The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team has invited online applications for direct recruitment to 133 Scientist B posts under Advertisement No. CERT-In/SCB/2026/1.
CERT-In functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and serves as the national agency for cyber-security incident response and related responsibilities. The Scientist B post is equivalent to a Group A position and carries Pay Level 10 under the Seventh Central Pay Commission.
Eligible candidates must possess the prescribed educational qualification and a valid GATE 2024, GATE 2025 or GATE 2026 score in the discipline for which they apply. Online applications opened on 14 July 2026 and will close on 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM.
The recruitment covers Computer Science and Information Technology, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Electronics and Communication Engineering disciplines. No previous work experience is required.
CERT-In Scientist B Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting organisation | Indian Computer Emergency Response Team |
| Administrative ministry | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Post name | Scientist B |
| Post classification | Group A equivalent |
| Advertisement number | CERT-In/SCB/2026/1 |
| Total vacancies | 133 |
| Pay level | Level 10 |
| Pay scale | ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 |
| Required GATE score | Valid GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 score |
| Eligible GATE papers | CS, DA and EC |
| Experience | Not required |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application opening date | 14 July 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM |
| Eligibility cut-off date | 17 August 2026 |
| Application fee | Nil |
| Selection process | GATE-based shortlisting, document verification and interview |
| Place of posting | Anywhere in India or outside India according to organisational requirements |
| Official website | https://www.cert-in.org.in |
Candidates should read the discipline-specific qualification table carefully before submitting the form. Possessing a qualification described merely as equivalent to the listed qualification may not be accepted unless it is expressly covered by the advertisement.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application opening | 14 July 2026 |
| Last date for online application | 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM |
| Eligibility cut-off date | 17 August 2026 |
| Document-verification schedule | To be announced |
| Interview schedule | To be announced |
| Call-letter release | To be announced on the CERT-In website |
Candidates should submit the form early because incomplete applications or applications not finally submitted before the deadline will be rejected.
CERT-In Scientist B Vacancy 2026
The 133 tentative vacancies are divided among three technical disciplines.
Discipline-wise vacancies
| Discipline | GATE paper code | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Information Technology | CS | 83 |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | DA | 25 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | EC | 25 |
| Total | 133 |
Category-wise reservation
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | 60 |
| Scheduled Caste | 18 |
| Scheduled Tribe | 8 |
| OBC Non-Creamy Layer | 36 |
| Economically Weaker Section | 11 |
| Total | 133 |
Five vacancies are horizontally reserved for eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities. The advertised vacancy count is tentative and may increase or decrease at the discretion of CERT-In.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess the essential qualification for the selected discipline on or before 17 August 2026. They must also hold a valid GATE score from 2024, 2025 or 2026 in the matching paper code.
Computer Science and Information Technology
Candidates applying under GATE paper code CS must possess any one of the following:
- A minimum four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in an accepted computer, information technology or related discipline
- A Master’s degree in an accepted science discipline
- Master of Computer Applications
Accepted engineering and technology disciplines include areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Information Technology
- Software Systems
- Software Technology
- Telecommunication and Information Technology
- Electronics and Computer Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Big Data Analytics
- Information Security
- Cyber Security
- Digital Forensics
- Internet of Things
- Quantum Computing
- Blockchain Technology
- Machine Learning
- Cloud Security
- Cryptography
A relevant discipline may also be considered when the qualifying degree clearly mentions Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science or Artificial Intelligence as the main discipline.
Accepted Master’s-level science disciplines include Computer Science, Computer Application, Computer and Network Security, Software Engineering, Information Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Computational Science, Machine Learning and other listed related fields.
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Candidates applying under GATE paper code DA must hold the prescribed Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology, Master’s degree in a recognised science discipline, or MCA qualification in a relevant field covered by the advertisement.
The candidate must possess a valid GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 score in the DA paper.
Relevant disciplines include Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, Internet of Things, Quantum Computing, Blockchain Technology and other specifically listed related subjects.
Electronics and Communication Engineering
Candidates applying under GATE paper code EC must possess either:
- A minimum four-year Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in an accepted electronics-related discipline, or
- A Master’s degree in an accepted science discipline
Accepted engineering disciplines include:
- Electronics
- Electronics and Communication
- Electronics and Telecommunication
- Electronics and Electrical Communication
- Telecommunication and Information Technology
- Electronics and Instrumentation
- Electronics and Computer Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Robotics and Automation
- Drone Technology
- Autonomous Systems
Accepted Master’s science disciplines include Electronics, Applied Electronics, Electronics and Communication, Electronics and Instrumentation, VLSI Design, Mechatronics, Digital Communication, Robotics and Automation, Drone Technology and Autonomous Systems.
A valid GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 score in the EC paper is mandatory.
Important qualification rules
- The essential qualification must be completed by 17 August 2026.
- No work experience is required.
- The GATE paper code must match the discipline selected in the application.
- Candidates must enter the best valid GATE score from one eligible year.
- Claims based only on an unspecified equivalent qualification may not be accepted.
- Final eligibility will be verified using original degree certificates, marksheets and the GATE scorecard.
Use the Job Eligibility Checker to organise the qualification, GATE-paper and category requirements before applying.
Candidates whose university awards CGPA should use the institution’s official conversion formula. The CGPA to Percentage Converter can be used for an initial calculation, but the university or Registrar’s certificate will remain authoritative.
Age Limit
The age limit will be calculated as of 17 August 2026.
| Category | Maximum age |
|---|---|
| Unreserved and EWS | 30 years |
| OBC Non-Creamy Layer | 33 years |
| SC and ST | 35 years |
| PwBD—UR/EWS | 40 years |
| PwBD—OBC Non-Creamy Layer | 43 years |
| PwBD—SC/ST | 45 years |
Eligible government service candidates may receive the relaxation specified in the advertisement:
| Service-candidate category | Maximum age |
|---|---|
| UR/EWS service candidate | 35 years |
| OBC-NCL service candidate | 38 years |
| SC/ST service candidate | 40 years |
Ex-serviceman relaxation applies according to Central Government rules.
Relaxation for SC, ST and OBC candidates is applicable against posts reserved for the relevant category. PwBD relaxation may apply where the post has been identified as suitable, irrespective of whether the vacancy is specifically reserved.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for any category.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | Nil |
| EWS | Nil |
| OBC-NCL | Nil |
| SC/ST | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
Candidates should not make any payment to an unofficial person, website or agent claiming to provide recruitment assistance or guaranteed selection.
Salary and Nature of Appointment
The Scientist B post is equivalent to a Group A position in Pay Level 10.
| Salary component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay level | Level 10 |
| Pay scale | ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 |
| Pay commission | Seventh Central Pay Commission |
| Recruitment basis | Direct recruitment |
The final gross salary will depend on the basic pay, place of posting, admissible allowances and applicable government rules.
Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India or outside India in the interest of CERT-In.
Selection Process
The recruitment does not include a separate written examination conducted by CERT-In.
The selection process consists of:
- Screening of eligibility
- Shortlisting using valid GATE scores
- Document verification
- Personal interaction or interview
- Preparation of discipline-wise and category-wise final merit
- Appointment formalities
GATE-based shortlisting
Eligible candidates will be shortlisted for the interview in a ratio of 1:5, subject to availability, in discipline-wise and category-wise merit order.
When more than one candidate has the same GATE score at the shortlisting boundary, all candidates with that score may be called even when this increases the number beyond the stated ratio.
GATE 2024, GATE 2025 and GATE 2026 scores will receive equal consideration. Candidates must submit the best score from one eligible year in the paper corresponding to the selected discipline.
Interview assessment
The personal interaction or interview carries 50 marks and assesses:
- Technical and academic knowledge
- Presentation and communication skills
- Comprehension
- Academic performance in the essential qualification
The advertisement awards 0.05 mark for every percentage point secured in the essential qualification as part of the academic-performance component.
Candidates must obtain the minimum interview marks:
| Category | Minimum interview marks |
|---|---|
| Unreserved | 50% |
| EWS, OBC, SC, ST and PwBD | 40% |
A candidate who does not qualify the interview will not be included in the final merit list even when the GATE score is high.
Final merit weightage
| Selection component | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Valid GATE score | 60% |
| Personal interaction/interview | 40% |
Tie-breaking rules
When two or more candidates obtain the same aggregate score:
- The candidate with the higher GATE score will be ranked higher.
- If the GATE score is also equal, the candidate with higher technical-knowledge marks in the interview will rank higher.
- If the tie remains, the older candidate will rank higher.
Aadhaar Authentication
Aadhaar-based authentication will be used at every stage of the recruitment process.
Candidates should ensure that personal details entered in the form are accurate and consistent with the Aadhaar and supporting documents.
Any mismatch in name, date of birth, category, identity or qualification details may create difficulty during verification.
Documents Required for Online Application
Candidates should prepare the following files before starting the form:
- Recent coloured photograph in JPEG or JPG format, between 50 KB and 200 KB
- Signature in blue or black ink in JPEG or JPG format, between 10 KB and 50 KB
- Date-of-birth certificate or Matriculation certificate
- Government-issued photo identity proof
- Matriculation certificate
- Senior Secondary certificate
- Valid GATE scorecard for 2024, 2025 or 2026
- Essential qualification certificate
- Essential qualification marksheets
- CGPA conversion certificate, where applicable
- SC, ST, OBC-NCL or EWS certificate, where applicable
- PwBD certificate showing at least 40% permanent disability, where applicable
- Experience certificate, if submitted
- No Objection Certificate, where applicable
- Age-relaxation certificate, where applicable
Supporting documents must be uploaded separately as legible, non-password-protected PDF files between 10 KB and 500 KB.
Use the Photo and Signature Resizer to prepare the image files according to the official dimensions and file-size limits.
Category Certificate Requirements
OBC Non-Creamy Layer
OBC candidates must produce a valid OBC-NCL certificate:
- Issued during financial year 2026-27, meaning on or after 1 April 2026
- Issued in the Central Government format for appointment to posts under the Government of India
- Showing that the candidate belongs to the Central OBC list
- Confirming that the candidate does not belong to the creamy layer
An OBC certificate intended only for a State Government post or educational admission will not be accepted.
EWS
EWS candidates must produce a valid Income and Asset Certificate in the prescribed Government of India format for the relevant period.
PwBD
Candidates claiming PwBD status must possess a valid permanent disability certificate indicating at least 40% disability and issued by the competent medical authority by the last application date.
SC and ST
SC and ST candidates must possess the prescribed Government of India caste certificate issued by the competent authority on or before the cut-off date.
How to Apply for CERT-In Scientist B Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Open the official recruitment page
Visit the recruitment section of the CERT-In website and open the Scientist B recruitment advertisement.
Step 2: Read the detailed notification and FAQ
Confirm that the qualification, GATE paper, age, category and documents match the requirements of the selected discipline.
Step 3: Complete registration
Enter a valid email address, active mobile number and the requested identity information.
Step 4: Fill the application form
Complete personal, educational, GATE and category details carefully.
Step 5: Upload the required files
Upload the photograph, signature and each supporting document in the prescribed format and size.
Step 6: Verify all entries
Review the name, category, address, mobile number, email, GATE score and qualification details. Changes may not be allowed after final submission.
Step 7: Submit the form
Complete final submission before 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM.
Step 8: Download the confirmation page
The application is considered complete only when all required steps are finished and the confirmation page has been generated and downloaded.
Step 9: Preserve login details
Save the application number, password and GATE login credentials. Candidates may need to validate the GATE score online during document verification.
GATE Score Verification
Candidates shortlisted for document verification must produce the original GATE scorecard.
They may also be required to log in to the relevant GATE result portal during verification and display the result using their own GATE login credentials.
Candidates should keep the enrolment number, registration ID and login password ready.
Submission of a false or altered GATE score can lead to rejection, cancellation and legal action.
Document Verification and Interview
Document verification will take place before the interview.
Candidates must produce original documents. No additional time will be provided when a required original certificate is missing or the information does not match the submitted application.
The verification will cover:
- Date of birth
- Class 10 and Class 12 records
- GATE score and online result verification
- Degree and marksheets
- CGPA conversion certificate
- Category and disability certificates
- No Objection Certificate
- Name-change gazette, where applicable
- Ex-serviceman records
- Age-relaxation certificate
Only candidates found eligible after verification will be allowed to attend the interview.
The interview may be conducted in Delhi or another location or mode approved by the competent authority. No TA or DA will be paid.
Important Instructions
- Apply only through the official CERT-In online portal.
- The last date is 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM.
- There is no application fee.
- A valid GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 score is mandatory.
- Select the discipline matching the GATE paper and qualification.
- No experience is required.
- Do not submit an incomplete application.
- Download the confirmation page after final submission.
- Keep the registered email and mobile number active.
- Preserve GATE login credentials for verification.
- Upload clear and non-password-protected files.
- Produce original documents at verification.
- Category certificates must meet the stated Central Government format and validity rules.
- Do not furnish false, altered or incomplete information.
- Check the official CERT-In website regularly for the shortlist and interview schedule.
Open the Regal Career Application Tools Hub for additional image, PDF, calculator and application-management tools.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official CERT-In recruitment page | View Detail |
| Detailed Scientist B advertisement | View Detail |
| Advance recruitment notice | View Detail |
| Official CERT-In website | View Detail |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in CERT-In Scientist B Recruitment 2026?
CERT-In has advertised 133 tentative Scientist B vacancies.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date is 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM.
What is the salary?
The Scientist B post carries Pay Level 10 with a pay scale of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500.
Is GATE mandatory?
Yes. Candidates must possess a valid GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 score in CS, DA or EC, depending on the selected discipline.
Is work experience required?
No previous work experience is required.
What is the maximum age for General candidates?
The maximum age for UR and EWS candidates is 30 years as of 17 August 2026.
Is there an application fee?
No. The application fee is nil for every category.
Will CERT-In conduct a written examination?
The advertisement does not prescribe a separate written examination. Candidates will be shortlisted using GATE scores and assessed through document verification and personal interaction or interview.
What is the final selection weightage?
The valid GATE score carries 60% weightage, while the interview carries 40%.
Can candidates use GATE 2024 or GATE 2025 scores?
Yes. Valid GATE scores from 2024, 2025 and 2026 receive equal consideration.
How many vacancies are available in Computer Science?
There are 83 tentative vacancies in Computer Science and Information Technology.
Where can selected candidates be posted?
Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India or outside India according to organisational requirements.
Final Summary
CERT-In Scientist B Recruitment 2026 offers 133 direct-recruitment opportunities in Computer Science and Information Technology, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Candidates need a valid GATE 2024, 2025 or 2026 score in the matching discipline and the prescribed engineering, technology, science or MCA qualification. No work experience or application fee is required.
Online applications remain open until 17 August 2026 at 5:30 PM. Eligible candidates will be shortlisted using GATE scores, verified through original documents and assessed in a personal interaction or interview. Final merit will combine 60% GATE weightage with 40% interview weightage.
