BARC Exam 2026 Notification | OCES-2026 and DGFS-2026 Notification | DAE-Training Schools Scientific Officers Recruitment 2026
The BARC Exam 2026 Notification | OCES-2026 and DGFS-2026 Notification | DAE-Training Schools Scientific Officers Recruitment 2026 brings a major career opportunity for engineering and science graduates aiming to join India’s premier nuclear research ecosystem. Conducted by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), this recruitment process selects candidates for the prestigious Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates (OCES) and the DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme (DGFS). Through rigorous screening, written examination, and interviews, selected candidates are inducted as Scientific Officers across leading DAE Training Schools such as BARC Mumbai and AMD Hyderabad, offering long-term careers in nuclear science, engineering, and advanced research.
Government of India
DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY (DAE)
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
(BARC) Training Schools
Invite
Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates
- Who would relish challenges in frontier areas of Science and Technology,
- Who would like to be part of an expanding program of Nuclear Reactors, Accelerators
and Fuel Cycle Technologies, - Who would enjoy pursuing innovative research in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry,
Biosciences or Geology.
To apply for recruitment as Scientific Officers
(Group-A post of Government of India) through its training programmes
Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates (OCES) – 2026
and DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme for Engineering Graduates (DGFS) – 2026
OCES-2026: One-year Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates (OCES) starting in August, 2026 will be conducted at BARC Training Schools situated at BARC, Mumbai and AMD, Hyderabad. On successful completion of the OCES programme, Trainee Scientific Officers (TSOs) will be appointed as Scientific Officers in one of the DAE units or Atomic Energy Regulatory Board.
DGFS-2026: Two-Year DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme for Engineering Graduates (DGFS) for joining M.Tech., starting in July 2026, in DGFS Institutes and specializations (Table-3). On successful completion of DGFS programme, placement of DGFS fellows will be either at BARC or IGCAR.
The OCES & DGFS programmes offer attractive career progression opportunities up to the highest echelons. Performance of OCES TSOs above a certain threshold at the BARC Training School will entitle them to a Post-Graduate Diploma of Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), a Deemed to be University and could also earn them credits towards M.Tech. / Ph.D. programmes of HBNI. DGFS Fellows will get opportunities during the progress of their career, for pursuing Ph.D. through HBNI after joining DAE.
DAE strives to have a workforce which reflects gender balance and women candidates are encouraged to apply.
TRAINING SCHEMES AND EMPLOYMENT DESCRIPTION FOR BARC Exam 2026
1. One year Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates for the year 2026-2027 (OCES2026) will be conducted at the BARC Training Schools. Table-1 lists OCES screening disciplines and corresponding eligible qualifying degrees and eligible GATE paper/subject along with training programmes/ schemes that will be offered to selected candidates. Table-2 lists the eligible disciplines and orientation of the Training Programme at each of the Training Schools. Upon successful completion of the OCES/DGFS training programme, TSOs will be posted as Scientific Officers in one of the following DAE units based on the needs of DAE’s programmes and the TSO’s performance in the OCES/DGFS programme:
(a) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai*, (b) Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, (c) Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore, (d) Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata, (e) Heavy Water Board (HWB), Mumbai*, (f) Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad*, (g) Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT), Mumbai*, (h) Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), Mumbai*, (i) Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd (BHAVINI), Kalpakkam*, (j) Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad*, (k) Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL), Jaduguda*, (l) Directorate of Construction, Services and Estate Management (DCSEM), Mumbai*
*These units have their Head Office at the indicated locations. Placement can be at the Head Office or at other facilities of these units located in different parts of India.
DAE reserves the right to place TSOs in any of its units and also in Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and its regional offices.
Performance above a specified threshold in training course work at the Training School will entitle TSOsto a Post-Graduate Diploma or could earn them course credits towards M.Tech./Ph.D. programmes of Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), a deemed to be University.
2. Two-year DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme for Engineering Graduates for the years 2026-2028 (DGFS-2026). Under this scheme, engineering graduates who have excelled in the selection interviews for the BARC Training Schools’ programme and who have independently secured admission for M.Tech. in DGFS institutes and specializations as listed in Table-3, are paid stipend and tuition fee to pursue M.Tech. degree while retaining their employment in DAE. After successful completion of one-year course work at the DGFS institute, fellows undertake project work, which is assigned by DAE and supervised jointly by a DAE guide and the DGFS institute guide. During the M. Tech. course, fellows have to serve for Teaching Assistantship (TA) programme as per the rules/ norms of the DGFS institute. On successful completion of M.Tech. programme, they are posted as Scientific Officers in DAE. On joining, they are required to first undertake a four-month Orientation Course for DGFS Fellows (OCDF-2028) at the BARC Training School, Mumbai. Their placement will be at BARC** and IGCAR. Allocation of a DGFS fellow to a DAE unit is done at the beginning of the M.Tech. programme
**Placement can be at any of the BARC facilities located in different parts of India.
Selected candidates are required to execute an agreement and a personal indemnity bond to serve DAE for at least three years after completion of training. Indemnity bond for OCES candidate would consist of stipend and book allowance paid to OCES TSOs. Indemnity bond# for DGFS fellows would consist of stipend, tuition fees paid to the DGFS institute and contingency grant along with additional funding up to a sum of ₹ 4,00,000 under the BRNS fast track project scheme to purchase equipment/consumables deemed necessary for completion of M.Tech. project, as per actual amount paid. No third-party surety is required.
#-The bond amount mentioned for DGFS fellow
STIPEND AND ALLOWANCES
During training: (i) Stipend and allowances: OCES TSOs and DGFS fellows are paid a stipend of ₹ 74,000/- per month during the period of their training. Additionally, the OCES TSOs are paid a one-time book allowance of ₹ 30,000/- (ii) DGFS fellows are reimbursed the tuition fee for M.Tech. programme, one-time contingency grant of ₹ 60,000/- per annum for two years and are also paid to meet M.Tech. project related expenses along with additional funding up to a sum of ₹ 4,00,000 under the BRNS fast track project scheme to purchase equipment/consumables deemed necessary for completion of M.Tech. project, as per actual amount paid. (iii) Boarding and lodging in DAE or DGFS institute hostel during training/ M. Tech. programme is mandatory for OCES TSOs and DGFS fellows respectively
GRADE AND PAY SCALE ON APPOINTMENT
Appointment in all the aforementioned DAE or AERB units shall be as a Scientific Officer in a Group-A post of the Government of India in the Level 10 (basic pay-₹ 56,100/-) of 7th CPC Pay Matrix. Appointment will be at the beginning of the pay scale with OCES TSOs getting two or three increments depending on their performance during the OCES programme and the DGFS fellows getting three or four increments*** depending on their performance in M.Tech. and the four-month OCDF training programme. Total monthly emoluments (with maximum of three increments) at the time of joining including dearness allowance, house rent allowance and transport allowance will be approximately ₹ 1,35,000/- for those posted in Mumbai. In addition, other allowances such as leave travel concession by air, every year up to first eight years (subject to conditions) and in every two years thereafter, children’s education allowance, annual professional update allowance and Performance Related Incentive Scheme (PRIS) as per government norms subject to approval and revised from time to time, are also payable. A comprehensive Contributory Health Service Scheme (CHSS) for employees and their dependent family members is also available.
***DGFS fellows whose performance in the M.Tech. and OCDF programme is below a specified threshold will get zero increment
SELECTION PROCESS for BARC Exam 2026
Selection to OCES/DGFS-2026 is a two-step process: 1) Screening of candidates, based on their performance in screening channel/ mode, as mentioned below in para- “a” & “b”; followed by 2) Selection Interview of the screened in candidates. There is a separate selection process for each of the OCES screening disciplines listed in Table-1. It also shows the eligible qualifying degree for individual OCES/DGFS screening discipline along with available training schemes for selected candidates through various OCES screening discipline. A candidate who wishes to apply for the OCES programme, must apply under only one discipline, even if they are eligible for more than one, as specified in Table-1.
Screening for Selection Interview is through two alternative channels/modes:
(a) Online Screening Examination: It will be conducted in 8 (eight) Engineering OCES disciplines (code: 21-28) and in 5 (five) Science OCES disciplines (codes 41-43, 45 and 46) at more than fifty cities spread across India. The online screening exam for OCES/DGFS-2026 will be held as per the dates mentioned in the Table-4. Travel allowance will not be paid for appearing in online examination.
(b) Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Score: Candidates, who meet all the eligibility criteria and have one of relevant eligible qualifying degree as mentioned in Table-1, will be screened in for selection interview on the basis of a GATE-2024, GATE-2025 or GATE-2026 score.
Cut-off GATE Score for screening into selection interviews will be decided only after the online test has concluded and candidates are therefore advised to maximize their chances of being screened into the selection interview stage by availing both the screening avenues (viz., BARC online exam and GATE).
Selection Interviews of shortlisted candidates in all disciplines except Geology and Geophysics will be conducted at the BARC Training School, Mumbai. Interviews in Geology and Geophysics disciplines will be held in Hyderabad. The candidates selected in Geology & Geophysics discipline will be trained at BARC TS AMD, Hyderabad and after the completion of one year training programme, they will be posted in various offices/ centres of AMD. Outstationed applicants, irrespective of category and gender, travelling for appearing in the selection interview, from either their permanent address or corresponding address to Mumbai or Hyderabad and return, will be paid to-and-fro AC-III tier normal train fare by shortest route or actual fare, whichever is less. The original ticket is required for fare reimbursement.
Selection interviews are tentatively scheduled to be held during May-June, 2026. The list of candidates shortlisted for selection interview will be posted on the online application portal in April, 2026. The shortlisted candidates will be able to choose an interview slot, based on availability, on the online application portal. Final selection is solely on the basis of performance in selection interview, subject to medical fitness. Pre-employment medical test will be carried out at hospital of concerned DAE unit and stipend will be released only after obtaining the medical fitness by DAE doctor.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA for BARC Exam 2026
Qualifying degrees and other academic requirements for OCES/DGFS-2026: Candidates whose qualifying degree name includes the core degree name with any specialization are also eligible for OCES/DGFS-2026 programme. Also refer to names of the degrees which are not eligible for OCES/DGFS programme
d) For Biosciences discipline (OCES Screening discipline code BS 43):
M.Sc. /Integrated M. Sc. in Biosciences, Life Sciences, Agriculture, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Botany, Zoology, Plant Science, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Food Technology, Food Science, Animal Science, Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics /Computational Biology, Food Sc. and Technology, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Nutrition Biology, Biophysics and Molecular Biology BSMS/ M. Sc./ Integrated M. Sc. in Food Science and Technology and BSMS in Biosciences with a minimum of 60%* aggregate marks in M.Sc. as well as in Bachelor of Science. B.E./ B.Tech. in Food Technology, with minimum of 60%* aggregate marks, is also an eligible degree for OCES-2026. M.Sc. applicants should have at least one out of Physics or Chemistry or Biochemistry or Agriculture Chemistry as a subject at the B.Sc. stage or at subsidiary and / or ancillary level in case of 5-year integrated Master of Science. Applicants, who have mentioned required qualification and qualifying degree for Biosciences discipline and would also like to be considered for screening on the basis of a GATE Score (an alternative screening channel/ mode) must have a GATE-2024, GATE-2025 or GATE-2026 score in ‘Life Sciences’ or in ‘Biotechnology’.
Those having M.Sc. in subjects like Fisheries, Horticulture, Forestry, Agronomy, Animal Husbandry, Marine Biology, Bio-analytical Sciences, Home Science, Environmental Science, Bio-analytical Sciences, Climate Science, Virology, etc. and B.E. / B.Tech. / B.Sc. (Engg). in Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Food Process Engineering, B. Sc. in Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, Medical bio-technology etc. are NOT eligible.
f) Only regular M.Sc. degree is eligible. Those having M.Sc. (by research) & M.Sc. (Part time) are not eligible.
A minimum of 60% marks (or minimum of 6.0 CGPA on the scale of 10.0 or equivalent) as per the ordinances of the respective university.
B. Admission to DGFS: Applicants having a qualifying degree in disciplines (code 21-28 as listed in Table-1) and who meet the corresponding eligibility criteria listed above are eligible to apply for DGFS provided they secure admission for M.Tech., starting in the academic year 2026, in one of the DGFS institutes and in one of the required M. Tech. specializations listed in Table-3. Confirmation of M.Tech. admission must be communicated by candidates subsequent to the official announcement of the OCES-2026 selection list. Securing admission in one of the valid M. Tech. specializations at one of the DGFS institutes, make the selected candidate eligible to apply for DGFS programme but it does not guarantee the admission in DGFS programme. DGFS fellowship will be awarded as per the needs of DAE programmes and only to the best performing candidates in the OCES Selection Interview.
C. Maximum age Limit (Age as on August 1, 2026)
a) General Category – 26 years, b) OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) -29 years,
c) SC/ST–31 years, d) Dependents of those who died in the riots of 1984 (Dep. 1984) -31 years, e) Persons domiciled in Kashmir Division of Jammu and Kashmir State (DOM Kashmir) from 01/01/1980 to 31/12/1989–31 years. Person with
physical disability with extent of disability 40% or more, will be considered for age relaxation and may be permitted a scribe.
Person with physical disability with extent of disability 40% or more, will be considered for age relaxation and may be permitted a scribe.
Minimum age Limit for BARC Exam 2026: (Age as on August 1, 2026) – 18 years
D. Nationality for BARC Exam 2026: Applicant must be a citizen of India to apply for BARC Exam 2026
E. Applicants working in Central/ State Government Units/ PSUs / Aided Institutes must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their organization at the time of selection interview, failing which they may not be interviewed.
F. Application Fee for BARC Exam 2026: A non-refundable Application Fee of ₹ 500/-is chargeable from the male applicants belonging to General and OBC categories. Women candidates, transgender candidates, candidates belonging to SC/ST category, Dependents of Defense Personnel Killed in Action (DODPKIA) and physically challenged candidates are exempted from payment of Application Fee.
Candidates graduating in the academic year 2025-26 and awaiting final results may also apply. If selected, candidates who are eligible in all other respects but are awaiting final results will be allowed to commence the training programme. However, retention of these candidates in the OCES or DGFS programmes and release of their stipend are subjected to the condition that marksheet of their final result, which meets the eligibility requirements of the OCES/ DGFS programmes, shall be submitted by 31st December 2026 in case of OCES TSOs and as per the requirement of the concerned DGFS institutes in the case of DGFS fellows. It may also be noted that all the academic requirement for the award of qualifying degree must be completed before 31st July 2026. All the candidates whose final result is awaited need to bring a certificate issued by competent authority of institute about their completion of academic requirements for the award of qualifying degree on the date of joining of training programme
Candidates who have availed fee exemption are required to bring valid relevant proof for verification at the exam centre.
HOW TO APPLY FOR BARC Exam 2026 – Only Online Applications will be accepted.
Candidates are required to visit the website ‘https://www.barcocesexam.in’ , in the period specified in the Table-4, for important updates and submit an online application by following the instructions therein. Candidates are advised to read the ‘Information Brochure’ and FAQ, provided on the online application portal, before filling the online application.
Table-1: Details of eligible qualifying degrees for OCES/DGFS screening disciplines and applicable training schemes
| OCES/DGFS Screening Discipline CODE | OCES/DGFS Screening Discipline | Details of Eligible Qualifying Degree | GATE SUBJECT/PAPER (GATE Paper Code) | TRAINING SCHEME of BARC TS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS (43) | Biosciences | M.Sc./Integrated M. Sc. in Biosciences, Life Sciences, Agriculture, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Botany, Zoology, Plant Science, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Food Technology, Food Science, Animal Science, Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics /Computational Biology, Food Sc. and Technology, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Nutrition Biology, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ; M. Tech in Food Science and Technology and BS-MS in Biosciences with a minimum of 60%* aggregate marks in M.Sc. as well as in B.Sc. |
Life Sciences (XL) or Biotechnology (BT) | Biosciences |
| B.E./B.Tech. /B.Sc. (Tech.) in Food Technology |
Table-2: Training Schools for candidates selected though various OCES/DGFS Screening Disciplines and Nature of Orientation of Training
| Training School | Screening Disciplines through which candidate selected | Orientation of Training |
|---|---|---|
| BARC, Mumbai (Since 1957) | CE (Civil Engg.), CH (Chemical Engg.), CS (Computer Sc. Engg.), EC (Electronics Engg.), EE (Electrical Engg.), IN (Instrumentation Engg.), ME (Mechanical Engg.), MT (Metallurgical Engg.), PH (Physics), CY (Chemistry), BS (Biosciences) | Engineering Design, Development, Operation and Maintenance of Nuclear Reactors; Research in frontier areas of Basic Sciences and Engineering |
| AMD, Hyderabad (Since 2010) | GE (Geology), GP (Geophysics) | Exploration techniques for Uranium and other atomic minerals and related R&D activities |
* To apply for the OCES/DGFS-2026 programme, a candidate must possess an eligible qualifying degree in the relevant discipline, regardless of the screening channel/ mode opted by applicants.
Important Notes for BARC Exam 2026
- RSES-Radiological Safety and Environmental Science and it is training scheme for candidates selected though Physics (PH) or Chemistry (CY) OCES Discipline.
- Candidates are also eligible for the OCES/DGFS-2026 programme even if their degree name includes a specialization alongside the core engineering or science discipline. Also refer to names of the degrees which are not eligible for OCES/DGFS programme as mentioned in the “ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA” section of this advertisement.
- The Hybrid degree of major disciplines/ branches is also not eligible for the OCES/DGFS programme.
- Record of applicants for BARC TS OCES/DGFS-2026 programme, will not be preserved beyond 4 months from the date of publication of final selection result
“EXERCISING AUTHORITY: In all matters concerning the OCES/DGFS-2026 recruitment, the decision taken by the competent authority in BARC, Mumbai shall be final and binding on the applicants and they shall abide by the decision in totality. The applicants while representing the matter shall not directly approach the courts and will wait till the outcome of the decision by the competent authority in BARC. In case of any claims or disputes arising with respect to the OCES/DGFS-2026 recruitment, the venue of such proceedings, suit, action, or proceedings arising out of or related thereto will be governed / maintained in accordance with the laws of Republic of India subject to exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Mumbai, India”.
# Candidates whose qualifying degree name includes the core degree name with any specialization are also eligible for OCES/DGFS-2026 programme. Also refer to names of the degrees which are not eligible for OCES/DGFS programme. ** Institutes where specified M.Tech. courses are offered under this scheme: IITB = IIT Bombay; IITM = IIT Madras. Number of DGFS Fellows selected in each approved M.Tech. specialization at the Institutes under the DGFS scheme will depend upon the requirements of DAE.
$$ For relevant M. Tech. specialization please also refer to information brochure available
on https://www.barcocesexam.in
Important Dates for BARC Exam 2026
Important Dates (All dates are tentative and applicants must visit online application portal https://www.barcocesexam.in regularly for updates)
| Launching of online application portal for OCES/DGFS-2026 | 22nd December 2025 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Last date for online application OCES/DGFS-2026 | 21st January 2026 |
| Correction window for online application OCES/DGFS-2026 | 7th Feb – 14th Feb 2026 |
| Allocation of online exam venue & generation of hall ticket / admit card | 15th Feb – 20th Feb 2026 |
| Online Examination | 14th & 15th March 2026 |
| Uploading of GATE-2026 score by candidates | 26th March – 2nd April 2026 |
| Display of shortlisted candidates for selection interview | 2nd week of April 2026 |
| Interview slot selection for screened candidates | 20th April – 26th April 2026 |
| Selection Interviews | 12th May – 12th June 2026 |
| Display of final selected candidates for OCES/DGFS-2026 | Last week of June 2026 |
| Submission of M.Tech admission details by DGFS aspirants | 1st week of July 2026 |
| Declaration of DGFS-2026 selected applicants | 2nd week of July 2026 |
| Pre-employment Medical Test for selected candidates | 1st July 2026 & 23rd–30th July 2026 |
| Commencement of OCES-2026 Programme | 31st July 2026 |
Persons desirous to apply for the OCES / DGFS – 2025 programme may visit the website https://www.barcocesexam.in from 22nd December 2025 onwards and follow the instructions therein.
