ICMR Scientist-D Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is India's apex body for biomedical research under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. ICMR Scientist-D Recruitment 2026 invites applications for scientific positions across various ICMR institutes and laboratories located throughout India. Scientist-D is a Group 'A' gazetted post in the research cadre, responsible for leading independent research projects, supervising junior scientists, and contributing to public health research initiatives. Selected candidates will work on cutting-edge medical and health research in areas like communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, epidemiology, clinical research, basic science, nutrition, and emerging health challenges. This recruitment offers an opportunity to serve the nation through scientific research while building a prestigious career in government medical research institutions. ICMR scientists contribute directly to national health policies and programs through evidence-based research.

Important Dates

Note: Exact dates will be notified on the official ICMR website www.icmr.gov.in

Typical / Indicative vacancy distribution:

Note: Vacancies vary by institute/location. PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) reservation as per government norms applies horizontally across categories.

Educational Qualification

Essential:

• Ph.D. degree in Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, or related biological/health sciences from a recognized Indian or foreign university
• OR M.D./M.S./M.D.S./M.V.Sc. in relevant medical/dental/veterinary specialization
• OR Master's degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant specialization with consistently good academic record

Desirable:

• First Division or equivalent CGPA in Master's degree
• Published research papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Research experience in the relevant field
• NET/GATE qualification (advantageous)

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative age criteria:

Age Relaxation:

Age is calculated as on the closing date of application.

Nationality

Applicants must be:

• Citizen of India, OR
• Subject of Nepal, OR
• Subject of Bhutan, OR
• Tibetan Refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with intention of permanent settlement, OR
• Person of Indian Origin (PIO) migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, or Vietnam with intention of permanent settlement

Candidates (except Indian citizens) must possess certificate of eligibility issued by Government of India.

How to Apply Online

1. Visit Official Website: Go to ICMR recruitment portal at www.icmr.gov.in or the designated recruitment website (main.icmr.nic.in)

1. New Registration: Click on 'New Registration' for Scientist-D recruitment and create account using valid email ID and mobile number

1. Verify Credentials: Complete OTP verification for both email and mobile number

1. Login to Portal: Use generated credentials to login to the application portal

1. Fill Application Form: Complete all mandatory fields including personal details, educational qualifications, experience, research publications, and upload required documents

1. Upload Documents: Scan and upload recent photograph (50KB), signature (20KB), educational certificates, age proof, caste certificate (if applicable), PwBD certificate (if applicable), and experience certificates in specified format

1. Pay Application Fee: Complete online payment through Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI

1. Submit Application: Review all details carefully and submit the application form

1. Download Confirmation: Take printout of application confirmation page and fee payment receipt for future reference

Application Fee Structure

Fee payment mode: Online only (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI). No offline payment accepted. Fee is non-refundable.

1. Screening of Applications: Initial shortlisting based on educational qualifications, research experience, publications, and fulfillment of eligibility criteria

1. Written Examination: Computer-based objective type test covering subject knowledge, research methodology, biostatistics, general awareness of health research, and analytical ability (typically 2-3 hours duration)

1. Assessment of Research Output: Evaluation of published research papers, patents, research projects handled, and quality of Ph.D. thesis work

1. Personal Interview/Presentation: Shortlisted candidates present their research work and undergo interview by expert committee assessing technical knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, and suitability for scientific position (typical weightage: 30-40% of total marks)

1. Document Verification: Verification of original certificates including educational qualifications, experience, caste certificate, age proof, and other testimonials

1. Medical Examination: Selected candidates undergo medical fitness examination as per government standards

1. Final Merit List: Preparation of category-wise merit list based on combined performance in written test, research assessment, and interview

1. Offer of Appointment: Issue of appointment letters to selected candidates subject to verification and availability of vacancies

Written Examination Pattern

Computer-Based Test (CBT):

Negative Marking: 0.5 marks deducted for each incorrect answer

Qualifying Marks: Minimum 50% for UR/EWS, 45% for OBC, 40% for SC/ST/PwBD

Interview Pattern

Final Selection: Based on combined marks of Written Test (260) + Interview (150) = 410 marks

Exact pattern may vary; refer to official notification for confirmed details.

Detailed Syllabus (Subject-Specific)

Core Life Sciences/Medical Sciences

• Cell Biology: Cell structure, organelles, cell cycle, cell signaling, apoptosis
• Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation
• Genetics: Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, cytogenetics
• Biochemistry: Biomolecules, metabolism, enzymology, clinical biochemistry
• Immunology: Immune system, antigens-antibodies, immunological techniques, vaccines
• Microbiology: Bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, diagnostic microbiology
• Pathology: General pathology, systemic pathology, clinical pathology
• Pharmacology: Drug action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicology

Research Methodology

• Research design and planning
• Experimental methods and techniques
• Laboratory quality control and management
• Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Ethical considerations in research
• Animal experimentation ethics and 3R principles
• Clinical trial methodology and GCP
• Biosafety and biosecurity measures

Biostatistics

• Descriptive statistics: Mean, median, mode, standard deviation
• Probability and distributions
• Hypothesis testing and significance
• Parametric and non-parametric tests
• Correlation and regression analysis
• Sample size calculation
• Data interpretation and presentation
• Use of statistical software

Epidemiology & Public Health

• Principles of epidemiology
• Disease surveillance and outbreak investigation
• Study designs: cohort, case-control, cross-sectional
• Measures of disease frequency and association
• Screening and diagnostic tests
• National health programs
• Communicable and non-communicable diseases
• Health policy and management

Current Topics in Medical Research

• Emerging and re-emerging infections
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Genomics and precision medicine
• Stem cell research
• Cancer biology and therapeutics
• Vaccine development
• Nutrition and metabolic disorders
• Mental health research
• Climate change and health
• Digital health and telemedicine

General Awareness

• ICMR structure, institutes, and major programs
• Recent developments in health research
• National health policies and missions
• International health organizations (WHO, UNICEF)
• Scientific integrity and research ethics
• Intellectual property rights in research
• Science and technology developments
• Current affairs related to health sector

Candidates should prepare according to their specialization area. Detailed subject-wise syllabus will be available in official notification.

Typical / Indicative Salary Structure (7th CPC):

Additional Benefits:

• NPS Contribution: 10% employer contribution to National Pension System
• Medical Facilities: Free medical treatment for self and dependents through CGHS
• LTC (Leave Travel Concession): Travel benefits for self and family once in two years
• Children Education Allowance: ₹2,250 per child per month (max 2 children)
• Research Allowance: Additional allowance for research activities and fieldwork
• Accommodation: Government accommodation subject to availability or HRA
• Annual Increment: Approximately 3% of basic pay annually

HRA varies by city classification: X-class (24%), Y-class (16%), Z-class (8%). In-hand salary varies based on deductions like NPS, professional tax, income tax, and recovery of accommodation charges.

Total CTC (Annual): Approximately ₹12-14 lakhs per annum including all allowances and benefits.

ICMR Scientist-D position offers excellent career progression opportunities within the scientific cadre. Scientists can be promoted to Scientist-E (₹67,700 Level 12), Scientist-F (₹78,800 Level 13), Scientist-G (₹1,18,500 Level 14), and eventually to higher administrative-scientific positions like Director Grade Scientist based on performance, research output, publications, and years of service. ICMR also provides opportunities for international collaborations, advanced training programs, participation in WHO projects, and leading national health research initiatives, making it a prestigious career path for medical and life science researchers.

ICMR will release admit cards for the written examination approximately 10-15 days before the exam date on the official recruitment portal. Candidates must login using their registration credentials to download the admit card. The admit card contains important details including exam date, time, venue, reporting time, candidate's photograph, and important instructions. Candidates must carry the admit card along with a valid original photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Driving License/Passport) to the examination center, failing which entry will be denied.

ICMR declares results in multiple stages on its official website. The written examination result with qualifying candidate list is typically released 3-4 weeks after the exam, followed by interview schedule announcement. After completion of interviews and document verification, the final merit list is published institute-wise and category-wise. Candidates can check their results using registration number/roll number on the recruitment portal. Score cards are usually available for download, and selected candidates receive appointment letters via email and registered post.

Typical / Indicative cutoff marks for Scientist-D positions vary by specialization and competition level. Generally, UR candidates need 55-65% marks in written test, OBC candidates around 50-60%, and SC/ST candidates 45-55% to qualify for interview. The final cutoff depends on number of vacancies, difficulty level of exam, and candidate performance. Subject-specific positions like microbiology, epidemiology tend to have higher cutoffs (60-70% for UR) compared to other specializations. Category-wise final merit cutoffs after interview typically range: UR (65-75%), OBC (60-70%), SC/ST (55-65%) of total combined marks.

Major Examination Cities (Subject to availability and candidate preference):

North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dehradun, Shimla, Jammu, Srinagar, Patna, Ranchi

South: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Mysuru, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Puducherry, Madurai

East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Dibrugarh, Port Blair

West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa, Nagpur, Indore, Bhopal

Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, Aizawl, Agartala, Itanagar, Kohima, Dimapur

ICMR allocates exam centers based on availability and candidate preference indicated in application form. Final exam city will be mentioned on admit card.