UPSC Recruitment 2026-Apply Online for Scientist-B, Scientific Officer & Professor Posts

1. Important Dates & Time Schedule

Candidates who are interested and meet the stringent eligibility requirements must strictly adhere to the timeline outlined by the Commission. The crucial date for determining all forms of eligibility (including age and educational qualifications) is the closing date of the application portal.

2. Post-Wise Vacancy Details

The UPSC has announced a targeted total of 05 prestigious vacancies. These Group 'A' and Group 'B' Gazetted roles are situated in various vital Departments including the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Defence.

*Note: For the Superintending Archaeological Engineer post, one of the two vacancies is strictly reserved for candidates belonging to the Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) category.

3. Eligibility Criteria (Age & Education)

Due to the highly specialized nature of these engineering and scientific roles, the UPSC has dictated very specific age boundaries and technical educational qualifications. All applicants must fulfill the essential requirements of the post and other conditions on or before the closing date.

A. Age Limit Constraints

The maximum age limit is specified individually for each post category. Standard UPSC age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC, Ex-Servicemen, Central Government Employees, and PwBD are fully applicable as per Central Government norms.

B. Essential Educational Qualifications & Experience

The requisite educational backgrounds range from Master's degrees in foundational sciences to advanced Engineering degrees, strictly coupled with relevant field experience.

4. Detailed Duties & Responsibilities

Candidates applying for these elite positions must be prepared to undertake significant operational and strategic responsibilities upon their appointment.

• Scientist-B (Mechanical): Acts as the overall in-charge of the Mechanical discipline. Responsibilities include scrutinizing test requests/forwarding letters, allocating samples to Scientific Officers, supervising operations, sorting technical/administrative problems, checking draft test certificates, and assisting Scientist 'C' in all purchase and administrative matters.
• Scientific Officer (Non-Destructive): Duties revolve around testing and evaluation of laboratory samples and working in connection with the Development of Testing methods. The officer will also perform day-to-day work of Scientist 'B' in their absence, including issuing samples to assistants and signing test certificates.
• Superintending Archaeological Engineer: Entrusted with assisting the Head of Engineering Branch, formulating plans and guidelines for the conservation of ancient monuments and departmental buildings. Duties include scrutinizing and processing conservation proposals, exercising strict control over the execution of approved works, and preparing detailed technical reports.
• Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering (Survey): The primary duty is to teach students in the Civil Engineering (Survey) subject. Additionally, the professor must assist in the creation of infrastructure, developmental projects, and academic research at the College of Military Engineering.

5. Salary Structure & Pay Levels

All the advertised posts fall under high-ranking Gazetted Group 'A' or Group 'B' structures within the Central Government service, offering exceptional, highly competitive pay scales as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC). All positions carry standard probation periods ranging from one to two years.

6. Application Fee & Exemptions

The UPSC provides a highly streamlined and affordable fee structure for its recruitment applications, featuring complete exemption for specific reserve categories to ensure equitable access.

Note: Fee once paid shall not be refunded under any circumstances, nor can the fee be held in reserve for any other examination or selection. Applications without the prescribed fee would be summarily rejected.

7. Selection Process & Shortlisting

The Union Public Service Commission processes selections based strictly on merit and the detailed criteria specified during the online application phase.

• Shortlisting Criteria: In the event that the number of applications received is exceptionally large, the Commission will adopt shortlisting criteria to reasonably restrict the number of candidates called for the interview. This can be executed on the basis of Desirable Qualifications (DQ), holding higher educational qualifications than the minimum prescribed, demonstrating higher experience, or by executing a Recruitment Test (RT).
• Interview / Personality Test: The absolute core of the selection process is the interview. The category-wise minimum level of suitability in interviews will be UR-50 marks, OBC-45 marks, and SC/ST/PwBD-40 marks out of a total weightage of 100 marks.
• Scribe Facility: Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) in the categories of blindness, locomotor disability (both arms affected), and cerebral palsy will be provided the facility of a scribe for the Recruitment Test, if desired.

8. Mandatory Document Uploads

Candidates must meticulously upload the following documents in PDF format to substantiate the claims made in their Online Recruitment Application (ORA):

• Age Proof: Matriculation/10th Standard or equivalent certificate indicating the date of birth.
• Educational Proof: Degree/Diploma certificates along with mark sheets pertaining to all academic years. If an equivalent qualification is claimed, the respective order/letter indicating the Authority must be uploaded.
• Experience Certificate: Certificate(s) in the prescribed proforma from the Head(s) of Organization(s)/Department(s) clearly mentioning the duration of employment, basic pay, and nature of duties performed.
• Category Certificate: Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) or Certificate of Disability (PwBD) in the prescribed proforma issued by the competent authority. OBC candidates must also submit a declaration regarding non-creamy layer status.

9. Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online

Applying for a prestigious UPSC post requires precise handling of documents and the Online Recruitment Application (ORA) platform. Follow these detailed steps to submit your form effectively and securely.

1. Visit the Online Portal: Candidates are strictly required to apply online by using the official website at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
2. Create/Update URN: If you are a new user, complete the Universal Registration. Once a candidate has registered, a Universal Registration Number (URN) is generated. If you are already registered, ensure your URN Profile is up to date using the one-time edit facility.
3. Provide ID Details: Have a valid Photo ID Card ready (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, etc.). Applicants are strongly advised to use their Aadhaar Card as the ID document for seamless verification.
4. Live Photo & Signature (Crucial Update): The platform now strictly demands uploading your standard photograph AND capturing a live photograph while filling up the Common Application Form (CAF). Additionally, you must upload an image showing your signature signed three times (one below the other) on a plain white paper using black ink.
5. Document Upload: You must upload self-attested PDF copies of all the mandatory documents outlined in the section above. Do not upload unnecessary documents like Pay Slips or Resumes.
6. Submit and Pay: Complete the form, process the nominal fee of Rs. 25/- (if you are not in an exempted category), and finally submit your ORA.
7. Print Application: After final submission, you must print the submitted online application. You will be required to bring this printout along with original documents if called for the interview.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)