UPSC Anthropologist Recruitment 2026 — Apply Online for 2 Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially issued Advertisement No. 01/2026 inviting online applications for direct recruitment by selection to 2 permanent Group-A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial posts of Anthropologist in the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. One post is in the Cultural Anthropology Division (reserved for OBC) and the other is in the Physical Anthropology Division (Unreserved).
These are prestigious permanent Central Government positions placed at Level-10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500), headquartered at Kolkata with All India Service Liability. Eligible candidates holding a Master’s degree in Anthropology with more than 50% papers in the relevant specialisation and a minimum of 3 years of research experience can apply online through the UPSC ORA (Online Recruitment Application) portal from 28 March 2026 to 17 April 2026 (6:00 PM).
UPSC Anthropologist Recruitment 2026 — Key Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Advertisement Number | Advt. No. 01/2026 |
| Department | Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), Ministry of Culture, Government of India |
| Post Names | Anthropologist (Cultural Anthropology Division) — OBC; Anthropologist (Physical Anthropology Division) — UR |
| Post Category | Permanent Group-A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial |
| Total Vacancies | 2 Posts |
| Pay Scale (7th CPC) | Level-10 — ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Essential Qualification | Master’s degree in Anthropology (with more than 50% papers in relevant specialisation) + 3 years research experience in Anthropology |
| Age Limit | Maximum 35 years (UR); Maximum 38 years (OBC); relaxations for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen as per GoI norms |
| Application Start Date | 28 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 17 April 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Application Fee | ₹25/- for UR/OBC (male); Nil for Female/SC/ST/PwBD |
| Posting Location | Kolkata (Headquarters) with All India Service Liability |
| Application Mode | Online only via UPSC ORA portal |
| Official Website | Click here |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | 28 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 17 April 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Eligibility Determination Date | 17 April 2026 |
| Personal Interview Date | To be notified separately on the UPSC website |
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (UPSC ORA Portal) | Click here |
| Official Notification PDF (Advt. No. 01/2026) | Click here |
| Official Website | Click here |
Vacancy Distribution — Post-Wise Breakdown
| Post Name | Division | Reservation Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropologist | Cultural Anthropology Division | OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 1 |
| Anthropologist | Physical Anthropology Division | UR (Unreserved) | 1 |
| Total | — | — | 2 |
Note: Both posts are also suitable for certain categories of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as specified in the official notification. Candidates claiming PwBD benefits should refer to the detailed notification for applicable disability categories.
Eligibility Criteria
Essential Educational Qualification & Experience
| Post | Essential Qualification | Required Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropologist (Cultural Anthropology Division) | Master’s degree in Anthropology from a recognised University with more than 50% papers in Cultural Anthropology in the final year examination | Minimum 3 years of research experience in Anthropology, acquired after obtaining the Master’s degree |
| Anthropologist (Physical Anthropology Division) | Master’s degree in Anthropology from a recognised University with more than 50% papers in Physical Anthropology or Biological Anthropology in the final year examination | Minimum 3 years of research experience in Anthropology, acquired after obtaining the Master’s degree |
All qualifications and experience must be fulfilled as on the closing date of the online application — 17 April 2026. Candidates whose final examination results are awaited are not eligible to apply.
Age Limit (as on 17 April 2026)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 35 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 38 years (3 years relaxation) |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 40 years (5 years relaxation) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | As per Government of India norms |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government of India norms |
| Central Government Employees | As per Government of India norms (typically up to 40 years) |
Pay Scale & Service Conditions
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Matrix Level (7th CPC) | Level-10 |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Nature of Post | Permanent Group-A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial |
| Probation Period | 2 years |
| Pension Scheme | National Pension Scheme (NPS) applicable with effect from 01 January 2004 |
| Headquarters | Kolkata |
| Service Liability | All India (candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in India) |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) — Male candidates | ₹25/- |
| OBC — Male candidates | ₹25/- |
| Female Candidates (all categories) | Nil (fully exempted) |
| SC Candidates (all genders) | Nil (fully exempted) |
| ST Candidates (all genders) | Nil (fully exempted) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | Nil (fully exempted) |
The application fee must be paid online through approved digital payment modes — Visa/Master/RuPay Credit or Debit Card, UPI, or Internet Banking. The fee, once paid, is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Selection Process
The selection for UPSC Anthropologist Recruitment 2026 will be conducted through the following stages:
- Shortlisting (if required): If the number of applications received is large relative to the vacancies, UPSC may adopt a shortlisting mechanism. Shortlisting may be done based on higher educational qualifications, additional desirable qualifications, relevant research experience beyond the minimum prescribed, or by conducting a Recruitment Test (written examination), at UPSC’s discretion. Only candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to the interview stage.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Personal Interview before a UPSC Selection Committee. The interview will comprehensively assess the candidate’s domain expertise in Anthropology (Cultural or Physical, as relevant to the post), research contributions, analytical thinking, communication skills, and overall suitability for service in the Anthropological Survey of India. The minimum qualifying marks in the interview are as follows: UR — 50 out of 100; OBC — 45 out of 100; SC/ST/PwBD — 40 out of 100.
The final merit list will be prepared based solely on performance in the Personal Interview (or in the Recruitment Test and Interview combined, if applicable). Appointment orders will be issued by the Government of India following UPSC’s recommendation. Candidature at all stages remains provisional until verification of original documents.
How to Apply for UPSC Anthropologist Recruitment 2026
- Download and thoroughly read the official advertisement PDF (Advt. No. 01/2026) from Click here before commencing the application. Pay careful attention to post-specific eligibility conditions, reservation rules, PwBD suitability, document requirements, and fee payment instructions.
- Visit the UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal at Click here and complete the three-module registration process: Account Creation, Universal Registration Number (URN) generation, and the Common Application Form (CAF).
- After completing the CAF, proceed to the post-specific application module for the Anthropologist vacancy. Select the correct post — Cultural Anthropology Division (OBC) or Physical Anthropology Division (UR) — based on your eligibility and category.
- Fill in all required fields accurately — personal details, category, educational qualifications (including percentage of papers in the relevant specialisation), research experience, and contact information — exactly as per your official certificates and records.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents including a recent passport-size photograph, specimen signature, Master’s degree certificate and mark sheets showing specialisation distribution, experience certificates from research institutions or universities, category certificate (OBC/SC/ST/PwBD, as applicable), and any other supporting documents specified in the notification.
- Pay the application fee of ₹25/- (if applicable, for UR/OBC male candidates) through the available online payment modes. Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted.
- Review all entered details carefully before final submission. Once submitted, corrections to the application may not be permitted.
- Submit the completed application and download or print the final confirmation page. Keep the printout securely, as it will be required at the time of the Personal Interview and document verification.
Deadline: The ORA portal will close on 17 April 2026 at 6:00 PM. Applications submitted after this time will not be accepted. Candidates are strongly advised to complete the entire registration and submission process well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is UPSC Anthropologist Recruitment 2026?
UPSC has released Advertisement No. 01/2026 for direct recruitment by selection to 2 permanent Group-A Gazetted posts of Anthropologist in the Anthropological Survey of India under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. One post is in the Cultural Anthropology Division (OBC) and the other in the Physical Anthropology Division (UR). Applications are accepted from 28 March to 17 April 2026 through the UPSC ORA portal.
Q2. How many vacancies are available and what are the categories?
A total of 2 vacancies are available: Anthropologist in the Cultural Anthropology Division — 1 post (OBC); and Anthropologist in the Physical Anthropology Division — 1 post (UR). Both posts are also suitable for certain categories of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities as per the details in the official notification.
Q3. What is the essential qualification for each post?
Both posts require a Master’s degree in Anthropology from a recognised university and a minimum of 3 years of research experience in Anthropology. The key distinction is the specialisation requirement: the Cultural Anthropology Division post requires more than 50% papers in Cultural Anthropology in the final year examination, while the Physical Anthropology Division post requires more than 50% papers in Physical Anthropology or Biological Anthropology.
Q4. What is the age limit for UPSC Anthropologist Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age limit as on 17 April 2026 is: 35 years for UR and 38 years for OBC candidates. SC/ST candidates receive a 5-year relaxation (maximum 40 years). Relaxations for PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and Central Government employees are applicable as per Government of India guidelines.
Q5. What is the pay scale for UPSC Anthropologist posts?
Selected candidates will be placed at Level-10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, with a pay scale of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month. In addition to basic pay, Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other admissible Central Government allowances will be payable. The probation period is 2 years, and the National Pension Scheme (NPS) is applicable.
Q6. What is the application fee for this recruitment?
The fee is ₹25/- for Unreserved (UR) and OBC male candidates. The application fee is completely waived for Female candidates, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates of all categories. The fee must be paid online through the UPSC ORA portal and is non-refundable.
Q7. Where will the selected candidates be posted?
The headquarters for both posts is Kolkata, as the Anthropological Survey of India is headquartered there. However, selected candidates are subject to All India Service Liability, meaning they must be prepared to serve at any location across India as directed by the Anthropological Survey of India.
Q8. What is the selection process for UPSC Anthropologist Recruitment 2026?
The selection process consists of shortlisting (if applications exceed a threshold — may involve a Recruitment Test) followed by a Personal Interview. The minimum qualifying marks in the interview are 50 (UR), 45 (OBC), and 40 (SC/ST/PwBD) out of 100. Final selection is based on interview performance, with appointment orders issued by the Government of India.
Q9. Can I apply for both posts simultaneously?
Both posts have different eligibility criteria regarding the specialisation in the Master’s degree — Cultural Anthropology papers for one and Physical/Biological Anthropology papers for the other. Candidates must carefully verify which post they are eligible for based on the distribution of papers in their final year Master’s examination. The official advertisement provides detailed guidance on applying for both posts if eligible.
Q10. How do I apply online for UPSC Anthropologist Recruitment 2026?
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the UPSC ORA (Online Recruitment Application) portal at Click here. The process involves Account Creation, Universal Registration Number generation, filling the Common Application Form (CAF), completing the post-specific vacancy module, uploading documents, and paying the fee (if applicable). The portal closes on 17 April 2026 at 6:00 PM. The official notification PDF is available at Click here.
Q11. Are these permanent government positions?
Yes. Both Anthropologist posts are permanent, Group-A Gazetted, Non-Ministerial Central Government positions in the Anthropological Survey of India under the Ministry of Culture. Selected candidates will be on regular government service under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) with a 2-year probation period, and will be entitled to all applicable Central Government service benefits and allowances.
Q12. What is the last date and time to apply?
The UPSC ORA portal will close on 17 April 2026 at 6:00 PM (18:00 hours). Eligibility is also determined as on this date. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be entertained under any circumstances. Candidates are advised to complete and submit the application well before the closing time to avoid last-minute technical disruptions.