If you are looking to build a secure and prestigious career within various departments of the Central Government, this is an excellent opportunity for you. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently released the official notification (Advertisement No. 03/2026) to recruit eligible candidates for the posts of Scientist-B, Scientific Officer, Superintending Archaeological Engineer, and Assistant Professor. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal.
In this comprehensive article, you will find all the crucial details regarding the UPSC Recruitment 2026, including the total number of vacancies, required educational qualifications, age limit, application fee, and the complete step-by-step application procedure.
Comprehensive Overview of UPSC Advt 03/2026 Recruitment
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement Number | 03/2026 |
| Available Post Names | Scientist-B, Scientific Officer, Superintending Engineer, Assistant Professor |
| Total Number of Vacancies | 05 Posts |
| Application Submission Mode | Online (via ORA Portal) |
| Job Location | All Over India (Specifically Kolkata, New Delhi, Pune) |
| Official Web Portals | https://upsc.gov.in / https://upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates and Application Deadlines for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Candidates are highly advised to complete their online registration well before the final deadline to avoid last-minute server issues. The crucial dates related to this recruitment drive are as follows:
- Starting Date to Apply Online: 25 April 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 15 May 2026 (up to 18:00 HRS)
- Last Date for Printing the Completely Submitted Application: To be notified soon
- Expected Written Exam / Personal Interview Date: To be announced later
Post-Wise Vacancy Breakdown for UPSC Scientist B and Engineer Jobs
The commission has announced a total of 5 vacancies across different Central Government Ministries and Departments. The detailed post-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution is provided below:
| Sl. No. | Name of the Post | Department / Ministry | Total Vacancies | Category-wise Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Scientist-B (Mechanical) | National Test House | 01 | UR – 01 |
| 2. | Scientific Officer (Non-Destructive) | National Test House | 01 | OBC – 01 |
| 3. | Superintending Archaeological Engineer | Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) | 02 | UR – 02 (1 reserved for PwBD) |
| 4. | Assistant Professor, Civil Engg (Survey) | College of Military Engineering, Pune | 01 | OBC – 01 |
| Total | All Advertised Posts | 05 |
Detailed Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualifications and Age Limit
To successfully apply for these positions, candidates must meet the specific educational qualifications and maximum age limit requirements set by the Union Public Service Commission.
Required Educational Qualifications and Work Experience
1. Scientist-B (Mechanical):
- Master’s Degree in Physics OR a B.E./B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering from a recognized university.
- 1 or 2 years of practical experience in testing/calibration in the relevant field.
2. Scientific Officer (Non-Destructive):
- Master’s Degree in Physics OR a Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Metallurgy Engineering.
- 1 year of professional experience working in a Non-Destructive testing laboratory or a related field.
3. Superintending Archaeological Engineer:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from a recognized university or institute.
- 8 years of extensive experience in Civil Engineering works within the Government Sector or at Archaeological Sites.
4. Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering (Survey):
- B.E./B.Tech in Civil Engineering AND M.E./M.Tech in Civil Engineering (with a specialization in Geo Informatics or Geoinformatics and Surveying Technology) with First Class grading.
Maximum Age Limit and Category-Wise Age Relaxation Rules
The maximum age limit varies depending on the specific post and category. The upper age limits are determined as follows:
- Scientist-B (Mechanical): 35 Years (UR)
- Scientific Officer (Non-Destructive): 33 Years (OBC)
- Superintending Archaeological Engineer: 40 Years (UR), 50 Years for PwBD candidates.
- Assistant Professor: 38 Years (OBC)
- Age Relaxation: Upper age limit relaxation will be provided as per standard government rules: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and 10 years for PwBD candidates.
Category-Wise Application Fee for UPSC Online Registration
Candidates must pay the prescribed application fee through the online payment gateway using a Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking.
- General / OBC / EWS (Male Candidates): Rs. 25/-
- SC / ST / PwBD / All Female Candidates: Fully Exempted (No Fee)
Selection Process for UPSC Scientist and Engineer Vacancies
The final selection of candidates for these advertised posts will be primarily based on the following sequential stages:
- Shortlisting of Online Applications: The submitted Online Recruitment Applications (ORA) will be screened, and candidates will be shortlisted based on their educational qualifications and relevant work experience. If the number of applications is significantly high, the Commission may conduct a Recruitment Test (RT) to narrow down the pool.
- Personal Interview Round: The shortlisted candidates will be directly called for a Personal Interview, which carries a total of 100 marks.
- Document Verification (DV): Original academic and professional certificates will be thoroughly verified at the time of the interview.
- Final Medical Examination: The ultimate appointment is strictly subject to the candidate passing the prescribed medical fitness standards.
Salary Structure and Pay Scale for Selected UPSC Candidates
Candidates who successfully clear the selection process will receive a highly competitive salary according to the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix:
- Superintending Archaeological Engineer: Pay Matrix Level-11
- Scientist-B (Mechanical) & Assistant Professor: Pay Matrix Level-10
- Scientific Officer (Non-Destructive): Pay Matrix Level-08
How to Apply Online for UPSC Recruitment 2026
Applying for the UPSC Advt 03/2026 is a straightforward process. Eligible candidates can follow the step-by-step instructions given below:
- First, visit the official UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) website at upsconline.nic.in.
- If you are a new user, complete the One Time Registration (OTR) or Universal Registration (URN) process.
- Once registered, log in to your account, find “Advt No. 03/2026”, and click on the “Apply Now” link corresponding to your desired post.
- Carefully fill out the Common Application Form with all required personal, educational, and professional details.
- Upload a live photograph, your scanned passport-size photograph, and your scanned signature in the exact format prescribed in the notification.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents (such as your Degree, Experience Certificates, and Caste Certificate) in PDF format.
- Proceed to the payment gateway and pay the required Application Fee based on your category.
- Submit the final application form and securely save or print a copy for future reference during the interview phase.
Important Direct Links for UPSC Notification PDF and Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding UPSC Advt 03/2026
Q1. What is the last date to submit the online application for UPSC Advt 03/2026? Ans. Eligible candidates must submit their complete online applications by 15 May 2026 (before 6:00 PM).
Q2. What are the minimum educational qualifications required for the UPSC Scientist B vacancy? Ans. For the Scientist-B post, candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in Physics or a B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical/Metallurgical Engineering, coupled with 1 to 2 years of practical experience in the relevant testing/calibration field.
Q3. How much is the application fee for filling out the UPSC recruitment form? Ans. The application fee is exceptionally nominal: just Rs. 25 for General, OBC, and EWS male candidates. All female candidates, as well as SC, ST, and PwBD candidates, are completely exempted from paying any fee.
Q4. Am I required to send a hard copy printout of the application form to the UPSC office by post? Ans. No, candidates do not need to send the printed application form by post. The printout and original documents are only required to be presented in person at the time of the Personal Interview.
Q5. What will be the exact selection procedure for these newly advertised UPSC posts? Ans. Candidates will primarily be selected through an initial shortlisting process followed by a Personal Interview. However, if there is a massive volume of applicants, UPSC reserves the right to conduct a written Recruitment Test (RT) prior to the interview.
