Applications Open — Apply by 24 April 2026
NIC Scientist B, C & D Recruitment 2026 — 396 Group A Government Jobs | Apply Online at recruitment.nic.in
National Informatics Centre | MeitY, Govt. of India | Scientist B: 243 Posts (GATE-based) | Scientist C&D: 153 Posts (Experience-based) | Last Date: 24 April 2026
The National Informatics Centre (NIC), functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has released two major recruitment notifications for 2026. Together, they offer a total of 396 prestigious Group A Gazetted posts across three grade levels — Scientist-B (Advt. No. NIC/SCB/2026/1, 243 posts, Pay Level-10), Scientist-C (141 posts, Pay Level-11), and Scientist-D (Advt. No. NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3, 12 posts, Pay Level-12). Scientist-B selection is based on valid GATE 2024/2025/2026 scores in CS, EC, or DA disciplines — no prior experience required. Scientist-C & D selection is direct recruitment based on educational qualification and R&D experience (4 years for Scientist-C, 8 years for Scientist-D). The application window for Scientist-B closes on 24 April 2026 at 5:30 PM at recruitment.nic.in. This is one of India's finest technology-sector government job opportunities — working on the nation's core e-Governance and digital infrastructure projects.
📋 Scientist-B: 243 Posts
📋 Scientist-C&D: 153 Posts
📅 Apply by 24 April 2026 (5:30 PM)
🎯 GATE Score Mandatory for Sci-B
🌐 recruitment.nic.in
🏛️ Group A Gazetted | MeitY
📋
396
Total Posts
Both Notifs.
Both Notifs.
🔬
243
Scientist-B
Vacancies
Vacancies
🔭
153
Sci-C & D
Vacancies
Vacancies
📅
24 Apr
Sci-B Last
Date 2026
Date 2026
💰
₹56,100
Sci-B Starting
Pay (Level-10)
Pay (Level-10)
💰
₹78,800
Sci-D Starting
Pay (Level-12)
Pay (Level-12)
🎯
GATE
Sci-B Selection
CS/EC/DA
CS/EC/DA
💻 Apply Now at recruitment.nic.in — Closes 24 April 2026 at 5:30 PM
243 Group A Gazetted Scientist-B posts. Valid GATE 2024/2025/2026 score mandatory. No written exam — GATE score + Interview. Four mandatory steps — all must be completed before the portal closes.
⛔
Scientist-B application portal closes on 24 April 2026 at 5:30 PM sharp — after which no submission is possible. All four steps (Registration + E-KYC, Application Form, Document Upload, Fee Payment) must be completed. Incomplete applications are summarily rejected. Fee is non-refundable. No offline/postal mode accepted.
01
Important Dates — NIC Scientist Recruitment 2026
📋 Scientist-B (Advt. No. NIC/SCB/2026/1)
📣Detailed Notification Released27 March 2026
🟢Online Application Opens at recruitment.nic.in27 March 2026
⛔Last Date — Online Application (Scientist-B)24 April 2026 — at 5:30 PM
📅Eligibility Cut-off Date (Education + Age)31 March 2026
🎯GATE Score Validity (Accepted Years)GATE 2024, 2025, or 2026 — all equal weightage
📞Interview Call Letter DownloadTo be announced at recruitment.nic.in
📋 Scientist-C & D (Advt. No. NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3)
📣Notification Released for Scientist-C & D24 March 2026
🟢Online Application — Dates to be announcedCheck recruitment.nic.in for schedule
📅Experience Cut-off Date (Scientist-D — 8 yrs)As of 21 November 2022 (confirm from official PDF)
02
About NIC — Why This Job Matters
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) is India's premier science and technology organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Since its establishment, NIC has been the technology backbone of India's e-Governance revolution — designing, building, and managing the IT infrastructure that powers virtually every major government digital service in the country.
| Full Name | National Informatics Centre (NIC) |
| Under Ministry | Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Key Projects | DigiLocker, UMANG, NIC-Net, NICSI, CoWIN, Income Tax Portal, GeM, eSanjeevani, PFMS, IVFRT, NIC Data Centres |
| Posting Nature | All India Service Liability — selected candidates can be posted anywhere in India or outside India as per NIC requirements |
| Official Website | www.nic.gov.in | Recruitment: www.recruitment.nic.in |
| Pay Commission | 7th Central Pay Commission — Pay Levels 10, 11, 12 |
💡
Why NIC is a prestigious posting: Scientists at NIC work at the frontier of India's digital transformation — building systems used by hundreds of millions of citizens daily. The role combines the stability of a central government job with cutting-edge technology work spanning AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and e-governance. NIC Scientists are directly involved in nation-building through technology — a rare combination in any government role.
03
Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 — Complete Details (Advt. No. NIC/SCB/2026/1)
📊 Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline
Computer Science & IT
CS — GATE Code: CS
Vacancies: 168 posts (largest share — ~69%)
GATE Paper: CS — Computer Science & Information Technology
Domains: Computer Science, IT, Networking, Software Systems, Cyber Security, Informatics, Computer Application, DOEACC B-Level, AMIE, GIETE
Note: Highest vacancy count — best chance for CS/IT graduates
Electronics & Communication
EC — GATE Code: EC
Vacancies: 25 posts
GATE Paper: EC — Electronics & Communication Engineering
Domains: Electronics & Communication Engineering, Electronics & Instrumentation
Note: Limited seats — EC GATE toppers have strong advantage
Data Science & AI
DA — GATE Code: DA
Vacancies: 50 posts
GATE Paper: DA — Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Domains: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Statistics-related fields
Note: Newest GATE paper — fast-growing discipline with strong NIC demand
👤 Eligibility Criteria — Scientist-B
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) in relevant disciplines, OR DOEACC B-Level, OR AMIE, OR Graduate Institute of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers (GIETE), OR Master's Degree in Science (M.Sc.) in relevant fields, OR Master's Degree in Computer Applications (MCA), OR Master's Degree in Engineering/Technology (M.E./M.Tech), OR Master's Degree in Philosophy (M.Phil) in relevant discipline. Degree must be obtained on or before 31 March 2026. |
| GATE Score | Valid GATE score from 2024, 2025, or 2026 in the relevant paper (CS for Computer Science, EC for Electronics, DA for Data Science & AI). GATE score is mandatory — candidates without a valid score cannot apply. All three years carry equal weightage. Candidates should apply with their best available score. |
| Work Experience | No prior experience required for Scientist-B. This makes it accessible for fresh graduates and early-career professionals. |
| Age Limit (as on 31 March 2026) | UR/EWS: 30 years | OBC (NCL): 33 years | SC/ST: 35 years | PwBD: 40 years | Govt. employees in same/allied cadres: 35 years (5-year relaxation) |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen only |
| Application Fee | UR / OBC (NCL) / EWS (Male): ₹800 per discipline | SC / ST / PwBD / All Women candidates: Nil (Exempt). Fee paid online only — non-refundable. Candidates applying for multiple disciplines pay ₹800 per discipline separately. |
| Cut-off Date | All eligibility conditions (qualification, GATE score, age, category certificate) must be fulfilled as on 31 March 2026 |
⛔ Important Eligibility Notes
- Qualifications obtained through Open Universities or Distance Education mode are recognized only if covered under Gazette Notification No. 44 dated 1st March 1995
- No equivalent qualifications other than those specifically listed will be accepted — claims of equivalence are not entertained
- OBC (NCL) candidates must produce a valid Non-Creamy Layer certificate at document verification — failure to do so means rejection
- PwBD candidates must have a minimum 40% disability as per a valid Permanent Disability Certificate from competent authority
- EWS candidates must have Income and Asset Certificate for Financial Year 2024–25 (valid for 2025–26) in the format prescribed for Government of India appointments
04
Selection Process — Scientist-B (Step-by-Step)
1
📊
GATE Score Shortlisting
Eligible candidates shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio (5 candidates per vacancy) discipline-wise and category-wise based on best GATE 2024/2025/2026 score. Equal weightage to all 3 GATE years.
2
📁
Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates must produce all original documents — degree certificates, GATE scorecard, category certificate, Aadhaar, experience proof (if any). Failure = barred from interview.
3
🎤
Personal Interview (50 Marks)
Assesses Technical Knowledge, Communication Skills, Academic Performance. Min. qualifying: 50% for UR/EWS, 40% for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD. Failing interview = not considered regardless of GATE score.
4
🏆
Final Merit List
Final score = 60% of GATE Score + 40% of Interview Marks. Prepared category-wise and discipline-wise. Tie-breaking: Higher GATE score first → Higher technical interview marks → Older candidate.
💡 Key Points — Scientist-B Selection
- No written exam — shortlisting is purely GATE score-based; this is transparent and merit-driven
- If multiple candidates share the same GATE score at the shortlisting cutoff, ALL of them are called for interview — regardless of the 1:5 ratio
- GATE 2024, 2025, and 2026 carry equal weightage — submit the best available score in the applicable discipline
- Interview is conducted by NIC experts — expect deep technical questions on your GATE paper discipline
- Selected candidates have All India Service Liability — posting can be anywhere in India or abroad as per NIC requirements
- Number of advertised posts is tentative — NIC may increase or decrease vacancies at its discretion
05
How to Apply Online — Scientist-B (Four Mandatory Steps)
1
Step 1 — Registration & Aadhaar-based E-KYC
Visit recruitment.nic.in and click on the Scientist-B 2026 notification link. Register by providing your email ID and mobile number to generate login credentials. Complete Aadhaar-based E-KYC — this is mandatory and must be done first. Keep your Aadhaar card ready. Note your Portal Registration Number — required for all future correspondence.
2
Step 2 — Fill the Online Application Form
Log in with your registration credentials. Fill in all personal details, educational qualifications, GATE score details (year, paper code, registration number, score), discipline preference, category, and other required information. Double-check every field before proceeding — NIC does not allow changes to name, category, mobile number, or email ID after final submission. Select the discipline you wish to apply for (CS, EC, or DA) — applying for multiple disciplines requires separate applications and fees.
3
Step 3 — Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of: GATE scorecard (2024/2025/2026), Degree certificate(s) / Marksheets, Aadhaar card, Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD — as applicable), Passport-size photograph (recent, as per specified format), Scanned signature (as per specified format), NOC if currently employed in a Government Organisation or PSU (required before interview, but upload at form stage if available). Ensure document formats and file sizes meet the portal specifications.
4
Step 4 — Pay Application Fee & Download Confirmation
Pay the application fee (if applicable) via Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking only — no other mode accepted. Fee: ₹800 per discipline for UR/OBC(NCL)/EWS (male); Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/All Women. Fee is non-refundable. After successful payment, download and save the Confirmation Page — only applications with all four steps completed are treated as valid. Incomplete applications are summarily rejected without communication. The portal closes automatically at 5:30 PM on 24 April 2026.
⚠️
Common mistakes to avoid: (1) Not completing all 4 steps before 5:30 PM on 24 April 2026 — even fee payment alone without form submission is invalid; (2) Entering incorrect GATE paper code or score; (3) Uploading wrong category certificate format; (4) Applying for multiple disciplines in a single application — each discipline needs a separate application and fee; (5) Missing E-KYC step — without Aadhaar-based E-KYC, registration is incomplete.
06
Scientist-C & D Recruitment 2026 — Complete Details (Advt. No. NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3)
| Criterion | Scientist-C (Pay Level-11) | Scientist-D (Pay Level-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 141 posts | 12 posts |
| Pay Scale (7th CPC) | ₹67,700 – ₹2,08,700/month | ₹78,800 – ₹2,09,200/month |
| Post Type | Group A Gazetted (S&T), Direct Recruitment | Group A Gazetted (S&T), Direct Recruitment |
| Notification Date | 24 March 2026 | 24 March 2026 |
| R&D Experience Required | Minimum 4 years in research or development — industrial/academic institutions or S&T organisations | Minimum 8 years in research or development — industrial/academic institutions or S&T organisations |
| Selection Mode | Direct Recruitment — based on qualification + experience + interview (no GATE required) | Direct Recruitment — based on qualification + experience + interview (no GATE required) |
| Application Mode | Online at recruitment.nic.in (dates to be announced — check official website) | |
👤 Educational Qualification — Scientist-C & D
Both Scientist-C and Scientist-D positions require the same foundational educational qualifications. Candidates must hold any one of the following degrees in relevant technical disciplines:
📚 Accepted Educational Qualifications (Scientist-C & D)
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering / Technology (B.E. / B.Tech) in relevant disciplines
- DOEACC B-Level (Department of Electronics Accreditation of Computer Courses)
- Associate Member of Institute of Engineers (AMIE)
- Graduate Institute of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (GIETE)
- Master's Degree in Science (M.Sc.) in relevant disciplines
- Master's Degree in Computer Applications (MCA)
- Master's Degree in Engineering / Technology (M.E. / M.Tech)
- Master's Degree in Philosophy (M.Phil) in relevant discipline
ℹ️
Key difference between Scientist-B and Scientist-C/D: Scientist-B does NOT require work experience and is GATE-based. Scientist-C requires a minimum of 4 years of R&D experience, and Scientist-D requires a minimum of 8 years of R&D experience in industrial/academic institutions or S&T organisations. These are senior-level positions requiring demonstrated research or development expertise. The application dates for Scientist-C & D will be announced — check recruitment.nic.in regularly.
07
Scientist-B vs Scientist-C vs Scientist-D — Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parameter | Scientist-B | Scientist-C | Scientist-D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertisement No. | NIC/SCB/2026/1 | NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3 | |
| Total Vacancies | 243 | 141 | 12 |
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level-10 | Level-11 | Level-12 |
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100/month | ₹67,700/month | ₹78,800/month |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 | ₹67,700–₹2,08,700 | ₹78,800–₹2,09,200 |
| Post Type | Group A Gazetted S&T | Group A Gazetted S&T | Group A Gazetted S&T |
| Age Limit (UR) | 30 years (as on 31 Mar 2026) | As per Govt. norms | As per Govt. norms |
| GATE Score Required | ✅ YES — Mandatory (CS/EC/DA) | ❌ NO | ❌ NO |
| Work Experience | Not Required | 4 years R&D | 8 years R&D |
| Selection Process | GATE Shortlisting + Document Verification + Interview (50 marks) | Application + Experience Verification + Interview | Application + Experience Verification + Interview |
| Final Merit Formula | 60% GATE + 40% Interview | Based on qualification + experience + interview | Based on qualification + experience + interview |
| Application Fee (UR/Male) | ₹800 per discipline | As per notification | As per notification |
| Application Window | 27 Mar – 24 Apr 2026 | To be announced | |
| Application Mode | Online at recruitment.nic.in | Online at recruitment.nic.in | |
| Posting | All India Service Liability — anywhere in India or abroad | ||
08
Salary Structure & Allowances — NIC Scientists 2026
| Component | Scientist-B (Level-10) | Scientist-C (Level-11) | Scientist-D (Level-12) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100/month | ₹67,700/month | ₹78,800/month |
| Pay Scale (max) | Up to ₹1,77,500 | Up to ₹2,08,700 | Up to ₹2,09,200 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Revised twice a year by Govt. of India (percentage of basic pay) | ||
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | X (metro), Y (mid), Z (other) cities — 27%, 18%, 9% of basic pay respectively | ||
| Transport Allowance (TA) | Based on city tier and grade — additional monthly allowance | ||
| Approx. Gross (Metro) | ~₹75,000–85,000/month | ~₹90,000–1,00,000/month | ~₹1,05,000–1,15,000/month |
| National Pension Scheme (NPS) | Central Govt. NPS — employer contribution + employee contribution | ||
| Medical Benefits | CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) coverage for employee and family | ||
| Leave Travel Concession (LTC) | As per Central Government rules — once in 4 years (anywhere in India) | ||
| Other Perks | Subsidised accommodation (subject to availability), Group Insurance, Office Library, Training & Development, etc. | ||
💡
In-hand at metro posting (Scientist-B): With Basic Pay of ₹56,100 + DA (revised rates) + HRA (27% for X cities = ~₹15,147) + TA, a fresh NIC Scientist-B at a metro posting typically takes home approximately ₹75,000 to ₹85,000 per month depending on city and current DA rates — before NPS deduction. This makes it one of the highest-paying entry-level central government posts available to GATE qualified engineers.
09
Official Links — NIC Scientist Recruitment 2026
🔗 Official Links — NIC Scientist B, C & D Recruitment 2026
🌐 NIC Official Recruitment Portal — recruitment.nic.in
📝 Apply Online — NIC Scientist-B 2026 (Advt. NIC/SCB/2026/1)
📄 Download Detailed Notification PDF — NIC Scientist-B 2026
📝 Apply Online — NIC Scientist-C & D 2026 (Advt. NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3)
📄 Download Detailed Notification PDF — NIC Scientist-C & D 2026
🏛️ NIC Official Website — www.nic.gov.in
Advt. NIC/SCB/2026/1 (Sci-B)
Advt. NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3 (Sci-C&D)
243 + 153 = 396 total posts
Last date Sci-B: 24 Apr 2026, 5:30 PM
GATE mandatory for Sci-B
60% GATE + 40% Interview (Sci-B)
All India posting liability
Fee: ₹800 UR/OBC/EWS | Nil women/SC/ST/PwBD
10
Frequently Asked Questions — NIC Scientist Recruitment 2026
+
What is NIC and who can apply for Scientist-B 2026?+
Is GATE score mandatory for NIC Scientist-B 2026?+
What is the selection process for NIC Scientist-B 2026?+
What is the application fee and who is exempt?+
What is the vacancy distribution for Scientist-B across disciplines?+
What is the difference between Scientist-B, Scientist-C, and Scientist-D?+
Where are NIC Scientists posted after selection?+
What is the age limit and eligibility cut-off date for Scientist-B?+
What documents are needed for applying to NIC Scientist-B 2026?
Disclaimer: This article is independently researched and written by Chandan Kumar for JobTheta.com for informational purposes only. All facts verified from multiple reliable sources: NIC Scientist-B (Advt. NIC/SCB/2026/1) — 243 vacancies (168 CS, 25 EC, 50 DA); Pay Level-10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500); Application: 27 March – 24 April 2026 (5:30 PM); Eligibility cut-off: 31 March 2026; GATE 2024/2025/2026 mandatory; age limit UR 30 years, OBC 33 years, SC/ST 35 years, PwBD 40 years; fee ₹800 UR/OBC/EWS male, Nil SC/ST/PwBD/Women; shortlisting 1:5 GATE ratio; Interview 50 marks min 50% UR / 40% reserved; Final merit 60% GATE + 40% Interview; Tie-break: higher GATE → higher technical marks → older candidate. NIC Scientist-C & D (Advt. NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3) — 141 + 12 = 153 vacancies; Sci-C Pay Level-11 (₹67,700–₹2,08,700); Sci-D Pay Level-12 (₹78,800–₹2,09,200); Sci-C 4 yrs R&D; Sci-D 8 yrs R&D; notification 24 March 2026; application dates TBA. All India posting liability for all posts. Always verify from recruitment.nic.in and official notification PDF. JobTheta.com is not affiliated with NIC or MeitY.
Founder at Jobtheta
Chandan Kumar is the founder of Jobtheta.com, a platform focused on providing the latest government job updates, results, admit cards, and career guidance for aspirants across India.
With a strong interest in recruitment trends and exam processes, he regularly publishes well-structured articles covering railway, SSC, banking, and apprenticeship opportunities. His content focuses on delivering accurate information along with practical guidance such as document verification tips, selection process breakdowns, and application support.
Through Jobtheta, his goal is to simplify complex job notifications and help candidates make better decisions during their preparation and application journey.
With a strong interest in recruitment trends and exam processes, he regularly publishes well-structured articles covering railway, SSC, banking, and apprenticeship opportunities. His content focuses on delivering accurate information along with practical guidance such as document verification tips, selection process breakdowns, and application support.
Through Jobtheta, his goal is to simplify complex job notifications and help candidates make better decisions during their preparation and application journey.
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