SSC IMD
Introduction
*Staff Selection Commission — India Meteorological Department — Scientific Assistant recruitment for technical posts in IMD*
SSC IMD Scientific Assistant recruitment is conducted for technical scientific staff in the India Meteorological Department. The post supports weather services and related scientific operations across IMD units and observatories. Candidates are selected for technical work in disciplines such as meteorology, electronics, and computer-related fields, depending on the post requirements notified by SSC and IMD.
Important Facts at a Glance
| Part | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Department | India Meteorological Department (MoES) |
| Exam mode | Computer-Based Examination |
| Post name | Scientific Assistant |
| Qualification | B.Sc. or Diploma in relevant discipline |
| Age limit | 18 to 30 years |
| Salary / Pay level | Level 6, ₹35,400 basic pay |
| Selection process | Computer-Based Exam, Document Verification |
| Official website | https://ssc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have one of the following qualifications as notified:
- B.Sc. with relevant subjects such as Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Statistics
- Diploma in Electronics or Computer Engineering
Subject combinations and discipline requirements must be checked in the latest SSC notification before applying.
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Maximum age: 30 years
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | As per Government of India rules |
| OBC | As per Government of India rules |
| PwBD | As per Government of India rules |
| Ex-servicemen | As per Government of India rules |
| Women candidates | As per notification and applicable rules |
Nationality / Citizenship
- Candidate must be an Indian citizen
Reservation and Relaxations
Reservation follows Government of India policy and the recruitment notification issued by SSC.
| Category | Reservation / Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD | 4% horizontal reservation |
| Ex-servicemen | Horizontal reservation as per rules |
| Women | Horizontal reservation as applicable |
Exam Pattern
Selection Stages
1. Computer-Based Examination
- Paper I
- Paper II
2. Document Verification
Paper-Wise Pattern
| Stage | Papers | Total Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | 1 | 200 | 2 hours | 1/4 mark |
| Paper II | 1 | 200 | 2 hours | 1/4 mark |
Exam Structure
- Paper I is objective and tests general aptitude and awareness.
- Paper II is subject-based and tests domain knowledge related to the notified stream.
Selection Process
The selection process is typically as follows:
1. Online application submission
2. Computer-Based Examination
3. Shortlisting based on performance and category rules
4. Document Verification
5. Final appointment as per merit and eligibility verification
Syllabus
Paper I
Paper I generally includes:
- Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language
- General Knowledge
Paper II
Paper II covers subject-specific topics based on the notified discipline, such as:
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Electronics
- Computer-related subjects
Official Reference
For the latest and detailed syllabus, always refer to the SSC notification and official exam notice on:
How to Apply
The application process is online through SSC.
Steps to Apply
1. Visit the official SSC website: https://ssc.gov.in
2. Complete registration, if not already registered
3. Log in and open the recruitment application form
4. Enter personal, educational, and category details
5. Upload required documents, photograph, and signature as instructed
6. Pay the application fee, if applicable
7. Review the form carefully
8. Submit and save the final application confirmation
Final Submission Checklist
- Correct name, date of birth, and category details
- Valid educational qualification details
- Proper document upload
- Fee payment confirmation
- Final printout or application receipt saved
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹100
- SC / ST / PwBD / Women: Exempted
Fee payment mode and exact instructions must be followed as per the latest notification.
Vacancies
Vacancy details are released notification-wise by SSC and IMD. Candidates should check the latest recruitment notice on the official SSC website for the post-wise and category-wise vacancy breakup.
Salary
The post of Scientific Assistant carries:
- Pay Level: Level 6
- Basic pay: ₹35,400
- Approximate in-hand salary: ₹45,000+ including DA and HRA
Allowances depend on posting location and applicable government rules.
Cutoff
Cutoff marks are released category-wise in the official recruitment cycle. Candidates should verify the latest SSC notice and result documents for the applicable cutoff and merit list details.
Preparation Strategy
4–6 Month Plan
- Months 1–2: Build concepts for Paper I and revise core subject topics for Paper II
- Months 3–4: Start topic-wise tests and full-length mock tests
- Months 5–6: Intensive revision, speed practice, and error analysis
Paper I Preparation
Focus on:
- Reasoning practice
- Speed maths and accuracy
- English grammar and vocabulary
- Current affairs and static GK
Paper II Preparation
Prepare according to your discipline:
- Strengthen core B.Sc. or diploma subjects
- Solve previous-level technical MCQs
- Revise formulas, definitions, and applied concepts
Suggested Study Material
- Standard B.Sc. subject textbooks
- Reasoning and quantitative aptitude guides
- Mock tests and chapter-wise practice sets
- Official SSC notification and syllabus from https://ssc.gov.in
Career Path
Scientific Assistants are posted in IMD observatories and technical units across India. The role offers:
- Field and office-based scientific work
- Exposure to meteorological and technical operations
- Departmental promotion opportunities over time
Official Sources
- SSC official website: https://ssc.gov.in
- Notification archive: https://ssc.gov.in
- Syllabus / exam details: https://ssc.gov.in
FAQs
1. What is SSC IMD Scientific Assistant?
SSC IMD Scientific Assistant is a central government recruitment exam for selecting Scientific Assistants in the India Meteorological Department.
2. Which organization conducts the SSC IMD Scientific Assistant recruitment?
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the recruitment for IMD.
3. What is the full form of SSC IMD?
SSC IMD stands for Staff Selection Commission — India Meteorological Department.
4. What is the official website for SSC IMD Scientific Assistant?
The official website is https://ssc.gov.in.
5. What is the educational qualification required for SSC IMD Scientific Assistant?
Candidates generally need a B.Sc. in relevant subjects such as Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Statistics, or a diploma in Electronics or Computer Engineering.
6. What is the age limit for SSC IMD Scientific Assistant?
The age limit is 18 to 30 years.
7. Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories?
Yes. Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India rules for eligible reserved categories.
8. Is Indian citizenship mandatory for this post?
Yes. The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
9. What is the exam pattern for SSC IMD Scientific Assistant?
The exam pattern includes a Computer-Based Examination with Paper I and Paper II, followed by Document Verification.
10. How many stages are there in the selection process?
There are two main stages: the Computer-Based Examination and Document Verification.
11. What subjects are asked in Paper I?
Paper I generally includes Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Knowledge.
12. What subjects are covered in Paper II?
Paper II covers subject-specific topics such as Physics, Mathematics, Electronics, or Computer-related subjects, depending on the notified stream.
13. Is there negative marking in the exam?
Yes. There is negative marking of 1/4 mark for each wrong answer.
14. What is the total marks and duration of the exam?
Each paper carries 200 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.
15. What is the application fee for SSC IMD Scientific Assistant?
The application fee is ₹100 for applicable candidates.
16. Are SC, ST, PwBD, and women candidates exempted from the fee?
Yes. SC, ST, PwBD, and women candidates are exempted from paying the fee, as per the notification.
17. What is the salary of an SSC IMD Scientific Assistant?
The post carries a basic pay of ₹35,400 with allowances, and the approximate in-hand salary is ₹45,000+.
18. What is the pay level for this post?
The pay level is Level 6.
19. What does a Scientific Assistant do in IMD?
A Scientific Assistant supports meteorological and technical operations in IMD units, observatories, and related departments.
20. How can I prepare for SSC IMD Scientific Assistant?
Prepare Paper I with reasoning, quant, English, and GK, and prepare Paper II from your core subject syllabus using standard textbooks, practice sets, and mock tests.