Why Choose BARC as a Career?
BARC Career: BARC is one of the most prestigious organizations to work for as it contributes greatly to the Indian Economy. In January 1954, in order to intensify the effort to exploit nuclear energy for the benefit of the nation, Dr. Homi Bhabha established the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) for a multidisciplinary research program essential for the ambitious nuclear program of India. After his demise in 1966, AEET was renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
BARC with an aim to expand the Indian Nuclear Power program, every year offers creative and rewarding career opportunities to young qualified men and women. Ample prospects are available for pursuing innovative research in Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Geophysics, Engineering, and Biosciences at BARC and other DAE units, who like challenges in frontline areas of Nuclear Science and Technology and are keen to be a part of the expanding Indian nuclear power program.
Before we proceed with the details of BARC career, let us learn some significant details about BARC.
What is the importance of BARC?
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is India’s premier nuclear research facility established in the year 1954. It aims to ensure that the respective organizations utilize the valuable nuclear energy also known as atomic energy properly for peaceful applications. Nuclear energy is a highly beneficial power generation source, which requires proper management under expert guidance.
Is BARC job good?
Absolutely! BARC is a great place to work. It is a prestigious PSU, which offers a wide range of opportunities for the selected candidates. Some prominent facilities offered to the selected candidates, especially after the 7th pay commission include the following:
- Housing facilities
- Subsidized canteen
- Transport allowance
- Professional update allowance
- Children education allowance
- Medical facilities for self and dependents.
Apart from these facilities, BARC also recognizes high-performing candidates with rewards such as Performance Related Incentive System (PRIS) and DAE Excellence Awards to candidates who have achieved excellence in the fields of Science, Engineering, and Technology. The DAE Excellence Awards are divided into 10 awards that include cash prize compensation ranging from ₹ 20,000 to ₹10,00,000 depending on the credibility of the respective award. It makes the BARC career a promising one for the selected candidates.
What is in hand salary of BARC Scientist?
The in-hand salary of BARC scientist after the 7th Pay Commission ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹2,25,000 depending on the current designation of the respective professional.
The base pay salaries of the Scientific Officer (SO) are as follows:
- Scientific Officer “C” – ₹ 56,100.
- Scientific Officer “D” – ₹ 67,700.
- Scientific Officer “E” – ₹ 78,800.
- Scientific Officer “F” – ₹ 1,23,100.
- Scientific Officer “G” – ₹ 1,31,100
- Scientific Officer “H” – ₹ 1,44,200
- OS – ₹ 1,82,200
- DS – ₹ 2,05,400
- Director BARC – ₹ 2,25,000.
Note: Scientific Officer (SO) designation is also known as Technical Officer (TO). The BARC salary varies according to the pay matrix level. The recruitment committee calculates the total salary after adding the basic pay with the pay received under the categories such as dearness allowance (DA), transport allowance (TA), HRA, and PRIS.
Is BARC exam tough?
The level of difficulty of the BARC exam depends on the respective aspirant’s level of preparation and mental strength.
Is GATE score necessary for BARC?
If you are presently aiming to crack a designation at the prestigious BARC, then you have two options. You can attempt for the GATE exam and score a rank to secure selection at this renowned institute. The other option is to apply for the respective position with the BARC exam.
Who is eligible for BARC?
The brief eligibility criteria for BARC Scientific Officer (SO) include the following:
For Physics/Chemistry/Biosciences discipline:
- E./B.Tech/B.Sc/M.Sc. in the respective domain of specialization
- Minimum 60% aggregate marks
- Candidates planning to use their GATE scores for the selection process must have a valid previous year or same year GATE score in the respective subject/domain – Physics/Chemistry/Biosciences.
- The biosciences disciplines (for M.Sc.) include disciplines such as agriculture, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, botany, zoology, plant pathology, food technology, life sciences, and biosciences.
- Note: Those having B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech in Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, or Biomedical Engineering or M.Sc. with a specialization in the subjects such as Fisheries, Horticulture, Forestry, Agronomy, Animal Husbandry, Marine Biology, Bioanalytical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Home Sciences, etc. are not eligible for this exam.
For Radiological Safety & Environmental Science/Geology discipline:
- Minimum 60% aggregate marks.
- For Radiological Safety & Environmental Science: B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engg)/5-year Integrated M.Tech in the domain of Nuclear Engineering/ Nuclear Technology/ Nuclear Science & Technology/M.Sc. in Physics and Chemistry with an aggregate of 60% marks.
- For Geology discipline: M.Sc. or equivalent M.Tech in Geology/Applied Geochemistry with Geology/Applied Geology or B.Sc in the related domains. In addition, interested candidates must possess a valid GATE score from the previous year or present year session.
What is the age limit for BARC exam?
Candidates interested in applying for the BARC openings via the BARC exam must be above 18 years and not more than the age of 26 years for General category aspirants. The OBC category aspirants must not be more than 29 years. The SC/ST category aspirants can attempt this PSU exam until the age of 31 years. One must note that physically challenged candidates have further 10 years to apply for the BARC positions.
Does BARC recruit every year?
Yes. BARC conducts its recruitment exam known as the BARC exam after the GATE exam completion in the respective year.
How many times can I give BARC exam?
The respective BARC authorities have not specified the number of attempts for the BARC exam. Therefore, interested candidates can attempt the exam without any second thoughts. If you are interested, you need to ensure that your actual age is within the age limit criteria present in the official notification of the BARC.
Is BARC scientist gazetted officer?
Yes. BARC scientist is a gazetted officer.
BARC Recruits Engineers for the post of Scientific Engineer from various streams which include:
| Mechanical | Computer Science / Computer Engg / Computer Science & Engg | Fast Reactor Technology | Biosciences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiological Safety & Environmental Science(RSES) | Chemical | Instrumentation | Electronics |
| Quality Assurance & Quality Control | Geology | Metallurgy | Chemistry |
| Civil | Physics | Electrical | Nuclear Engineering |
There are other Branches too that can apply, these branches include:
| Main Branch | Other Branches |
|---|---|
| Electronics | ‘Electrical’, ‘Electronics & Communication’, ‘Electronics and Controls |
| Electrical or Electronics | Electrical and Electronics’ or ‘Electronics and Instrumentation |
| Metallurgy | ‘Metallurgy and Materials Engineering’, ‘Metallurgy and Materials Science’, ‘Metallurgical Engineering’, ‘Metallurgical and Materials Engineering’, ‘Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science’ and ‘Materials Science and Engineering |
Thus, lots of students apply for BARC due to its state-of-the-art training facility, learning, and being part of a prestigious organization that contributes greatly to the development of the nation. If you are confused about applying for the BARC this article will be of great help to you as it will give you 5 main reasons why BARC is one of the best Career options for Technical Candidates.
Why Choose BARC as a Career?
- Best Training Facility: BARC provides training to all its recruits to inline them with the working of BARC and make them acquainted with India’s nuclear program and its working. Thus, BARC is an amazing training facility that is one of the best in the nation. This training facility was established by Homi Bhabha to encourage the candidates in pursuing a career in nuclear science.
BARC, DAE in order to empower scientific & research personnel. Conducts various training programs for both DAE Employees as well as for students/ researchers.
- For the engineering graduates and Science Post Graduates, the BARC Training School conducts a one-year Orientation Course (OCES).
- BARC has come up with a new scheme called DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme. The Fellowship has twin objectives of human resource development and collaborative research through the medium of M. Tech. students.
- Also regular training for the professional development of officials working in BARC, DAE is also conducted through the Administrative Training Institute.
The Various Programmes by these Training Institutes are:
-
Nuclear / Radiation Oriented (For Public/Students/Researchers)
Under this, there are the following Courses
- Diploma in Radiological Physics (DRP)
• Diploma in Radiation Medicine (DRM) Training Course
• Diploma in Medical Radio Isotope Techniques (DMRIT) training course
• Radiation Medicine
• Medical Radioisotope Techniques
• Health Physics
• Radiological Physics
• Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources
• Radiation Safety in Industrial applications of Radioisotopes and X-rays
• Radiography Testing Techniques
• Radioactive Waste Management
• Safety Assessment of Waste Disposal
• Radioimmunoassay and its Clinical Application
• Chemical Analysis and NDT Techniques
• Operation/Maintenance and Inspection of Research Reactors
• Mutation Breeding of Tropical Crop Plants
• Pesticide Residue Analysis
- Higher Education Programme (For DAE Employees and Students/Researchers)
This programme is conducted by the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI) and the course includes:
| Ph.D. Programmes |
Physical Science Chemical Science Life Sciences Engineering Sciences Mathematical Sciences Strategic Studies Health Sciences |
| PG Diploma of HBNI | |
| M. Tech. Courses | |
| M.Sc. (Engineering) | |
| M. Phil |
- Programmes conducted by Administrative Training Institute (ATI) (For DAE Employee )
The Administrative Training Institute also conducts various programmes for DAE employees all over the country.
- Training for directly recruited Lower Division Clerks /Upper Division Clerks and refresher programmes for dealing hands in different branches
- Orientation programmes for those getting promoted to the posts of Assistant Personnel Officers / Assistant Accounts Officers, etc.
- Programmes on Executive / Management Development, Vigilance, Reservation in Services, Material Management, etc. are also being conducted.
- Programmes on Project Management / Purchase / Works Procedure and Hospital Management for the benefit of Scientific Officers and Doctors, etc.
Thus, BARC has an amazing Training Facility for various students based on their area of interest. This is one of the most important reasons why BARC is a great career option.
- Learning is constant: With changing times changes technology but the core still remains constant. Every day new discoveries are being made and nuclear science is not behind in these discoveries. Nuclear science avenue has expanded a lot and still continues to do so and in order to be a part of this joining an organization that works in the same field is important.
Thus, in BARC the learning curve never comes down, every day is a new challenge, and every time you get to learn and contribute to the development of the nation. BARC conducts research in spent fuel processing, and safe disposal of nuclear waste. Some other research focus areas of BARC are applications for isotopes in industries, medicine, agriculture, etc.
BARC operates a number of research reactors across the country. Thus with so much in hand, BARC is a great place to work as BARC contributes its expertise in a lot of sectors and thus there is a lot of learning in BARC. You also have to stay updated with the latest development and ensure that they are being efficiently used in the project. In the learning phase if you need something for your experiments you can always rely on the organization that will help you monetarily and otherwise in making your experiment a success.
The work culture is pretty plain simple with the average age of the employees being higher. Therefore, there is a lot to learn from all those experienced employees.
- Compensation: Along with a great career, BARC provides amazing compensation and job benefits to all its employees. The Scientific Officer of BARC is appointed at a Grade and Pay Scale of Level 10 –Rs. 56,100 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix. All the Total Monthly Emoluments (with three increments) which are provided to the Scientific Officer at the time of joining include Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Transport Allowance, which at the present Mumbai rate will be approximately Rs. 95,000.
Apart from the above allowances, some other allowances include Leave Travel Concession by air, every year up to the first eight years (subject to conditions) and once in two years thereafter, Children’s Education Allowance and an annual Professional Update Allowance are also payable. A comprehensive Contributory Health Service Scheme for employees and their dependent family members is also available.
While the above compensation is after joining, during the training time too the candidates are liable to:
(i) Stipend and Allowances: OCES TSOs and DGFS Fellows are paid a stipend of Rs. 55,000 per month during the period of their Training.
One-time book allowance of Rs. 18,000
(ii) DGFS Fellows have reimbursed the tuition fee for M. Tech. / M. Chem. Engg. and are additionally paid a one-time Contingency Grant of Rs. 25,000 to meet M. Tech. / M. Chem. Engg. Project-related expenses.
(iii) Boarding and Lodging in DAE or DGFS Institute Hostel respectively, during Training, is mandatory.
- Post-graduation: If one is aiming for post-graduation, BARC is an amazing choice. During the OCES training phase at BARC, the Trainee Scientific Officers who successfully complete the Training Program and whose performance meets a minimum eligibility criterion are allowed to enroll for M. Tech. / M.Phil. in Homi Bhabha National Institute, a Deemed to be University. Those not desirous of pursuing M. Tech. / M.Phil. are entitled to a Post-Graduate Diploma of HBNI provided their academic performance is above a specified threshold.
In the case of the Two-year DAE Graduate Fellowship Scheme for Engineering Graduates and Physics Postgraduates (DGFS) the Engineering Graduates and Physics Postgraduates who have excelled in the Selection Interviews for the BARC Training Schools programs and who have also independently secured admission for M. Tech. / M. Chem. Engineering in select Institutes and specializations as listed in Table-3 are paid stipends and tuition fees to pursue M. Tech. / M. Chem. Engg. degree while retaining their employment in DAE.
After successful completion of one-year course work at the Institute, DGFS Fellows undertake project work, which is assigned by DAE and supervised jointly by a DAE and an Institute guide. On successful completion of M. Tech. / M. Chem. Engg. DGFS Fellows are posted as Scientific Officers in DAE. Appointment in DAE units shall be as Group “A” Gazetted Officer of the Government of India. On joining, they are required to first undertake a four-month Orientation Course for DGFS Fellows (OCDF) at the BARC Training School, Mumbai.
- Work-life balance: While all the above points are important from the professional sense, but another factor that attracts most of students is work-life balance. BARC offers its employees a perfect work-life balance and one doesn’t have to worry about missing out on family moments. The working hours are 8.15hours in which you have to give the best shot at work and then you are free to do whatever you want to. The employees are provided accommodation near the office which saves a lot of time and energy. Thus, a good work-life balance will give you peace of mind and the energy to wake up again to work.
The aim of science is to illuminate and discover the truth, BARC is also on the same quest of discovering and trying the latest technology and innovating new ways of safer and wider avenues for nuclear science. Being a part of such an organization is a blessing which many engineers dream of. You too can be a part of BARC by applying for the vacancy and working really hard for it. The great learning, time, and compensation all add up in favor of BARC as a career option.
We hope this article has helped you and cleared any doubts that you may have about joining BARC. It is one of the most prestigious organizations and working here will help you in growing professionally and contribute significantly to the growth and development of the nation.
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