Thiruvananthapuram has a rare opening for science graduates who want laboratory work inside the government research system. The BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has advertised eight technical posts in a notification issued today, October 28, 2026. There is no application fee, and applications close at 5 pm on December 14.
These are hands-on laboratory roles: keeping instruments running, preparing samples and helping scientists turn experiments into results. For candidates with a year or two of documented experience in a government laboratory, a public sector unit or a university, this is a direct route into a leading Kerala biotechnology institute.
Eight posts, three job levels
The recruitment covers three posts under Advertisement No. RGCB/Advt./TECH/01/2026: two Technical Officer posts, three Technical Assistant Group II posts and three Technical Assistant Group I posts. The numbers are provisional and may change at the final selection stage.
Pay follows the 7th Central Pay Commission: Pay Level 7 for Technical Officer, Level 5 for Group II and Level 2 for Group I. Both Technical Officer posts are unreserved. Group II has one post each for unreserved, OBC and EWS candidates, while Group I has two unreserved posts and one OBC post.
Who can apply
The age limit is the same across all three posts: a maximum of 35 years as on December 14, 2026, with relaxation under RGCB and Government of India rules. Qualifications and experience are also counted as on that date.
For the Technical Officer post, applicants need a first class B.E. or B.Tech. in Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering or Electronics and Communication Engineering, or a first class M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Physics or Chemistry. Two years of documented work experience in the relevant field is also required.
Technical Assistant Group II asks for a first class bachelor’s degree in Science and one year of documented experience. Technical Assistant Group I is open to candidates who passed Plus Two, Higher Secondary, VHSE or an equivalent examination with first class, again with one year of documented experience.
One condition matters more than most applicants expect. The experience must come from Central or State Government research institutions, public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies or universities. Private sector experience does not count for these posts, however relevant it may feel. Only Indian citizens can apply.
What the work involves
The Technical Officer provides hands-on engineering support to laboratories and institutional facilities: installing and calibrating instruments, troubleshooting faults, working on hardware prototypes and sensor systems, and training students and researchers to handle equipment safely.
Technical Assistant Group II is the day-to-day laboratory role, covering routine procedures, sample handling and work with centrifuges, microscopes and PCR systems. Group I supports the laboratory in charge with routine laboratory work, record keeping and administrative support.
Three tiers, one city
Selection starts with screening against the minimum qualifications; applications that fall short are rejected without further correspondence.
Shortlisted candidates then face a three-tier examination, held only in Thiruvananthapuram. Tier I is an objective test of 100 questions over 90 minutes, covering general intelligence, general awareness, quantitative aptitude and English. Each correct answer earns two marks and each wrong answer loses half a mark.
Tier II is a descriptive, pen-and-paper test of 100 marks over 90 minutes: answer any five of ten questions from your academic subjects and the job description. Tier III is a qualifying practical skills test. Shortlisting for Tier III, and the final merit list, rest on the combined Tier I and Tier II score, out of 300 marks.
At every tier, carry the RGCB admit card and one valid Government of India identity card, such as Aadhaar, passport or PAN card.
How to apply
Applications are online only, through the link on the RGCB positions page. Candidates must upload documents supporting their qualifications and experience, and incomplete, defective or illegible applications are rejected. There is no fee for any post, but the deadline is firm: 5 pm on December 14, 2026.
Apply for more than one post only with a separate application for each, with a separate Tier III test for each if shortlisted. Government employees must send the hard copy through the proper channel or carry a no-objection certificate to the selection process.
Selected candidates can be posted to any office or branch of the institute anywhere in India, and the selection panel stays valid for one year from approval. Any corrigendum or update will appear only on the institute website.
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for RGCB Recruitment 2026?
Online applications close at 5 pm on December 14, 2026. Age, qualifications and experience are all counted as on that date.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application fee for any of the three posts.
Can Plus Two pass candidates apply?
Yes, for Technical Assistant Group I, with first class marks and one year of documented relevant experience in a government research institution, PSU, autonomous body or university.
Does private sector experience count?
No. The notification requires documented experience in Central or State Government research institutions, PSUs, autonomous bodies or universities.
Where will the exams be held?
All three tiers are held only in Thiruvananthapuram. Carry the RGCB admit card and a valid government identity card to each tier.
Candidates should read the official notification on the RGCB website before applying, as it remains the final authority on eligibility, vacancies and the selection process.
