UPSC Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 194 Group A and Group B Gazetted Posts

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Advertisement No. 05/2026, announcing a massive recruitment drive to fill 194 Group A and Group B Gazetted vacancies across various Central Government Ministries and Departments.

This diverse notification includes highly sought-after technical and administrative positions, including Managers, Deputy Controllers of Explosives, Airworthiness Officers, Assistant Controllers of Mines, and Scientist-B roles. If you possess qualifications ranging from a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering to a Master’s or Ph.D., this is a prime opportunity to secure a permanent role within the Central Government.

Important Dates and Deadlines

The application window is strictly limited, and candidates are advised to complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid server congestion.

Event	Date / Timeline
Official Advertisement Number	05/2026
Opening of Online Applications	May 23, 2026
Closing Date for Online Submissions	June 12, 2026 (18:00 HRS / 6:00 PM)
Crucial Date for Determining Eligibility	June 12, 2026
Official Application Portal	https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/

Vacancy Highlights and Essential Qualifications

Advertisement 05/2026 encompasses 32 distinct posts yielding a total of 194 vacancies. Below is a breakdown of the most prominent roles, their allocations, and fundamental requirements:

1. Deputy Controller of Explosives (PESO)

• Vacancies: 44 posts (UR-16, EWS-03, OBC-13, SC-07, ST-05).
• Pay Scale: Level 10 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC.
• Essential Qualifications: A Degree in Chemical Engineering/Technology or a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from a recognized University or Institute.
• Experience Requirement: Three years of experience in Chemical works, or in the manufacturing and handling of explosives, compressed gases, or petroleum refining.

2. Airworthiness Officer (DGCA)

• Vacancies: 25 posts (UR-04, EWS-09, OBC-04, SC-03, ST-05).
• Pay Scale: Level 10 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC.
• Essential Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, Aircraft Maintenance, or an Engineering Degree in Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Telecommunication. Candidates must also possess a valid Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s (AME) License endorsed in Categories B1 or B2. Person holding an Engineering Degree in Aeronautical may be considered without the AME License.
• Experience Requirement: Minimum of three years of aircraft maintenance experience on an operating aircraft in a DGCA-approved organization.

3. Manager, Mail Motor Service (Department of Posts)

• Vacancies: 08 posts (UR-06, OBC-01, ST-01).
• Pay Scale: Level 10 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC.
• Essential Qualifications: Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical or Automobile Engineering from a recognized University/Institute.
• Experience Requirement: Three years of experience in the operation of Motor Transport Traffic in a Govt./Semi Govt./PSU/Commercial Organization listed on the stock exchange(s) of India.

4. Assistant Controller of Mines (Indian Bureau of Mines)

• Vacancies: 05 posts (UR-03, SC-01, ST-01).
• Pay Scale: Level 10 in the Pay Matrix as per 7th CPC.
• Essential Qualifications & Experience: A Bachelor of Engineering or Technology in Mining Engineering with three years of experience in Core Mining activity. Alternatively, a Master of Engineering or Technology in Mining Engineering with one year of experience in Core Mining activity.

5. Scientist-B (Indian Meteorological Department)

• Atmospheric Sciences: 07 vacancies (Pay Level-10). Requires a Master’s Degree in Engineering and Technology in Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean Science, Hydrology, Atmospheric Physics, Atmospheric Ocean Science and Technology, or Radar and Microwave Engineering.
• General Meteorology: 30 vacancies (Pay Level-10). Requires a Master’s Degree in Science in Mathematics, Physics, Atmospheric Science, or Physics with Meteorology.
• Instrumentation: 09 vacancies (Pay Level-10). Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Technology in Electronics and Communication, Mechanical, Information Technology, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Electrical, or Computer Science.

6. Assistant Directors (MSME)

Multiple Grade-I (Level-10) and Grade-II (Level-07) Assistant Director positions are available across various specialized disciplines:

• Chemical: 05 combined vacancies for candidates with a Master’s in Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry or a Bachelor’s in Chemical Technology/Engineering.
• Food: 07 combined vacancies for candidates with a B.Tech in Food Technology or a PG Diploma in Fruits Technology.
• Hosiery: 06 combined vacancies requiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Technology, Hosiery Technology, or Knitting Technology.
• Leather & Footwear: 07 combined vacancies requiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Leather Technology.
• Metal Finishing: 01 vacancy requiring a Master’s in Chemistry/Industrial Chemistry or a Bachelor’s in Chemical Technology/Engineering.

7. Exclusive Vacancies for UT of Ladakh

Several posts are exclusively reserved for Domiciles of the Union Territory of Ladakh:

• Assistant Director / Registering Officer Antiquities: 01 vacancy (ST-01, Level-08).
• Driller: 01 vacancy (ST-01, Level-10A).
• Tourist Officer: 01 vacancy (ST-01, Level-6F).

Age Limit and Relaxations

The crucial date for determining the age limit is June 12, 2026. Base upper age limits vary between 30 and 48 years depending on the specific post and category. Age relaxations are granted as follows:

• OBC Candidates: Upper age limit is relaxable by up to 3 years for vacancies reserved for them.
• SC/ST Candidates: Upper age limit is relaxable by up to 5 years for vacancies reserved for them.
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Eligible for age relaxation up to 10 years, subject to the condition that the maximum age on the closing date does not exceed 56 years.
• Central/U.T. Government Servants: Relaxable up to 5 years for employees with 3 years of continuous service in posts which are in the same line or allied cadre.

Application Fee Details

• General, OBC, and EWS Male Candidates: Required to pay a fee of Rs. 25/- (Rupees Twenty-five). This can be paid using Visa/Master/Rupay Credit/Debit Card, UPI Payment, or Internet Banking.
• Exempted Categories: No fee is required for SC, ST, PwBD, or Women candidates of any community.

Selection Process

UPSC employs a comprehensive screening methodology to select candidates:

1. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications, the Commission will adopt shortlisting criteria to restrict the number of candidates called for the interview. This may involve shortlisting based on Desirable Qualifications (DQ), higher educational qualifications, higher experience, or by holding a Recruitment Test (RT).
2. Interview / Recruitment Test: If a Recruitment Test is held, candidates must achieve the minimum level of suitability at both the RT and Interview stages. The category-wise minimum level of suitability in interviews (out of 100 marks) is:
   • UR/EWS: 50 marks.
   • OBC: 45 marks.
   • SC/ST/PwBD: 40 marks.
3. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must produce the printout of their online application along with all original documents and self-attested copies at the time of the interview.

How to Apply Online

Candidates must submit their applications exclusively through the official UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal.

1. Registration: Visit https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/. If you have not registered before, complete the Account Creation and Universal Registration to generate a Universal Registration Number (URN).
2. Form Completion: Use your URN to access the Common Application Form (CAF) and the post-specific module for Advertisement 05/2026.
3. Live Photo Capture: Applicants must upload a standard photograph and concurrently capture a live photograph while filling out the CAF.
4. Signature Upload: Applicants must sign three times (one below the other) on plain white paper using black ink and upload the consolidated file.
5. Document Upload: Upload PDF files of all required documents, including Matriculation certificate (for age proof), Degree/Diploma certificates, Experience Certificates (in prescribed proforma), and Caste/PwBD certificates if applicable.
6. Identity Verification: Provide details of a valid Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card is strongly advised for seamless verification).
7. Final Submission: Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit the form. Take a printout of the final application for future reference. Do not send any hard copies to the Commission.

Candidates are strongly advised to apply well in advance of the June 12, 2026 deadline to ensure a smooth application process. For technical assistance, candidates can contact the UPSC Helpdesk at 011-24041001 or 011-40303444, or email upscsoap@nic.in during working hours.

UPSC Manager, Assistant Controller and More Important Links

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