NIC Scientist-B Recruitment 2026: 243 Vacancies, Apply Online, Eligibility & GATE Score

Welcome to the official recruitment announcement for the prestigious NIC Scientist-B positions in 2026. The National Informatics Centre has released a significant opportunity for engineering and postgraduate candidates seeking a permanent central government job in the IT and e-Governance sector. This recruitment drive offers 243 vacancies across multiple disciplines, with applications accepted online through a streamlined process. Candidates with valid GATE scores from 2024, 2025, or 2026 are encouraged to apply before the deadline. Read on for comprehensive details about eligibility criteria, selection process, and how to submit your application successfully.

Organization Overview

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. As a premier technology organization, NIC plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation and e-Governance initiatives across the country. This recruitment for Scientist-B positions represents a Group-A S&T (Gazetted) post on a direct recruitment basis, offering candidates the opportunity to contribute to national-level IT projects and infrastructure development.

Post Details

The NIC Scientist-B recruitment 2026 offers positions in three specialized disciplines. Selected candidates will be appointed as Group-A Gazetted officers and may be posted anywhere in India or abroad as per organizational requirements. The positions involve working on cutting-edge technology projects in government sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualifications

Candidates must possess the required educational qualifications as specified for each discipline. For Computer Sciences & IT positions, acceptable degrees include B.E./B.Tech, DOEACC B-level, AMIE, GIETE, or postgraduate degrees like M.Sc, MCA, ME, M.Tech, or M.Phil in relevant fields. Electronics and Communication positions require B.E./B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Data Science and AI positions accept B.E./B.Tech or postgraduate degrees in relevant fields of Data Science, AI, Computer Science, or IT.

GATE Score Requirement

All candidates must have a valid GATE score from the years 2024, 2025, or 2026. The specific paper codes required are CS for Computer Sciences & IT, EC for Electronics and Communication, and DA for Data Science and AI. No prior work experience is necessary for these positions, making this an excellent opportunity for fresh graduates.

Age Limit

The age limit for NIC Scientist-B recruitment is calculated as of March 31, 2026. The maximum age for unreserved and EWS category candidates is 30 years. OBC (NCL) candidates can apply up to 33 years, while SC/ST candidates have a maximum age limit of 35 years. Age relaxation benefits are applicable as per government norms for reserved categories.

Application Fee

The application fee structure varies by category. General, OBC (NCL), and EWS category candidates need to pay Rs. 800/- for each discipline they apply for. SC, ST, PwBD, and Women candidates are exempt from paying any application fee. Payment must be made online through debit card, credit card, or net banking facilities only. Candidates applying for multiple disciplines must pay separately for each discipline.

Selection Process

The selection process for NIC Scientist-B positions involves multiple stages. Initially, candidates will be shortlisted based on their valid GATE scores in a 1:5 ratio. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to document verification, followed by a personal interaction or interview round. The final merit list will be prepared with 60% weightage given to the GATE score and 40% weightage to the interview performance. This comprehensive evaluation ensures selection of the most qualified candidates for these prestigious positions.

Important Dates

The application window opens on March 27, 2026, and closes on April 24, 2026. Candidates must complete their online application submission within this period. The interview schedule will be announced separately after the application process concludes. Applicants are advised to regularly check for updates regarding the interview dates and other important announcements.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official NIC recruitment portal at the designated website.
2. Locate and click on the "Apply Online" link for Advertisement No. NIC/SCB/2026/1.
3. Complete the registration process by providing your name, valid email address, and mobile number to receive login credentials.
4. Log in using the provided credentials and carefully fill out the application form with accurate personal, educational, category, and GATE score details.
5. Upload scanned copies of required documents including recent photograph, signature, GATE scorecard, educational certificates, and category certificates as applicable.
6. Proceed to pay the application fee online through available payment modes if applicable to your category.
7. Review all entered information thoroughly before final submission.
8. Download and print the confirmation page for your records and future reference.