CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 has opened 133 vacancies across three specialized disciplines-Computer Science, Data Science & AI, and Electronics & Communication Engineering. This is a Group-A position at Pay Level 10 (7th CPC), offering a salary range of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500. Selection is merit-based on GATE scores (2024/2025/2026) combined with a personal interaction round weighted 60:40. Applications are open online from 14/07/2026 to 17/08/2026 (5:30 PM), with no application fee required.
CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), MeitY |
| Advertisement No. | CERT-In/SCB/2026/1 |
| Post Name | Scientist-B (Group-A) |
| Total Vacancies | 133 |
| Pay Level | Level 10, 7th CPC (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) |
| Eligibility Basis | Valid GATE score (2024/2025/2026) + prescribed educational qualification |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Dates | 14/07/2026 to 17/08/2026 (5:30 PM) |
| Application Fee | Nil for all categories |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India or outside India |
| Official Website | https://www.cert-in.org.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Opening date for online applications | 14/07/2026 |
| Closing date for online applications | 17/08/2026 (5:30 PM) |
| Cut-off date for eligibility | 17/08/2026 |
| Document verification and Personal Interaction/Interview | As per the official notification |
CERT-In Scientist-B Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline
CERT-In has notified 133 positions across three technical disciplines. Vacancy numbers are tentative and may be revised at CERT-In’s discretion.
| Discipline | GATE Code | Total Posts | UR | SC | ST | OBC (NCL) | EWS | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science & IT | CS | 83 | 35 | 12 | 6 | 23 | 7 | 3 |
| Data Science & AI | DA | 25 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 1 |
| Electronics & Communication | EC | 25 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
SC and OBC(NCL) figures include backlog vacancies. Backlog count in DA is not fully specified in the notification.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be Indian citizens, or nationals of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who arrived before 1 January 1962, or persons of Indian origin from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries (certificate of eligibility required for non-Indian citizens). The essential qualification must be obtained on or before the cut-off date (17/08/2026). No prior work experience is required.
Educational Qualification by Discipline
Computer Science and Information Technology (Paper Code: CS)
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology (minimum four years) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Software Systems, Cyber Security, Data Science, AI, Information Security, Digital Forensics, IoT, Quantum Computing, Blockchain, Machine Learning, Cloud Security, or Cryptography, OR Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Application, or Computer & Network Security, OR Master’s in Computer Application (MCA).
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Paper Code: DA)
Master’s Degree in Software Systems, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Informatics, Information Systems, Information Security, Cyber Law, Computational Linguistics, AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, Advanced Networks, Cryptography, Machine Learning, Cloud Security, Digital Forensics, Big Data Analytics, IoT, Quantum Computing, or Blockchain Technology.
Electronics and Communication Engineering (Paper Code: EC)
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology (minimum four years) in Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics & Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation, Drone Technology, Autonomous Systems, or relevant discipline with Electronics as the main discipline, OR Master’s Degree in Electronics, Applied Electronics, VLSI Design, Digital Communication, Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation, Drone Technology, or Autonomous Systems.
Age Limit
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 30 years |
| SC / ST | 35 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 33 years |
| PwBD (General) | 40 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 45 years |
| PwBD (OBC-NCL) | 43 years |
| Service Candidate – UR/EWS | 35 years |
| Service Candidate – SC/ST | 40 years |
| Service Candidate – OBC(NCL) | 38 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government Rules |
Age is calculated as completed years on 17/08/2026. Candidates serving in Government Organisations in the same or allied cadre receive an additional 5 years’ relaxation if prior service is deemed useful for the post. PwBD candidates receive age relaxation irrespective of whether the post is reserved for them, provided the post is identified as suitable.
About the Scientist-B Role
Scientist-B positions in CERT-In involve designing, developing, and implementing cybersecurity solutions, conducting research on emerging threats, and supporting India’s national critical infrastructure protection. The role combines advanced technical work with policy-level contributions in cybersecurity governance. As a Group-A, Level 10 position, Scientist-B represents entry into India’s senior technical cadre with significant responsibility for national digital security. CERT-In operates under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, making this a prestigious central government career with opportunities to influence national cybersecurity strategy and technology standards.
Pay Scale and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level 10 |
| Basic Pay Range | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Grade Pay | As per 7th CPC Level 10 |
At Pay Level 10, Scientist-B is classified as Group A, central government service. The in-hand salary typically ranges between ₹80,000 and ₹120,000 per month, depending on location-based allowances (HRA, DA, TA) and individual circumstances. All standard government allowances and benefits apply, including medical facilities, pension, and leave entitlements.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Categories | Nil |
No application fee is required for this recruitment. Candidates can apply without any financial barrier.
Selection Process
CERT-In Scientist-B selection comprises three distinct stages. Merit is determined by a weighted formula combining GATE performance (60%) and interview performance (40%).
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| GATE Score Shortlisting | Candidates shortlisted in a ratio of 1:5 (discipline-wise, category-wise) based on GATE merit. All candidates with tied cut-off scores are included. |
| Document Verification | Candidates must present original documents. Failure to produce originals results in disqualification. |
| Personal Interaction/Interview | Maximum 50 marks. Assesses technical knowledge, communication skills, and academic performance (0.05 mark per percentage in qualifying degree). |
Final Merit Weightage
| Parameter | Weightage |
|---|---|
| GATE Score (best of 2024/2025/2026) | 60% |
| Personal Interaction/Interview | 40% |
Minimum Qualifying Marks in Interview
Unreserved (UR) and EWS candidates must score at least 50% in the interview. SC, ST, OBC(NCL), and PwBD candidates must score at least 40%. Candidates failing to meet minimum interview marks are not considered for the final merit list, regardless of GATE score.
Tie-Breaking Criteria
If GATE scores are identical, candidates with higher marks in the Technical (Academic) Knowledge section of the interview rank higher. If still tied, the older candidate is ranked higher.
Documents Required
- Recent coloured photograph (JPEG/JPG, 50KB-200KB)
- Scanned signature in blue or black ink (JPEG/JPG, 10KB-50KB)
- Date of Birth proof (Municipality certificate or Matriculation/High School/SSC certificate)
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Driving Licence, EPIC, or government-issued ID)
- Matriculation and Senior Secondary certificates
- GATE Score Card (2024, 2025, or 2026 as applicable)
- Essential qualification certificate and marksheet
- CGPA conversion certificate (if applicable)
- Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate with minimum 40% permanent disability (if applicable)
- Experience certificate (if any)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if currently employed with government/PSU/autonomous body (per Annexure VII)
- Age relaxation certificate (if applicable, per Annexure VIII or IX)
All documents must be self-attested, legible when printed, and not password-protected.
How to Apply for CERT-In Scientist-B 2026
- Visit https://www.cert-in.org.in and locate the recruitment portal link.
- Register with a valid email ID and an active mobile number on the application system.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and professional details.
- Upload all required documents in the specified formats: photograph (JPEG/JPG, 50-200 KB), signature (JPEG/JPG, 10-50 KB), GATE score card, educational certificates, and category/PwBD certificates as applicable.
- Submit the application form and download the confirmation page immediately.
- The application is complete only after final submission and confirmation page download. No corrections to name, category, address, mobile number, or email ID are permitted after submission.
Aadhaar-based authentication will be required at every stage of the recruitment process, including document verification and interview.
What Happens After You Apply
- Application window closes on 17/08/2026 at 5:30 PM.
- GATE Score Shortlisting – CERT-In will shortlist candidates in a 1:5 ratio based on GATE merit. Shortlist announcement date to be notified on the official website.
- Document Verification – Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification. Original documents must be presented. The schedule will be announced separately.
- Personal Interaction/Interview – Selected candidates from document verification will undergo a personal interaction/interview for a maximum of 50 marks.
- Final Merit List – Merit list will be prepared using 60% GATE score weightage and 40% interview marks weightage, applied category-wise and discipline-wise.
- Appointment and Joining – Candidates in the final merit list will receive appointment orders and joining instructions from CERT-In.
Important Instructions
All applications must conform strictly to the advertisement requirements or face rejection. Qualifications from open universities or distance education must be approved by the Distance Education Council and, where necessary, AICTE, as per Gazette Notification No. 44 dated 1 March 1995. Candidates currently employed with the Central/State Government, PSU, or autonomous bodies must provide an NOC confirming no pending disciplinary or vigilance cases. No travel allowance or daily allowance will be provided for attending document verification or an interview. Interviews will be conducted at Delhi or another location as approved by the competent authority; postponement requests or location changes will not be entertained. Candidates must validate their GATE score on the GATE Results portal using their own GATE login credentials on the day of the interview or document verification. Any legal disputes arising from this recruitment fall under the jurisdiction of the Delhi courts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the difference between the CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 and previous years’ recruitments?
Ans. CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 is notifying 133 positions across three disciplines (CS, DA, EC) with selection based on GATE scores from 2024, 2025, or 2026. The use of GATE as the primary screening criterion (60% weightage) is a standardised approach. For specific differences from previous cycles, check CERT-In’s official announcements.
Q2. Can I apply for more than one discipline in the CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
Ans. No. Each applicant can apply for only one discipline (CS, DA, or EC) corresponding to their GATE paper and qualifications. You cannot submit multiple applications for different disciplines; doing so will result in the cancellation of all applications.
Q3. Is work experience required for CERT-In Scientist-B?
Ans. No. The notification explicitly states that no prior work experience is required. The selection is purely merit-based on GATE score and interview performance. Fresh graduates with the prescribed qualification are eligible.
Q4. What happens if my GATE score falls below the cut-off rank after shortlisting?
Ans. CERT-In shortlists candidates in a 1:5 ratio (discipline-wise, category-wise) based on GATE merit. All candidates with GATE scores at or above the cut-off rank for their category and discipline will be shortlisted. Candidates below the cut-off will not be called for document verification or interview.
Q5. Can I use a GATE score obtained in 2023 or earlier for this recruitment?
Ans. No. Only GATE scores from 2024, 2025, or 2026 are valid for this recruitment. GATE scores from 2023 or earlier are not accepted. You must ensure your GATE score is from one of the three eligible years before applying.
Q6. What is the minimum qualifying score in the interview?
Ans. Unreserved (UR) and EWS candidates must score at least 50% in the interview. SC, ST, OBC(NCL), and PwBD candidates must score at least 40%. Candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifying marks will be disqualified from the final merit list, regardless of their GATE score.
Q7. Will CERT-In conduct interviews online or offline?
Ans. The notification states that interviews will be conducted at Delhi or another location/mode approved by the competent authority. The exact mode (online or offline) and locations will be announced in the document verification schedule. Requests for a change of location or postponement will not be entertained.
Q8. What is the age relaxation for service candidates?
Ans. Candidates serving in Government Organisations in the same or allied cadre where prior service would be useful receive an additional 5 years’ age relaxation. Service candidates must provide supporting documentation at the time of document verification. Ex-servicemen are eligible as per government rules on age relaxation.
How to Proceed
Eligible candidates with a valid GATE score from 2024, 2025, or 2026 and the prescribed educational qualification must submit their application through the official CERT-In portal before 17/08/2026 at 5:30 PM. After the application window closes, CERT-In will announce the shortlist based on GATE merit, followed by document verification and personal interaction/interview schedules. Our free job alert service keeps you updated on the latest recruitment notifications, admit card releases, and result announcements from government organisations like CERT-In. Stay informed by checking the official portal regularly or subscribing to our alerts.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online at CERT-In Portal | Apply Now |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
