National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, has invited applications for 10 Scientist positions across Scientist B, Scientist C and Scientist D levels.
The positions span areas including biological sciences, agricultural sciences, biotechnology, engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, veterinary sciences and environmental sciences.
For researchers and scientists interested in grassroots innovation, technology development, field research, agricultural innovation, traditional knowledge and technology validation, this is an an excellent opportunity to work with the government of India.
What is the National Innovation Foundation?
The National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF) is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. NIF works to strengthen India’s grassroots innovation ecosystem by identifying, documenting, validating, developing, protecting and disseminating technological innovations and outstanding traditional knowledge.
Its work covers areas ranging from agricultural and engineering technologies to healthcare, veterinary technologies, food processing and technologies addressing everyday needs.
OTHER TECHNOLOGY NEWS:
NIF Recruitment 2026: How many Scientist vacancies are available?
The latest NIF recruitment notification, Advertisement No. 02/2026 dated August 29, 2026, lists 10 Scientist vacancies.
| Post | Vacancies | Pay Level | Pay Scale | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist D | 1 | Level 12 | ₹78,800–₹2,09,200 | 40 years |
| Scientist C | 4 | Level 11 | ₹67,700–₹2,08,700 | 35 years |
| Scientist B | 5 | Level 10 | ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 | 35 years |
Who can apply for NIF Scientist jobs?
The eligibility requirements vary by post and discipline.
Scientist D –
There is one Scientist D position. Applicants need:
- A PhD in a relevant discipline in areas such as Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology, Veterinary Sciences, or an equivalent discipline.
- At least five years of research and development experience in the relevant field.
- At least five original published works of high standard in journals of national or international repute.
The desirable experience includes public policy or development studies, impact assessment, programme evaluation and field research involving rural, remote, hilly or tribal communities.
Experience working with grassroots innovators, farmers, artisans, self-help groups and Farmer Producer Organisations is also listed among the desirable qualifications.
Scientist C –
There are four Scientist C positions, covering multiple research areas. Depending on the post, eligible candidates may need a PhD in areas such as:
- Agricultural Sciences
- Production and Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Biological Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Candidates for Scientist C positions generally require three years of R&D experience and at least three original published works of high standard. The desirable experience varies by position and includes areas such as:
- Prototype development and engineering design
- Technology validation and field deployment
- Agricultural biopesticides and biocontrol
- Intellectual property protection
- Traditional healthcare systems
- Preclinical and clinical research
- Product development and technology scale-up
Scientist B recruitment: PhD and Master’s degree routes –
There are five Scientist B positions. The eligibility differs across the individual post codes. Depending on the position, candidates may qualify with a PhD or a first-class Master’s degree in a specified discipline. The recruitment covers areas including:
- Biological Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Veterinary Sciences
Candidates are also required to meet the publication requirements specified for the respective post. For Scientist B positions, the notification generally requires at least two original published works of high standard.
Some positions specifically seek experience in grassroots innovation, indigenous knowledge, agricultural field trials, engineering product development, prototyping, intellectual property and interaction with farmers, artisans and innovators.
OTHER RESEARCH JOBS:
What kind of research will these NIF scientists work on?
One of the notable features of the NIF recruitment is the emphasis on applied and field-linked research. The notification mentions experience related to:
- Grassroots technological innovations
- Indigenous and traditional knowledge
- Agricultural technologies
- Product development and prototyping
- Technology validation
- Field trials
- Agricultural innovation
- Biopesticides and crop protection
- Traditional healthcare systems
- Veterinary technologies
- Intellectual property
- Technology deployment
- Impact assessment and programme evaluation
NIF Recruitment 2026: Application fee
Candidates from the UR, OBC and EWS categories have to pay a non-refundable application fee of ₹1,000.
SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates are exempt from paying the application fee, subject to the conditions specified in the notification.
How to apply for NIF Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates have to apply online only through the NIF Recruitment Portal. Hard-copy applications are not required. Applicants must upload documents supporting their:
- Date of birth
- Educational qualifications
- Research experience
- Category, where applicable
- Publications
- PhD registration and award, wherever applicable
Candidates already working in government departments, PSUs, autonomous or statutory bodies, universities or government-funded research institutions are required to follow the prescribed NOC/proper-channel requirements.
Official recruitment notification: NIF Advertisement No. 02/2026
Online application portal: NIF Recruitment Portal
Which disciplines are covered under NIF Scientist Recruitment 2026?
The notification’s discipline list includes areas such as:
Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Production Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry and Veterinary Sciences.
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