The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 under Advertisement No. 05/2026. This recruitment drive offers 46 vacancies for the position of Scientist-B across disciplines such as Atmospheric Sciences, General Meteorology, and Instrumentation within the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Candidates can submit their applications online through the UPSC ORA portal from 23-05-2026 until 12-06-2026 at 1800 Hrs. For details on eligibility, the selection process, and applications, refer to the information provided below.
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 |
| 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.
- 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
Click the official apply link below to access the UPSC ORA portal and submit your application before the deadline.
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. When is the deadline to apply for the UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026?
Ans. You must submit your online application by June 12, 2026, at 1800 Hrs.
Q2. How many Scientist-B positions are open?
Ans. A total of 46 vacancies are available across Atmospheric Sciences, General Meteorology, and Instrumentation disciplines.
Q3. Do I need to pay an application fee?
Ans. General, OBC, and EWS male candidates are required to pay a fee of Rs. 25/-. However, SC, ST, PwBD, and women candidates are completely exempt from paying this fee.
Q4. How is the upper age limit determined?
Ans. The age limits are calculated as of the closing date, June 12, 2026. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories, including up to 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates.
Q5. Where do I submit my application?
Ans. All applications must be submitted digitally via the UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
Q6. How will candidates be selected?
Ans. The selection process may involve a Recruitment Test followed by an interview. If there is a high volume of applicants, UPSC might also shortlist candidates based on higher qualifications.
Q7. Is there a quota for PwBD candidates?
Ans. Yes, candidates with a benchmark disability of 40% or more are eligible for horizontal reservation across the notified vacancies, provided they meet the suitability conditions.
