National e-Governance Division (NeGD), a division of Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has opened a fresh specialist recruitment for four Data Scientist (AI & ML) positions. The web advertisement is dated 20 October 2026 and online applications are open until 4 November 2026, giving experienced AI professionals a short but active window to apply. These are contractual roles initially linked to NeGD project requirements, with New Delhi as the stated place of posting and transferability to project locations under existing policy. The notice sets a budget ceiling of up to ₹40 lakh per annum for the role rather than a fixed guaranteed salary. Candidates are expected to bring substantial hands-on experience in data science, machine learning or applied artificial intelligence, including production use of models and AI systems. At a basic level, the educational requirement covers relevant technical or quantitative degrees such as engineering, computer science, statistics, mathematics, data science or AI/ML. The role is especially notable for applicants who already work with machine learning pipelines, large language models, document AI, computer vision, speech or Indian-language AI and want to contribute to public digital infrastructure. Selection is through screening, shortlisting and interview rather than a mass written examination.
Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Digital India Corporation |
| Ministry | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Advertisement No. | N/39/2026-NeGD |
| Post | Data Scientist (AI & ML) |
| Vacancies | 4 |
| Nature of engagement | Contractual, initially for 3 years; extendable as per project requirement |
| Posting | New Delhi; transferable to NeGD project locations under existing policy |
| Web advertisement date | 20 October 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 4 November 2026 |
| Age limit | Maximum 55 years on the closing date |
| Budget | Maximum up to ₹40 LPA |
| Selection | Screening, shortlisting and interview |
| Application mode | Online |
Vacancy Details
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Data Scientist (AI & ML) | 4 |
| Total | 4 |
The four vacancies are for the same specialist role. Applicants should treat the ₹40 LPA figure as the notified maximum budget ceiling, not as a guaranteed fixed annual salary for every selected candidate.
Basic Eligibility
Candidates should have a relevant technical or quantitative qualification such as B.E./B.Tech, M.Tech/M.S. or M.Sc. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, AI/ML or a closely related discipline.
The role also requires substantial professional experience. The notice calls for at least four years in data science, machine learning or applied AI, with stronger preference for experienced candidates and meaningful production work. Applicants relying on any alternative eligibility pathway for exceptional verifiable AI work should confirm that provision directly in the detailed official notice before applying.
Experience and AI Work Profile
| Requirement | Summary |
|---|---|
| Minimum relevant experience | 4+ years in data science, machine learning or applied AI |
| Production experience | At least 3 years developing models or AI systems used in production or operational decisions |
| Preferred depth | End-to-end ownership of deployed models or AI systems |
| Relevant areas | Machine learning, LLM applications, NLP, document AI, computer vision, speech, forecasting, anomaly detection and related AI systems |
The detailed role is aimed at experienced practitioners rather than fresh graduates. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate practical model development, evaluation and deployment work during the screening and interview process.
Age Limit
The maximum age is 55 years on 4 November 2026, the closing date for applications.
Candidates can use the Regal Naukri Age Calculator with 4 November 2026 as the reference date for a quick chronological-age check. The official recruitment terms remain final.
Pay and Contract Terms
The notified budget for the Data Scientist (AI & ML) role is maximum up to ₹40 lakh per annum. This is a budget ceiling and should not be read as a guaranteed salary offer.
The engagement is contractual and initially for three years. It may be extended depending on project requirements. The position does not create a claim to permanent appointment in NeGD or Digital India Corporation.
Application Fee
The recruitment notice does not state an application fee. Candidates should rely on the official application portal if any payment instruction is displayed during submission.
Selection Process
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Application screening | Qualifications, age and relevant experience are reviewed |
| Shortlisting | NeGD may set a higher screening threshold depending on the applicant pool |
| Interview | Only shortlisted candidates are invited |
| Final decision | Selection is finalised by the competent selection process |
There is no mass written examination mentioned for this specialist recruitment.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Web advertisement date | 20 October 2026 |
| Last date for online application | 4 November 2026 |
How to Apply for NeGD Data Scientist (AI & ML) Recruitment 2026
- Open the official NeGD Careers page and locate the current Data Scientist (AI & ML) opening.
- Read the official detailed advertisement and confirm the exact experience, technical profile and any alternative eligibility provisions applicable to you.
- Check your age as on 4 November 2026 with the Age Calculator.
- Use the Eligibility Pre-check to compare the basic qualification and age information with your own records.
- Organise qualifying employment periods with the Work Experience Calculator, counting only experience that meets the recruitment's stated conditions.
- Prepare degree records, experience proof and any required NOC using the Government Job Document Checklist.
- Submit the application through the official Digital India Corporation online recruitment portal before 4 November 2026.
- Save the submitted application or acknowledgement for later reference. Candidates already employed by government, PSU or autonomous bodies should carefully follow the NOC/proper-channel instructions in the notice.
For a broader application workflow, see How to Apply for Government Jobs in India.
Documents to Keep Ready
| Document / record | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Educational qualification records | To support the qualification entered in the form |
| Experience certificates | To establish the required AI/data-science experience |
| Resume / CV | For specialist screening and interview review |
| Identity and date-of-birth record | For personal details and age verification |
| NOC, where applicable | Required for certain candidates already in government/PSU/autonomous-body employment |
| Application acknowledgement | Useful for future communication and interview stages |
Important Candidate Notes
- This is an experienced AI recruitment, not an entry-level fresher drive.
- The ₹40 LPA figure is a notified maximum budget ceiling, not a guaranteed fixed CTC.
- New Delhi is the stated posting, but transfer to NeGD project locations is possible under existing policy.
- Only shortlisted candidates are expected to be called for interview.
- Candidates should use the latest official advertisement and NeGD careers listing in case of any later update.
Important Links
| Link | Purpose |
|---|---|
| NeGD Careers | Current opening and deadline |
| Official Data Scientist (AI & ML) Advertisement | Detailed recruitment terms |
| Online Application Portal | Submit the application |
| NeGD Official Website | Organisation website |
FAQ
How many Data Scientist (AI & ML) vacancies are available?
NeGD has advertised 4 vacancies for Data Scientist (AI & ML).
What is the last date to apply?
The online application deadline is 4 November 2026.
Is this a permanent government post?
No. The role is contractual, initially for three years, with possible extension depending on project requirements.
What is the basic qualification?
A relevant technical or quantitative degree such as engineering, computer science, statistics, mathematics, data science or AI/ML is the basic academic route. Applicants should read the detailed notice for the exact accepted combinations.
How much experience is required?
The role requires at least 4 years of relevant experience, including substantial production work with AI or machine-learning systems.
What is the salary?
The advertisement states a maximum budget up to ₹40 LPA. It should not be interpreted as a guaranteed fixed salary for every selected candidate.
How will candidates be selected?
Applications are screened and shortlisted, and selected applicants are called for interview.