NICL AO IT Eligibility 2026: Age, Degree, 60% Marks

NICL AO IT eligibility 2026 needs a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology, or an MCA, with at least 60% marks. The age limit is 21 to 30 years as on 1 October 2026. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates need at least 55% marks.

This page is part of the NICL AO IT Specialist 2026 guide.

NICL AO IT eligibility 2026: degree and marks

The IT discipline accepts B.E., B.Tech., M.E., or M.Tech. in Computer Science or Information Technology. It also accepts an MCA. The degree must come from a recognized university.

The candidate needs at least 60% marks in either of the degree examinations. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates (persons with benchmark disabilities) need at least 55%. The university must have UGC approval, or the institute must have AICTE approval.

How does NICL count the percentage?

• NICL divides the total marks in all subjects and all semesters or years by the maximum marks in all subjects.
• NICL counts honours, optional, and additional optional subjects in this total.
• NICL ignores the fraction. A score of 59.99% counts as less than 60%.
• A candidate with a CGPA or OGPA must get a certificate from the university or institute. It must state the conversion rule and the percentage scored.
• The date on the marksheet or provisional certificate decides the date of passing.
• If the university posts the result on its website, get a certificate that states the posting date.

What is the NICL AO IT age limit?

The minimum age is 21 years. The maximum age is 30 years. NICL counts the age as on 1 October 2026.

A candidate must have been born not earlier than 2 October 1996 and not later than 1 October 2005. Both dates are included.

What age relaxation does NICL give?

NICL relaxes the upper age limit for some categories. The candidate must submit the certificate and show the original at the interview.

A candidate who fits more than one category gets the relaxations added together. The maximum age must not go above 45 years. NICL has no reservation for ex-servicemen in the officer cadre.

Who can apply: nationality rules

A candidate must be one of these:

• A citizen of India.
• A subject of Nepal.
• A subject of Bhutan.
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 to settle in India for good.
• A person of Indian origin who moved from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or certain African countries or Vietnam to settle in India for good.

The last four groups need a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India.

What category rules apply?

An OBC candidate in the creamy layer must choose the Un-Reserved (General) category. An EWS candidate must have a family income below ₹8,00,000 for the financial year 2025-26. The EWS certificate must come from after 31 March 2026.

A candidate who works in a government office or a public sector undertaking must tell the employer in writing. This candidate must bring a No Objection Certificate to the interview.

A candidate can apply for any one discipline only. Read the notification page for the IT vacancy table and the selection process page for the documents NICL checks.

Next step: read how to apply online and see the fee and file rules.