NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026: 376 Vacancies, GATE Score, Eligibility, Fee & Selection Process
The National Informatics Centre (NIC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, has announced recruitment for the post of Scientific/Technical Assistant-A through direct recruitment. The recruitment covers 376 tentative vacancies in Computer Sciences & Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. Unlike recruitments that involve a separate written examination, NIC will prepare the merit list using valid GATE 2024, GATE 2025 or GATE 2026 scores in the relevant paper, followed by document verification for shortlisted candidates.
NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Overview
The recruitment is aimed at filling Scientific/Technical Assistant-A positions in NIC on a direct recruitment basis. The post is classified as a Group-B S&T (Non-Gazetted) position under Level 6 of the 7th Central Pay Commission. The advertised vacancies are tentative, meaning NIC may increase or decrease the number of posts depending on organisational requirements.
Major Points Candidates Should Know
- 376 tentative vacancies have been advertised across three disciplines.
- The recruitment uses GATE scores rather than a separate NIC written examination.
- Valid GATE scores from 2024, 2025 or 2026 are acceptable, depending on the discipline applied for.
- GATE 2024, 2025 and 2026 scores receive equal weightage.
- No previous work experience is prescribed for the post.
- The upper age limit for the unreserved category is 30 years, subject to applicable relaxations.
- UR/OBC(NCL)/EWS candidates are required to pay ₹800 per discipline; SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates are exempt from the fee.
- The selected candidate may be posted anywhere in India or outside India in the interest of NIC.
NIC Vacancy 2026 – Discipline-Wise Posts
The 376 advertised positions are distributed among Computer Sciences & Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The reservation figures below reproduce the vacancy structure given in the notification in a simplified format.
| Discipline | Total | UR | SC | ST | OBC (NCL) | EWS | PwBD* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Sciences & Information Technology | 300 | 122 | 45 | 22 | 81 | 30 | 15 |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | 26 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | 50 | 22 | 7 | 3 | 13 | 5 | 2 |
| Total | 376 | Discipline-wise reservation as specified in the notification. | |||||
*PwBD reservation is horizontal. For the Computer Sciences & Information Technology discipline, the notification lists locomotor disability, Hard of Hearing and multiple-disability categories within the indicated reservation. The advertised number of posts is tentative and may be changed by NIC.
NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates should check eligibility against the requirements applicable on the closing date, 30 September 2026. The important eligibility conditions relate to GATE qualification, educational qualification, age and category-specific requirements.
1. GATE Score Requirement
A candidate must have a valid GATE score from GATE 2024, GATE 2025 or GATE 2026 in the paper corresponding to the discipline for which the application is submitted.
| NIC Discipline | Eligible GATE Paper | Paper Code |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Sciences & Information Technology | Computer Science and Information Technology | CS |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | Electronics and Communication Engineering | EC |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | DA |
2. Educational Qualification
For the Computer Sciences & Information Technology discipline, candidates must have passed M.Sc., MS, MCA, B.E. or B.Tech. in the fields specified by NIC, including Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Telecommunication, Computer Sciences, Computer and Networking Security, Software System, Information Technology or Informatics, either singly or in combination as permitted by the notification.
For Electronics & Communication Engineering, the relevant GATE paper is EC, while for Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, the relevant GATE paper is DA. Candidates must possess the qualification prescribed for the discipline by the closing date.
3. Work Experience
No experience is required. Fresh graduates who satisfy the educational, GATE and age requirements can therefore be considered for the recruitment.
4. Age Limit
The age will be calculated as on 30 September 2026, which is the closing date of the online application.
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 30 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 33 years |
| SC / ST | 35 years |
| PwBD | As specified in the notification, depending on category |
| Service Candidates | Relaxation as prescribed |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government rules |
Candidates who want to quickly check their age against the government-job age criteria can also use the Government Job Age Calculator before completing the application.
NIC Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
The application fee depends on the candidate's category. The fee is payable online and is non-refundable.
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | Nil |
| UR / OBC (NCL) / EWS | ₹800 |
NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Selection Process 2026
One of the most important aspects of this recruitment is that the notification does not prescribe a separate NIC written examination or interview for preparing the merit list. The recruitment is primarily driven by the candidate's valid GATE score.
1. Online Application: Eligible candidates register and submit their application through the NIC recruitment portal.
2. GATE-Based Merit: A category-wise merit list is prepared separately for each discipline using the GATE score.
3. Equal Weightage: GATE 2024, GATE 2025, and GATE 2026 scores receive equal weightage.
4. Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted against the vacancies are called for verification of their original documents.
5. Provisional Appointment: Candidates who successfully clear document verification and meet the remaining conditions may receive a provisional appointment.
How Are GATE Scores Compared?
Candidates must submit their best eligible GATE score from one of the permitted years. If candidates have the same GATE score, NIC will apply tie-breaking rules in sequence.
NIC Recruitment 2026 Application Process
Applications are accepted only through the online recruitment portal. Before starting the form, candidates should keep their photograph, signature, GATE score card, educational certificates and category documents ready.
1. Registration: Create your registration/login details on the recruitment portal.
2. Application Form: Enter personal, educational, GATE and category information carefully.
3. Upload Documents: Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting certificates in the prescribed format.
4. Pay Fee: Complete the online fee payment if applicable to your category and discipline.
5. Confirmation: Complete all mandatory steps and download/save the confirmation page for future reference.
Documents to Keep Ready
- Recent colour photograph in the prescribed JPEG/JPG size.
- Signature in blue or black ink in the specified file size.
- Date of birth proof.
- Matriculation and Senior Secondary certificates.
- Valid GATE 2024/2025/2026 score card.
- Relevant M.Sc./MS/MCA/B.E./B.Tech. certificate and marksheets.
- CGPA conversion certificate from the University Registrar, wherever applicable.
- SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS certificate, wherever applicable.
- PwBD certificate, wherever applicable.
- NOC for eligible serving government/PSU/autonomous-body candidates, wherever applicable.
The notification specifies that Aadhaar-based authentication will be used during the recruitment process. Candidates should therefore ensure that their identity and submitted information are consistent across the required documents.
NIC Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Online Application Begins | 1 September 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Online Application Closing | 30 September 2026, 5:30 PM |
| Eligibility Cut-Off Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Document Verification | To be announced by NIC |
NIC Recruitment 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The notification does not prescribe a separate written examination for this recruitment. Merit is prepared using the valid GATE score for the relevant discipline, followed by document verification for shortlisted candidates.
Actual Recruitment Pattern
| Stage | What Matters |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Screening | Required qualification, age, GATE paper, and other conditions |
| Merit Preparation | Valid GATE 2024/2025/2026 score |
| GATE Weightage | Equal weightage to the three eligible GATE years |
| Shortlisting | Discipline-wise/category-wise merit against vacancies |
| Final Recruitment Stage | Document verification and fulfilment of appointment conditions |
Which GATE Syllabus Should Candidates Prepare?
The applicable GATE paper depends on the NIC discipline:
- CS: GATE Computer Science and Information Technology.
- EC: GATE Electronics and Communication Engineering.
- DA: GATE Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
The NIC recruitment notification identifies these GATE paper codes but does not reproduce a separate detailed subject-wise syllabus. Therefore, candidates should use the official syllabus applicable to their GATE paper rather than relying on an invented "NIC STA syllabus."
Posting Location and Important Conditions
The selected candidates have an All India posting liability. NIC states that a selected person may be posted anywhere in India and, in the interest of the organisation, outside India as well. Candidates should consider this condition before applying.
Document verification may be conducted in Delhi or at another location/mode approved by the competent authority. The notification states that requests to postpone or change the verification location will not be entertained and no TA/DA will be paid for appearing in document verification.
NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
Candidates should use the official National Informatics Centre website for general information and the official NIC recruitment portal for the application process. The detailed advertisement for Scientific/Technical Assistant-A is available as a PDF on the recruitment portal. The application is accepted only through the official online recruitment system.
Useful Resources for NIC Aspirants
Candidates preparing for technical government recruitment should also pay attention to their broader career skills. Our guide on skills employers want before hiring may be useful for candidates planning their long-term technical career alongside government recruitment preparation.
Conclusion
The NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant-A Recruitment 2026 is an important opportunity for eligible technology and engineering graduates because the recruitment offers 376 tentative vacancies across CS/IT, ECE and Data Science & AI. The biggest point candidates should understand is that this is a GATE-score-based recruitment; the notification does not announce a separate NIC written examination. Candidates should therefore first verify that their degree, GATE paper, GATE year and age meet the prescribed conditions.
Before submitting the application, applicants should carefully verify every detail, especially category information, educational qualification, GATE score, uploaded documents and fee payment. Since the application details are treated as final after submission, accuracy is more important than simply submitting the form early.
- ✔ Valid GATE 2024/2025/2026 score in the correct paper.
- ✔ Required degree completed by 30 September 2026.
- ✔ Age eligibility checked as on 30 September 2026.
- ✔ Category certificate ready, if applicable.
- ✔ Photograph and signature prepared in the required format.
- ✔ Application fee checked according to category and number of disciplines.
- ✔ Confirmation page downloaded after successful submission.
Disclaimer
This article has been independently rewritten and organised for easier understanding and is intended for informational and educational purposes. The vacancy figures, eligibility conditions, fee, dates, selection method and other recruitment details are based on the NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant-A Detailed Advertisement, Ref. No. NIC/STA/2026/2. Candidates should read the official notification and follow the NIC recruitment portal for any subsequent update, modification or clarification. In case of any discrepancy, the official NIC recruitment notice and instructions will prevail.
NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
How many vacancies are available in NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026?
NIC has advertised 376 tentative vacancies: 300 in Computer Sciences & Information Technology, 26 in Electronics & Communication Engineering, and 50 in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence.
What is the post offered under NIC Recruitment 2026?
The recruitment is for Scientific/Technical Assistant-A, a Group-B S&T non-gazetted post in Pay Level 6.
What is the salary or pay scale for NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant-A?
The post carries Pay Level 6 of the 7th CPC with a pay scale of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400. The notification does not provide an exact in-hand salary figure, so candidates should not treat an estimated in-hand amount as an official figure.
Which GATE years are accepted for NIC Recruitment 2026?
Valid GATE scores from 2024, 2025 or 2026 are accepted, subject to the correct GATE paper for the discipline applied for.
Which GATE paper is required for NIC Computer Science vacancies?
For Computer Sciences & Information Technology, candidates need a valid GATE score in Computer Science and Information Technology (CS).
Which GATE paper is required for NIC Electronics and Communication Engineering?
The relevant GATE paper is Electronics and Communication Engineering (EC).
Which GATE paper is required for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence?
The relevant GATE paper is Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DA).
Is work experience required for NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026?
No. The notification specifically states that no experience is required.
What is the age limit for NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026?
The upper age limit is 30 years for UR/EWS candidates, with applicable relaxation for eligible reserved and special categories. Age is calculated as on 30 September 2026.
What is the application fee for NIC Recruitment 2026?
SC, ST, PwBD and Women candidates do not have to pay the application fee. For UR, OBC (NCL) and EWS candidates, the fee is ₹800 per discipline.
Is there a separate written exam for NIC Scientific Technical Assistant?
The notification does not prescribe a separate written examination. Merit is prepared using the valid GATE score, followed by document verification for shortlisted candidates.
How will NIC prepare the merit list?
NIC will prepare category-wise merit lists for each discipline based on GATE score. GATE 2024, 2025 and 2026 scores receive equal weightage. Tie-breaking provisions are applied where candidates have identical scores.
When does the NIC Scientific Technical Assistant application start?
The online application is scheduled to begin on 1 September 2026 at 10:00 AM.
What is the last date to apply for NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026?
The online application closes on 30 September 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Where can candidates apply for NIC Scientific Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026?
Applications are to be submitted online through the official NIC recruitment portal.
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