BARC OCES/DGFS Mock Test Series 2026 (Tier 1 & Tier 2)
Last updated on Oct 11, 2026
- 2 Full Mocks
- 2 Sectional Tests
- 18 Chapter-wise Tests
BARC OCES/DGFS topic-wise practice questions β Previous year papers β
BARC OCES/DGFS Engineering Mathematics & Aptitude β Full Mock 2 Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Practice Engineering Mathematics β Sectional Test 1 Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Practice Quantitative Aptitude β Sectional Test 1 Free
Engineering Mathematics 5 tests
BARC OCES/DGFS Matrices & Determinants β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Calculus β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Probability β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Permutation & Combination β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Statistics β Chapter Test Free
Quantitative Aptitude 13 tests
BARC OCES/DGFS Percentage β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Profit, Loss & Discount β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Simple & Compound Interest β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Ratio & Proportion β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Average β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Time & Work β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Speed, Time & Distance β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Number System β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Simplification & Approximation β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Problems on Ages β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Mixture & Alligation β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Mensuration β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS Partnership β Chapter Test Free
BARC OCES/DGFS guide
What is BARC OCES/DGFS?
BARC OCES/DGFS (Orientation Course for Engineering Graduates and Science Postgraduates / DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme) is the premier recruitment programme for Scientific Officers (Group A) in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) β India's nuclear research organisation. Selected candidates join DAE units including BARC (Mumbai), NPCIL (nuclear power plants), IGCAR (Kalpakkam), RRCAT (Indore) and NFC (Hyderabad).
OCES is for B.E./B.Tech graduates and M.Sc/MCA holders, while DGFS is a parallel track where selected candidates complete an M.Tech programme at IIT/IISc on a fellowship and then join DAE. Both tracks lead to the role of Scientific Officer Grade C (Pay Level 10) in the Department of Atomic Energy.
Shortlisting is done either through a valid GATE score (specific papers relevant to DAE disciplines) or through a separate BARC online test for candidates who appear in eligible disciplines. Shortlisted candidates attend a technical interview which carries significant weight. Approximately 200-400 OCES/DGFS candidates are selected per year across all disciplines.
BARC Scientific Officer salary starts at Pay Level 10 (βΉ56,100 basic) with DAE-specific allowances including Scientific Allowance (βΉ11,400/month for OCES), HRA and DA. In-hand salary is approximately βΉ85,000-βΉ1,00,000 per month with additional housing colony benefits, LTC and pension. BARC also provides subsidised accommodation in BARC Colony, Mumbai.
Working at BARC means contributing to India's nuclear research and energy programme β nuclear fuel research, reactor design, isotope production, radiation safety, particle accelerators and thorium utilisation. BARC scientists also work on non-nuclear research including lasers, superconductors, biotechnology, food irradiation and advanced materials.
How it works
BARC OCES/DGFS selection process
Shortlisting via GATE or BARC test
Candidates are shortlisted either using a valid GATE score in relevant papers (CS, ECE, EE, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry etc.) or through a separate online BARC exam for OCES, which tests your core engineering/science discipline plus some general aptitude. Cutoffs are set by BARC each year.
Technical interview
Shortlisted candidates are called for a technical interview at BARC Mumbai or other interview centres. The interview panel consists of BARC scientists and assesses in-depth technical knowledge of your branch, problem-solving ability, research aptitude and communication. The interview is the final selection stage β GATE/written score only shortlists.
Medical examination
Standard central government medical for Group A posts plus radiation worker fitness check at BARC health physics. Candidates with certain medical conditions related to radiation sensitivity are additionally examined.
OCES training (1 year)
Selected OCES candidates undergo a 1-year Orientation Course at BARC Training School (associated with Homi Bhabha National Institute / HBNI) in Mumbai. Training covers nuclear science, reactor technology, radiation safety, health physics and specialisation in their discipline. A stipend/Scientific Allowance of βΉ11,400/month is paid during training.
Exam pattern
BARC OCES/DGFS exam pattern
Candidates are shortlisted through BARC's online exam or a valid GATE score, then interviewed. Selected trainees receive a stipend during a one-year course and then join DAE units as Scientific Officers.
Syllabus
BARC OCES/DGFS syllabus: subjects & topics
Engineering disciplines (by branch)
Physics/Chemistry/Math (Science streams)
Nuclear Science (taught during OCES training)
Strategy
How to prepare for BARC OCES/DGFS
01A high GATE score is your primary shortlisting tool
BARC shortlists through GATE scores β a higher GATE score means higher probability of interview call. For popular branches like CS and ECE, you typically need a GATE rank within 500-1,000 for a strong shortlisting chance. Prioritise GATE preparation and treat BARC interview as the next step.
02BARC interview is deep on nuclear science fundamentals
BARC interview panels go beyond your engineering branch. They ask about nuclear physics basics (fission, fusion, chain reaction, moderators, coolants, reactor types), India's three-stage nuclear programme, DAE units (NPCIL, IGCAR, RRCAT, NFC) and BARC's work. Prepare a 20-page nuclear science primer alongside your branch preparation.
03DGFS track: M.Tech at IIT with fellowship is a major opportunity
DGFS candidates get a fully funded M.Tech at IIT (in a list of partner IITs) with a fellowship, and then join DAE as a Scientific Officer. This gives you both an IIT M.Tech degree AND a government job. If you are a fresh graduate, research the DGFS track carefully β it is one of the most attractive government-funded postgraduate paths in India.
04Computer Science track at BARC is highly competitive
CS is one of the most popular BARC disciplines due to the growing use of software in nuclear operations, simulation and AI. Prepare Data Structures, Algorithms, OS, Computer Networks and DBMS thoroughly. Many CS candidates appear for both ISRO and BARC simultaneously since preparation overlaps.
05Visit BARC website regularly β notifications have short windows
BARC OCES/DGFS notifications are published once a year (typically August-October) with a very short application window of 2-3 weeks. Monitor barc.gov.in. Missing the application window means waiting a full year.
FAQs
BARC OCES/DGFS: frequently asked questions
Can I apply to BARC through GATE?
Yes. BARC shortlists candidates either through a valid GATE score (within the 3-year validity period) in relevant GATE papers, or through a separate BARC online test. Using your GATE score is the simpler route if your score is competitive.
What is DGFS?
The DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme β selected candidates complete an M.Tech programme at a partner IIT (IIT Bombay, Delhi, Kharagpur, Kanpur, Madras etc.) on a monthly fellowship, and join DAE as Scientific Officers on completion. DGFS candidates get an IIT M.Tech degree AND a DAE government job in one package.
Is there a stipend during OCES training?
Yes. OCES trainees receive a Scientific Allowance of βΉ11,400 per month during the 1-year orientation course at BARC Training School, in addition to a basic pay component. Total monthly earnings during training are approximately βΉ60,000-βΉ70,000 including all components.
What is the BARC Scientific Officer salary?
Pay Level 10 (βΉ56,100 basic) after successful completion of OCES. With DAE-specific Scientific Allowance + DA + HRA, in-hand salary is approximately βΉ85,000-βΉ1,00,000 per month. BARC also provides subsidised accommodation in BARC Colony, Trombay, Mumbai.
Which GATE papers are accepted for BARC OCES?
Commonly accepted papers: CS, ECE, EE, Mechanical, Chemical, Metallurgical, Physics, Chemistry, and other engineering papers depending on DAE vacancy requirements. The specific accepted GATE papers are listed in each BARC OCES notification.
What disciplines are available in BARC OCES?
Typically available: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Communication, Instrumentation, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, and Biosciences. Availability varies each year based on BARC/DAE requirements.
What is the career growth at BARC?
BARC follows DAE scientists' pay grades: Scientific Officer C (Level 10) β D (Level 11) β E (Level 12) β F (Level 13) β G (Level 14) β Distinguished Scientist. Promotions are based on ACR, performance review and promotion board. Senior BARC scientists head major projects and research groups.
Is BARC posting only at Mumbai?
No. While BARC headquarters is at Trombay, Mumbai, selected candidates can be posted to other DAE units including NPCIL power plants across India, IGCAR Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), RRCAT Indore (MP), NFC Hyderabad, and BRIT Mumbai. Posting depends on DAE requirements and vacancies.
Does BARC conduct research work or only operational work?
Both. BARC is a premier research centre β scientists conduct R&D in nuclear reactor technology, radiation, isotope production, accelerators, lasers, biotechnology, material science and other advanced fields. It is one of India's leading multidisciplinary research organisations, not just an operational unit.
What is the minimum CGPA for BARC eligibility?
Minimum 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA in B.E./B.Tech. For M.Sc, typically 60% or equivalent. These are approximate β confirm from the current BARC OCES notification which specifies exact eligibility criteria.
Also in Engineering
The exam pattern, eligibility and other details are based on the latest notifications available and can change from one cycle to the next. Always confirm in the official notification on barc.gov.in before you apply.
Ready to practise BARC OCES/DGFS?
Take a free mock test and see your all-India rank instantly.