Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has announced an official notification for the recruitment of Scientific Officers under the OCES/DGFS 2026 programmes. This comprehensive job opportunity is ideal for engineering graduates and science postgraduates who aspire to work in India’s premier nuclear and atomic energy sector. Interested candidates must apply online through the official BARC website within the specified application window. This detailed job description provides all essential information about eligibility, selection process, salary, application steps, and important deadlines to assist prospective applicants in their application process.
BARC Scientific Officers Recruitment 2026: Overview
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), functioning under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), invites applications for the position of Scientific Officers through two prominent training schemes: the Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates (OCES-2026) and the DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme for Engineering Graduates (DGFS-2026). This recruitment provides a unique platform for aspiring professionals to contribute to cutting-edge nuclear research, energy production, and regulatory activities.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Company/Organization | Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) |
| Post Name | Scientific Officers (via OCES-2026 & DGFS-2026) |
| Application Start Date | 22 December 2025 (tentative) |
| Application Last Date | 28 January 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.barcocesexam.in |
| Selection Process | Online Examination, GATE Score-based Shortlisting, Interview |
| Stipend During Training | ₹74,000 per month |
| Estimated Salary Post-Appointment | Approx. ₹1,35,000 per month + Allowances |
Training Schemes and Positions
The recruitment is conducted through two distinct yet complementary schemes, each offering excellent career growth opportunities and training modules tailored to different academic backgrounds.
1. Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates (OCES-2026)
This is a one-year intensive training program aimed at engineering and science postgraduates, leading to the appointment of Scientific Officers in DAE units. Successful candidates undergo rigorous training at BARC Training Schools located in Mumbai and Hyderabad and are subsequently posted in various DAE establishments including BARC, IGCAR, NPCIL, and others.
2. DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme for Engineering Graduates (DGFS-2026)
This is a two-year fellowship scheme focused on engineering graduates who pursue M.Tech. degrees in reputed institutes with funding from DAE. Fellows receive in-depth training, financial support for their M.Tech. studies, and are then appointed as Scientific Officers upon successful completion and performance in the program.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualifications
Candidates must hold degrees in specified engineering and science disciplines with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks. Detailed discipline-wise eligibility criteria are as follows:
Engineering Disciplines
| Discipline | Degree Requirements |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | B.E./B.Tech./Integrated M.Tech. in Civil Engineering with ≥60% |
| Chemical Engineering | B.E./B.Tech./Integrated M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering with ≥60% |
| Computer Science & Engineering | B.E./B.Tech./Integrated M.Tech. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with ≥60% |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | B.E./B.Tech./Integrated M.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering with ≥60% |
| Electrical Engineering | B.E./B.Tech./Integrated M.Tech. in Electrical Engineering with ≥60% |
| Instrumentation & Control Engineering | B.E./B.Tech./Integrated M.Tech. in Instrumentation or Control Engineering with ≥60% |
| Mechanical Engineering | B.E./B.Tech./Integrated M.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering with ≥60% |
| Metallurgical Engineering | B.E./B.Tech./Integrated M.Tech. in Metallurgical Engineering with ≥60% |
Science Disciplines
| Discipline | Degree Requirements |
|---|---|
| Physics | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Physics with ≥60% |
| Chemistry | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry with ≥60% |
| Biosciences | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Biosciences with ≥60% |
| Geology/Geophysics | M.Sc. in Geology/Geophysics with ≥60% |
Additional Academic Requirements and Conditions
– Degrees must be obtained through full-time/on-campus programs; correspondence or distance education degrees are not eligible.
– Candidates graduating in the academic year 2025-26 and awaiting final results can apply, provided they complete their degree requirements before 31 July 2026 and submit final marksheets before specified deadlines.
– Valid GATE scores from GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 in relevant papers are required for screening.
– Applicants must be Indian citizens.
– For candidates employed in government or PSUs, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their organization is mandatory at the time of the interview.
Salary, Allowances, and Benefits
During Training
All trainees under both schemes receive a monthly stipend of ₹74,000. Additionally, trainees are provided with a one-time book allowance of ₹30,000 during the training period.
Post-Qualification Salary & Benefits
Upon appointment as Scientific Officers, candidates are placed in the Government of India Group-A post in Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. The basic pay is ₹56,100, with total monthly emoluments (including Dearness Allowance, HRA, transport allowance, and other permissible allowances) approximately reaching ₹1,35,000 for those posted in Mumbai. Benefits include:
- Allowances: House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), Transport Allowance
- Other perks: Children’s Education Allowance, Leave Travel Concession, Professional Update Allowance
- Performance-Linked Incentives (PLI) and other government benefits
- Contributory Health Scheme for employees and dependents
Age Limit & Relaxations
The maximum permitted age as of 01 August 2026 is:
| Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 26 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 29 years |
| SC/ST and Dependents of 1984 Riots victims, Kashmir Domiciles | 31 years |
Age relaxations are applicable for candidates with disabilities (40% or more), SC/ST, OBC, and specified categories per government norms.
Application Process
Applications are accepted exclusively through the online portal. Candidates must carefully follow the steps below:
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official application portal: https://www.barcocesexam.in
- Register with a valid email ID and phone number.
- Fill in the detailed application form, including academic qualifications, GATE scores, personal details, and category information.
- Upload scanned copies of necessary documents, such as degree certificates, marksheets, GATE scorecard, NOC (if applicable), and recent photograph.
- Pay the application fee of ₹500 (if applicable) through the available online payment modes.
- Review and submit the application form.
Applicants are advised to keep a copy of their application receipt and documents for future reference. The correction window will be open from 7th February to 14th February 2026 for applicants to rectify any errors.
Selection Process
Overview
The selection involves two essential stages:
1. Screening
Candidates are shortlisted based on merits from either a professional GATE score (from GATE 2024, 2025, or 2026) or an online screening examination conducted by BARC in specified disciplines.
2. Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited for a personal interview at designated centers (Mumbai for most disciplines, Hyderabad for Geology and Geophysics). Reimbursement is available for outstation candidates for travel expenses.
Final Recruitment
The final selection is determined based on the performance in the interview, qualification, medical fitness, and adherence to age criteria. Successful candidates will receive appointment offers post-medical examination and agreement signing.
Important Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Launch | 22 December 2025 |
| Last Date for Applications | 28 January 2026 |
| Correction Window | 7–14 February 2026 |
| Offline Exam Dates | 14–15 March 2026 |
| Upload GATE Scores | 26 March – 2 April 2026 |
| Shortlisting and Interviews | April – June 2026 |
| Program Start Date | 31 July 2026 |
Important Links & Resources
- Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online
- FAQs and Information Brochure available on the application portal
- Join Telegram Channel: [Link to be provided upon selection]
- Official Website: https://barc.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the official start date to apply for the 2026 recruitment?
The application portal opens on 22nd December 2025.
2. When is the last date to submit the application?
The deadline for submitting applications is 28th January 2026.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for applying?
Candidates need engineering degrees (B.E./B.Tech./Integrated M.Tech.) in specific disciplines with at least 60% marks or equivalent, or M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in relevant science disciplines with ≥60%, along with valid GATE scores.
4. What is the age limit?
Maximum age is 26 years for general category, 29 for OBC, and 31 for SC/ST and certain categories, as of 01 August 2026.
5. How do I apply for the vacancy?
Only online application submissions are accepted via this portal.
6. What is the stipend during training?
₹74,000 per month during the training period.
7. What is the salary after appointment?
Approximately ₹1,35,000 per month plus allowances, based on Level 10 (Basic pay ₹56,100) of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
8. Is GATE score mandatory?
Yes. Valid GATE scores from GATE 2024, 2025, or 2026 in relevant papers are required to qualify for shortlisting and selection.
9. Can final year students apply?
Yes, candidates graduating in 2025-26 and awaiting results may apply on the condition of completing their degree before 31 July 2026 and submitting final certificates on time.
10. Are there service bonds?
Yes. Selected candidates must execute a bond to serve DAE for a minimum of three years post-training, covering stipend, grants, and allowances.
For any further queries, please visit the official website or contact the designated helpdesk as provided in the official notification.