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CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 is a major central government opportunity for candidates with qualifications in Computer Science, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, and Electronics & Communication Engineering. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has released Advertisement No. CERT-In/SCB/2026/1 for 133 Scientist-B (Group-A) vacancies.
The online application process started on 14 July 2026, and eligible candidates can apply until 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM. Selection is based on a valid GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 score, followed by document verification and a Personal Interaction/Interview.
CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Post | Scientist-B |
| Group | Group-A |
| Advertisement No. | CERT-In/SCB/2026/1 |
| Total Vacancies | 133 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 14 July 2026 |
| Last Date | 17 August 2026, 5:30 PM |
| GATE Scores Accepted | 2024, 2025 & 2026 |
| GATE Papers | CS, DA and EC |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Pay Level | Level 10, 7th CPC |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Selection | GATE Shortlisting + DV + Personal Interaction/Interview |
The recruitment notification states that the advertised vacancies are tentative and may be increased or decreased at the discretion of CERT-In.
CERT-In Scientist-B Vacancy 2026
A total of 133 Scientist-B vacancies have been announced across three disciplines:
| Discipline | GATE Paper | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science & Information Technology | CS | 83 |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | DA | 25 |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | EC | 25 |
| Total | 133 |
The CS discipline has the largest share with 83 vacancies, while DA and EC have 25 vacancies each.
CERT-In Scientist-B Important Dates 2026
Candidates should note the following dates:
- Notification: July 2026
- Online application starts: 14 July 2026
- Last date to apply: 17 August 2026
- Application closing time: 5:30 PM
- Eligibility cut-off date: 17 August 2026
- Document Verification/Interview: To be announced by CERT-In
The official recruitment portal currently provides registration, application and detailed-advertisement facilities for the 2026 recruitment.
CERT-In Scientist-B Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed educational qualification, GATE score and age requirements as on the applicable cut-off date.
GATE Score Requirement
A valid GATE score from 2024, 2025 or 2026 is mandatory. Candidates must have a GATE score in the paper corresponding to the discipline for which they are applying:
- CS: Computer Science & Information Technology
- DA: Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- EC: Electronics & Communication Engineering
The notification gives equal consideration to GATE scores from the three eligible years.
Educational Qualification
Computer Science & Information Technology
Candidates can qualify through relevant four-year Bachelor’s degrees in Engineering/Technology or prescribed Master’s qualifications. Eligible areas include Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Software Systems, Cyber Security, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Security, Digital Forensics, IoT, Quantum Computing, Blockchain Technology, Machine Learning, Cloud Security and Cryptography, among other specified disciplines.
Relevant Master’s qualifications and MCA are also included under the prescribed CS eligibility.
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
For the DA discipline, the notification specifies Master’s-level qualifications in areas including Software Systems, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Informatics, Information Systems, Information Security, Cyber Law, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Cryptography, Machine Learning, Cloud Security, Digital Forensics, Big Data Analytics, IoT, Quantum Computing and Blockchain Technology.
Electronics & Communication Engineering
Eligible candidates may have a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology in areas such as Electronics, Electronics & Communication, Electronics & Telecommunication, Electronics & Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation, Drone Technology or Autonomous Systems.
Specified Master’s qualifications in Electronics, Applied Electronics, VLSI Design, Digital Communication, Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation, Drone Technology and Autonomous Systems are also covered.
Important: The notification states that the essential qualification must be obtained by the eligibility cut-off date and that claims based merely on an “equivalent” qualification will not be entertained. No prior work experience is required for the post.
CERT-In Scientist-B Age Limit 2026
The upper age limit varies according to category:
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 30 years |
| OBC-NCL | 33 years |
| SC / ST | 35 years |
| PwBD – General | 40 years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 45 years |
| PwBD – OBC-NCL | 43 years |
Additional relaxation is available for eligible service candidates and other categories according to the recruitment rules. Age is calculated as on 17 August 2026.
CERT-In Scientist-B Salary 2026
The Scientist-B post carries Pay Level 10 under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
- Pay Level: 10
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
The actual monthly salary will depend on applicable government allowances, posting location and deductions.
CERT-In Scientist-B Application Fee
One of the notable features of this recruitment is that the application fee is Nil for all categories. Candidates therefore do not need to make a fee payment while submitting the application.
CERT-In Scientist-B Selection Process 2026
There is no separate written examination mentioned for this recruitment. Candidates are shortlisted using their eligible GATE scores and then called for subsequent stages.
The selection process consists of:
1. GATE Score-Based Shortlisting
Candidates are shortlisted for the Personal Interaction/Interview in a 1:5 ratio, discipline-wise and category-wise, based on GATE score merit. Candidates tied at the cut-off rank are also shortlisted.
2. Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates must produce their original documents for verification. Candidates who fail to appear with the required documents are not eligible to proceed further.
3. Personal Interaction/Interview
The Personal Interaction/Interview carries a maximum of 50 marks and assesses areas including:
- Technical/academic knowledge
- Presentation and communication skills
- Comprehension
- Academic performance
The final merit list uses both GATE performance and interview performance.
Final Merit Weightage
The final selection gives:
- GATE Score: 60%
- Personal Interaction/Interview: 40%
The interview has minimum qualifying requirements. Candidates from UR need at least 50%, while EWS/OBC/SC/ST/PwBD candidates require at least 40% in the interview.
CERT-In Scientist-B Application Form 2026: How to Apply
Candidates can apply online through the official recruitment portal.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official CERT-In recruitment/application portal.
- Complete the online registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the Scientist-B application form.
- Enter educational, GATE and personal details carefully.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Review all information before final submission.
- Submit the application.
- Download and save the Confirmation Page for future reference.
The recruitment portal specifically provides options for online registration, filling the application form and downloading the confirmation page.
Apply Online: CERT-In Scientist-B Application Portal
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Recent photograph
- Scanned signature
- Date-of-birth proof
- Government-issued photo ID
- Matriculation/secondary certificate
- Senior secondary certificate, where applicable
- GATE 2024/2025/2026 scorecard
- Degree certificate
- Qualifying examination marksheets
- CGPA conversion certificate, if applicable
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- NOC, where applicable
- Relevant age-relaxation certificate, where applicable
The notification specifies file-size and format requirements for photographs and signatures, so applicants should check the detailed advertisement before uploading documents.
CERT-In Scientist-B GATE Papers
The recruitment is linked directly to three GATE papers:
| CERT-In Discipline | GATE Paper |
|---|---|
| Computer Science & Information Technology | CS |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | DA |
| Electronics & Communication Engineering | EC |
Candidates should ensure that their GATE paper matches the discipline and qualification requirements specified in the notification.
CERT-In Scientist-B Interview Preparation
Since the final merit gives 40% weightage to the Personal Interaction/Interview, candidates should not rely only on their GATE score.
Preparation should include:
Technical Preparation
Revise the core concepts related to your discipline and qualifying degree. CS candidates should particularly be comfortable with areas such as algorithms, operating systems, computer networks, databases, cybersecurity and information security. DA candidates should revise statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data structures and related mathematical concepts. EC candidates should focus on core electronics and communication concepts.
Cybersecurity Awareness
Because CERT-In is India’s national agency for responding to cyber-security incidents, candidates should also be prepared to discuss cybersecurity concepts, current cyber threats, incident response, network security and information-security practices.
Communication Skills
The interview evaluates presentation, communication and comprehension in addition to technical knowledge. Candidates should practise explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely.
Why Apply for CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
CERT-In Scientist-B is an attractive option for candidates seeking a technical Group-A central government career.
Key advantages include:
- 133 available vacancies
- Level-10 government pay scale
- Recruitment based on existing GATE scores
- No separate written examination for this recruitment
- No prior work experience required
- Zero application fee
- Opportunity to work in the national cybersecurity ecosystem
However, candidates should carefully check both the GATE paper and exact qualifying-degree requirements before applying.
CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights
- Post: Scientist-B
- Group: Group-A
- Vacancies: 133
- CS vacancies: 83
- DA vacancies: 25
- EC vacancies: 25
- GATE years accepted: 2024, 2025 and 2026
- GATE papers: CS, DA and EC
- Application starts: 14 July 2026
- Last date: 17 August 2026, 5:30 PM
- Application fee: Nil
- Pay Level: Level 10
- Pay scale: ₹56,100–₹1,77,500
- Selection: GATE shortlisting + Document Verification + Personal Interaction/Interview
- Final weightage: 60% GATE + 40% Interview
- Experience: Not required
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
There are 133 tentative vacancies: 83 in Computer Science & IT, 25 in Data Science & AI, and 25 in Electronics & Communication Engineering.
Is GATE mandatory for CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
Yes. Candidates need a valid GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 score in the applicable CS, DA or EC paper.
What is the last date for CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can submit applications until 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM.
What is the salary of CERT-In Scientist-B?
Scientist-B is a Level-10 post with a pay scale of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 under the 7th CPC.
Is there an application fee?
No. The application fee is Nil for all categories.
Is work experience required?
No. The recruitment notification states that no prior experience is required for the Scientist-B post.
How are candidates selected?
Candidates are shortlisted using GATE scores, followed by document verification and a Personal Interaction/Interview. Final merit gives 60% weightage to GATE and 40% to the interview.
Conclusion
CERT-In Scientist-B Recruitment 2026 is a strong opportunity for GATE-qualified candidates from CS, DA and EC backgrounds who want to build a career in the central government cybersecurity and technology sector. With 133 Group-A vacancies, Level-10 pay and selection based on existing GATE scores followed by an interview, the recruitment offers a distinctive alternative to conventional government examinations.
Eligible candidates should complete the online application before 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM and carefully verify their GATE paper, degree eligibility, category details and uploaded documents before final submission. The official recruitment portal should be treated as the primary source for subsequent updates.
Official Website: CERT-In Official Website