DST NIF Scientist Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for Scientist B, C & D Posts | Salary up to ₹2,09,200
Govt of India Scientific Vacancy | Advt No.: Adv/02/2026 | National Innovation Foundation (NIF)
National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has officially released its latest recruitment notification (Advt No.: Adv/02/2026, dated 29.08.2026). NIF is inviting online applications from eligible Indian citizens for direct recruitment to key scientific positions, including Scientist B, Scientist C, and Scientist D on an all-India basis.
If you hold a Master's degree or Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology, Veterinary Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Pharmaceutical Sciences, this is a premier Central Government career opportunity offering Pay Levels up to Level-12 under the 7th CPC. Below is the complete overview of eligibility, pay scales, post codes, application steps, and selection procedures.
📅 Recruitment Key Highlights
| Advertisement No. | Adv/02/2026 (Dated: 29.08.2026) |
| Opening Date of Online Application | 29.08.2026 |
| Closing Date of Online Application | 30 days from publication in Employment News / Rozgar Samachar (till 23:59 hrs) |
| Official Portal to Apply | https://jobs.nifindia.org/candidate/login |
| Nationality | Citizen of India |
📊 Vacancy Details, Pay Level & Upper Age Limits
The notification covers 10 scientific positions across three pay levels under the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC):
| Name of Post | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Pay Scale Range | No. of Posts | Reservation Break-up | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist ‘D’ | Level-12 | ₹ 78,800 – ₹ 2,09,200 | 01 | UR - 01 | Not exceeding 40 years |
| Scientist ‘C’ | Level-11 | ₹ 67,700 – ₹ 2,08,700 | 04 | UR - 01, OBC - 02, SC - 01 | Not exceeding 35 years |
| Scientist ‘B’ | Level-10 | ₹ 56,100 – ₹ 1,77,500 | 05 | UR – 04, OBC - 01 | Not exceeding 35 years |
*Note: Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC (NCL)/EWS/PwBD candidates as per Central Government of India guidelines. Crucial date for age determination is the closing date of application.
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Government Biology Jobs 2026: Apply Online Guide →🎓 Post-Wise Essential & Desirable Qualifications
1. Scientist ‘D’ (Post Code: PC-01) — 01 Post (UR)
- Essential Qualification: Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) in Biological Sciences / Environmental Sciences / Agricultural Sciences / Biotechnology / Veterinary Sciences / Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent discipline.
- Experience Required: Minimum 5 years of R&D experience post-qualification in the relevant field.
- Publications: Minimum 5 original published works of high standard in journals of national/international repute.
- Desirable: Qualification in Public Policy/Development Studies, field-based research experience in rural/tribal areas, engagement with grassroots innovators, SHGs, FPOs, and preparing policy briefs.
2. Scientist ‘C’ (Post Codes: PC-02, PC-03, PC-04) — 04 Posts
- PC-02 (01 Post): Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences / Production & Industrial Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Electronics & Communication Engineering + 3 Years R&D Experience + Min 3 Publications.
- PC-03 (01 Post): Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or equivalent + 3 Years R&D Experience + Min 3 Publications. Desirable: Experience in botanical/microbial biopesticides, biocontrol agents, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and IP protection (PPV&FRA/Patents).
- PC-04 (02 Posts): Ph.D. in Biological Sciences / Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent + 3 Years R&D Experience + Min 3 Publications. Desirable: Traditional healthcare systems, scientific validation of herbal products, bioanalytical techniques, API/WHO guidelines for herbal medicine.
3. Scientist ‘B’ (Post Codes: PC-05, PC-06, PC-07, PC-08) — 05 Posts
- PC-05 (02 Posts): Ph.D. in Biological Sciences / Agricultural Sciences OR First Class Master's Degree in Biotechnology + Min 2 Publications.
- PC-06 (01 Post): Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences (Agronomy / Horticulture / Plant Breeding & Genetics) + Min 2 Publications. Desirable: Indigenous plant variety documentation, PPV&FRA registration, DUS characterisation.
- PC-07 (01 Post): Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences OR First Class Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering + Min 2 Publications.
- PC-08 (01 Post): First Class Master's Degree in Veterinary Sciences (M.V.Sc.) + Min 2 Publications. Desirable: Validation of herbal veterinary technologies and field trials.
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- UR / OBC / EWS Category Candidates: ₹ 1,000/- (Rupees One Thousand only) - Non-refundable.
- SC / ST / PwBD / Women Candidates: EXEMPTED (No Fee).
- Payment Mode: Online payment gateway via NIF Recruitment Portal. Applicable bank charges/taxes to be borne by the candidate.
📝 Selection Process & Reserve Panel
- Screening & Shortlisting: Applications will be scrutinised by a Screening-cum-Shortlisting Committee. In case of a large number of applications, NIF reserves the right to restrict candidates based on screening criteria.
- Written Test (Optional): If required, NIF may conduct a preliminary written screening test directly or through a competent Central Govt agency.
- Personal Interview: Final selection is based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee considering interview performance, academic record, research contributions, and relevant experience.
- Reserve Panel: A reserve panel will remain valid for 1 year from the date of approval to fill vacancies arising due to resignation, retirement, or expansion.
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Read Special Report: The Biology Skill Gap →📲 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply Online
- Go to the official online portal: https://jobs.nifindia.org/candidate/login.
- Register using a valid primary **Email ID** and **Mobile Number**.
- Fill in all mandatory personal details, educational qualifications, research experience, and publication records carefully.
- Upload self-attested scanned PDF documents including: Date of Birth proof (Matriculation certificate), Degree & Marksheets, Ph.D. registration & award certificates, Category certificates (OBC-NCL within 1 year / SC / ST / PwBD / EWS), and publication copies.
- Pay the online application fee of ₹1,000 (if applicable) through the integrated payment gateway.
- Submit the online form before the closing date (30 days from advertisement release till 23:59 hrs). Note: Physical hard copies are NOT required to be sent by post.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to submit the DST NIF Scientist Recruitment application?
The online application portal remains open for 30 days from the date of publication of Advertisement No. Adv/02/2026 in Employment News / Rozgar Samachar (till 23:59 hrs).
Q2. Is a Ph.D. mandatory for Scientist ‘B’ positions?
No. Candidates holding a First Class Master's Degree in Biotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, or Veterinary Sciences (M.V.Sc.) with a minimum of 2 original research publications are also eligible for specific Scientist 'B' post codes.
Q3. Are female candidates exempt from paying the application fee?
Yes, all female applicants, as well as SC, ST, and PwBD candidates, are completely exempted from paying the application fee of ₹1,000.
Q4. Where will the posting location be for selected candidates?
Selected scientists will be posted at the National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF) Headquarters located at Grambharti, Amrapur, Gandhinagar–Mahudi Road, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382650.
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