The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 notification for 46 vacancies in the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Eligible candidates with qualifications such as Master’s Degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean Science, Hydrology, Physics, Meteorology, or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant disciplines can apply online through the official UPSC ORA portal.
The online application process started on 23 May 2026 and will continue until 12 June 2026 (6:00 PM). Applicants are advised to check the eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications and selection process before submitting the application form.
This recruitment is an excellent opportunity for Science and Engineering graduates looking for a prestigious Group ‘A’ Central Government job. Selected candidates will be appointed as Scientist-B officers in disciplines such as Atmospheric Sciences, General Meteorology and Instrumentation.
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Overview
Excellent career opportunity for Science and Engineering graduates! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited online applications for 46 Scientist-B Group ‘A’ posts in the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) under Advertisement No. 05/2026. Eligible candidates can apply online from 23 May 2026 to 12 June 2026 through the official UPSC ORA portal.
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Scientist-B (Atmospheric Sciences, General Meteorology, Instrumentation) |
| Advt. No. | 05/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 46 Posts |
| Job Type | Permanent, Group A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date To Apply | 12 June 2026 (06:00 PM) |
Why This Recruitment is Important?
- Prestigious Group ‘A’ Central Government Job under UPSC
- Opportunity to work in the India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- Attractive Level-10 Salary Pay Scale with government allowances
- Suitable for both Science and Engineering graduates
- Excellent career growth, job security, and research opportunities
- Recruitment for multiple disciplines including Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, and Instrumentation
Who Can Apply?
Candidates who have the following qualifications are eligible to apply:
- Master’s Degree in:
- Atmospheric Sciences
- Meteorology
- Ocean Science
- Hydrology
- Physics
- Related subjects
OR
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant disciplines
Both freshers and eligible experienced candidates can apply as per UPSC rules.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 23 May 2026 |
| Start Date to Apply Online | 23 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 12 June 2026 (till 06:00 PM) |
UPSC Scientist-B Vacancy 2026 – Post Wise Details
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced a total of 46 Scientist-B Group ‘A’ vacancies under UPSC Advertisement No. 05/2026. All posts are in Pay Level-10 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Category-wise Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B (Atmospheric Sciences) | 07 Posts | UR-03, EWS-03, SC-01 |
| Scientist-B (General Meteorology) | 30 Posts | UR-12, EWS-11, OBC-01, SC-05, ST-01 |
| Scientist-B (Instrumentation) | 09 Posts | UR-03, EWS-03, OBC-02, SC-01 |
Important Note
- PwBD reservation is available horizontally within the notified vacancies.
- All posts are offered under Level-10 Pay Matrix with Central Government benefits.
Abbreviations:
UR = Unreserved, EWS = Economically Weaker Section, OBC = Other Backward Classes, SC = Scheduled Caste, ST = Scheduled Tribe, PwBD = Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions as on 12 June 2026. Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee interview selection.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Applicant must be an Indian citizen or eligible as per UPSC rules |
| Educational Qualification | Required qualification depends on the Scientist-B discipline |
| Experience | No prior experience required |
| OBC Reservation | Applicable only for OBC Non-Creamy Layer candidates |
| PwBD Eligibility | Candidates with 40% or more benchmark disability can apply as per rules |
| Government Employees | Must inform their department/head office before applying |
UPSC Scientist-B Age Relaxation 2026
Age limit will be calculated as on 12 June 2026.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| Central Govt Employees / Ex-Servicemen | As per UPSC rules |
Application Fee
The application fee must be paid online through the prescribed payment modes. Please note that the fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to complete the payment carefully, as applications submitted without the required fee (where applicable) may be rejected by UPSC.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹ 25/- Non-Refundable |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | NIL |
UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC Scientist-B posts may include a Recruitment Test and Interview depending on the number of applications received.
Stage 1: Shortlisting
UPSC will first check applications for eligibility. If a large number of candidates apply, shortlisting may be done based on higher qualifications, academic performance, or other suitable criteria.
Stage 2: Recruitment Test & Interview
Shortlisted candidates may be called for:
- Recruitment Test
- Personal Interview
Candidates must qualify in all required stages as decided by UPSC.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Final selected candidates must pass the prescribed medical fitness examination conducted by the Government authority.
How to Apply for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal. The application process includes registration, filling the Common Application Form (CAF), uploading documents and submitting the vacancy form online.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Live photograph captured during application filling
- Recent passport-size photograph (scanned)
- Scanned signature
- 10th certificate for Date of Birth proof
- Degree certificates / marksheets
- OBC / SC / ST / EWS certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Any other supporting documents mentioned in the application
Important Instructions
- Apply online only through the official UPSC ORA portal.
- Double-check all details before final submission.
- No hard copy needs to be sent to UPSC.
- Keep a printout of the final submitted application for future reference.
Apply Online
Apply here: https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/
For any issues during the application process, candidates can contact UPSC through the official website or helpline during working hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are available in UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
👉 A total of 46 Scientist-B vacancies have been announced by UPSC.
Q2. What is the last date to apply online?
👉 The last date to submit the online application is 12 June 2026 (6:00 PM).
Q3. What is the application mode for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
👉 Candidates can apply online only through the UPSC ORA portal.
Q4. Which department is conducting this recruitment?
👉 The recruitment is for the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Q5. What is the salary of UPSC Scientist-B posts?
👉 Selected candidates will receive salary under Pay Level-10 along with Central Government allowances and benefits.
Q6. What qualifications are required for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
👉 Candidates must have a relevant Master’s Degree or Engineering Degree in the prescribed disciplines mentioned in the notification.
Q7. Is there any age relaxation for reserved category candidates?
👉 Yes, age relaxation is available for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and other eligible categories as per UPSC rules.
Q8. What is the selection process for UPSC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
👉 Selection may include a Recruitment Test, Interview, and Medical Examination as decided by UPSC.
Important Links
| Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Download Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |