The National Informatics Centre (NIC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has released a detailed recruitment notification for 376 Scientific/Technical Assistant-A posts.
The recruitment has been announced through Advertisement No. NIC/STA/2026/2 dated 26 August 2026. The post is classified as Group-B S&T (Non-Gazetted) and carries Pay Level 6 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, with a pay scale of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 per month, plus applicable government allowances.
One of the biggest attractions of this recruitment is its selection process. NIC will prepare the merit list using valid GATE scores from 2024, 2025 or 2026. There is no separate written examination or interview. Shortlisted candidates will subsequently be called for document verification.
Online applications will be accepted from 1 September 2026 at 10:00 AM until 30 September 2026 at 5:30 PM through the NIC recruitment portal.
NIC Recruitment 2026: Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | National Informatics Centre (NIC) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Post | Scientific/Technical Assistant-A |
| Advertisement No. | NIC/STA/2026/2 |
| Advertisement Date | 26 August 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 376 |
| Post Classification | Group-B S&T, Non-Gazetted |
| Pay Level | Level 6, 7th CPC |
| Pay Scale | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Selection Basis | GATE Score + Document Verification |
| GATE Years Accepted | 2024, 2025 and 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | 1 September 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last Date | 30 September 2026, 5:30 PM |
| Experience | Not Required |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India / Outside India |
| Official Recruitment Portal | recruitment.nic.in |
About National Informatics Centre
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) is a premier technology organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India. Established in 1976, NIC provides technology and digital infrastructure support to the Central Government, State Governments, Union Territories and district administrations.
NIC has played a major role in India’s e-governance ecosystem through its ICT network, digital platforms and technology services. Its network has institutional linkages with government ministries and departments across the country.
The Scientific/Technical Assistant-A position therefore provides candidates with an opportunity to enter the Central Government’s technical workforce through a recruitment process based on GATE performance.
NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant Vacancy 2026
NIC has announced 376 tentative vacancies for Scientific/Technical Assistant-A. The vacancies are divided into three technical disciplines:
| Discipline | GATE Paper | Vacancies |
| Computer Sciences & Information Technology | CS | 300 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | EC | 26 |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | DA | 50 |
| Total | 376 |
The vacancy figures are tentative and may be increased or decreased by NIC according to organizational requirements.
Category-wise Vacancy Details
| Discipline | UR | SC | ST | OBC (NCL) | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Sciences & IT | 122 | 45 | 22 | 81 | 30 | 300 |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | 13 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 26 |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | 22 | 7 | 3 | 13 | 5 | 50 |
| Total | 157 | 55 | 26 | 101 | 37 | 376 |
Horizontal reservation is also applicable for eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) according to the recruitment notification.
NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant Eligibility
The Scientific/Technical Assistant-A recruitment is intended for candidates with qualifications in specified computer science, information technology, electronics and related fields.
Candidates must possess the prescribed educational qualification and a valid GATE score in the corresponding paper.
No prior work experience is required for this recruitment.
Computer Sciences & Information Technology
There are 300 vacancies under the Computer Sciences & Information Technology discipline.
Candidates should possess a qualifying M.Sc., MS, MCA, B.E. or B.Tech. degree in the prescribed fields, which include areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Information Technology
- Electronics
- Electronics & Communication
- Electronics & Telecommunication
- Computer and Networking Security
- Software Systems
- Informatics
- Other prescribed combinations mentioned in the notification
Candidates applying under this discipline must have a valid GATE score in Paper Code CS from GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026.
Electronics and Communication Engineering
There are 26 vacancies under Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Candidates must possess the prescribed engineering/science qualification in relevant electronics and communication fields and must have a valid GATE Paper Code EC score from 2024, 2025 or 2026.
The exact qualifying degree combinations should be checked in the detailed advertisement before submitting the application.
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
NIC has announced 50 vacancies under Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Eligible candidates must possess the prescribed degree in a relevant computing, information technology, data science or artificial intelligence-related discipline and must have a valid GATE Paper Code DA score from GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026.
GATE Score Requirement
A valid GATE score is an essential requirement for this recruitment.
NIC accepts GATE scores from:
- GATE 2024
- GATE 2025
- GATE 2026
The GATE paper must correspond to the discipline for which the candidate is applying:
| Computer Sciences & IT | CS |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | EC |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | DA |
Candidates must select the appropriate discipline based on their educational qualification and GATE paper.
A candidate applying for more than one discipline must submit a separate application and pay the applicable fee separately for each discipline.
Age Limit
The maximum age for the Scientific/Technical Assistant-A post is 30 years for candidates in the general category, calculated as on 30 September 2026, which is also the closing date of the application process.
The upper-age limit is relaxed for eligible reserved categories according to applicable Government of India rules.
The reported upper-age limits are:
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 30 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 33 years |
| SC / ST | 35 years |
| PwBD | 40 years |
Additional relaxation may apply to eligible government employees and other categories as prescribed in the detailed advertisement.
Candidates should calculate their age using the official cut-off date and not rely solely on generic age calculators.
NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant Salary
Selected candidates will be appointed as Scientific/Technical Assistant-A in Pay Level 6 of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
The pay scale is:
₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 per month
In addition to basic pay, selected employees are entitled to allowances and benefits applicable to Central Government employees, subject to prevailing rules.
The actual monthly amount received by an employee will depend on the applicable allowances, posting location and deductions.
Application Fee
The application fee for NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant-A Recruitment 2026 is:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR | ₹800 |
| OBC (NCL) | ₹800 |
| EWS | ₹800 |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
| Women Candidates | Nil |
The fee must be paid through the prescribed online payment method. Candidates applying for more than one discipline have to pay ₹800 separately for each discipline. The fee is non-refundable.
Cash, Demand Draft, Pay Order and Cheque are not accepted for payment of the application fee.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 26 August 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 1 September 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Online Application Closes | 30 September 2026 at 5:30 PM |
| Eligibility Cut-off Date | 30 September 2026 |
| Document Verification | To be announced |
The application portal will close at 5:30 PM on 30 September 2026, so candidates should not wait until the final few minutes to submit their forms.
Selection Process
The NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant-A recruitment has a particularly straightforward selection process.
There is no separate written examination and no interview.
The selection process consists primarily of:
- Online application and registration
- Preparation of discipline-wise, category-wise merit list based on GATE score
- Shortlisting of candidates
- Document verification
- Provisional appointment, subject to fulfillment of all conditions
How the GATE Merit List Will Be Prepared
NIC will prepare separate merit lists for the respective disciplines based on the eligible GATE scores.
Candidates can use a valid GATE score from 2024, 2025 or 2026. The recruitment information states that the applicable GATE scores receive equal consideration across the eligible years, with the candidate’s best applicable score being considered.
Tie-Breaking Rules
If two candidates have the same GATE score, the following tie-breaking sequence is applied:
- The candidate with the older GATE score year gets preference.
- If the GATE year is also the same, the older candidate gets preference.
- If the tie still remains, the candidate with the higher percentage in the essential qualification gets preference.
This makes the GATE score extremely important because there is no written examination or interview to provide an additional opportunity to improve the ranking.
Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted through the GATE-based merit list will be called for document verification.
Candidates will be required to produce their original documents and supporting certificates. Failure to appear for document verification at the prescribed date and time can result in cancellation of candidature.
Document verification is expected to be conducted in Delhi or at another location/mode approved by the competent authority. NIC will announce the schedule separately.
Candidates should therefore keep their educational certificates, marksheets, GATE scorecard, category certificates and other relevant documents ready well before the verification stage.
No TA/DA is payable for attending document verification, according to the recruitment details.
Job Location
The Scientific/Technical Assistant-A post carries All India service liability.
Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India or outside India, depending on the organizational requirements of NIC.
Candidates should therefore apply only if they are willing to accept a posting according to NIC’s requirements. A particular city or state cannot be assumed as the permanent posting location.
Experience Required
One major advantage of NIC Recruitment 2026 is that previous work experience is not required.
Fresh graduates who satisfy the prescribed educational qualification and possess the required valid GATE score can apply.
This makes the recruitment particularly relevant for recent engineering, science and computer-technology graduates who have qualified GATE.
How to Apply for NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official NIC recruitment portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official NIC recruitment portal.
- Open the Scientific/Technical Assistant-A recruitment section.
- Read Advertisement No. NIC/STA/2026/2 carefully.
- Check your educational qualification and GATE paper eligibility.
- Register using the required details.
- Enter your personal and educational information.
- Enter the required GATE details.
- Select the appropriate discipline.
- Upload the required documents and information.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review all information carefully.
- Submit the application form.
- Save or print the final application confirmation for future reference.
The application window opens on 1 September 2026 at 10:00 AM and closes on 30 September 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Documents Candidates Should Keep Ready
Applicants should keep the following documents/details available while completing the application and for later document verification:
- GATE scorecard
- Educational qualification certificates
- Degree certificate
- Marksheets
- Date-of-birth proof
- Category certificate, if applicable
- OBC-NCL certificate, where applicable
- EWS certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Valid identification documents
- Passport-size photograph, if required
- Signature, if required
- Other documents specified in the detailed advertisement
Candidates should ensure that the information entered in the application matches their original documents.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Candidates should carefully select the discipline and corresponding GATE paper before submitting the application.
A valid GATE score alone does not make a candidate eligible. The candidate must also possess the prescribed educational qualification for the particular discipline.
Candidates applying for multiple disciplines should remember that a separate application and separate fee are required for each discipline.
Applicants should also carefully verify their name, date of birth, category, educational qualifications and GATE details before final submission. According to the recruitment information, certain personal details cannot be changed after submission.
Candidates should rely on the official NIC recruitment portal for subsequent announcements concerning document verification and appointment.
Important Links
| Particular | Link |
|---|---|
| NIC Official Website | Visit NIC Official Website |
| NIC Recruitment Portal | Open NIC Recruitment Portal |
| Online Application | Apply Online through NIC Recruitment Portal |
| Advertisement No. | NIC/STA/2026/2 |
| Notification | Available through the NIC Recruitment Portal |
The official NIC recruitment portal is the appropriate source for the application form and subsequent recruitment updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026? |
|---|
| It is a direct recruitment drive by the National Informatics Centre for 376 Scientific/Technical Assistant-A Group-B S&T non-gazetted posts. |
| How many vacancies are available? |
| NIC has announced 376 tentative vacancies. |
| What is the NIC Scientific/Technical Assistant advertisement number? |
| The advertisement number is NIC/STA/2026/2. |
| What are the disciplines covered? |
The vacancies are distributed across:
|
| Is GATE mandatory for NIC STA Recruitment 2026? |
| Yes. Candidates must possess a valid GATE score from 2024, 2025 or 2026 in the relevant paper. |
| Is there a written examination? |
| No. Selection is based on the eligible GATE score followed by document verification. There is no separate written examination. |
| Is there an interview? |
| No. There is no interview stage in the advertised selection process. |
| What is the salary of a Scientific/Technical Assistant-A? |
| The post carries Pay Level 6, with a pay scale of ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 under the 7th CPC, along with applicable allowances. |
| What is the maximum age? |
| The maximum age for UR/EWS candidates is 30 years as on 30 September 2026, with applicable relaxation for reserved categories and other eligible candidates. |
| What is the application fee? |
| UR, OBC (NCL) and EWS candidates have to pay ₹800 per discipline. SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempt from the fee. |
| Can a candidate apply for more than one discipline? |
| Yes, if the candidate meets the eligibility requirements for each discipline. However, a separate application and applicable fee are required for each discipline. |
| Is work experience required? |
| No. Previous work experience is not required for the Scientific/Technical Assistant-A post. |
| Where will selected candidates be posted? |
| Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India or outside India, according to NIC’s organizational requirements. |
Some Important Useful Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
|---|---|
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |