BARC OCES/DGFS 2026 – Recruitment for Training Scientific Officers
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) invites applications for One-year Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates (OCES-2026) and Two-year DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme (DGFS-2026). Selected candidates will be appointed as Scientific Officers (Group-A) in various DAE units.
Important Dates
- 🗓️ Online Application Start: 22.12.2025 (Tentative)
- 📅 Online Application End: 21.01.2026
- ✏️ Correction Window: 07.02.2026 to 14.02.2026
- 🎫 Admit Card Generation: 15.02.2026 to 20.02.2026
- 💻 Online Exam Date: 14.03.2026 & 15.03.2026
- 🎤 Selection Interviews: 12.05.2026 to 12.06.2026
- 📋 Final Result: Last week of June 2026
- 🎓 Training Commencement (OCES): 31.07.2026
Visit official portal: https://www.barcocesexam.in for regular updates. All dates are tentative.
Training Programmes Overview
OCES-2026: One-Year Orientation Course
One year Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates starting August 2026. Training at BARC Training Schools, Mumbai and AMD, Hyderabad. Upon successful completion, TSOs appointed as Scientific Officers in DAE units.
- Training Schools: BARC Mumbai, AMD Hyderabad
- 13 Disciplines: 8 Engineering + 5 Science
- Post-Graduate Diploma from HBNI for high performers
- Credits towards M.Tech./Ph.D. programmes
DGFS-2026: Two-Year Graduate Fellowship Scheme
For engineering graduates excelling in interviews who secure M.Tech. admission in DGFS institutes (IIT Bombay/IIT Madras). Stipend and tuition fee provided while pursuing M.Tech. degree, retaining DAE employment.
- M.Tech. programme starting July 2026
- Placement at BARC or IGCAR after completion
- Four-month Orientation Course (OCDF-2028) after M.Tech.
- Project work supervised by DAE and institute guides
OCES/DGFS Screening Disciplines
Engineering Disciplines (8)
| Code | Discipline | Eligible Degree | GATE Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Mechanical Engg. | B.E./B.Tech./5-yr M.Tech. in Mechanical Engg. | ME |
| 22 | Chemical Engg. | B.E./B.Tech./5-yr M.Tech. in Chemical/Electrochemical Engg. | CH |
| 23 | Metallurgical Engg. | B.E./B.Tech./5-yr M.Tech. in Metallurgy/Materials Engg. | MT |
| 24 | Electrical Engg. | B.E./B.Tech./5-yr M.Tech. in Electrical/Electrical & Electronics Engg. | EE |
| 25 | Electronics Engg. | B.E./B.Tech./5-yr M.Tech. in Electronics/ECE/ETE/EEE | EC |
| 26 | Computer Science Engg. | B.E./B.Tech./5-yr M.Tech. in CS/CSE/Computer Engg. | CS |
| 27 | Instrumentation Engg. | B.E./B.Tech./5-yr M.Tech. in Instrumentation/I&C/EIE | IN |
| 28 | Civil Engg. | B.E./B.Tech./5-yr M.Tech. in Civil Engg. | CE |
Science Disciplines (5)
| Code | Discipline | Eligible Degree | GATE Paper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Physics | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Physics or B.E./B.Tech. in Engg. Physics | PH/XE |
| 42 | Chemistry | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Chemistry | CY |
| 43 | Biosciences | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Life Sciences/Biotechnology or B.E./B.Tech. in Food Tech. | XL/BT |
| 45 | Geology | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc./M.Tech. in Geology/Applied Geology | GG |
| 46 | Geophysics | M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. in Geophysics | GG |
Minimum 60% aggregate marks required in qualifying degree. Full-time/on-campus degrees only. Candidates with specializations in core disciplines are also eligible.
Pay & Benefits
During Training Period
- Stipend: ₹74,000/- per month for OCES TSOs and DGFS Fellows
- Book Allowance (OCES): ₹30,000/- (one-time)
- DGFS Benefits: Tuition fee reimbursement + ₹60,000/- contingency grant per annum + Up to ₹4,00,000 for project expenses
- Accommodation: Mandatory hostel boarding and lodging
After Appointment as Scientific Officer
- Grade: Scientific Officer (Group-A, Government of India)
- Pay Level: Level 10 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) – Basic Pay ₹56,100/-
- Increments: 2-3 for OCES TSOs, 3-4 for DGFS Fellows (based on performance)
- Total Emoluments: Approx. ₹1,35,000/- per month in Mumbai (with max 3 increments)
Additional Allowances & Benefits
DA, HRA, TA, Leave Travel Concession (by air), Children’s Education Allowance, Professional Update Allowance, Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS), Contributory Health Service Scheme (CHSS) for employees and family, Pension (NPS).
Eligibility Criteria (as on 01.08.2026)
Age Limit
- General: 18-26 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 18-29 years
- SC/ST: 18-31 years
- PwBD (40% disability): Age relaxation + scribe allowed
Educational Qualification
- Engineering: B.E./B.Tech./5-yr Integrated M.Tech. with minimum 60% marks
- Science: M.Sc./Integrated M.Sc. with minimum 60% in qualifying degree
- Full-time/on-campus degrees only (no distance/part-time)
- Awaiting results candidates may apply (submit marksheet by 31.12.2026)
Nationality
Indian citizen only.
NOC Requirement
Government/PSU employees must produce No Objection Certificate at interview, else may not be interviewed.
Academic requirements must be completed before 31.07.2026. Service bond of 3 years after training completion mandatory.
Selection Process
Selection is a two-step process: 1) Screening (Online Exam or GATE Score) followed by 2) Selection Interview. Final selection solely on interview performance, subject to medical fitness.
Screening Mode A: Online Exam
- Conducted for all 13 disciplines (codes 21-28, 41-43, 45, 46)
- Exam dates: 14-15 March 2026
- 50+ cities across India
- No travel allowance for exam
Screening Mode B: GATE Score
- Valid GATE-2024, GATE-2025 or GATE-2026 score
- Upload GATE score: 26 March – 2 April 2026
- Cut-off decided after online exam
- Candidates advised to attempt both screening modes
Selection Interview
- Interview Dates: 12 May – 12 June 2026
- Venue: BARC Mumbai (all disciplines except Geology/Geophysics); AMD Hyderabad (Geology/Geophysics)
- Interview Slot: Availability-based selection on portal (20-26 April 2026)
- Travel: AC-III tier train fare reimbursed for outstation candidates
- Final Selection: Solely on interview performance
Shortlist for interview displayed on portal in 2nd week of April 2026. Pre-employment medical test at DAE unit hospital after selection.
DGFS M.Tech. Institutes & Specializations
Engineering graduates selected for DGFS must independently secure M.Tech. admission starting July 2026 in approved institutes and specializations below:
| Institute | Department | M.Tech. Specialization | Eligible Discipline |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | Mechanical Engg. | Thermal & Fluids/Design Engg. | Mechanical Engg. |
| IIT Madras | Mechanical Engg. | Thermal & Fluids/Design Engg. | Mechanical Engg. |
| IIT Bombay/Madras | Chemical Engg. | Chemical Engineering | Chemical/Electrochemical Engg. |
| IIT Bombay/Madras | Metallurgical Engg. | Materials Sc./Process Engg./Corrosion | Metallurgy/Materials Engg. |
| IIT Bombay | Civil Engg. | Structural/Geotechnical/Construction Tech. | Civil Engg. |
| IIT Bombay/Madras | Electrical Engg. | Communication/Control/Electronic Systems/VLSI | EE/EC/IN |
| IIT Bombay/Madras | Computer Science | Computer Science and Engineering | CS/CSE |
DGFS fellows awarded to best performers only, as per DAE programme needs. Placement at BARC or IGCAR after M.Tech. completion. Visit official portal for complete list of M.Tech. specializations.
Placement in DAE Units
Upon successful completion of OCES/DGFS training, Scientific Officers will be posted in one of the following DAE units based on performance and DAE programme needs:
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai
- Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam
- Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore
- Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata
- Heavy Water Board (HWB), Mumbai
- Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad
- Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT), Mumbai
- Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), Mumbai
- Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI), Kalpakkam
- Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), Hyderabad
- Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL), Jaduguda
- Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and regional offices
*Units with multiple facilities across India. Placement can be at Head Office or other facilities. DAE reserves right to place TSOs in any unit.
Application Fee & How to Apply
Application Fee
- General & OBC (Male): ₹500/-
- Women/Transgender/SC/ST/PwBD: Exempted
Non-refundable. Fee exempted candidates must bring valid proof at exam centre for verification.
How to Apply
- Visit official portal: https://www.barcocesexam.in (from 22.12.2025)
- Read Information Brochure and FAQ before filling application
- Register/Login and fill online application form carefully
- Upload photo, signature and relevant documents as per specifications
- Pay application fee online (if applicable) before deadline
- Submit application before 21.01.2026
- Use correction window (07-14 Feb 2026) for any edits
- Apply for only ONE discipline even if eligible for multiple
- Download admit card during 15-20 Feb 2026
- Retain printout of application and admit card for future reference
Important Instructions
- Only online applications accepted (no offline mode)
- One application per candidate; multiple applications invalid
- Candidates graduating in 2025-26 may apply (submit marksheet by 31.12.2026)
- All academic requirements must be completed before 31.07.2026
- Service bond of 3 years mandatory after training (no third-party surety)
- Records not preserved beyond 4 months from final result publication
- DAE strives for gender balance; women candidates encouraged to apply
Official Website: https://www.barcocesexam.in | This is summary; refer to official notification for complete details. BARC Mumbai’s decision final and binding.