UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for graduates in science and engineering to join the prestigious India Meteorological Department (IMD). This recruitment drive, organized by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under Advertisement No. 05/2026, offers a total of 46 vacancies for the position of Scientist-B across various disciplines, including Atmospheric Sciences, General Meteorology, and Instrumentation. This role not only promises job security but also a chance to contribute significantly to India’s meteorological research and services.
Candidates can submit their applications online through the UPSC ORA portal starting from 23-05-2026 until 12-06-2026, 1800 Hrs. For details on eligibility, selection process, and how to apply, please visit https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 an 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/ |
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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26050512623 | Scientist-B (Atmospheric Sciences) | India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences | 07 (UR-03, EWS-03, SC-01, PwBD-01*) |
| 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*) |
| 26050514623 | Scientist-B (Instrumentation) | India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences | 09 (UR-03, EWS-03, OBC-02, SC-01, PwBD-01*) |
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 |
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 an 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. |
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 of relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years of relaxation |
| PwBD | 10 years of relaxation for suitable/reserved posts |
| Central Government Employees / Ex-Servicemen | As per UPSC rules and the prescribed proforma |
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 |
Selection Process
Selection will be made through an interview or through a Recruitment Test followed by an 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.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 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?
- 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
- Not completing all required modules on the UPSC ORA portal before final submission.
- Uploading incorrect photos, signatures, or unreadable documents.
- Entering the wrong email ID or mobile number 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 an 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 out the vacancy-specific module during the application window.
- Visit the official website of UPSC at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
- Click on the “Apply Online” or “New Registration” link.
- Complete the registration with your personal details and get a Registration ID.
- Fill in the application form with educational, personal, and contact details.
- Upload your photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee online (if applicable).
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
💡 Expert Tip: Ensure your scanned documents are below 500KB and review your application thoroughly before submission to avoid any errors.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Online applications are open from 23-05-2026 to 12-06-2026 up to 1800 Hrs.
- Once submitted, applications cannot be modified or withdrawn.
- All eligibility conditions will be determined as of 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.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Visit Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply?
Ans. The last date to apply is 12-06-2026 as per the official notification.
Q2. How many vacancies are available?
Ans. There are 46 total vacancies as per the official notification.
Q3. What is the application fee for General category candidates?
Ans. The application fee for General category candidates is Rs. 25/-.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
Ans. The age limit varies by category and post, with standard relaxations for reserved categories.
Q5. How can I apply for the UPSC Scientist-B position?
Ans. Candidates can apply online through the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
Q6. What is the selection process for Scientist-B posts?
Ans. The selection process includes a Recruitment Test followed by an interview, depending on UPSC’s decision.
Q7. Are there any reservations available for PwBD candidates?
Ans. Yes, PwBD candidates with a disability of not less than 40% are eligible for reservation as per suitability and reservation conditions.
