- Save Your Digital Confirmation PDF: Once submitted, keep the application summary sheet. Print two copies and save the PDF by email or cloud storage. You will need your application reference number to track your admission card release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can candidates who passed G.C.E. A/L in two different sittings apply?
No. All three principal subjects must be passed in one single sitting. Subject passes from different sittings cannot be combined for this examination.
Is there an age concession for university graduates or diploma holders?
No concession is mentioned for the Open Examination. The age limit is 18–24 years on 12 October 2026, so applicants born before 12 October 2002 are not eligible.
Can I apply by post?
No. Applications for this examination are accepted online only through the Department of Examinations portal.
Official Sources & Action Links
- DoENets Online Application Portal (applications.doenets.lk)
- Sri Lanka Customs Official Portal (customs.gov.lk)
- Department of Examinations Sri Lanka (doenets.lk)
BrightNook.lk is an independent education website, not affiliated with the Department of Sri Lanka Customs or the Department of Examinations. Always confirm details with the official notice.
