The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Indicative Advertisement No. 09/2026, inviting online applications for Direct Recruitment by Selection to 40 vacancies across 12 posts in various central government ministries and departments. Posts include Agricultural Engineer (Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare), Medical Officer/Research Officer (Unani) (Ministry of Ayush), Scientist ‘B’ in five disciplines (Ministry of Culture – NRLC, Lucknow), Civilian Medical Officer (Ministry of Defence – DGAFMS), Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor in two specialities (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare), Assistant Industrial Adviser (Ministry of Steel), and Veterinary Assistant Surgeon (Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare, Government of Puducherry). The online application portal is open from 25 July 2026 and closes at 18:00 hrs on 14 August 2026 at upsconline.nic.in/ora. The application fee is Rs. 25 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates; Women, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted. Pay scales range from Level-07 to Level-11 as per the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, with several posts carrying Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) in addition.
Important Note: Five points from the official notification that candidates routinely overlook. First, the application fee is Rs. 25 – this was not mentioned in the aggregator article; OBC, EWS, and UR male candidates must pay it online before the closing time; applications without fee are rejected without any correspondence. Second, the closing time is 18:00 hrs (6:00 PM) on 14 August 2026 – do not assume midnight; the portal will shut at 6 PM sharp. Third, this is an Indicative Advertisement – the detailed advertisement on the UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) contains complete particulars, and in case of any discrepancy between the indicative and detailed advertisements, the detailed advertisement prevails unless a corrigendum is issued. Fourth, UPSC may conduct a Recruitment Test (RT) before the interview if the number of applications is large – shortlisting can be based on Desirable Qualifications, higher experience, or a written test; the mere meeting of essential qualifications does not guarantee an interview call. Fifth, part-time, daily wages, visiting, or guest faculty experience is not counted when calculating the experience required for shortlisting – only regular, full-time employment experience is valid.
Overview – UPSC Recruitment 2026 (Advt No. 09/2026)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement No. | Indicative Advertisement No. 09/2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Direct Recruitment by Selection |
| Total Vacancies | 40 |
| Number of Posts | 12 |
| Application Start Date | 25 July 2026 |
| Application Last Date and Time | 14 August 2026 (18:00 hrs) |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Portal | upsconline.nic.in/ora |
| Application Fee | Rs. 25 (exempted for Women/SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Selection Process | Shortlisting + Interview (and Recruitment Test wherever applicable) |
| Pay Scale | Level-07 to Level-11 (7th CPC) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| Notification / Detailed Advertisement Release | 25 July 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 25 July 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date and Time | 14 August 2026 at 18:00 hrs (6:00 PM) |
| Date for Determining Age/Eligibility | Closing date – 14 August 2026 |
| Interview Date | Intimated separately via registered email |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / OBC / EWS (Male candidates) | Rs. 25/- |
| Female Candidates (all categories) | Nil (exempted) |
| SC / ST Candidates | Nil (exempted) |
| PwBD Candidates | Nil (exempted) |
Payment mode: Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking. Fee once paid is non-refundable. Applications without fee (from non-exempt candidates) are summarily rejected.
Vacancy Details – Post-wise, Category-wise Breakdown
| S. No. | Vacancy No. | Post Name | Vacancies | Category-wise | Ministry / Department |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26070901525 | Agricultural Engineer | 1 | OBC-01 | Dept. of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, MoAFW |
| 2 | 26070902125 | Medical Officer/Research Officer (Unani) | 4 | UR-01, EWS-01, OBC-01, SC-01 (PwBD-01*) | Ministry of Ayush |
| 3 | 26070903225 | Scientist ‘B’ (Botany) | 1 | UR-01 | NRLC, Lucknow, Ministry of Culture |
| 4 | 26070904225 | Scientist ‘B’ (Environmental Science) | 1 | UR-01 | NRLC, Lucknow, Ministry of Culture |
| 5 | 26070905225 | Scientist ‘B’ (Geology) | 1 | UR-01 | NRLC, Lucknow, Ministry of Culture |
| 6 | 26070906225 | Scientist ‘B’ (Physics) | 1 | OBC-01 | NRLC, Lucknow, Ministry of Culture |
| 7 | 26070907225 | Scientist ‘B’ (Zoology) | 1 | SC-01 | NRLC, Lucknow, Ministry of Culture |
| 8 | 26070908125 | Civilian Medical Officer | 18 | UR-06, EWS-03, OBC-04, SC-03, ST-02 (PwBD-01*) | DGAFMS, Ministry of Defence |
| 9 | 26070909125 | Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor (Immuno-Haematology and Blood Transfusion) | 5 | UR-04, OBC-01 | Dept. of Health and Family Welfare, MoHFW |
| 10 | 26070910125 | Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor (Surgical Oncology) | 1 | OBC-01 | Dept. of Health and Family Welfare, MoHFW |
| 11 | 26070911625 | Assistant Industrial Adviser | 2 | UR-02 | Ministry of Steel |
| 12 | 26070912125 | Veterinary Assistant Surgeon | 4 | UR-02, OBC-01, SC-01 | Dept. of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare, Govt. of Puducherry |
| Total | 40 |
*PwBD-01 reserved under Locomotor Disability (OL/OA) category for both Medical Officer/Research Officer (Unani) and Civilian Medical Officer posts.
Salary / Pay Scale
| Post Name | Pay Level (7th CPC) | NPA |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Engineer | Level-07 | No |
| Medical Officer/Research Officer (Unani) | Level-10 | Yes – NPA applicable |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Botany) | Level-10 | No |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Environmental Science) | Level-10 | No |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Geology) | Level-10 | No |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Physics) | Level-10 | No |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Zoology) | Level-10 | No |
| Civilian Medical Officer | Level-10 | Yes – NPA applicable |
| Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor (Immuno-Haematology and Blood Transfusion) | Level-11 | Yes – NPA applicable |
| Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor (Surgical Oncology) | Level-11 | Yes – NPA applicable |
| Assistant Industrial Adviser | Level-10 | No |
| Veterinary Assistant Surgeon | Level-10 | Yes – NPA applicable |
Age Limit (as on 14 August 2026 – the closing date)
| Post Name | UR / EWS | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Engineer | – | 33 years | – | – |
| Medical Officer/Research Officer (Unani) | 35 years | 38 years | 40 years | – |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Botany) | 35 years | – | – | – |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Environmental Science) | 35 years | – | – | – |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Geology) | 35 years | – | – | – |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Physics) | – | 38 years | – | – |
| Scientist ‘B’ (Zoology) | – | – | 40 years | – |
| Civilian Medical Officer | 35 years | 38 years | 40 years | 40 years |
| Specialist Grade III AP (Immuno-Haematology and BT) | 40 years | 43 years | – | – |
| Specialist Grade III AP (Surgical Oncology) | – | 43 years | – | – |
| Assistant Industrial Adviser | 35 years | – | – | – |
| Veterinary Assistant Surgeon | 35 years | 38 years | 40 years | – |
Important note on age table: The age limits shown above are the final applicable limits including the standard relaxation for each category (i.e. OBC ages already incorporate the 3-year relaxation; SC/ST ages already incorporate the 5-year relaxation). PwBD candidates get an additional 10 years over and above the category age limit shown. Maximum age for PwBD candidates shall not exceed 56 years in any case. Central/UT Government employees get up to 5 years relaxation additionally, subject to conditions. Ex-servicemen get relaxation as per Government of India rules.
Educational Qualification and Experience (Post-wise)
1. Agricultural Engineer – Group B Gazetted, Non-Ministerial, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Essential: Degree in Agricultural Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from a recognised university
- Experience: 2 years’ experience in testing/evaluation of agricultural machinery; OR 2 years’ experience in teaching/training including operation and maintenance of tractors and agricultural implements – from Central/State Governments, UTs, PSUs, agricultural universities, recognised research institutions, councils, semi-government, autonomous or statutory organisations
- Desirable: 1 year practical experience in mechanized farming practices
- Probation: 2 years | HQ: Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi; postings at FMTTI Budni (MP), Hisar (Haryana), Anantapur (AP), Biswanath Chariali (Assam) or other institutes
2. Medical Officer/Research Officer (Unani) – Group A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial, Ministry of Ayush
- Essential: (i) Degree in Unani Medicine from a recognised University/Statutory State Board/Council recognised under the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 (ii) Enrolment on Central Register or State Register of Indian Medicine
- Private practice prohibited | Probation: 1 year | HQ: Ministry of Ayush, New Delhi
3-7. Scientist ‘B’ (Botany/Environmental Science/Geology/Physics/Zoology) – Group A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial, Ministry of Culture – NRLC, Lucknow
- Essential Educational: M.Sc. in the respective discipline from a recognised university (for Environmental Science: M.Sc. OR B.E./B.Tech with specialisation in Environmental Science and Engineering also accepted)
- Essential Experience: 3 years’ research experience in the respective discipline after acquiring the essential qualification
- Desirable for all 5: (i) PhD in the respective discipline (ii) At least 1 year practical experience in a conservation laboratory (iii) At least 1 year experience in non-destructive testing or analysis
- Probation: 2 years | HQ: Lucknow, UP; All India Service Liability
8. Civilian Medical Officer – Group A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial, DGAFMS, Ministry of Defence
- Essential: (i) Recognised MBBS degree included in First/Second/Part II of Third Schedule to the Indian Medical Council/NMC Act, 1956 (ii) Completion of compulsory rotating internship (internship candidates who have not yet completed may appear, but must have completed before appointment)
- Desirable: Post-graduate medical qualification in any discipline
- Probation: 2 years | HQ: DGAFMS, New Delhi; All India Service Liability
9. Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor (Immuno-Haematology and Blood Transfusion) – Teaching Specialist Sub-cadre of CHS, Group A, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Essential Educational: (i) MBBS (ii) PG degree – MD (Immunology) or MD (Immuno-Haematology and Blood Transfusion) or DNB (Immunology/Immuno-Haematology and BT) or MD (Pathology/Bacteriology/Haematology) or DNB (Pathology/Bacteriology/Haematology) with 2 years’ special training in Immuno-Haematology and Blood Transfusion
- Essential Experience: At least 3 years’ teaching experience as Senior Resident/Tutor/Demonstrator/Registrar/Assistant Professor/Lecturer in the concerned speciality in a recognised teaching institution after obtaining the first PG degree
- Private practice of any kind prohibited | Probation: 1 year | HQ: Delhi; All India Service Liability
10. Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor (Surgical Oncology) – Teaching Specialist Sub-cadre of CHS, Group A, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Essential Educational: (i) MBBS (ii) PG degree – M.Ch. (Surgical Oncology) or DNB (Surgical Oncology) or MS (General Surgery/ENT/Orthopaedics) with 2 years’ special training in Surgical Oncology or Doctor of Medicine (Obstetrics and Gynecology) with 2 years’ special training in Surgical Oncology or DNB (General Surgery/ENT/Orthopaedics/Obst. and Gyne.) with 2 years’ special training in Surgical Oncology
- Essential Experience: At least 3 years’ teaching experience as Senior Resident/Tutor/Demonstrator/Registrar/Assistant Professor/Lecturer after obtaining the first PG degree
- Private practice of any kind prohibited | Probation: 1 year | HQ: Delhi; All India Service Liability
11. Assistant Industrial Adviser – Group A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial, Ministry of Steel
- Essential Educational: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical/Metallurgical/Electronics and Communication Engineering from a recognised university or institute
- Essential Experience: 3 years’ experience in steel works, steel rolling mills, or in a unit manufacturing plant machinery or machine tools; OR 3 years’ experience in production, planning, development and research of iron and steel industry including its raw materials
- Desirable: Master’s Degree in the relevant engineering discipline
- Probation: 1 year (mandatory induction training of at least 2 weeks) | HQ: New Delhi; All India Service Liability
12. Veterinary Assistant Surgeon – Group A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial, Dept. of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare, Govt. of Puducherry
- Essential Educational: (i) Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry or Veterinary Science from a recognised University or Institute (ii) Registered with the Veterinary Council of India or State/UT Veterinary Council
- Advantage: Knowledge of Tamil, Malayalam, or Telugu (local language of the posting area)
- Probation: 1 year | HQ: Puducherry
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 – Application Scrutiny | Applications shortlisted based on essential qualifications, experience, and desirable qualifications |
| Stage 2 – Recruitment Test (RT) if applicable | UPSC may hold a written Recruitment Test (RT) if the number of applications is large; minimum suitability marks apply |
| Stage 3 – Interview (Personality Test) | Shortlisted candidates called for interview at UPSC, New Delhi; interview details intimated via registered email |
| Stage 4 – Final Recommendation | UPSC recommends selected candidates to the respective ministry/department |
Minimum suitability marks in Interview (out of 100):
- UR – 50 marks
- OBC – 45 marks
- SC/ST/PwBD – 40 marks
Important: Candidates shortlisted for interview must bring the printout of the online application along with original documents and self-attested copies at the time of the interview. Non-production of documents results in disqualification and forfeiture of TA reimbursement. UPSC contributes towards travel allowance (restricted to 2nd/Sleeper class rail fare) for outstation candidates appearing for interview.
Shortlisting criteria (if number of applications is large): Based on Desirable Qualifications, higher educational qualifications, higher experience, experience counted before or after acquisition of essential qualifications, or by holding a Recruitment Test. Candidates must mention all qualifications and experience beyond the minimum in the application.
Important Instructions
- This is an Indicative Advertisement. The detailed advertisement on upsc.gov.in carries complete details and prevails in case of discrepancy.
- Application closes at 18:00 hrs on 14 August 2026 – not midnight. Do not wait for the last day.
- Part-time, daily wages, visiting, or guest faculty experience is NOT counted for experience calculation.
- Persons already in regular Government service must submit a declaration to their Head of Office/Department that they have applied.
- Applications submitted cannot be withdrawn. No correction or alteration is permitted after submission.
- Candidates should fill all qualifications and experience correctly in the application; shortlisting by computer-based screening may disqualify candidates with incorrect or incomplete entries.
- For Medical/Specialist Grade III posts: private practice of any kind is prohibited.
- Use a correct and active email address – UPSC communicates exclusively by email, including interview schedules.
- Mobile phones and electronic devices are banned in the UPSC interview hall; face authentication is mandatory.
- The Summoning of candidates for interview does not constitute any assurance of selection.
Required Documents (at the Time of Interview)
- Printout of the online recruitment application
- Original documents and self-attested copies: Date of birth (10th certificate), Educational qualification degrees and mark sheets, Experience certificates in prescribed format (from Head of Organisation, with designation, pay, and nature of duties clearly mentioned)
- Category certificate in prescribed UPSC proforma (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
- OBC non-creamy layer declaration
- PwBD disability certificate from competent Medical Board (for 40% or above disability)
- Professional registration certificates (MCI/NMC registration for medical posts; VCI/State Veterinary Council for Veterinary Assistant Surgeon)
- Experience certificate in UPSC prescribed format (unsigned certificates, pay slips, appointment letters, relieving letters without official certification are not accepted)
- Any other document specified in the interview summon letter
How to Apply for UPSC Recruitment 2026 (Advt No. 09/2026)
- Visit the official UPSC online application portal: upsconline.nic.in/ora
- Create an account or log in with your existing Universal Registration Number (URN). If registering for the first time, complete the Account Creation and Universal Registration modules first.
- Fill in the Common Application Form (CAF) – upload photograph (as per instructions), capture live photograph, and upload signature (three times, one below the other, on plain white paper in black ink).
- Navigate to the Post/Vacancy specific module and locate Indicative Advertisement No. 09/2026.
- Select the desired post using its Vacancy Number (e.g. 26070901525 for Agricultural Engineer).
- Fill in all personal, educational, experience, and category details accurately. Mention all qualifications and experience beyond the minimum – these are used for shortlisting.
- Upload all required supporting documents in PDF format as specified.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 25 (if applicable) via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking before the closing time.
- Submit the application. Take a printout of the finally submitted online application and retain it for the interview.
- Check your registered email regularly for any communication from UPSC regarding RT dates, interview schedule, and document requirements.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF – Advt No. 09/2026 | Click Here |
| Apply Online (upsconline.nic.in/ora) | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| Prescribed Proforma/Certificate Formats | Click Here |
UPSC Recruitment 2026 Advt No. 09/2026 – FAQs
Q1. What is UPSC Indicative Advertisement No. 09/2026?
✅ It is a notification issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for Direct Recruitment by Selection to 40 vacancies across 12 posts in various central government ministries including Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ayush, Culture, Defence, Health and Family Welfare, Steel, and the Puducherry UT Government. Applications are accepted from 25 July 2026 to 14 August 2026 (18:00 hrs) at upsconline.nic.in/ora.
Q2. What is the application fee for UPSC Advt No. 09/2026?
✅ Rs. 25 for General (UR), OBC, and EWS male candidates. No fee for Women candidates (all categories), SC, ST, and PwBD candidates. Payment is online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking. Applications without the required fee are summarily rejected.
Q3. What is the exact closing time for applications?
✅ The portal closes at 18:00 hrs (6:00 PM) on 14 August 2026. Do not wait for the last minute – apply well in advance.
Q4. Is there a written exam (Recruitment Test) for these posts?
✅ The primary mode is shortlisting followed by interview. However, if the number of applications is large, UPSC may hold a Recruitment Test (RT) before the interview. The minimum suitability marks in the interview are 50 (UR), 45 (OBC), and 40 (SC/ST/PwBD) out of 100.
Q5. Which posts carry Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA)?
✅ NPA is applicable for Medical Officer/Research Officer (Unani), Civilian Medical Officer, Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor (Immuno-Haematology and BT), Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor (Surgical Oncology), and Veterinary Assistant Surgeon – all at Level-10 or Level-11 plus NPA.
Q6. Is the experience from part-time or guest faculty positions counted?
✅ No. As per the official UPSC notification, experience rendered on a part-time basis, daily wages, visiting faculty, or guest faculty basis is not counted when calculating experience for shortlisting purposes. Only regular, full-time employment experience counts.
Q7. Where are the Scientists ‘B’ posts located?
✅ All five Scientist ‘B’ posts (Botany, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics, and Zoology) are in the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property (NRLC), Lucknow, under the Ministry of Culture. However, all carry All India Service Liability – selected candidates are liable to serve anywhere in India.
Q8. What is the posting location for the Veterinary Assistant Surgeon post?
✅ The Veterinary Assistant Surgeon post is under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare, Government of Puducherry, with headquarters at Puducherry. Knowledge of Tamil, Malayalam, or Telugu is an advantage.
Q9. Can private practice be undertaken in the medical posts?
✅ No. Private practice of any kind whatsoever – including consultation and laboratory practice – is strictly prohibited for Medical Officer/Research Officer (Unani), Civilian Medical Officer, and both Specialist Grade III Assistant Professor posts.
Q10. What is the difference between the Indicative Advertisement and the Detailed Advertisement?
✅ UPSC releases an Indicative Advertisement first (this notification – Advt No. 09/2026), which gives a summary of vacancies. The Detailed Advertisement on upsc.gov.in contains complete particulars. In case of any discrepancy between the two, the Detailed Advertisement prevails unless a corrigendum is published. Candidates must read the Detailed Advertisement before applying.
Disclaimer
The information above is compiled from the official UPSC Advertisement No. 09/2026 (Indicative) PDF published on upsc.gov.in on 24 July 2026, as verified directly from the source on 2 August 2026. All post names, vacancy numbers, category-wise vacancy figures, pay levels, age limits, essential and desirable qualifications, headquarters, probation periods, application fee (Rs. 25; exempted for Women/SC/ST/PwBD), closing time (18:00 hrs on 14 August 2026), and selection process details (including minimum interview suitability marks) are as stated in the official notification. Candidates are strongly advised to download and read both the Indicative Advertisement PDF and the Detailed Advertisement from upsc.gov.in, and to apply only through upsconline.nic.in/ora. All links above point exclusively to the official UPSC website.
