The National Informatics Centre (NIC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has released Advertisement No. NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3 for direct recruitment to Scientist-C and Scientist-D posts. The notification covers 153 Group A gazetted vacancies and the application process is fully online through the NIC recruitment portal.
This recruitment is meant for experienced candidates in relevant engineering, technology, computer science and allied disciplines. The vacancies are split between Scientist-C and Scientist-D levels, with different age limits, experience requirements and pay levels. Candidates should pay close attention to the official eligibility conditions because these posts are not entry-level roles.
The key confirmed points include the vacancy count, application dates, official portal, fee structure, age ceiling and the broad three-stage selection process. Some finer post-matching details such as discipline mapping and exact document scrutiny should be checked carefully against the official detailed advertisement before submitting the form.
NIC Scientist Recruitment 2026 Overview
NIC has invited online applications for direct recruitment to Scientist-C and Scientist-D posts under Advertisement No. NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3. These are Group A gazetted scientific and technical posts under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
The recruitment covers 153 vacancies in total. Candidates must apply online through the official recruitment portal and should read the detailed advertisement carefully because eligibility depends not only on degree title but also on relevant discipline and post-qualification experience.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | April 2026 |
| Online application start date | 08 April 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 30 April 2026 |
| Application closing time | 5:30 PM |
| Screening test date | Not yet announced |
Candidates should complete registration and final submission well before the closing date because late applications are not accepted after the portal deadline.
Post-wise Vacancy Details
| Post | Pay Level | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-D | Level-12 | 12 |
| Scientist-C | Level-11 | 141 |
| Total | 153 |
This recruitment is for regular scientific and technical positions in NIC. Candidates should apply only for the post level that matches their qualification and required experience.
Category-wise Vacancy Breakup
| Post | UR | SC | ST | OBC-NCL | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist-D | 7 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| Scientist-C | 59 | 21 | 10 | 38 | 13 | 141 |
| Total | 66 | 22 | 10 | 41 | 14 | 153 |
The advertisement also indicates horizontal reservation provisions. Candidates claiming reservation should ensure that they upload valid supporting certificates in the prescribed format.
Eligibility Criteria and Required Qualifications
The recruitment is meant for candidates from relevant engineering, technology, computer application and science backgrounds. Accepted qualifications broadly include B.E. or B.Tech, DOEACC B-Level, AMIE or equivalent professional qualification, and higher degrees such as M.Sc, MCA, M.E., M.Tech or M.Phil in notified disciplines.
The discipline list referred to in recruitment coverage includes fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, GIS, Remote Sensing, Cyber Law, Bioinformatics and other related subjects mentioned in the detailed advertisement. Candidates must check whether their exact degree title and specialization fit the notified criteria before applying.
| Post | Educational level | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-C | Relevant engineering, technology, computer application or science qualification in notified disciplines | Minimum 4 years post-qualification relevant experience |
| Scientist-D | Relevant engineering, technology, computer application or science qualification in notified disciplines | Minimum 8 years post-qualification relevant experience |
Age Limit, Crucial Date and Relaxation
| Post | Upper age limit |
|---|---|
| Scientist-C | 35 years |
| Scientist-D | 40 years |
Eligibility references associated with this recruitment indicate that age and qualification conditions are to be checked with reference to the crucial date mentioned in the advertisement. Candidates should verify the exact reckoning date shown in the official detailed notice while filling the form.
Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories and other eligible categories as per Government of India rules. Candidates seeking relaxation should ensure that their category or service certificates are valid and current.
Salary and Application Fee
| Post | Pay level | Pay scale |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-C | Level-11 | Rs. 67,700 to Rs. 2,08,700 |
| Scientist-D | Level-12 | Rs. 78,800 to Rs. 2,09,200 |
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General and other applicable candidates | Rs. 800 per post |
| SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates | Nil |
The application fee is to be paid online through the recruitment portal where applicable. Candidates applying for more than one post should check whether a separate application and fee are required for each post.
Selection Process
The recruitment follows a three-stage selection process for Scientist-C and Scientist-D posts.
- Screening test
- Evaluation of academic records and relevant experience
- Personal interaction or interview
Recruitment information associated with NIC Scientist-C and Scientist-D posts indicates that the screening test is qualifying in nature and based on objective questions. The broad subjects described for the screening stage include reasoning, basic mathematics, English, aptitude, attitude and leadership quality. Candidates should rely on the current detailed advertisement for the exact scheme, qualifying marks and shortlisting rules applicable to this cycle.
The final selection is not based on the screening stage alone. Shortlisted candidates move ahead for evaluation of records and interview, so experience documents, academic record and post-matching relevance are important.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official recruitment portal of NIC.
- Open the Scientist-C and Scientist-D recruitment link under Advertisement No. NIC/SC-C&D/2026/3.
- Register with basic details and create login credentials.
- Fill in personal information, educational qualifications, experience details and reservation claims carefully.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online if applicable.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Before final submission, candidates should verify the spelling of name, date of birth, category, degree details and experience dates because these entries are important for scrutiny.
Documents to Keep Ready Before Applying
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature image
- Class 10 or equivalent proof of date of birth
- Degree certificates and mark sheets
- Experience certificates showing post-qualification experience
- Category certificate, if applicable
- EWS certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- No objection certificate, if employed in government or public sector service
- Any statement of purpose or supporting declarations asked in the online form
Candidates should keep both originals and clear scanned copies ready. Experience proof is especially important for this recruitment because both Scientist-C and Scientist-D posts require relevant post-qualification experience.
What Is Confirmed and What Candidates Should Verify
The officially visible recruitment information confirms the advertisement number, post names, total vacancies, application dates, online mode, fee structure, age ceiling and the broad three-stage selection method. The vacancy split between Scientist-C and Scientist-D is also clearly available.
Candidates should still verify their exact discipline eligibility, experience matching, reservation documents, any crucial cut-off date for eligibility, and the detailed screening-test instructions from the official PDF before final submission. This is particularly important for applicants whose degrees fall under allied or interdisciplinary subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are announced in NIC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
A total of 153 vacancies have been announced, including 141 posts for Scientist-C and 12 posts for Scientist-D.
What is the last date to apply for NIC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 30 April 2026 up to 5:30 PM.
What is the age limit for Scientist-C and Scientist-D posts?
The upper age limit is 35 years for Scientist-C and 40 years for Scientist-D, with applicable relaxation as per Government of India rules.
What qualifications are accepted for NIC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
Relevant qualifications broadly include B.E. or B.Tech, DOEACC B-Level, AMIE or equivalent, and higher degrees such as M.Sc, MCA, M.E., M.Tech or M.Phil in notified disciplines.
How much experience is required for NIC Scientist-C and Scientist-D posts?
Scientist-C requires at least 4 years of relevant post-qualification experience, while Scientist-D requires at least 8 years.
What is the application fee for NIC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
The fee is Rs. 800 per post for general and other applicable candidates. SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempted from fee payment.
What is the selection process for NIC Scientist Recruitment 2026?
The selection process includes a screening test, evaluation of academic records and experience, and personal interaction or interview.