UPSC Direct Recruitment · Advertisement 05/2026 · Group A & B Posts
UPSC Direct Recruitment May 2026: 194 Vacancies Across 32 Posts — Airworthiness, Scientist-B, Deputy Controller, Manager and More
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released Advertisement No. 05/2026 — one of the biggest UPSC direct recruitment drives of 2026. This notification covers 194 vacancies across 32 different post types in Group A and Group B Gazetted categories across multiple central government ministries and departments. Posts include Airworthiness Officer (DGCA), Scientist-B, Deputy Controller of Explosives (PESO), Manager (Mail Motor Service), Junior Technical Officer, Scientific Officer, Assistant Director, Research Officer, Tourist Officer, and many more. Application window: 23 May to 12 June 2026. Apply online at upsconline.nic.in. Fee: ₹25 only.
What is in this article
- What makes this UPSC notification different from UPSC CSE
- Quick overview
- Complete list of 32 posts with vacancies
- Departments and ministries covered
- Airworthiness Officer — most searched post — full details
- Scientist-B — 46 vacancies — full details
- Deputy Controller of Explosives — full details
- Other key posts — eligibility and pay level
- Important dates
- Age limit
- Application fee
- Selection process
- How to apply at upsconline.nic.in
- Frequently asked questions
1. What makes this different from UPSC Civil Services (CSE)?
Most people associate UPSC only with the Civil Services Examination (CSE) — the exam that leads to IAS, IPS, IFS, and other prestigious services. But UPSC also conducts Direct Recruitment by Selection throughout the year for hundreds of specialist technical, scientific, and administrative posts across central government departments.
This Advertisement No. 05/2026 is a direct recruitment notification — very different from CSE:
| Factor | UPSC Direct Recruitment (05/2026) | UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) |
|---|---|---|
| Selection basis | Shortlisting + Interview (or Recruitment Test + Interview) | Prelims → Mains → Interview (3 stages) |
| Posts | Specialist technical posts — engineers, scientists, doctors, managers | IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other civil services |
| Eligibility | Specific degree + experience required for each post | Any graduation from any stream |
| Application fee | ₹25 only | ₹100 |
| Competition level | Lower — specific qualifications required | Extremely high — lakhs appear |
| Timeline | Faster — typically 3 to 6 months from apply to joining | 12 to 18 months minimum |
UPSC Direct Recruitment is significantly less known — which means far less competition. While UPSC CSE attracts 10 to 15 lakh applicants, each post in a direct recruitment drive like this attracts a fraction of that number because the eligibility requirements are specific. If you have the right qualification and experience, your odds of selection are dramatically higher than CSE.
2. Quick overview
Advertisement No.
05/2026
Total vacancies
194
Total post types
32 posts
Post grade
Group A & Group B Gazetted
Application opens
23 May 2026
Last date to apply
12 June 2026 (6 PM)
Application fee
₹25 (General/OBC/EWS)
Apply at
upsconline.nic.in
Largest post
Scientist-B — 46 posts
2nd largest
Deputy Controller — 44 posts
Nature of posts
Permanent government jobs
Selection basis
Interview / RT + Interview
3. Complete list of 32 posts with vacancies
| Post | Department / Ministry | Approx. vacancies | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B | Multiple — IMD, ASI, DRDO, Min. of Defence | 46 | Group A |
| Deputy Controller of Explosives | PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) | 44 | Group A |
| Assistant Director | Multiple ministries — ASI, MSME, Home Affairs | 26 | Group A |
| Airworthiness Officer | DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) | Multiple | Group A |
| Manager (Mail Motor Service) | Department of Posts | Multiple | Group B |
| Junior Technical Officer | Various technical departments | Multiple | Group B |
| Scientific Officer | Various research/technical departments | Multiple | Group A/B |
| Deputy Superintending Archaeological Engineer | Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) | Multiple | Group A |
| Associate Professor | Central universities / research institutions | Multiple | Group A |
| Lecturer | Central institutions | Multiple | Group B |
| Deputy Director | Various departments | Multiple | Group A |
| Joint Assistant Director | Various departments | Multiple | Group A/B |
| Assistant Executive Engineer | Various departments | Multiple | Group B |
| Deputy Director of Mines Safety | DGMS (Ministry of Mines) | Multiple | Group A |
| Assistant Director of Mines Safety | DGMS (Ministry of Mines) | Multiple | Group B |
| Research Officer | Various research departments | Multiple | Group B |
| Tourist Officer | Ministry of Tourism | Multiple | Group B |
| Driller | Geological Survey of India (GSI) | Multiple | Group B |
| And 14 more post types | Various central government departments | Remaining vacancies | Group A/B |
32 post types — 194 total vacancies. The Employment News 23–29 May 2026 referenced this as “32 vacancies” — this refers to 32 different post types in the notification, not 32 total seats. The actual total number of seats across all 32 post types is 194 vacancies. Download the official notification PDF at upsc.gov.in for the exact post-wise and category-wise vacancy breakdown.
4. Departments and ministries covered
DGCA — Directorate General of Civil Aviation
Ministry of Civil Aviation. Airworthiness Officer posts — aviation safety and aircraft maintenance oversight.
PESO — Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation
Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Deputy Controller of Explosives — 44 posts. Explosives and petroleum safety regulation.
ASI — Archaeological Survey of India
Ministry of Culture. Scientist-B, Deputy Superintending Archaeological Engineer, Assistant Director posts.
IMD — Indian Meteorological Department
Ministry of Earth Sciences. Scientist-B posts in meteorology, climatology, and atmospheric sciences.
Department of Posts
Ministry of Communications. Manager (Mail Motor Service) posts managing postal vehicle operations.
DGMS — Directorate General of Mines Safety
Ministry of Mines. Deputy Director and Assistant Director of Mines Safety posts.
Ministry of MSME
Assistant Director posts supporting MSME sector development and policy.
Ministry of Defence / DRDO
Scientist-B and technical posts in defence research and development.
Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Ministry of Mines. Driller posts for geological field exploration across India.
5. Airworthiness Officer — most searched post
The Airworthiness Officer post under DGCA is one of the most prestigious and searched positions in this notification. Airworthiness Officers ensure that aircraft operating in Indian airspace meet safety standards — they inspect aircraft, review maintenance records, and enforce DGCA airworthiness directives.
Eligibility for Airworthiness Officer
- Route 1 — AME License holders: Bachelor’s degree in Physics/Mathematics AND a valid Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) License (Category B1 or B2) issued by DGCA, India AND minimum 3 years of post-license aircraft maintenance experience
- Route 2 — Engineering graduates: B.E./B.Tech in Aeronautical / Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Telecommunications Engineering. Aeronautical Engineering graduates may be considered without an AME License. AND minimum 3 years of relevant aircraft maintenance or airworthiness experience
What is an AME License? An Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) License is issued by DGCA to qualified aircraft maintenance professionals. Category B1 covers mechanical systems and Category B2 covers avionics systems. This is a specialist credential that relatively few engineers have — making Airworthiness Officer one of the least competitive UPSC posts per vacancy despite its prestige.
6. Scientist-B — 46 vacancies — largest post in this notification
Scientist-B is the entry-level scientist position in central government research organisations. With 46 vacancies, this is the largest post in Advertisement No. 05/2026. Posts are spread across IMD, ASI, and other research departments.
Eligibility for Scientist-B
- M.Sc. or equivalent postgraduate degree in a relevant science discipline (Physics, Chemistry, Atmospheric Sciences, Geophysics, Geology, Life Sciences etc.) with minimum 60% marks from a recognised university
- OR B.E./B.Tech or equivalent engineering degree in a relevant discipline
- Some Scientist-B posts require a PhD — check the post-specific notification
- Age limit: Typically up to 30–35 years depending on the specific post and department
- No prior work experience required for most Scientist-B posts — this is an entry-level research scientist grade
Scientist-B is an exceptional opportunity for fresh postgraduates and PhD holders. Unlike most UPSC direct recruitment posts that require years of experience, many Scientist-B posts are open to fresh M.Sc./M.Tech graduates. The pay is Level 10 (₹56,100/month) — equivalent to an IAS officer’s entry level pay — making this one of the best-paying entry-level science jobs in India.
7. Deputy Controller of Explosives (PESO) — 44 vacancies
PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) is India’s regulatory body for explosives, petroleum, and compressed gas. The Deputy Controller of Explosives is a critical regulatory officer responsible for licensing, inspection, and enforcement of safety norms for explosive materials across India.
Eligibility for Deputy Controller of Explosives
- B.E./B.Tech in Chemical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Mining Engineering from a recognised university
- Minimum marks as specified in the official notification
- Age limit: Check official notification — typically up to 35 years for General category
- No specific prior experience mentioned as mandatory — check official notification for exact requirements
44 vacancies makes Deputy Controller of Explosives the second-largest post in this notification. PESO operates across India — selected officers are posted to regional PESO offices in various states for field inspection and regulatory work.
8. Other key posts — eligibility snapshot
| Post | Department | Key qualification | Pay level (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Director (ASI) | Archaeological Survey | MA Archaeology / History / Ancient Indian History with 60% | Level 10 |
| Manager (Mail Motor Service) | Dept of Posts | Degree in Engineering (Mechanical/Automobile) or Diploma + experience | Level 7–8 |
| Deputy Director of Mines Safety | DGMS | B.E./B.Tech Mining Engineering with experience | Level 11–12 |
| Research Officer | Various | PG degree in relevant subject with research experience | Level 7–10 |
| Tourist Officer | Ministry of Tourism | Degree in Tourism / Hotel Management / relevant field | Level 6–7 |
| Associate Professor | Institutions | PhD with teaching experience + publications | Level 13A |
| Driller | GSI | Diploma in Mining / relevant trade + drilling experience | Level 4–5 |
| Scientific Officer | Various | M.Sc. or B.E./B.Tech in relevant discipline | Level 8–10 |
Pay levels above are indicative based on the standard pay for these post designations in central government. The exact pay level for each post in this notification is specified in the official PDF at upsc.gov.in. Always verify from the official notification before applying.
9. Important dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement released | 23 May 2026 |
| Online application opens | 23 May 2026 |
| Last date to apply online | 12 June 2026 (up to 18:00 hours / 6 PM) |
| Application mode | Online only — upsconline.nic.in ORA portal |
| Advertisement No. | 05/2026 |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in / upsconline.nic.in |
⚠️ Last date is 12 June 2026 at 6:00 PM sharp. UPSC’s ORA portal stops accepting applications exactly at 6 PM. Do not wait until the last day — technical issues on the final day can result in missed applications. Apply at least 2–3 days before the deadline.
10. Age limit
Age limits vary by post. General patterns:
| Post category | Typical age limit (General) |
|---|---|
| Entry-level technical (Scientist-B, Driller, Junior Technical Officer) | 30–35 years |
| Mid-level (Deputy Controller, Airworthiness Officer, Research Officer) | 35–40 years |
| Senior technical (Deputy Director, Associate Professor) | 40–50 years |
| SC/ST relaxation (all posts) | +5 years |
| OBC relaxation (all posts) | +3 years |
| PwBD relaxation (all posts) | +10 years |
| Ex-servicemen | As per Government of India rules |
The exact age limit for each of the 32 posts is specified in the official notification. Some posts have unusual age limits depending on department-specific rules. Always verify the post-specific age limit from the official PDF before applying.
11. Application fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS — Male candidates | ₹25 only (non-refundable) |
| SC / ST candidates | No fee — exempted |
| PwBD candidates | No fee — exempted |
| Female candidates — all categories | No fee — exempted |
| Ex-servicemen | No fee — exempted |
₹25 is one of the lowest application fees for any central government recruitment in India. Female candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen pay nothing. Payment is online only through the UPSC ORA portal — credit card, debit card, or net banking.
12. Selection process
UPSC Advertisement No. 05/2026 uses one of two selection routes — decided by UPSC post-wise:
- Recruitment by Selection (Interview only): Candidates are shortlisted based on application screening, and shortlisted candidates attend a personal interview conducted by UPSC. Final merit list is prepared based on interview performance.
- Recruitment Test followed by Interview: For posts where the number of qualified applicants is large, UPSC may conduct a written Recruitment Test (RT) first to screen candidates, followed by a personal interview for those who qualify the RT.
Which route applies to which post? UPSC decides the selection method post-wise and publishes this information in the official notification PDF. The exact method — whether your post has interview-only or RT + interview — is specified there. Check the official notification carefully before preparing.
13. How to apply at upsconline.nic.in
-
Go to the official UPSC ORA portal
Visit https://upsconline.nic.in — the Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal. This is the ONLY official portal for UPSC direct recruitment applications. Do not use any third-party website. Click on “Online Recruitment Application (ORA)” and find Advertisement No. 05/2026. -
Download and read the official notification PDF first
Before filling any form, download the complete official notification PDF from upsc.gov.in. Read the specific eligibility conditions for your target post — qualification, experience, age limit, and pay level. With 32 different post types, each has different requirements. -
Register and create your ORA profile
If you are a new user, register on the ORA portal with your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. An ORA registration number is generated — keep this safely. If you have used UPSC ORA before, log in with your existing credentials. -
Fill the application for your specific post
Select the post you are applying for from the list of posts under Advertisement No. 05/2026. Fill in all personal, educational, and experience details accurately. All information must match your original documents exactly. -
Upload photograph and signature
Upload a recent passport-size colour photograph and your signature in the prescribed size and format specified on the ORA portal. Photographs must be recent — taken within 3 months. -
Pay ₹25 fee and submit
Pay ₹25 online through debit card, credit card, or net banking if you are a General/OBC/EWS male candidate. SC, ST, PwBD, Women, and Ex-servicemen pay nothing. After payment, click Submit. Download and take a printout of your submitted application form and payment receipt.
Apply online from 23 May to 12 June 2026 (6 PM) at the official UPSC ORA portal:
upsconline.nic.in → Online Recruitment Application (ORA)Advertisement No. 05/2026 | 194 vacancies | 32 post types | Fee ₹25 only
14. Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for multiple posts in this one notification?
Yes — but you must submit a separate application for each post and pay a separate fee for each. UPSC allows applying for multiple posts in the same notification as long as you meet the eligibility conditions for each post separately. However, be realistic — apply only for posts where you genuinely meet the qualification and experience requirements. Applying for posts you are not eligible for wastes your fee and time.
What is UPSC Direct Recruitment — will I need to clear the Civil Services Exam?
No. UPSC Direct Recruitment is completely separate from the Civil Services Examination (CSE). You do not need to clear UPSC CSE Prelims or Mains. The selection for direct recruitment posts is through a shorter process — typically application shortlisting followed by an interview (and sometimes a written recruitment test). These are specialist posts filled directly from eligible candidates with the required qualifications and experience.
I am a mechanical engineering graduate. Which posts in this notification can I apply for?
With a mechanical engineering degree, you may be eligible for several posts — Airworthiness Officer (if you have AME license or aeronautical/mechanical degree with aircraft maintenance experience), Deputy Controller of Explosives (if Chemical/Mechanical/Mining engineering), Manager Mail Motor Service (Mechanical/Automobile engineering), Assistant Executive Engineer (Mechanical), and possibly some Scientific Officer or Junior Technical Officer posts depending on the specific department. Check the official notification PDF for exact branch-wise eligibility for each post.
How many posts have interview-only selection vs Recruitment Test + Interview?
UPSC decides this post-wise and publishes it in the official notification. Generally, posts with very specific eligibility requirements (like Airworthiness Officer or Deputy Controller of Explosives) tend to have interview-only selection since the number of eligible candidates is naturally lower. Posts with broader eligibility (like Scientist-B or Research Officer) may have a Recruitment Test first when the applicant pool is larger. Check the specific post’s selection method in the official PDF.
Is there a negative marking in the UPSC Recruitment Test?
UPSC specifies the Recruitment Test pattern post-wise in the official notification. Generally, UPSC Recruitment Tests (RT) for direct recruitment do have negative marking — typically one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer. However, this depends on the specific post. Check the official notification for the RT pattern applicable to your target post before preparing.
Quick summary — UPSC Advertisement No. 05/2026
- Organisation: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Advertisement No: 05/2026
- Total vacancies: 194 across 32 post types
- Grade: Group A and Group B Gazetted — permanent central government posts
- Largest posts: Scientist-B (46), Deputy Controller of Explosives (44), Assistant Director (26)
- Key departments: DGCA, PESO, IMD, ASI, DGMS, Department of Posts, Ministry of MSME, DRDO
- Application window: 23 May 2026 to 12 June 2026 (6 PM)
- Application fee: ₹25 (General/OBC/EWS male) | Free for SC/ST/PwBD/Women/Ex-SM
- Selection: Interview only OR Recruitment Test + Interview — post-wise
- Key insight: 32 post types means 32 separate eligibility conditions — read your specific post’s requirements carefully
- Key insight: Far less competition than UPSC CSE — specialist qualifications required reduce applicant pool significantly
- Apply at: upsconline.nic.in → ORA → Advertisement No. 05/2026
Last updated: May 2026 · Source: UPSC Advertisement No. 05/2026 released 23 May 2026 and verified from multiple reliable recruitment news sources.
Post-wise vacancy figures, exact eligibility conditions, age limits, and pay levels must be verified from the official notification PDF at upsc.gov.in before applying.
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