NIF Scientist Recruitment 2026
National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, has invited online applications from eligible Indian citizens for 10 Scientist posts. Scientist ‘B’, Scientist ‘C’, and Scientist ‘D’ positions will be filled through direct recruitment on an all-India basis under Advertisement No. Adv/02/2026 dated 29 August 2026.
Designation and Vacancy Details
- Scientist ‘D’: 1 post, UR
- Scientist ‘C’: 4 posts, including 1 UR, 2 OBC, and 1 SC
- Scientist ‘B’: 5 posts, including 4 UR and 1 OBC
- Total vacancies: 10
- Recruitment mode: Direct recruitment
Pay Scale and Age Limit
- Scientist ‘D’: Pay Level 12, ₹78,800–₹2,09,200; maximum age 40 years
- Scientist ‘C’: Pay Level 11, ₹67,700–₹2,08,700; maximum age 35 years
- Scientist ‘B’: Pay Level 10, ₹56,100–₹1,77,500; maximum age 35 years
Age and eligibility will be determined as of the application closing date. Applicable age relaxation will be provided according to Government of India rules.
Research Area
The recruitment covers research and development in biological sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, biotechnology, veterinary sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, mechanical engineering, production and industrial engineering, electronics and communication engineering, traditional knowledge, grassroots innovation, rural technologies, biopesticides, herbal healthcare, plant varieties, and farm practices.
Location
National Innovation Foundation–India
Grambharti, Amrapur, Gandhinagar–Mahudi Road, Gandhinagar, Gujarat – 382650.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must be Indian citizens. Experience will generally be counted only after acquiring the minimum essential qualification. Experience gained during a full-time degree will not be treated as professional experience.
Scientist ‘D’ – PC01
- Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology, Veterinary Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or an equivalent discipline from a recognized institution.
- Five years of relevant research and development experience.
- At least five original published works of a high standard in national or international journals.
- Qualifications or experience in public policy, development studies, impact assessment, programme evaluation, field research, and work with grassroots communities are desirable.
Scientist ‘C’ – PC02
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, Production and Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
- Three years of relevant research and development experience.
- At least three original published works of a high standard.
- Experience in prototype development, CAD/CAM/CAE, manufacturing design, testing, technology validation, and field deployment is desirable.
Scientist ‘C’ – PC03
- Ph.D. in Biological Sciences or an equivalent discipline.
- Three years of relevant research and development experience.
- At least three original published works of a high standard.
- Experience in biopesticides, biocontrol agents, crop-protection technologies, regulatory standards, intellectual property, and analytical techniques is desirable.
Scientist ‘C’ – PC04
- Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or an equivalent discipline.
- Three years of relevant research and development experience.
- At least three original published works of a high standard.
- Knowledge of traditional healthcare systems, herbal practices, preclinical or clinical studies, laboratory standards, regulatory frameworks, and product development is desirable.
Scientist ‘B’ – PC05
- Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or an equivalent discipline; or a first-class master’s degree in Biotechnology or an equivalent discipline.
- At least two original published works of a high standard.
- Experience in indigenous knowledge, grassroots innovations, prior-art searches, field research, farm trials, and ethical or legal frameworks is desirable.
Scientist ‘B’ – PC06
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences with specialization in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Breeding and Genetics, or an equivalent discipline.
- At least two original published works of a high standard.
- Experience in indigenous plant varieties, crop management, multi-location trials, scientific validation, and PPV&FRA procedures is desirable.
Scientist ‘B’ – PC07
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences or an equivalent discipline; or a first-class master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent discipline.
- At least two original published works of a high standard.
- Experience in engineering product design, prototyping, testing, CAD, simulation, manufacturing, intellectual property, and field validation is desirable.
Scientist ‘B’ – PC08
- First-class master’s degree in Veterinary Sciences or an equivalent discipline.
- At least two original published works of a high standard.
- Knowledge of herbal veterinary technologies, indigenous veterinary practices, safety and efficacy studies, clinical field trials, intellectual property, and regulatory frameworks is desirable.
Job Description
Selected scientists will undertake research, scientific validation, technology development, testing, field deployment, documentation, publication, intellectual-property support, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement in their respective disciplines. Duties may involve working with grassroots innovators, farmers, artisans, fabricators, research institutions, industry, regulatory agencies, and rural or tribal communities.
Selection Process
Applications will be examined by a Screening-cum-Shortlisting Committee. NIF may conduct a written test where necessary. Final selection will be based on the Selection Committee’s recommendations after considering interview performance, academic record, research contributions, and relevant experience.
Application Fee
- UR/OBC/EWS candidates: ₹1,000, non-refundable
- SC/ST/PwBD and women candidates: No application fee
The fee must be paid through the online payment gateway before the application deadline.
How to Apply
- Submit the application online through the NIF Recruitment Portal only.
- Use a valid email address and mobile number while registering.
- Apply for only one post for which all prescribed eligibility requirements are met.
- Upload self-attested documents supporting date of birth, educational qualifications, experience, category, PwBD status, publications, and Ph.D. registration or award, as applicable.
- Government, PSU, autonomous-body, university, or government-funded research institution employees should apply through the proper channel or upload a No Objection Certificate. If unavailable, they must provide an undertaking to produce it at the interview.
- No hard copy of the application is required.
Last Date to Apply
Opening date: 29 August 2026.
Closing date: 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar, up to 23:59 hours. Candidates should confirm the exact closing date on the recruitment portal.
29 sEPTEMBER 2026
Apply Link
Apply Online through the NIF Recruitment Portal
Applicants should also visit the official NIF website regularly for corrigenda, addenda, and recruitment updates.
