BARC OCES/DGFS, DDFS 2026 CBT: Key Details and Admit Card Information
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has officially announced the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the OCES/DGFS-2026 recruitment programme and the DDFS-2026 doctoral academic programme under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). This examination serves as a common selection process for both initiatives, with the online test scheduled to take place on March 14 and March 15, 2026.
Admit Card Download and Examination Guidelines
All applicants who have successfully registered for these courses are required to download their admit cards from the official website of the online application portal. It is crucial for candidates to appear for the examination with a valid admit card, as it contains essential details such as exam venue, timing, and candidate information. BARC has emphasized that applicants must thoroughly check the details on their admit cards and strictly adhere to the guidelines provided by the institution to ensure a smooth examination process.
Overview of OCES/DGFS Recruitment Programme
The OCES-2026 programme is a recruitment initiative aimed at selecting candidates for the position of Scientific Officers within the Department of Atomic Energy. Selected individuals will undergo a One-Year Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates during the academic year 2026–2027 at BARC Training Schools. Upon successful completion of this orientation, candidates are considered for appointment as Scientific Officers in various DAE units, where they will receive specialized training for technical and research roles.
Additionally, some candidates chosen for OCES may be offered the Two-Year DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme for Engineering Graduates (DGFS-2026). This scheme allows engineering graduates who excel in selection interviews and secure admission into M.Tech. courses at participating institutions to pursue higher studies while maintaining their association with the Department of Atomic Energy. The fellowship supports candidates at institutes such as IIT Bombay and IIT Madras, providing a stipend and tuition fee assistance.
Details of DDFS Doctoral Academic Programme
The DDFS-2026 programme is a doctoral academic scheme designed for engineering postgraduates seeking admission to the DAE Doctoral Fellowship Scheme. Selected candidates will engage in PhD research under the guidance of the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), a deemed-to-be university. Scholars admitted through this fellowship will join one of HBNI's constituent institutions, which include BARC Mumbai, IGCAR Kalpakkam, IPR Gandhinagar, and VECC Kolkata, fostering advanced research in atomic energy fields.
Examination and Selection Timeline
The selection process follows a structured timeline to ensure transparency and efficiency. Key dates include:
- Candidates appearing for the CBT can upload their CGPA scores up to the second semester for those in the academic year 2024–25 between March 26 and April 2, 2026.
- The list of shortlisted candidates for selection interviews will be displayed on the online application portal in the second week of April 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates can choose their interview slots through the portal from April 17 to April 24, 2026.
- Selection interviews are scheduled from June 16 to June 18, 2026.
- The final list of applicants selected for the DDFS programme will be declared on the portal in the last week of June 2026.
- Selected candidates will undergo a medical test on July 18, 2026, with the DDFS academic programme commencing in the third week of July 2026.
This comprehensive schedule ensures that all applicants are kept informed throughout the selection process, from examination to final admission.
