UPSC Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for Scientist B, Scientific Officer & Assistant Professor Posts – Notification Out

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited online applications for various high-level scientific and technical positions under Advertisement No. 03/2026. Unlike the Civil Services, these are specialized “Direct Recruitment” posts aimed at professionals with advanced degrees and research experience.

Released in the last week of April 2026, this notification provides a golden opportunity for engineers and scientists to work in prestigious central ministries, including the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Science & Technology.

UPSC 03/2026: Important Dates & Timeline

Candidates must note that the online portal for these specific posts will close mid-May. Ensure you have your experience certificates ready before applying.

Event	Official Date / Time
Notification Release (Advt 03/2026)	April 25, 2026
Online Application Start Date	April 25, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online (ORA)	May 14, 2026 (23:59 Hrs)
Last Date to Print Application	May 15, 2026
Recruitment Test (If Conducted)	To be notified via Email/SMS

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Vacancy Distribution: Department-Wise

The current advertisement features 05 premium vacancies across four distinct roles. While the numbers are small, these are “Gazetted Group A” positions.

Post Name	Ministry / Department	Total Vacancies	Category
Scientist B (Mechanical)	National Test House	01	UR
Scientific Officer (NDT)	National Test House	01	OBC
Superintending Archaeological Engineer	Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)	02	UR
Assistant Professor (Civil/Surveying)	Ministry of Defence (Military College)	01	OBC
Total		05

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Eligibility Criteria: Qualification & Experience

UPSC is extremely strict about “Essential Qualifications.” Ensure you meet the following before paying the fee.

1. Scientist B (Mechanical)

• Education: Master’s Degree in Physics OR B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical or Metallurgical Engineering.
• Experience: 1 year for M.Sc. holders / 2 years for B.E. holders in testing/calibration in a recognized laboratory.
• Age Limit: 35 Years.

2. Scientific Officer (Non-Destructive Testing)

• Education: Master’s Degree in Physics OR B.E./B.Tech in Electrical/Mechanical/Metallurgical Engineering.
• Experience: 1 year in NDT methods like X-ray Diffraction or failure investigation.
• Age Limit: 33 Years (Relaxed for OBC).

3. Superintending Archaeological Engineer

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from a recognized University.
• Experience: 8 years of experience in planning and execution of Civil works, preferably in heritage sites or government infrastructure.
• Age Limit: 40 Years.

4. Assistant Professor (Civil/Surveying)

• Education: B.E./B.Tech and M.E./M.Tech in Geo-Informatics or Surveying Technology with First Class in either of the two degrees.
• Age Limit: 38 Years (OBC-specific vacancy).

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Salary Structure & Pay Levels (7th CPC)

These posts carry some of the highest entry-level salaries in the central government.

Post	Pay Level	Approx. Monthly Gross (DA/HRA included)
Scientist B	Level 10	₹95,000 – ₹1,05,000
Scientific Officer	Level 8	₹75,000 – ₹85,000
Superintending Engineer	Level 11	₹1,15,000 – ₹1,25,000
Assistant Professor	Level 10	₹95,000 – ₹1,05,000

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Selection Process: How UPSC Chooses Scientists

Unlike the three-stage IAS exam, this process is focused on technical expertise.

1. Shortlisting: If the number of applications is high, UPSC will shortlist candidates based on higher qualifications or higher experience than the minimum prescribed.
2. Recruitment Test (RT): If UPSC decides to conduct a test, it will be an objective-type paper.
3. Interview: The final selection is heavily weighted towards the interview (100 marks).
   • Qualifying Marks in Interview: UR (50), OBC (45), SC/ST (40).

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Application Fee & Payment Mode

• Gen/OBC/EWS (Male): ₹25/- (Twenty-five rupees only).
• SC/ST/PwBD/Women: Exempted (NIL).
• Payment Method: SBI Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or UPI.

Note: “Fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstance.”

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online (ORA)

1. One Time Registration (OTR): Visit upsconline.nic.in. If you haven’t registered before, complete the OTR first.
2. Login: Enter your Email/Mobile and OTP to log in.
3. Select Advertisement: Navigate to “Online Recruitment Application (ORA) for Various Recruitment Posts”.
4. Upload Documents: You must upload the following in PDF format (Max 1MB per file):
   • Matriculation Certificate (For DOB proof).
   • Degree/Provisional Certificate.
   • Experience Certificate (Specifically mentioning the duration and nature of work).
   • Caste/EWS Certificate (If applicable).
5. Final Submission: Check the preview and submit. Download the system-generated application for future reference.

Important Links for aapkajobalert

Resource	Direct Link
Official Apply Link (ORA)	Click Here
Full Notification PDF (03/2026)	Click Here
UPSC Official Website	upsc.gov.in

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply for two different posts in the same advertisement?

A: Yes, but you must submit separate applications and pay the fee for each post individually.

Q2: What is the “Crucial Date” for eligibility?

A: The closing date of the application, May 14, 2026, is the crucial date for determining age and experience.

Q3: Is the “Scientific Officer” post permanent?

A: Yes, all posts under this advertisement are permanent, subject to a standard probation period of 1 to 2 years.

Q4: Is an M.Tech degree mandatory for Scientist B?

A: No. For Scientist B (Mechanical), a B.E./B.Tech with 2 years of experience is sufficient. M.Tech is not a mandatory requirement but may help in shortlisting.

Q5: Will UPSC provide a correction window?

A: UPSC generally provides a 7-day correction window after the application closes. However, critical fields like Name and Category may not be editable.