SSC Scientific Assistant Exam Eligibility Criteria
Updated 2026Educational Qualifications
The recruitment seeks individuals with specific academic backgrounds to ensure they can handle the technical demands of the IMD. Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree (3-year duration) in Science with Physics as a compulsory subject, or in Computer Science/Information Technology/Computer Applications, with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.
- A Diploma (3-year duration) in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, also with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.
Age Limit and Criteria
Candidates applying for the Scientific Assistant IMD position must strictly adhere to the age limits prescribed in the official notification. The primary criteria is that the candidate must not exceed 30 years of age. Proof of age, as recorded in the candidate's 10th-grade certificate or admit card, is the final authority for age verification. Adherence to these limits is mandatory for the acceptance of the application form.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Scientific Assistant IMD is designed to filter for professional competency through two stages:
- Computer Based Examination (CBE): This is the primary evaluation stage, consisting of two parts (Paper I and Paper II). It tests general knowledge, aptitude, and technical subject expertise.
- Document Verification (DV): Candidates who qualify in the CBE are called for the document verification stage, where their educational certificates, caste certificates, and age proof are validated against the original documents submitted during the application phase. Failure to present valid documentation results in disqualification.
Age Relaxation Categories
The government provides specific age relaxations for reserved and special categories as follows:
- SC/ST: 5 Years
- OBC: 3 Years
- PwBD (UR): 10 Years
- PwBD (OBC): 13 Years
- PwBD (SC/ST): 15 Years
- Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deducting military service from actual age
- Defence Personnel (Disabled in operation): 3 years
- Defence Personnel (Disabled in operation/foreign country/disturbed area): 8 years
