The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, a premier research institution under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, is inviting online applications for 8 positions across three technical cadres. The recruitment notification (RGCB/Advt./TECH/01/2026) was released on 28 October 2026, and the application window remains open until 14 December 2026 at 17:00 hours.
Overview
This recruitment drive offers opportunities for candidates to join RGCB in technical roles spanning multiple experience and qualification levels. The organisation is seeking talented individuals to strengthen its research and operational capabilities in biotechnology. With 8 vacancies distributed across Technical Officer and two levels of Technical Assistant positions, the recruitment caters to candidates with varying educational backgrounds and professional experience.
What makes this opportunity particularly attractive is the complete absence of application fees. Unlike many government and semi-government recruitments, candidates from all categories—General (UR), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)—can apply without any financial burden. Selection is merit-based, conducted through a rigorous two-stage written examination designed to assess technical knowledge, general awareness, and problem-solving abilities.
Candidates must be below 35 years of age as on the reference date (14 December 2026). The age relaxation rules applicable to reserved category candidates will follow the guidelines set by the Government of India. Thorough preparation for both objective and descriptive components of the exam is essential for success.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement published | 28 October 2026 |
| Online application deadline | 14 December 2026, 17:00 hours |
| Reference date for age, qualification & experience | 14 December 2026 |
Application Fee
| Applicant Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All candidates (UR, OBC, EWS, SC, ST) | Nil – No fee |
Vacancy Details
| Post | Total Vacancies | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Category Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Officer (Code 1) | 2 | Level 7 | UR: 2 |
| Technical Assistant Group II (Code 2) | 3 | Level 5 | UR: 1, OBC: 1, EWS: 1 |
| Technical Assistant Group I (Code 3) | 3 | Level 2 | UR: 2, OBC: 1 |
Eligibility
Candidates must meet specific educational and experience requirements for each post. The notification indicates that positions require qualifications such as 12th standard, B.Tech/B.E, M.Sc, or VHSE certification, though the exact eligibility criteria for each individual post code (1, 2, and 3) must be verified from the official notification on the RGCB positions page.
The maximum age limit is 35 years as on 14 December 2026 (the reference date). Age relaxation as per Government of India norms may apply to candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC) and other eligible groups. Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the detailed eligibility criteria in the official notification before applying, as requirements vary by post code.
Documents to prepare: Have ready certified copies of your educational qualification certificates, age proof (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, Aadhaar, or passport), caste certificate (if applicable), experience certificates, and any other documents mentioned in the notification.
How to Apply
- Open your web browser and navigate to the RGCB positions page where the notification and online portal are accessible.
- Look for the recruitment notification numbered RGCB/Advt./TECH/01/2026 and read it thoroughly to understand all instructions and eligibility criteria.
- Click on the online application link to access the application portal and either create a new user account with your email and a strong password, or log in if you already have credentials.
- Select the post code for which you are applying—Code 1 (Technical Officer), Code 2 (Technical Assistant Group II), or Code 3 (Technical Assistant Group I).
- Fill all sections of the application form with accurate information: personal details, contact information, educational qualifications (with dates and institutions), professional experience (with designation, duration, and job description), and any other details requested.
- Carefully upload scanned copies of required supporting documents as specified in the notification—typically including degree certificates, age proof, caste certificate (if applicable), and experience letters—ensuring files are in acceptable format and size.
- Before submission, review every field and document for accuracy and completeness; errors may lead to rejection or disqualification.
- Submit your application and immediately save your application reference number, confirmation receipt, and any login credentials for future inquiries and exam updates.
Selection Process
Stage 1: Objective Type Written Examination
The first stage is a computer-based or pen-and-paper multiple-choice test lasting 90 minutes. It contains 100 MCQs worth a total of 200 marks. For each correct answer, candidates receive 2 marks; for each incorrect answer, 0.50 marks are deducted. The test covers four core areas: General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Thorough revision of these subjects is recommended.
Stage 2: Descriptive Test
Candidates who qualify the first stage proceed to the second stage, a pen-and-paper descriptive examination of 90 minutes. This test contains 10 questions but candidates must attempt and answer only 5 questions; only the first 5 attempted responses are evaluated. The total marks for this stage are 100. The syllabus covers academic subjects relevant to the candidate's qualification and topics directly related to the job description of the post applied for (Code 1, 2, or 3).
Merit list preparation will be based on combined performance in both stages. Candidates are advised to start preparation early, covering both general knowledge topics and subject-specific content aligned with their post's requirements.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the last date to apply for RGCB Recruitment 2026?
A: The online application deadline is 14 December 2026 at 17:00 hours (5:00 PM). Applications received after this date and time will be rejected automatically.
Q: Is there an application fee for this recruitment?
A: No, there is absolutely no application fee for any candidate, irrespective of category (UR, OBC, EWS, SC, ST). The entire recruitment process is free.
Q: What is the maximum age limit?
A: The maximum age limit is 35 years as on 14 December 2026. Age relaxation as per Government of India rules may apply to reserved category candidates.
Q: What educational qualifications are required?
A: The recruitment mentions qualifications including 12th standard, B.Tech/B.E, M.Sc, and VHSE. However, the specific qualification requirement for each post code (1, 2, 3) must be checked in the official notification on the RGCB positions page.
Q: How many vacancies are available?
A: There are 8 vacancies in total: 2 Technical Officer posts (Code 1), 3 Technical Assistant Group II posts (Code 2), and 3 Technical Assistant Group I posts (Code 3).
Q: What is the selection process?
A: Selection is two-stage. Stage 1 is an objective-type written test (100 MCQs, 90 minutes, 200 marks) covering General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Stage 2 is a descriptive pen-and-paper test (10 questions, answer any 5, 90 minutes, 100 marks) based on academic subjects and job-related topics.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details, dates, eligibility criteria, fee information, and application instructions on the official RGCB website before applying.