The selection process consists of a written Online CBT of 100 questions in 120 minutes covering Civil/Chemical Engineering, Environmental Laws, General Studies, and Aptitude, followed by a personal interview for shortlisted candidates. The written exam carries negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Final merit is determined on the basis of combined performance in the written test and interview as per CPCB norms.

Candidates should focus on fluid mechanics, wastewater treatment, solid waste management, air pollution control equipment, and environmental chemistry from Civil and Chemical Engineering. Knowledge of the Environment Protection Act 1986, Water Act 1974, Air Act 1981, and EIA Notification 2006 is mandatory. CPCB issues Consent to Establish and Operate licenses and monitors 17 critically polluted industrial clusters, so understanding industrial effluent standards and ambient air quality standards is essential.

A Junior Environmental Engineer at CPCB is responsible for inspection of industrial units, collecting and analyzing pollution samples, verifying compliance with effluent and emission standards, and preparing inspection reports. They assist senior officers in monitoring compliance with conditions under Water Act 1974 and Air Act 1981 consents. They also contribute to technical assessments for EIA projects under the EIA Notification 2006 and support pollution incident investigations in critically polluted areas.

Start with the Environment Protection Act 1986 and its schedules, then move to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981. Study the EIA Notification 2006 in detail, particularly the list of 39 project categories that require mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment. Also cover the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules 2016, E-Waste Management Rules, and Plastic Waste Management Rules. CPCB guidelines and standards documents are available on the official website and should be used as primary reference material.

Yes. The Scientist-B role is primarily research and monitoring-oriented, requiring an M.Sc. background, and focuses on environmental science, data analysis, and policy advisory functions. The Junior Environmental Engineer position is technically oriented toward engineering solutions, industrial compliance inspections, and design of pollution control infrastructure, requiring a B.E./B.Tech degree. Both roles operate under the Central Pollution Control Board and require knowledge of key environmental legislations, but the engineer role has a stronger field inspection and compliance enforcement component.