The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has opened a new direct-recruitment cycle for eight permanent scientific posts at the School of Public Health, ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai. Advertisement No. ICMR/NIE/01/2026-RPCell covers Scientist-B, Scientist-C and Scientist-D positions across medical, non-medical, microbiology, disease-modelling and veterinary streams, making this recruitment relevant to candidates from several biomedical and public-health backgrounds. Online registration is scheduled to begin on 15 October 2026, and applications will remain open until 26 November 2026 at 5:30 PM. The pay ranges from Level 10 to Level 12, depending on the scientist grade. Essential qualifications vary by post and include MBBS, master's-level biomedical science qualifications, Pharm-D and B.V.Sc & AH. Scientist-C and Scientist-D posts carry mandatory research-experience requirements, while the Scientist-B posts primarily specify the relevant professional degree and desirable research exposure. Age limits are 35 years for Scientist-B, 40 years for Scientist-C and 45 years for Scientist-D, subject to applicable relaxations. Selection may involve a computer-based test, interview, or both. Candidates should match the exact scientist stream before applying because qualification, experience and research-domain expectations differ materially across the eight vacancies.
ICMR-NIE Scientist Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting authority | Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) |
| Institute | ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Chennai |
| Advertisement No. | ICMR/NIE/01/2026-RPCell |
| Posts | Scientist-B, Scientist-C and Scientist-D |
| Total vacancies | 8 |
| Recruitment method | Direct Recruitment |
| Post category | Permanent Posts |
| Application opening | 15 October 2026 |
| Last date | 26 November 2026, 5:30 PM |
| Selection | CBT, interview, or both |
| Application mode | Online only |
| Transfer liability | All India |
Vacancy Details
| Post | Vacancies | Reservation | Pay Matrix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist-D (Medical) | 1 | As notified | Level 12 — ₹78,800–₹2,09,200 |
| Scientist-D (Non-Medical) | 1 | As notified | Level 12 — ₹78,800–₹2,09,200 |
| Scientist-C (Medical) | 1 | As notified | Level 11 — ₹67,700–₹2,08,700 |
| Scientist-C (Medical) — Microbiology | 1 | As notified | Level 11 — ₹67,700–₹2,08,700 |
| Scientist-B (Medical) | 2 | UR 1, SC 1 | Level 10 — ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 |
| Scientist-B (Non-Medical) — Disease Modelling | 1 | UR 1 | Level 10 — ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 |
| Scientist-B (Veterinary) | 1 | EWS 1 | Level 10 — ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 |
| Total | 8 | — | — |
Educational Qualification and Experience
Eligibility must be checked post by post because the eight positions do not share one common qualification.
| Post | Essential qualification | Essential experience |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-D (Medical) | MBBS or equivalent degree recognised by MCI/NMC | 8 years |
| Scientist-D (Non-Medical) | Master's degree in a biomedical-sciences related subject or Pharm-D recognised by UGC/PCI | 8 years |
| Scientist-C (Medical) | MBBS or equivalent degree recognised by MCI/NMC | 4 years |
| Scientist-C (Medical) — Microbiology | MBBS or equivalent degree recognised by MCI/NMC | 4 years |
| Scientist-B (Medical) | MBBS or equivalent degree recognised by MCI/NMC | No separate essential experience period specified |
| Scientist-B (Non-Medical) — Disease Modelling | Master's degree in a biomedical-sciences related subject or Pharm-D recognised by UGC/PCI | No separate essential experience period specified |
| Scientist-B (Veterinary) | B.V.Sc & AH degree recognised by VCI | No separate essential experience period specified |
For Scientist-D and Scientist-C, ICMR also specifies how certain higher qualifications may count toward experience. A PhD may be considered as four years' experience and MD/MS or equivalent as three years, subject to the notification's condition that time spent obtaining the minimum essential qualification is not counted toward experience. MPH and M.Tech are not counted as experience for this purpose.
Candidates with several research appointments can use the Regal Naukri Work Experience Calculator to total qualifying periods, but the official ICMR definition must control what is actually admissible.
Desirable Research Background
The advertisement gives research-domain preferences depending on the scientist stream. These include:
- epidemiology and public health for several medical and non-medical posts;
- microbiology, immunology, immunogenetics, molecular biology and next-generation sequencing for the Scientist-C Microbiology post;
- infectious-disease modelling for the Scientist-B Non-Medical post; and
- veterinary epidemiology and public health for the Scientist-B Veterinary post.
Research output may be demonstrated through publications, scientific presentations, technical reports, research grants and related work in government, public-sector or private institutions.
Age Limit
| Scientist grade | Maximum age |
|---|---|
| Scientist-B | 35 years |
| Scientist-C | 40 years |
| Scientist-D | 45 years |
Government of India age-relaxation rules apply where eligible. ICMR also reserves limited relaxation for exceptionally meritorious candidates with approval of the competent authority.
Use the Regal Naukri Age Calculator with the recruitment closing date/cut-off rule stated in the advertisement before final submission.
Salary
| Grade | Pay level | Pay range |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B | Level 10 | ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 |
| Scientist-C | Level 11 | ₹67,700–₹2,08,700 |
| Scientist-D | Level 12 | ₹78,800–₹2,09,200 |
Because the package covers three different scientist grades, candidates should rely on the post-wise pay table rather than a single combined salary figure.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Non-exempt candidates | ₹1,500 |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| Women | Nil |
| PwD | Nil |
| EWS | Nil |
The fee is non-refundable and is paid online through the payment link within the application process.
Selection Process
ICMR may select candidates through:
- Computer-based test (MCQs);
- Interview; or
- Both CBT and interview.
Where a computer-based test is held, it is based on understanding of research methods and is qualifying in nature. The notification states a minimum qualifying standard of 75 percentile.
If the number of eligible applicants is high, ICMR may apply additional shortlisting criteria, including stronger relevant experience or higher qualifications.
Documents Required
Candidates must upload supporting documents with the online application.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Matriculation / DOB proof | Age verification |
| Degree and marks certificates | Qualification verification |
| Medical/professional registration | Where required by the post |
| Experience certificates | Mandatory for Scientist-C/D and where claimed |
| Category certificate | SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD claim, as applicable |
| Photograph and signature | Online application |
| NOC | Required at personal discussion stage for specified currently employed applicants |
Use the Government Job Document Checklist while preparing uploads. The Documents Required for Government Jobs guide can help candidates organise proof of education, experience and category claims before submission.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official ICMR employment listing update | 8 October 2026 |
| Online registration starts | 15 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 26 November 2026, 5:30 PM |
How to Apply for ICMR-NIE Scientist Recruitment 2026
- Read the official ICMR-NIE Scientist advertisement and identify the exact Scientist-B, Scientist-C or Scientist-D stream that matches your qualification.
- Check the age ceiling for your scientist grade using the Age Calculator.
- For Scientist-C or Scientist-D, calculate only experience that meets ICMR's admissibility rule. The Work Experience Calculator can help total dated periods, but the notification determines whether each period counts.
- From 15 October 2026, visit the ICMR Recruitment Portal and complete the online registration.
- Fill the application carefully because duplicate applications for the same category can lead to cancellation.
- Upload the required qualification, marks, registration, experience and category documents. Use the Document Checklist before final submission.
- If you are not fee-exempt, pay ₹1,500 online through the payment step in the application form.
- Review the entire application before final submission and apply by 26 November 2026 at 5:30 PM.
- No offline application copy is required at the application stage. Keep the final printout and uploaded documents ready if ICMR later asks for them during scrutiny or selection.
Important Instructions
- This is direct recruitment for permanent scientific posts, not deputation.
- Registration begins on 15 October 2026; do not treat the current announcement date as the portal-opening date.
- Apply for the exact scientist stream matching your degree and research background.
- Scientist-C and Scientist-D applicants should verify the experience-counting rules carefully.
- ICMR does not accept offline application forms for this recruitment.
- Upload all supporting certificates at the application stage.
- Applicants working in specified government/public organisations should be prepared to provide an employer NOC when called for personal discussion.
- Check the ICMR website for corrigenda, shortlisting criteria and test/interview updates.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ICMR-NIE Recruitment Listing | Official current listing and registration dates |
| Official Scientist B/C/D Advertisement | Detailed eligibility, fee, selection and instructions |
| ICMR Recruitment Portal | Online application from 15 October 2026 |
| ICMR Official Website | Recruitment updates |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in ICMR-NIE Scientist Recruitment 2026?
There are 8 scientific vacancies across Scientist-B, Scientist-C and Scientist-D grades.
Is this recruitment on deputation?
No. ICMR explicitly states that these are direct-recruitment permanent posts at ICMR-NIE Chennai.
When does the online application open?
Registration on the ICMR recruitment portal starts on 15 October 2026.
What is the last date?
Online applications close on 26 November 2026 at 5:30 PM.
What are the age limits?
The maximum ages are 35 years for Scientist-B, 40 years for Scientist-C and 45 years for Scientist-D, subject to applicable relaxation.
What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹1,500 for non-exempt candidates. SC, ST, women, PwD and EWS candidates are exempt.
Is experience compulsory for every post?
No. The advertisement specifies 8 years for Scientist-D and 4 years for Scientist-C. The Scientist-B entries do not specify a separate essential-experience period.
How will candidates be selected?
ICMR may use a computer-based test, an interview, or both. Where a CBT is held, it is qualifying and the notification specifies a 75-percentile qualifying standard.