Summary:
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#### **1. Purpose and Scope**
* Replaces the 2015 Recruitment Rules to align scientific human resource management with evolving renewable energy and clean-technology priorities.
* Establishes a structured, transparent, and merit-driven framework for recruitment, promotion, and career progression of Scientists (Group ‘A’) in MNRE.
* Effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
#### **2. Coverage and Classification**
* Applies to Scientists from Grade ‘B’ to Grade ‘G’.
* All posts are Group ‘A’, Gazetted, Non-Ministerial, Scientific and Technical.
* Total sanctioned strength fixed at **88 posts**, subject to workload-based variation.
* Pay levels mapped to **7th Central Pay Commission** (Level 10 to Level 14).
#### **3. Strategic Workforce Design**
* Automatic upgradation of posts permitted when promotion recommendations exceed vacancies, without increasing total cadre strength.
* Attrition-based vacancies revert to entry-level grades to maintain long-term talent flow.
* Flexibility to deploy Central Staffing Scheme officers in prolonged vacancy situations.
#### **4. Recruitment Framework**
* **Scientist ‘B’**: Direct recruitment only.
* **Scientist ‘C’ to ‘G’**: Recruitment through promotion (RFCS), direct recruitment, deputation, short-term contract, or absorption.
* Central Government retains authority to decide recruitment mode based on operational needs.
* Discipline-specific qualifications determined at the time of recruitment.
#### **5. Qualification and Experience Standards**
* Entry qualifications include Master’s degrees in science disciplines or Bachelor’s degrees in engineering.
* Higher grades require progressively deeper expertise, doctoral qualifications, and leadership experience.
* Research, applied development, experimental innovation, and mission-mode project experience are explicitly recognized.
* Routine or purely administrative work excluded from scientific experience definitions.
#### **6. Age and Eligibility Controls**
* Age limits vary by grade (35 to 50 years), with relaxations as per Government norms.
* Deputation age cap set at 56–58 years, depending on grade.
* Deputationists eligible for absorption only after satisfactory service and approvals.
#### **7. Promotion and Career Progression (RFCS)**
* Promotions governed by **Revised Flexible Complementing Scheme (RFCS)**.
* Merit-based, performance-linked, and peer-review driven.
* Defined residency periods for each grade linked to measurable scientific outcomes.
* Exceptionally meritorious scientists eligible for limited relaxation in residency requirements.
* No retrospective promotions permitted.
#### **8. Performance Management**
* Mandatory **Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APAR)** and **Annual Work Reports (AWR)**.
* Scientific output, innovation, and impact prioritized over seniority.
* Two-stage assessment process with internal screening and external peer review.
#### **9. Governance and Oversight**
* Clearly defined Screening Committees, Assessment Boards, and Departmental Peer Review Committees.
* Inclusion of external experts from leading scientific departments ensures objectivity.
* Senior appointments and promotions subject to Ministerial and ACC approvals where applicable.
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