CPCB Recruitment 2026: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has invited online applications for 51 contractual posts under the Strengthening of Environmental Regulators (SER) Phase-III Project. The vacancies include Scientist-D, Scientist-C, Scientist-B, Assistant Manager (Finance), Administrative Assistant, Scientific Assistant, Taxonomist, Data Entry Operator and Field Assistant. The online application window will open on 24 August 2026 at 10:00 AM and close on 7 September 2026 at 11:59 PM. The recruitment is project-based and initially offered for one year, with possible extension depending on performance and project requirements.
This CPCB recruitment is particularly relevant for candidates with backgrounds in environmental science, natural science, engineering, finance, administration, computer applications, biological sciences and related fields. The eligibility requirements vary significantly by post, with some positions requiring several years of relevant experience, research publications or specific qualifications. Candidates should therefore check the post-wise requirements carefully instead of applying solely based on their degree.
CPCB Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change |
| Advertisement No. | 02/WQM-II/2025-Admin.(R) |
| Project | Strengthening of Environmental Regulators (SER) Phase-III |
| Job Category | Central Government Jobs |
| Post Names | Scientist-D, Scientist-C, Scientist-B, Assistant Manager (Finance), Administrative Assistant, Scientific Assistant, Taxonomist, Data Entry Operator, Field Assistant |
| Total Vacancies | 51 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Contract Basis |
| Job Location | Lucknow, Kolkata, Chandigarh and CPCB Head Office, Delhi |
| Salary | ₹38,741 to ₹1,71,597 per month |
| Application Fee | No Fee |
| Starting Date | 24 August 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last Date | 7 September 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Official Website | CPCB |
The notification states that the project is funded by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Namami Gange Programme. The appointments are initially for one year and may be extended on a case-by-case basis.
CPCB Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
| Post Name | No. of Posts |
|---|---|
| Scientist-D | 01 |
| Scientist-C | 08 |
| Scientist-B | 12 |
| Assistant Manager (Finance) | 03 |
| Administrative Assistant | 01 |
| Scientific Assistant | 13 |
| Taxonomist | 01 |
| Data Entry Operator | 04 |
| Field Assistant | 08 |
| Total | 51 |
The notification lists all 51 positions under the SER Phase-III Project. The largest number of vacancies is available for Scientific Assistant with 13 posts, followed by Scientist-B with 12 posts.
Post-wise Salary and Age Limit
| Post Name | Vacancies | Upper Age Limit | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist-D | 01 | 50 Years | ₹1,71,597 |
| Scientist-C | 08 | 45 Years | ₹1,48,997 |
| Scientist-B | 12 | 35 Years | ₹1,25,380 |
| Assistant Manager (Finance) | 03 | 35 Years | ₹1,19,272 |
| Administrative Assistant | 01 | 35 Years | ₹77,654 |
| Scientific Assistant | 13 | 35 Years | ₹77,654 |
| Taxonomist | 01 | 35 Years | ₹65,031 |
| Data Entry Operator | 04 | 32 Years | ₹57,498 |
| Field Assistant | 08 | 27 Years | ₹38,741 |
The above age limits and consolidated monthly remuneration are specified post-wise in the CPCB advertisement.
Eligibility Criteria for CPCB Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification
The qualification is different for each position. Candidates should carefully match their education and experience with the post they intend to apply for.
| Post Name | Educational Qualification / Experience |
|---|---|
| Scientist-D | First Class Master’s in Environmental Science/Natural Science OR First Class Bachelor’s in Engineering/Technology in Environmental, Chemical, Civil, Energy & Environment or Biotechnology, along with the specified publication/technical-report requirement and 7 years relevant experience |
| Scientist-C | First Class Master’s in Environmental Science/Natural Science OR First Class Bachelor’s in relevant Engineering/Technology, along with specified publication/technical-report requirement and 5 years relevant experience |
| Scientist-B | First Class Master’s in Environmental Science/Natural Science OR First Class Bachelor’s in relevant Engineering/Technology, with valid GATE score of 90% or above percentile / NET-JRF and 3 years relevant experience |
| Assistant Manager (Finance) | First Class Master’s Degree in Commerce with Finance & Accounting/Taxation OR CA OR MBA in Finance & Accounting, with 8 years relevant post-qualification experience |
| Administrative Assistant | First Class Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University/equivalent with working knowledge of computers and 5 years relevant administrative experience |
| Scientific Assistant | First Class Master’s in Environmental Science/Natural Science OR First Class Bachelor’s in relevant Engineering/Technology, with valid GATE score of 90% or above percentile / NET-JRF |
| Taxonomist | First Class M.Sc.; desirable qualifications include Master’s in Botany/Zoology with minimum 75%, valid GATE score of 90% or above percentile / NET-JRF and specified publication experience |
| Data Entry Operator | First Class Bachelor’s Degree in Science/BCA and required computer skill/typing test |
| Field Assistant | 10+2 in Science with minimum 55% and knowledge of water/wastewater sampling and sample preservation |
Age Limit
The notification provides an upper age limit for each post.
| Post | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Scientist-D | 50 Years |
| Scientist-C | 45 Years |
| Scientist-B | 35 Years |
| Assistant Manager (Finance) | 35 Years |
| Administrative Assistant | 35 Years |
| Scientific Assistant | 35 Years |
| Taxonomist | 35 Years |
| Data Entry Operator | 32 Years |
| Field Assistant | 27 Years |
Minimum Age: 18 years is used as the standard minimum where the notification does not prescribe a separate minimum age.
The notification states that age, qualification and experience will be reckoned as on the last date of submission of the application, i.e. 7 September 2026. No updating of qualification or experience after the closing date will be accepted.
Age Relaxation
The notification states that there will be no reservation for these contractual appointments. Therefore, separate category-wise reservation relaxation is not specified in the advertisement.
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | No separate relaxation specified |
| OBC | No separate relaxation specified |
| PwBD | No separate relaxation specified |
| Others | As per applicable notification conditions |
Candidates should not assume the usual reservation-based age relaxation because the advertisement specifically states that there will be no reservation for these appointments.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR | ₹0 |
| SC / ST | ₹0 |
| OBC | ₹0 |
| PwBD | ₹0 |
| All Applicants | No Application Fee |
| Payment Mode | Not Applicable |
CPCB has clearly stated that there is no application fee for any post under this recruitment.
Salary Details
The selected candidates will receive consolidated monthly remuneration as follows:
| Post Name | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Scientist-D | ₹1,71,597 |
| Scientist-C | ₹1,48,997 |
| Scientist-B | ₹1,25,380 |
| Assistant Manager (Finance) | ₹1,19,272 |
| Administrative Assistant | ₹77,654 |
| Scientific Assistant | ₹77,654 |
| Taxonomist | ₹65,031 |
| Data Entry Operator | ₹57,498 |
| Field Assistant | ₹38,741 |
These are consolidated contractual monthly emoluments, rather than regular CPCB pay-scale salaries.
Selection Process
The selection process is not identical to a conventional competitive examination recruitment.
CPCB states that:
- Applications will be screened based on eligibility.
- If applications are received in large numbers, the selection/screening committee may shortlist candidates using written examination marks, percentage of marks, desirable qualifications, relevant experience, higher qualifications or another suitable criterion.
- Eligible shortlisted candidates may be called for a Written Test and/or Interview.
- Where applicable, selection will be based on the written test followed by interview.
- Document verification and other required checks will be carried out before appointment.
For candidates working in Government, Semi-Government, PSU or autonomous organizations, an NOC from the employer is required at document verification.
Important Point About This CPCB Recruitment
These are contractual project positions, not regular permanent CPCB appointments. The engagement is initially for one year and may be extended depending on performance and project requirements. The notification specifically states that selected candidates will not have any right to claim regularization or absorption against regular CPCB vacancies.
The SER Phase-III project is associated with the River Ganga and is funded by the National Mission for Clean Ganga under the Namami Gange Programme.
How to Apply for CPCB Recruitment 2026?
- Visit the official CPCB website.
- Open the Jobs section.
- Select the CPCB Recruitment 2026 notification under Advt. No. 02/WQM-II/2025-Admin.(R).
- Read the detailed advertisement and eligibility requirements for the selected post.
- Complete the registration using a valid email ID and active mobile number.
- Select the post for which you are eligible.
- Enter your personal, educational and experience details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Verify all details before final submission.
- Submit the online application before 7 September 2026, 11:59 PM.
- Save the registration number and application details for future reference.
CPCB states that applicants can apply for multiple posts if they satisfy the eligibility criteria, but a separate application must be submitted for each post.
Required Documents
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Educational qualification certificates
- Experience certificates
- Ph.D. discipline details, where applicable
- Relevant publication/book/journal pages, where applicable
- Category-related documents, if applicable
- Identity proof
- Photograph and other documents required by the online portal
- NOC from the present employer, if working in Government/PSU/Semi-Government/autonomous organization
CPCB specifically requires scanned copies of experience certificates and, where applicable, Ph.D. discipline details and the relevant page showing the candidate’s name as author/co-author in published papers, books or journals. These documents must also be produced at the interview.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 20th August 2026 |
| Apply Start Date | 24 August 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 September 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Interview Venue | Delhi |
| Interview Date | To be announced |
The official schedule specifies 24 August 2026 at 10:00 AM as the commencement time and 7 September 2026 at 11:59 PM as the closing time.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click here |
| Notification PDF | Click here |
| Official Website | CPCB Official Website |
FAQs
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in CPCB Recruitment 2026?
Answer: CPCB has announced 51 contractual vacancies across nine posts, including Scientist-D, Scientist-C, Scientist-B, Assistant Manager (Finance), Administrative Assistant, Scientific Assistant, Taxonomist, Data Entry Operator and Field Assistant.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for CPCB Recruitment 2026?
Answer: The last date for online application submission is 7 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Q3. Is there any application fee for CPCB Recruitment 2026?
Answer: No. CPCB has stated that there is no application fee for any post.
Q4. Is CPCB Recruitment 2026 a permanent government job?
Answer: No. These positions are offered on a contract basis under the SER Phase-III Project. The initial engagement is for one year and may be extended depending on performance and project requirements.
Q5. Can I apply for more than one post?
Answer: Yes. CPCB states that candidates may apply for multiple posts if they meet the eligibility requirements, but they must submit a separate application for each post.