IACS Kolkata MTS & Assistant Recruitment 2026 — Best Complete Guide for 10 Posts | Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science
About IACS and This Recruitment
The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious scientific research institutions, located in Kolkata, West Bengal. Established in 1876, IACS has a rich legacy in fundamental scientific research across disciplines including physics, chemistry, materials science, and energy. The institution has produced some of India’s finest scientists and Nobel Prize winners, making it a nationally respected research body under the Government of India.
IACS Kolkata has released an official recruitment notification for 10 Group C posts — 5 positions of Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) and 5 positions of Assistant — for Indian citizens both male and female. This is an offline recruitment, meaning candidates must apply by sending a physical application form and bank draft by post to the IACS office. The last date for the application to reach IACS is 15 May 2026.
This is a valuable opportunity for candidates with 10th pass or graduation qualifications who are looking for a permanent, stable central government scientific institution job with attractive pay scales and career growth through departmental promotion. Read this complete guide carefully before applying.
Important Dates — Mark Your Calendar
Age Limit & Application Fee
Age is calculated as on 15 May 2026. Candidates must be born between 15 May 2001 and 15 May 2008 (for MTS post). Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen) are eligible for age relaxation as per Government of India rules. Read the official notification for complete relaxation details.
| Category | Application Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹1,000/- | Bank Draft only |
| SC / ST Candidates | ₹500/- | Bank Draft only |
| All Female Candidates | ₹500/- | Bank Draft only |
Vacancy Details — Post-Wise Breakdown
The MTS post is a Group C, non-ministerial position in IACS. MTS employees assist in day-to-day operational and support activities within the laboratories and administrative departments of the institution. Responsibilities typically include carrying files, providing assistance in lab support work, maintenance support, cleaning, and general assistance to scientific and administrative staff. This is a stable, permanent central government position with strong job security and growth through departmental exams.
The Assistant post is a higher-level Group C, ministerial position in IACS. Assistants handle administrative, secretarial, and documentation work within IACS departments. The role requires proficiency in English communication and computer operation (MS Office, internet, correspondence). Candidates with experience in office administration, data management, and official correspondence will have a strong advantage in the selection process.
Salary and Pay Scale
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
Selection for both the MTS and Assistant posts under this IACS Kolkata Recruitment 2026 is based on a written examination followed by a skill test (for the Assistant post). Both stages are eliminatory — shortlisted candidates from Stage 1 proceed to Stage 2.
For MTS Post — Computer Based Test (CBT)
The written test for MTS is a Computer Based Test covering Class 10 level topics. Total marks: 50. The subject distribution is as follows:
| Subject | Marks | Level |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 15 | Class 10 |
| Numerical Aptitude (Maths) | 15 | Class 10 |
| General Awareness | 10 | Class 10 |
| English Language | 10 | Class 10 |
| Total | 50 | — |
For Assistant Post — Two Stage Selection
The Assistant selection has two stages, each of equal weightage. Total marks: 100 (50 for each stage).
| Stage | Test Type | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Written Examination (Objective — English, GK, Reasoning, Computer, Maths) | 50 |
| Level 2 | Skill Test (Typing Test / Computer Proficiency Test) | 50 |
| Total | Combined Score (Both Stages) | 100 |
How to Apply Offline — Step-by-Step Guide
Since this is an offline recruitment, there is no online portal to submit your application. You must fill a physical form and send it by post. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is complete and reaches IACS Kolkata before the deadline.
Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science,
2A & B, Raja S.C. Mullick Road,
Kolkata – 700 032
Documents to Send With the Application
Send attested photocopies only — never send original certificates. Self-attest each photocopy by signing on the front with the statement “Certified True Copy”. Documents must be properly stapled to the application form in the order listed below.
Preparation Strategy — How to Crack IACS Recruitment 2026
The written exam for both MTS and Assistant posts is competitive but structured. With focused preparation across the tested subjects, candidates who study consistently for 6–8 weeks have a strong chance of qualifying. Here is a subject-wise strategy:
Focus on Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Test, and Non-verbal Reasoning (Mirror Image, Paper Folding). Practice 25–30 questions daily. Reasoning improves fastest with consistent daily practice and is your highest-scoring opportunity.
For MTS (Class 10 level): Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Simple Interest, Time & Work, Average, and basic Mensuration. For Assistant: slightly higher difficulty including Data Interpretation. Use a standard 8th–10th maths textbook for revision and practice from previous SSC papers.
Cover Indian history, geography, polity, science & technology, and current affairs (last 6 months). Since IACS is a scientific institution, expect questions on Indian science achievements, ISRO, notable scientists, and scientific terms. Read a newspaper daily and use monthly GK magazines.
Focus on Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms), and Sentence Improvement. Since the Assistant post specifically requires English knowledge and experience, this section carries extra weight for Assistant candidates. Read English newspaper daily.
MS Word (formatting, templates), MS Excel (formulas, spreadsheets), PowerPoint basics, Internet and email, Windows OS fundamentals, keyboard shortcuts, and basic networking concepts. Hands-on practice on a computer is far more effective than reading theory alone for this section.
The skill test for Assistant is worth 50 marks — as much as the entire written exam. Use TypingMaster, Ratatype, or government typing practice portals. Target 35+ WPM in English with 90%+ accuracy. Practice for 30–45 minutes every day without fail. Accuracy comes first, then speed.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions — IACS Recruitment 2026
Conclusion — A Prestigious Government Job at India’s Premier Science Institution
The IACS Kolkata MTS & Assistant Recruitment 2026 is a rare and valuable opportunity to join one of India’s most prestigious scientific institutions — the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science — as a permanent central government employee. With only 10 posts available and expected competition from across the country, every detail of your application and preparation matters.
Yuva Safar is committed to bringing you accurate, complete, and timely information about every government job opportunity across India. Bookmark this page, share it with your friends, and start your application process today. 10 seats at IACS Kolkata are waiting — make sure your application reaches in time.