UPSC invites applications for 5 vacancies including Scientist-B, Scientific Officer, Superintending Archaeological Engineer, and Assistant Professor. Last Date: May 15, 2026. Apply online at upsconline.nic.in.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Indicative Advertisement No. 03/2026, inviting online applications for 5 various posts under direct recruitment. This is an excellent opportunity for eligible candidates looking to join prestigious government organizations like the National Test House, Archaeological Survey of India, and College of Military Engineering. Interested candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website from April 25, 2026, with the last date for application submission being May 15, 2026.
Quick Overview
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No. | 03/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 5 |
| Post Names | Scientist-B (Mechanical), Scientific Officer (Non-Destructive), Superintending Archaeological Engineer, Assistant Professor (Civil Engineering) |
| Application Start Date | April 25, 2026 |
| Application Last Date | May 15, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/, https://upsc.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
Here’s a breakdown of the posts advertised under UPSC Advertisement No. 03/2026:
| Post Name | Department/Ministry | Vacancies | Pay Scale (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B (Mechanical) | National Test House, Dept. of Consumer Affairs | 1 (UR-01) | Level – 10 |
| Scientific Officer (Non-Destructive) | National Test House, Dept. of Consumer Affairs | 1 (OBC-01) | Level – 08 |
| Superintending Archaeological Engineer | Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture | 2 (UR-02, PwBD-01) | Level – 11 |
| Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering (Survey) | College of Military Engineering, Ministry of Defence | 1 (OBC-01) | Academic Level – 10 |
Note: One vacancy for Superintending Archaeological Engineer is reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D or HH) category.
Eligibility Criteria
The detailed eligibility criteria, including specific educational qualifications and experience, will be available in the comprehensive advertisement on the UPSC website. However, based on the indicative advertisement, here are the age limits:
Educational Qualification
Specific educational qualifications for each post are not detailed in this indicative advertisement. Candidates are advised to refer to the detailed Recruitment Advertisement on the UPSC official website for comprehensive information.
Age Limit
The crucial date for determining the age limit is the closing date for submission of the online application (May 15, 2026).
| Post Name | Category | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B (Mechanical) | UR | 35 years |
| Scientific Officer (Non-Destructive) | OBC | 33 years |
| Superintending Archaeological Engineer | UR | 40 years |
| PwBD | 50 years | |
| Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering (Survey) | OBC | 38 years |
Experience
Specific experience requirements are not detailed in this indicative advertisement. Please refer to the detailed notification for complete information.
Application Fee
Details regarding the application fee for various categories are not specified in this indicative advertisement. Candidates should check the detailed Recruitment Advertisement on the official UPSC website for information on application fees and payment methods.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | April 25, 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | May 15, 2026 |
| Crucial Date for Age Calculation | May 15, 2026 |
| Detailed Advertisement Release | Available on UPSC website |
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC Direct Recruitment posts typically involves the following stages:
- Scrutiny of Applications: Applications are screened based on the eligibility criteria mentioned in the detailed advertisement.
- Recruitment Test (RT): For a large number of applicants, UPSC may conduct a written recruitment test to short-list candidates. The pattern and syllabus for this test would be specified in the detailed notification.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview. The interview assesses the candidate’s knowledge, experience, communication skills, and suitability for the post.
- Document Verification: Candidates appearing for the interview will undergo document verification where original certificates are checked.
- Final Merit List: A final merit list is prepared based on the performance in the Recruitment Test (if applicable) and/or Interview.
Note: The exact selection methodology for each post will be detailed in the full advertisement.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in these UPSC vacancies must apply online. Follow these general steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the UPSC Online Application Portal at https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/.
- Read the Advertisement: Carefully read the detailed Recruitment Advertisement No. 03/2026 available on the portal or https://upsc.gov.in.
- New Registration: If you are a new user, click on the ‘New Registration’ link and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
- Login: After successful registration, log in using your OTR ID and password.
- Select Post: Find the link for ‘Online Application for Recruitment by Selection’ and select the desired post(s).
- Fill Application Form: Fill in all the required details accurately, including personal information, educational qualifications, and experience.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other necessary documents as per the specified format and size.
- Pay Application Fee: If applicable, pay the application fee online through the prescribed payment gateway.
- Review and Submit: Review your application form thoroughly before final submission. Make sure all details are correct.
- Print Application: After submission, take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC Online Application Portal (ORA) | https://upsconline.nic.in/ora/ |
| UPSC Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| Detailed Advertisement (To be released) | Will be available on official websites |
Job Profile & Career Scope
These positions offer a stable and rewarding career in the Central Government. The job profiles typically involve specialized technical, scientific, or academic work:
- Scientist-B/Scientific Officer: These roles usually involve research, development, testing, quality control, and technical analysis within their respective fields (Mechanical, Non-Destructive Testing). Career progression often leads to higher scientific grades.
- Superintending Archaeological Engineer: This role involves the engineering and conservation aspects of archaeological sites and monuments. It combines civil engineering principles with archaeological preservation, offering a unique blend of technical and cultural heritage work.
- Assistant Professor: An academic role focused on teaching, research, and curriculum development in Civil Engineering (Survey) at a prestigious institution like the College of Military Engineering. Career growth involves promotions to higher academic ranks and opportunities for specialized research.
All these positions come with attractive salaries, allowances, and benefits as per the 7th CPC, along with job security and opportunities for professional development.
Preparation Tips
While the detailed selection process is awaited, candidates can start preparing based on general UPSC recruitment patterns:
1. Understand the Syllabus:
Once the detailed advertisement is out, thoroughly go through the syllabus for the Recruitment Test (if any) and the interview. Focus on the core subjects relevant to your engineering discipline or scientific field.
2. Technical Knowledge:
Brush up on your fundamentals in Mechanical Engineering, Non-Destructive Testing, Civil Engineering (especially Surveying), and related areas. For archaeological engineering, knowledge of conservation techniques and relevant government regulations will be crucial.
3. General Awareness:
Many UPSC exams include a component of General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and sometimes General Aptitude. Stay updated with national and international events.
4. Interview Preparation:
For direct recruitment, the interview holds significant weight. Practice explaining your academic projects, work experience, and technical concepts clearly. Be prepared for questions on current affairs related to your field and general administrative issues.
5. Document Readiness:
Keep all your original educational certificates, experience letters, caste certificates (if applicable), and identity proofs ready for document verification. Ensure all names and dates match across documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the last date to apply for UPSC Recruitment 2026?
The last date for submitting online applications for UPSC Advertisement No. 03/2026 is May 15, 2026.
Q2: How many vacancies are announced in this recruitment?
A total of 5 vacancies have been announced across various posts in this indicative advertisement.
Q3: Where can I find the detailed eligibility criteria?
The detailed eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and experience, will be available in the comprehensive Recruitment Advertisement on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) and the online application portal (upsconline.nic.in/ora/).
Q4: Is there an application fee?
The application fee details are not mentioned in this indicative advertisement. Candidates should refer to the detailed notification for this information.
Q5: What is the age limit for these posts?
The age limits vary by post and category, ranging from 33 years (for OBC Scientific Officer) to 50 years (for PwBD Superintending Archaeological Engineer). The crucial date for age calculation is May 15, 2026.
Q6: What is the selection process for these UPSC posts?
Typically, UPSC direct recruitment involves screening of applications, a Recruitment Test (if many candidates), followed by an Interview and Document Verification. The exact process will be specified in the detailed advertisement.
Q7: Can candidates from all over India apply?
Yes, typically UPSC recruitments are open to eligible Indian citizens from all states, provided they meet the specific eligibility criteria for each post.
Q8: What documents are generally required for UPSC applications?
Candidates generally need to upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, educational certificates, experience certificates, caste/category certificate (if applicable), and identity proof. Originals are required during document verification.
