BARC OCES & DGFS 2026 Training Schemes: Eligibility, Salary, Selection Process & Career Growth

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India, through Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Training Schools, has officially announced the OCES-2026 and DGFS-2026 training schemes for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates. These prestigious programmes lead to direct appointment as Scientific Officers (Group-A Gazetted Post) in India’s premier nuclear and research organizations.

This article explains the training schemes, employment description, stipend, pay scale, eligibility, selection process, and important dates in detail.

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Overview of BARC Training Schemes 2026

DAE offers two flagship training programmes:

1. OCES-2026 – One-Year Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates & Science Postgraduates
2. DGFS-2026 – Two-Year DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme for Engineering Graduates

Both programmes are gateways to a permanent Scientific Officer position in DAE or AERB units.

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1. OCES-2026: One-Year Orientation Course

The Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates (OCES-2026) will be conducted at:

• BARC Training School, Mumbai
• BARC Training School, AMD Hyderabad

Training Duration

• 1 year (starting August 2026)

Posting After Training

After successful completion, Trainee Scientific Officers (TSOs) will be appointed as Scientific Officers in any of the following DAE units:

• BARC, Mumbai
• IGCAR, Kalpakkam
• RRCAT, Indore
• VECC, Kolkata
• HWB, Mumbai
• NFC, Hyderabad
• BRIT, Mumbai
• NPCIL, Mumbai
• BHAVINI, Kalpakkam
• AMD, Hyderabad
• UCIL, Jaduguda
• DCSEM, Mumbai
• Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

Note: Posting may be at headquarters or other facilities located across India.

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Academic Benefits After OCES

• Post-Graduate Diploma from Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)
• Credits towards M.Tech./Ph.D. programmes
• Opportunity for future Ph.D. through HBNI

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2. DGFS-2026: DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme

The DGFS-2026 is a two-year fellowship designed for top engineering graduates pursuing M.Tech. at premier institutes.

DGFS Key Features

• Sponsored M.Tech. degree at approved DGFS institutes (IIT Bombay & IIT Madras)
• Fellows remain DAE employees during M.Tech.
• One year course work + project work supervised by DAE & Institute guides

Post-M.Tech. Training

• Mandatory 4-month Orientation Course (OCDF-2028) at BARC Training School, Mumbai

Final Posting

• BARC or IGCAR (allocation decided at beginning of M.Tech.)

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Stipend and Allowances (During Training)

Monthly Stipend

• ?74,000 per month for both OCES TSOs and DGFS Fellows

Additional Benefits

• OCES: One-time book allowance of ?30,000
• DGFS:
  • Full tuition fee reimbursement
  • ?60,000 per year contingency grant
  • Project funding + up to ?4,00,000 under BRNS Fast Track Scheme
• Mandatory hostel accommodation during training

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Bond & Service Agreement

Selected candidates must sign an indemnity bond:

• OCES Bond: Stipend + book allowance
• DGFS Bond: Stipend + tuition fees + contingency + project funding
• Service Requirement: Minimum 3 years in DAE
• No third-party surety required

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Pay Scale After Appointment (Scientific Officer)

Pay Level

• Level-10 (7th CPC)
• Basic Pay: ?56,100

Increments

• OCES TSOs: 2–3 increments
• DGFS Fellows: 3–4 increments (based on performance)

Approximate Monthly Salary

• ?1,35,000 per month (for Mumbai postings)

Additional Allowances

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Transport Allowance
• LTC (Air travel)
• Children Education Allowance
• Professional Update Allowance
• PRIS (Performance Related Incentive Scheme)
• Comprehensive Health Coverage (CHSS)

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Selection Process for OCES/DGFS-2026

Step 1: Screening

Candidates are screened via:

1. Online Screening Examination (BARC Exam)
2. GATE Score (2024 / 2025 / 2026)

Candidates are advised to apply through both modes to maximize chances.

Step 2: Selection Interview

• Conducted at Mumbai or Hyderabad
• AC-III tier train fare reimbursed for outstation candidates
• Final selection based on interview performance & medical fitness

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Eligible Disciplines

Engineering (Codes 21–28)

• Mechanical
• Chemical
• Electrical
• Electronics
• Civil
• Computer Science
• Instrumentation
• Metallurgical Engineering

Science (Codes 41–46)

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biosciences
• Geology
• Geophysics

Minimum 60% marks or 6.0 CGPA required.

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Age Limit (As on 1 August 2026)

• General: 26 years
• OBC (NCL): 29 years
• SC/ST: 31 years
• PWD / Kashmir domicile / 1984 riot dependents: 31 years
• Minimum age: 18 years

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Application Fee

• ?500 – General & OBC (Male candidates)
• No fee – Women, SC/ST, PwD, Transgender, DODPKIA

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Important Dates (Tentative)

Event	Date
Application Start	22 Dec 2025
Last Date	21 Jan 2026
Online Exam	14–15 March 2026
Interviews	May–June 2026
Final Result	June 2026
OCES Training Begins	31 July 2026

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How to Apply for BARC OCES/DGFS-2026

• Apply online only
• Visit official portal:
  https://www.barcocesexam.in
• Read the Information Brochure & FAQs carefully before applying
• Download Official Notification

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Why Choose BARC OCES/DGFS?

• Prestigious Group-A Gazetted Officer job
• Excellent salary & allowances
• Long-term career growth up to top scientific leadership
• Opportunity to work on nuclear reactors, accelerators & advanced R&D
• Encouragement for women candidates

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Final Words

The BARC OCES & DGFS 2026 programmes are among the most respected scientific career pathways in India. If you are an engineering graduate or science postgraduate aspiring to work at the forefront of national research and nuclear technology, this is an opportunity you should not miss.

? Apply early, prepare well, and secure your future as a Scientific Officer in DAE.