UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 46 Group A Gazetted Posts at IMD

A major career opportunity has opened for science and engineering graduates seeking a permanent, high-profile path within the central government. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the notification for UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 under Advertisement No. 05/2026.

This recruitment drive looks to fill 46 structural vacancies for the post of Scientist-B within the India Meteorological Department (IMD), functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Selected candidates will be inducted into long-term government service as permanent, Group A Gazetted (Non-Ministerial) officers.

Important Dates

The application timeline is relatively compact, and UPSC does not permit modifications or withdrawals after your final form submission. Note the following milestone dates:

• Date of Official Advertisement: May 22, 2026 / May 23, 2026
• Commencement of Online Applications: May 23, 2026
• Closing Date for Submitting Online Applications: June 12, 2026 (Until 1800 HRS / 6:00 PM sharp)
• Crucial Date for Fixing Eligibility Criteria: June 12, 2026
• Recruitment Test / Interview Schedules: To be intimated separately by the Commission

Vacancy Distribution and Department Breakdown

The 46 total openings are partitioned across three specialized technological and scientific domains within the IMD. Reservation quotas for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) operate horizontally within the primary allocations.

Scientist-B (Atmospheric Sciences)

• Total Vacancies: 07 positions
• Category Breakdown: UR-03, EWS-03, SC-01 (Includes 01 horizontal vacancy reserved for PwBD)
• Official Vacancy Number: 26050512623

Scientist-B (General Meteorology)

• Total Vacancies: 30 positions
• Category Breakdown: UR-12, EWS-11, OBC-01, SC-05, ST-01 (Includes 01 horizontal vacancy reserved for PwBD)
• Official Vacancy Number: 26050513623

Scientist-B (Instrumentation)

• Total Vacancies: 09 positions
• Category Breakdown: UR-03, EWS-03, OBC-02, SC-01 (Includes 01 horizontal vacancy reserved for PwBD)
• Official Vacancy Number: 26050514623

Pay Scale and Officer Benefits

Induction through this UPSC portal grants competitive pay and allowances alongside extensive institutional security:

• Pay Scale Matrix: Level 10 in the Pay Matrix as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
• Service Classification: Permanent, General Central Service Group “A” Gazetted, Non-Ministerial.

Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria

To successfully cross the computerized shortlisting filters, candidates must satisfy every foundational requirement as on the fixed closing date of June 12, 2026.

Post-Wise Essential Educational Qualifications

One of the most competitive aspects of this particular job circular is that no essential experience is required to apply for these entry-level Scientist-B configurations.

• For Atmospheric Sciences: A Master’s Degree in Engineering and Technology from a recognized university or institute in Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean Science, Hydrology, Atmospheric Physics, Atmospheric Ocean Science and Technology, or Radar and Microwave Engineering.
• For General Meteorology: A Master’s Degree in Science from a recognized university or institute in Mathematics, Physics, Atmospheric Science, or Physics with Meteorology.
• For Instrumentation: A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology (BE/B.Tech) from a recognized university or institute in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, Instrumentation and Technology, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science.

Age Limits and Structural Relaxations

The baseline maximum age threshold is computed as on June 12, 2026. Age limits vary strictly according to the reservation category you are contesting under:

• Unreserved (UR) / Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 35 Years maximum baseline.
• Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer): 38 Years maximum (3 years relaxation).
• Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST): 40 Years maximum (5 years relaxation).
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Eligible for a relaxation of up to 10 years (extends up to 43 years for OBC PwBD and 45 years for SC/ST PwBD candidates), provided the underlying physical impairments match the suitability criteria of the post.
• Central Government Employees / Ex-Servicemen: Age concessions are granted as per the standard established guidelines of the Government of India.

Keep in mind that OBC status benefits apply exclusively to candidates belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer. If you are already working in regular government service on a permanent or temporary basis, you must formally inform your Head of Office or Department in writing before applying.

Selection Process and Shortlisting Methodology

UPSC utilizes a rigorous verification workflow to filter candidates down to the final selection list.

• Stage 1 – Automated Shortlisting: Merely processing the minimum educational benchmarks does not automatically entitle an applicant to an interview slot. If application numbers are high, UPSC will implement shortlisting criteria. This includes choosing candidates based on higher qualification benchmarks, evaluating desirable traits, or running a dedicated Recruitment Test (RT).
• Stage 2 – Direct Test / Personality Assessment: If a Recruitment Test is executed, candidates must clear category cutoffs in both the written portion and the interview phase to remain eligible. The formal interview is evaluated out of a total of 100 marks. The category-wise minimum suitability lines are fixed at 50 marks for UR/EWS, 45 marks for OBC, and 40 marks for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
• Stage 3 – Medical Clearance: Candidates recommended by the selection panel must successfully pass a standard medical fitness examination before receiving final appointment orders.

Application Fees

Registration charges are minimal and must be processed using online banking channels:

• General, OBC, and EWS Male Candidates: A nominal registration fee of Rs. 25/- (Rupees Twenty-Five only) is required. Payment can be completed online via net banking, integrated UPI networks, or standard Credit/Debit cards.
• Exempted Categories: All Female applicants, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are completely exempted from payment.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online

Applications must be processed exclusively through the Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal of the commission. Follow these precise implementation steps:

1. Navigate to the ORA Portal: Open the official recruitment server link at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
2. Execute Universal Registration: Complete the standard setup modules to generate your lifetime Universal Registration Number (URN). If you already possess a valid URN from past UPSC vacancies, you can log in directly.
3. Fill the Common Application Form (CAF): Complete the core profile sections by detailing your exact biological and demographic data.
4. Undergo Live Photo Capture: Aside from uploading your pre-scanned photographs, you are required to capture a clear live photo through your webcam or device interface while filling out the CAF module.
5. Upload Your Signature Assets: Sign three times sequentially (one directly beneath the other) using a black ink pen on plain white paper. Scan it clearly and upload it into the signature field.
6. Upload Mandatory PDF Proofs: Upload individual, legible PDF documents to support every claim made in your application. This includes your 10th Standard/Matriculation passing certificate to prove your date of birth, formal graduation/post-graduation degree certificates, consolidated semester-wise mark sheets, and community status documents (SC/ST/OBC NCL/EWS proofs) where applicable.
7. Input Photo Identity Metrics: Provide credentials for an official government identity document (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving License). UPSC strongly recommends utilizing your Aadhaar Card to ensure quick, computerized authentication throughout subsequent testing cycles.
8. Lock and Print: Complete the online fee payout (if applicable) and generate a physical printout of your finalized online application form for your own future reference. You do not need to send any hard copies to the UPSC office by hand or post.

Crucial Pitfalls to Avoid Before Final Submission

To safeguard your candidacy against immediate automated rejection or long-term institutional debarment, ensure you completely avoid these common application mistakes:

• Uploading Unverifiable Documents: Do not upload casual pay slips, un-signed experience reference letters, or brief resumes inside the formal document validation blocks. All uploads must consist of clear academic certificates or official community forms.
• Omiting Higher Qualifications: Since the shortlisting criteria can scale dynamically when applicant volume is high, ensure you document all relevant higher degrees, scientific publications, NET, or GATE certificates inside your application profile.
• Waiting Until the Final Window: Server traffic to the ORA site increases significantly during closing hours. Complete your online submission well in advance of the June 12 deadline.
• Mismatched Contact Details: Keep your registered email address and mobile phone line continuously active. UPSC routes all official announcements, testing schedules, and interview summon letters exclusively via electronic mail.

Official Helpdesk and Support Channels

If you experience portal errors, transaction failures, or system issues during document uploads, you can contact the dedicated UPSC support infrastructure for prompt technical assistance:

• Helpline Telephone Numbers: 011-24041001 / 011-40303444
• Official Technical Support Email: upscsoap@nic.in
• Operational Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all standard working days throughout the open application window.

UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 – Important Links

• Apply Online: Click here
• Official Notification PDF: Click here
• Official Website: Click here