UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 5 Posts

P
Param Grewal
6 August 2026 8 min read
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Last Updated: 6 August 2026

UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Union Public Service Commission under Advertisement No. 09/2026. UPSC has invited online applications for five permanent Scientist B posts in Botany, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics and Zoology.

These vacancies are available in the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property, Lucknow, under the Ministry of Culture. Eligible candidates can submit the UPSC Online Recruitment Application until 14 August 2026 at 6:00 PM.

Latest Update: Applications are currently open. The last date to apply online is 14 August 2026, up to 6:00 PM.

Official Apply Online and Notification Links

Apply Online for UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026

Download UPSC Advertisement No. 09/2026 PDF

Visit UPSC Recruitment Advertisement Page

Important: Treat the official UPSC advertisement as the final authority if any information from a video, social-media post or third-party website differs.

UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 Overview

Particular

Details

Recruiting organisation

Union Public Service Commission

Advertisement number

09/2026

Post name

Scientist B

Total Scientist B vacancies

5

Disciplines

Botany, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics and Zoology

Organisation

National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property

Ministry

Ministry of Culture

Application mode

Online

Application start date

25 July 2026

Last date to apply

14 August 2026, 6:00 PM

Pay level

Level 10 under the 7th CPC

Job classification

Group A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial

Nature of appointment

Permanent

Probation period

Two years

Headquarters

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Selection process

Shortlisting and interview; a Recruitment Test may be conducted

UPSC Scientist B Important Dates 2026

Event

Date

Advertisement released

24 July 2026

Online application starts

25 July 2026

Last date to apply online

14 August 2026

Application closing time

6:00 PM

Eligibility calculation date

14 August 2026

Recruitment Test or interview date

To be announced

UPSC Scientist B Vacancy 2026

A total of five Scientist B vacancies have been announced, with one post in each notified scientific discipline.

Scientist B Post

Vacancy Number

Category

Vacancies

Botany

26070903225

UR

1

Environmental Science

26070904225

UR

1

Geology

26070905225

UR

1

Physics

26070906225

OBC

1

Zoology

26070907225

SC

1

Total

-

-

5

UPSC Scientist B Eligibility Criteria 2026

  • Possess the prescribed educational qualification for the selected discipline.

  • Possess three years of relevant research experience.

  • The research experience must have been acquired after obtaining the essential qualification.

  • Satisfy the post-wise and category-wise age limit.

  • Upload valid documents supporting every qualification and experience claim.

Possessing the minimum qualification does not automatically guarantee an interview call. UPSC may apply additional shortlisting criteria when a large number of eligible applications are received.

UPSC Scientist B Post-Wise Qualification

Discipline

Essential Qualification

Essential Experience

Botany

MSc in Botany from a recognised university or equivalent

Three years of research experience in Botany after the essential qualification

Environmental Science

MSc Environmental Science, or BE/BTech with specialisation in Environmental Science and Engineering

Three years of research experience in Environmental Science after the essential qualification

Geology

MSc in Geology from a recognised university

Three years of research experience in Geology after the essential qualification

Physics

MSc in Physics from a recognised university

Three years of research experience in Physics after the essential qualification

Zoology

MSc in Zoology from a recognised university

Three years of research experience in Zoology after the essential qualification

Scientist B Environmental Science Eligibility

Candidates may apply for the Environmental Science post with an MSc in Environmental Science or a recognised BE/BTech degree with specialisation in Environmental Science and Engineering. The degree alone is not sufficient; applicants must also have three years of research experience after the essential qualification.

Can Freshers Apply for UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026?

No. Candidates without the prescribed research experience are generally not eligible for these five posts.

Is a PhD Compulsory for UPSC Scientist B?

No. A PhD in the relevant discipline is a desirable qualification, not an essential qualification. It may strengthen a candidate’s profile during shortlisting.

Post

Category

Maximum Age

Scientist B Botany

UR

35 years

Scientist B Environmental Science

UR

35 years

Scientist B Geology

UR

35 years

Scientist B Physics

OBC

38 years

Scientist B Zoology

SC

40 years

Eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities and other eligible candidates may receive age relaxation according to the conditions stated in the official notification.

UPSC Scientist B Salary 2026

Salary Component

Details

Pay level

Level 10

Starting basic pay

Rs 56,100 per month

Additional benefits

DA, HRA, transport allowance and other admissible Central Government benefits

Job status

Permanent Group A Gazetted post

Probation

Two years

The actual in-hand salary will depend on the posting location, applicable allowances and statutory deductions.

UPSC Scientist B Selection Process 2026

  1. Scrutiny of online applications

  2. Shortlisting based on qualifications and research experience

  3. Recruitment Test, if UPSC decides to conduct one

  4. Interview

  5. Verification of original documents

  6. Final recommendation

Is There a Written Exam for UPSC Scientist B Recruitment?

A written Recruitment Test is not confirmed, but it has not been ruled out. UPSC may conduct a Recruitment Test when the number of eligible applications is large. Selection may therefore take place through an interview alone or through a Recruitment Test followed by an interview.

UPSC Scientist B Interview Qualifying Marks

Category

Minimum Suitability Marks

UR

50 out of 100

OBC

45 out of 100

SC, ST and PwBD

40 out of 100

UPSC Scientist B Application Fee

Candidate Category

Application Fee

UR, OBC and EWS male candidates

Rs 25

Women candidates

No fee

SC and ST candidates

No fee

PwBD candidates

No fee

How to Apply Online for UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026

  1. Visit the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal.

  2. Create an account or sign in to your existing UPSC account.

  3. Complete or verify the Universal Registration Number profile.

  4. Complete the Common Application Form.

  5. Open Advertisement No. 09/2026.

  6. Select the correct Scientist B discipline and vacancy number.

  7. Enter all educational qualification and research-experience details.

  8. Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents.

  9. Pay the application fee, where applicable.

  10. Review every entry before final submission.

  11. Submit the application before 14 August 2026 at 6:00 PM.

  12. Download and save the final submitted application form.

Application Tip: Select the correct vacancy number and ensure that the experience certificate clearly states the subject, nature of research, duration and dates of employment.

Documents Required for the UPSC Scientist B Application

  • Class 10 certificate showing date of birth

  • Master’s degree or engineering degree certificate

  • Semester-wise or year-wise marksheets

  • Research-experience certificate

  • SC or OBC certificate, where applicable

  • OBC Non-Creamy Layer declaration, where applicable

  • PwBD certificate, where applicable

  • PhD certificate, if claimed as a desirable qualification

  • Certificates supporting conservation-laboratory or non-destructive-testing experience

  • Valid government-issued photo ID

  • Recent photograph and signature

Documents must support every material claim made in the online application. Incomplete, unclear or inconsistent certificates can lead to rejection during scrutiny or document verification.

UPSC Scientist B Job Profile

  • Conducting research into methods and materials used for cultural-property conservation

  • Collecting samples from art objects and antiquities

  • Scientifically examining and analysing collected samples

  • Using laboratory and non-destructive testing techniques

  • Conducting scientific and technical studies

  • Preparing scientific and technical reports

  • Supporting conservation research and laboratory activities

  • Performing other scientific duties assigned by senior authorities

The headquarters of the posts is Lucknow. However, the posts carry All India Service Liability, so selected candidates may be required to serve anywhere in India.

How to Prepare for UPSC Scientist B Selection

1. Revise the Core Subject

Revise postgraduate-level concepts from Botany, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics or Zoology according to the selected post.

2. Review Your Research Experience

Prepare to explain the objective, methodology, instruments, data analysis, findings and practical relevance of your research work.

3. Understand Cultural-Property Conservation

Develop a basic understanding of deterioration, preservation, scientific analysis and non-destructive testing of manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, archaeological materials, metals, stone, wood and textiles.

4. Prepare for Both the Test and Interview

Since UPSC may conduct a Recruitment Test, candidates should practise objective questions from their core discipline while also preparing for a research-focused interview.

UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 FAQs

What is UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026?

It is a direct recruitment drive under Advertisement No. 09/2026 for five Scientist B posts in Botany, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics and Zoology.

How many UPSC Scientist B vacancies are available?

There are five vacancies, with one post in each notified discipline.

What is the last date to apply?

The last date to submit the online application is 14 August 2026 at 6:00 PM.

Can MSc Environmental Science candidates apply?

Yes, provided they also possess three years of research experience acquired after completing the essential qualification.

Can BTech candidates apply for Scientist B Environmental Science?

A recognised BE/BTech degree with specialisation in Environmental Science and Engineering is accepted, subject to the mandatory research-experience requirement.

Can freshers apply?

No. Three years of relevant post-qualification research experience is an essential requirement for all five Scientist B posts.

Is a PhD mandatory?

No. A PhD is a desirable qualification and not an essential qualification.

What is the UPSC Scientist B salary?

The posts carry Level 10 pay under the 7th CPC, with starting basic pay of Rs 56,100 per month plus admissible allowances.

Is there a written examination?

A Recruitment Test is not confirmed, but UPSC may conduct one for shortlisting. Selection may take place through an interview alone or a Recruitment Test followed by an interview.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is Rs 25 for eligible UR, OBC and EWS male candidates. Women, SC, ST and PwBD candidates are exempt.

Where can candidates download the official advertisement?

The official advertisement is available on the UPSC website under Advertisement No. 09/2026.

Where can candidates apply online?

Candidates can apply through the official UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal.

Conclusion

The UPSC Scientist B Recruitment 2026 offers five permanent Group A scientific positions in Botany, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics and Zoology. Applicants must carefully verify their educational qualification, age limit, category and mandatory three years of post-qualification research experience.

Eligible candidates should read the complete official advertisement and submit the application before 14 August 2026 at 6:00 PM.

Final Official Links

Apply Online Now

Read Official Advertisement No. 09/2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Candidates should verify all eligibility conditions, dates, qualifications and subsequent updates through the official UPSC website before applying.

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