UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 46 Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 with 46 openings. The detailed notification was published on 22-05-2026 / 23-05-2026 at upsconline.nic.in/ora/ and upsc.gov.in. Candidates who meet the age criteria as per UPSC norms and hold qualifications such as Master’s Degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean Science, Hydrology, Physics, Meteorology, or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant disciplines can now submit their online applications from 23-05-2026 to 12-06-2026 up to 1800 Hrs. Direct links to download the notification and apply online are shared below.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited Online Recruitment Applications for Scientist-B posts in the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences, under Advertisement No. 05/2026. A total of 46 vacancies have been notified for Scientist-B in Atmospheric Sciences, General Meteorology, and Instrumentation disciplines, and candidates can apply online through the UPSC ORA portal from 23-05-2026 to 12-06-2026 up to 1800 Hrs.
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Overview
Great opportunity for science and engineering graduates to join IMD as Scientist-B under UPSC Advertisement No. 05/2026. Apply online for 46 Group A posts from 23-05-2026 to 12-06-2026.
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi |
| Advertisement No. | 05/2026 |
| Post Name | Scientist-B (Atmospheric Sciences), Scientist-B (General Meteorology), Scientist-B (Instrumentation) |
| Department | India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences |
| Total Vacancies | 46 Posts |
| Pay Scale | Level 10 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC |
| Job Type | Permanent, Group A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial |
| Application Mode | Online only – at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ |
| Selection Mode | Recruitment by Selection, Interview or Recruitment Test followed by Interview |
| Opening of Online Application | 23-05-2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 12-06-2026 up to 1800 Hrs |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ | https://upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Advertisement | 22-05-2026 / 23-05-2026 |
| Opening of Online Recruitment Application | 23-05-2026 |
| Last Date for Online Recruitment Application | 12-06-2026 (1800 Hrs) |
| Date for Determining Eligibility | 12-06-2026 |
| Interview / Recruitment Test Date | To be intimated separately by UPSC |
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
A total of 46 vacancies have been notified for Scientist-B posts in IMD under three disciplines. Reservation is available category-wise, and PwBD reservation is horizontal within the notified vacancies wherever applicable.
| Vacancy No. | Post Name | Department | Total | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26050512623 | Scientist-B (Atmospheric Sciences) | India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences | 07 (UR-03, EWS-03, SC-01, PwBD-01*) | Level 10 |
| 26050513623 | Scientist-B (General Meteorology) | India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences | 30 (UR-12, EWS-11, OBC-01, SC-05, ST-01, PwBD-01*) | Level 10 |
| 26050514623 | Scientist-B (Instrumentation) | India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences | 09 (UR-03, EWS-03, OBC-02, SC-01, PwBD-01*) | Level 10 |
Abbreviations: UR – Unreserved, EWS – Economically Weaker Sections, OBC – Other Backward Classes, SC – Scheduled Castes, ST – Scheduled Tribes, PwBD – Persons with Benchmark Disabilities. *PwBD reservation is horizontal within the overall vacancies.
Post-wise Essential Qualifications Summary
| Post | Essential Qualification | Essential Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B (Atmospheric Sciences) | Master’s Degree in Engineering & Technology in Atmospheric Sciences / Ocean Science / Hydrology / Atmospheric Physics / Atmospheric Ocean Science & Technology / Radar & Microwave Engineering from a recognized University/Institute | Nil |
| Scientist-B (General Meteorology) | Master’s Degree in Science in Mathematics / Physics / Atmospheric Science / Physics with Meteorology from a recognized University/Institute | Nil |
| Scientist-B (Instrumentation) | Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering / Technology in Electronics & Communication / Mechanical / IT / Instrumentation / Mechatronics / Electrical / Computer Science from a recognized University/Institute | Nil |
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions as on the closing date of application, i.e. 12-06-2026. Mere possession of the minimum educational qualification does not guarantee shortlisting for interview.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Candidate must be a citizen of India or otherwise eligible as per UPSC recruitment rules. |
| Educational Qualification | Varies by Scientist-B discipline as prescribed in the notification. |
| Experience | No essential experience is specified for these Scientist-B posts. |
| OBC Status | Only OBC Non-Creamy Layer candidates are eligible for reservation benefits. |
| PwBD Eligibility | PwBD candidates with disability of not less than 40% are eligible as per suitability and reservation conditions. |
| Government Employees | Candidates already in regular government service must inform their Head of Office/Department in writing before applying. |
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
The age limit is calculated as on 12-06-2026 and varies slightly by category and post. Standard age relaxations are applicable only to candidates applying against reserved vacancies.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years relaxation for suitable/reserved posts |
| Central Government Employees / Ex-Servicemen | As per UPSC rules and prescribed proforma |
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
The application fee is to be paid online only and is non-refundable. Applications submitted without the prescribed fee, wherever applicable, are liable to rejection.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male candidates) | Rs. 25/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women candidates | NIL |
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
Selection will be made through interview or through a Recruitment Test followed by interview, depending on UPSC’s decision. In case of a large number of applications, UPSC may shortlist candidates based on higher qualifications or other suitable criteria.
Stage 1 – Shortlisting
Applications will be scrutinized for eligibility, and UPSC may apply shortlisting criteria where the number of applicants is high. Candidates should mention all higher qualifications and achievements in the online application.
Stage 2 – Recruitment Test / Interview
Wherever applicable, candidates will have to qualify in both the Recruitment Test and Interview. Interview marks are generally assessed out of 100, with minimum suitability standards decided by UPSC.
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Selected candidates must be medically fit and satisfy the medical authority as prescribed by the Government.
Who should NOT apply for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
- Candidates who do not possess the exact essential qualification prescribed for the respective Scientist-B discipline.
- Candidates expecting reservation benefits without valid category certificates in the prescribed format.
- OBC candidates belonging to the Creamy Layer.
- Candidates claiming equivalent qualifications without documentary proof from the competent authority.
- Candidates who provide incomplete, incorrect, or unverifiable academic details in the online form.
- Candidates who are unable to satisfy medical fitness or document verification requirements.
Common mistakes / What to check before applying UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
- Not completing all required modules on the UPSC ORA portal before final submission.
- Uploading incorrect photo, signature, or unreadable documents.
- Entering the wrong email ID or mobile number, which may lead to missing important updates.
- Not mentioning higher qualifications even though UPSC may shortlist on that basis.
- Waiting until the last date to submit the application.
- Uploading category or certificate documents in improper format.
How to Apply for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026
Candidates must apply online only through the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/. The application process includes registration, completion of the Common Application Form, and filling the vacancy-specific module during the application window.
Documents to be Uploaded at the time of Online Application:
- Live photograph captured during CAF filling.
- Scanned recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature as per UPSC instructions.
- Matriculation/10th certificate as proof of date of birth.
- Degree certificate / marksheets for educational qualification proof.
- Caste / community / EWS / OBC NCL certificate, if applicable.
- PwBD certificate, if applicable.
- Any other supporting document for claims made in the application.
Applicants should retain the printout of the finally submitted online application for future reference. No hard copy is required to be sent to UPSC by post.
Apply Online at: https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/
For assistance, candidates may use the UPSC helpline and official website during the application period.
Important Instructions for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Candidates
- Online applications are open from 23-05-2026 to 12-06-2026 up to 1800 Hrs.
- Applications once submitted cannot be modified or withdrawn.
- All eligibility conditions will be determined as on 12-06-2026.
- Candidates must keep their registered email ID active for all UPSC communication.
- Incorrect information may lead to rejection or debarment.
- Electronic gadgets are prohibited at the examination/interview venue.
- Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification.
- Appointment orders will be issued by the concerned Ministry/Department after selection.
UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification PDF: Click here
- Official Website: Click here
- Join Telegram Channel: Click Here
- Join WhatsApp Channel: Click Here
- Sarkari Result: Click Here
UPSC Scientist-B Online Form 2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 in IMD?
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 is a Group A Gazetted recruitment drive to fill 46 Scientist-B posts in the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences, through Advertisement No. 05/2026. The posts are in three disciplines – Atmospheric Sciences, General Meteorology, and Instrumentation – and will be filled via the UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) system.
Q2. How many vacancies are there for UPSC Scientist-B 2026 and in which disciplines?
UPSC has notified 46 total vacancies for Scientist-B posts in IMD under Advertisement No. 05/2026. These include 7 posts for Scientist-B (Atmospheric Sciences), 30 posts for Scientist-B (General Meteorology), and 9 posts for Scientist-B (Instrumentation) with reservation for UR/EWS/OBC/SC/ST and horizontal reservation for PwBD wherever applicable.
Q3. What are the important dates for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
The advertisement was published around 22–23 May 2026, and online applications open from 23 May 2026 on the UPSC ORA portal. The last date to apply online is 12 June 2026 up to 18:00 hours, which is also the cut-off date for determining eligibility.
Q4. What is the pay scale and nature of the UPSC Scientist-B posts?
All Scientist-B posts in IMD are permanent Group A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial posts in Level 10 of the Pay Matrix under the 7th Central Pay Commission. Selected candidates will be posted in IMD establishments across India and will be liable for all-India service postings as per government requirements.
Q5. What are the essential educational qualifications for UPSC Scientist-B 2026?
For Scientist-B (Atmospheric Sciences), candidates need a Master’s degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant Atmospheric/Ocean/Hydrology/Atmospheric Physics or allied disciplines from a recognized university. For Scientist-B (General Meteorology), a Master’s degree in Mathematics, Physics, Atmospheric Science or Physics with Meteorology is required, while Scientist-B (Instrumentation) requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology in ECE, Mechanical, IT, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Electrical, or Computer Science.
Q6. What is the age limit for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
For Scientist-B posts in IMD, the maximum age is generally 35 years for UR/EWS candidates, with relaxations up to 38 years for OBC and 40 years for SC/ST candidates as per the advertisement and UPSC rules. Additional relaxations apply for eligible PwBD candidates and certain Central Government employees/Ex-Servicemen as per standard government norms.
Q7. What is the application fee for UPSC Scientist-B posts and who is exempt?
Most UPSC recruitment advertisements, including Advt. No. 05/2026, prescribe an application fee of Rs. 25 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates, payable online or in cash at SBI. Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories are fully exempted from paying the application fee for these posts.
Q8. What is the selection process for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
UPSC may conduct Recruitment by Selection through Interview alone or through a Recruitment Test (RT) followed by Interview, depending on the number of applications received. In case of a Recruitment Test, only candidates who qualify the RT as per cut-off decided by UPSC will be called for interview, and the final merit will be based on performance in the interview (and RT where applicable).