Exam Date: August 17, 2025
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) offers two prestigious programs for engineering graduates and science postgraduates aspiring to become Scientific Officers in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE): Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates (OCES) and the DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme (DGFS). These programs provide comprehensive training in nuclear science and technology, leading to rewarding careers in various DAE units.
OCES 2025 – One-Year Orientation Course
Objective
To train engineering graduates and science postgraduates in nuclear science and technology, preparing them for roles as Scientific Officers in DAE units.
Training Details
• Duration: One year, commencing in August 2025.
• Structure: The program comprises foundation, core, advanced, and elective courses, along with mini-projects, organized into three trimesters.
• Evaluation: Continuous assessment through examinations and assignments.
• Certification: Successful completion leads to a Post-Graduate Diploma and eligibility for M.Tech./M.Phil./Ph.D. degrees from Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI).
Post-Training Placement
Upon successful completion, Trainee Scientific Officers (TSOs) are appointed as Scientific Officer 'C' in Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix, with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100. Additional increments are awarded based on performance during the training.
DGFS 2025 – DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme
Objective
To provide financial support and training to engineering graduates and science postgraduates pursuing M.Tech. in select disciplines, leading to roles as Scientific Officers in DAE units.
Program Structure
Duration: Two years of M.Tech. study, followed by a four-month Orientation Course for DGFS Fellows (OCDF).
Fellowship Details:
Stipend: ₹55,000 per month during M.Tech. and OCDF.
Tuition Fee: Reimbursement of M.Tech. tuition fees.
Contingency Grant: ₹40,000 per annum for two years for project-related expenses.
Accommodation: Mandatory boarding and lodging in DGFS Institute hostel during M.Tech. Post-Training Placement
Upon successful completion, DGFS Fellows are appointed as Scientific Officer 'C' in Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix, with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100. Additional increments are awarded based on performance during M.Tech. and OCDF.
Selection Process
Screening Methods
Candidates can be screened through:
Online Examination: Conducted by BARC in various cities across India.
GATE Score: Valid GATE scores from 2022, 2023, or 2024.
CGPA Score: Cumulative Grade Point Average of 7.5 or above from CBS/NISER.
Selection Interviews
Shortlisted candidates based on screening are called for interviews, which are the sole criterion for final selection, subject to medical fitness. Interviews are conducted in Mumbai (for all disciplines except Geology) and Hyderabad (for Geology).
Salary and Benefits
During Training:
• Stipend: ₹55,000 per month.
• Book Allowance: ₹18,000 (for OCES TSOs).
• Contingency Grant: ₹40,000 per annum for two years (for DGFS Fellows).
• Accommodation: Mandatory boarding and lodging in DAE or DGFS Institute hostel.
• Post-Training Appointment:
• Designation: Scientific Officer 'C'.
• Pay Scale: Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission Pay Matrix, starting with a basic pay of ₹56,100.
• Additional Increments: 2-3 for OCES TSOs and 3-4 for DGFS Fellows, based on performance.
• Monthly Emoluments: Approximately ₹1,20,000, including Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Transport Allowance at Mumbai rates.
Training Locations
• The OCES and DGFS programs are conducted at the following BARC Training Schools:
• BARC, Mumbai
• Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam
• Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore
• Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad
• Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad
Exam Pattern
The Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the BARC OCES/DGFS 2025 recruitment is structured as follows:
• Number of Questions: 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
• Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
• Marking Scheme:
o +3 marks for each correct answer
o −1 mark for each incorrect answer
o 0 marks for unattempted questions
• Total Marks: 300
• Mode: Online (CBT) conducted at designated centers
• Syllabus: Specific to the selected engineering or science discipline, assessing fundamental understanding and problem-solving abilities.career.aglasem.com+6gyaanbytes.com+6testbook.com+6geeksforgeeks.orgphysicshub.in+6scribd.com+6zerovigyan.com+6studylib.net+1zerovigyan.com+1
Note: The exam is conducted in English, and candidates are provided with a scientific calculator during the test.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit:
• General (UR): Maximum 26 years
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Maximum 29 years
• SC/ST: Maximum 31 years
• Age Relaxation: Applicable as per government norms. myeducationwire.com+1testbook.com+1
Educational Qualifications:
• OCES: Graduates in Engineering or Science Postgraduates in specified disciplines.
• DGFS: Candidates who have secured admission to M.Tech. programs at select institutes and meet the OCES eligibility criteria. adda247.com+2gyaanbytes.com+2adda247.com+2myeducationwire.com
1. Understand the Exam Pattern
Duration: 2 hours (online)
Questions: ~100 MCQs
Negative Marking: Yes (1 mark deduction for wrong answers)
Subjects: Based on your engineering/science discipline (no general aptitude)
2. Focus on Core Subjects (GATE-Level)
BARC paper is similar to GATE but often more conceptually tricky and calculation-intensive.
For Engineers (e.g., ME, EE, ECE, CSE):
Focus on core subjects—Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics, Signals, Control Systems, etc.
Avoid too much theory. Focus on numerical problem-solving.
For Science Streams (e.g., Physics, Chemistry):
Master concepts from MSc level textbooks (like Griffiths for Physics, Atkins for Chemistry).
3. Use GATE Materials but Practice BARC-Style
Use GATE books and coaching notes for concepts (e.g., Made Easy, Ace Academy).
Solve GATE previous year questions.
Then practice BARC-specific MCQs, which are shorter, faster, and calculation-based.
4. BARC Is Speed-Driven – Practice Fast Calculations
Unlike GATE, BARC does not allow calculators.
Improve mental math, unit conversions, and estimation skills.
Solve 100+ MCQs in 2 hours = ~1.2 minutes per question.
5. Revise Smartly
Make short notes or formula sheets for last-minute revision.
Revise daily or weekly, especially weak topics.
Focus on conceptual clarity, not just memorization.
6. Mock Tests & Previous Papers
Attempt BARC mock tests under timed conditions.
Use portals like Gradeup, Testbook, or self-timed mocks.
Analyze your mistakes and build a topic-wise improvement list.
7. Prepare for the Interview (If Shortlisted)
BARC interviews are oral, technical, and deep.
They ask fundamental questions (not just definitions).
Be ready to derive, explain, and draw on the board.
Pick 2–3 strong subjects and prepare them deeply.
Online Registration Commencement: 30th December 2023.
• Application Closure: 14th February 2024.
• Online Examination: 16th – 17th March 2024.
• Interview Slot Booking: 26th April – 6th May 2024.
• Selection Interviews: 14th May – 14th June 2024.
• Final Selection Announcement: Last week of June 2024.
Registration Process
• Online Application Portal: https://www.barcocesexam.in
• Application Period: January 2 to January 26, 2025
• Correction Window: February 7 to February 14, 2025
• Admit Card Availability: February 25, 2025
• Exam Dates: March 8 to March 9, 2025
• Interview Dates: May 19 to June 13, 2025
• Result Declaration: OCES – Last week of June 2025; DGFS – 2nd week of july 2025
It is a recruitment exam conducted by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for selecting Scientific Officers under two programs:
OCES (Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates): A one-year training program.
DGFS (DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme): A two-year M.Tech/M.Chem.Engg. fellowship at select institutes followed by joining as a Scientific Officer.
Engineering graduates in disciplines like ME, EE, CE, CS, etc.
Science postgraduates in Physics, Chemistry, Biosciences, Geology, etc.
Must meet minimum percentage requirements (usually 60% aggregate).
Final-year students can apply provisionally.
General: 26 years
OBC (NCL): 29 years
SC/ST: 31 years
Dependents of DAE employees / PwD: Relaxation as per norms