NICL AO IT Selection Process 2026: Stages and Weight

The NICL AO IT selection process 2026 has three stages. Candidates take the Phase I (Prelims) online exam, then the Phase II (Mains) online exam, and then an interview. The final score uses an 80:20 ratio of Mains objective marks to interview marks.

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

NICL AO IT selection process 2026: stage by stage

The exam pattern page lists the marks and the time for each test. The exam date page lists the dates.

How does shortlisting work?

NICL applies cut-offs in two ways. It applies them on the score in each test. It also applies them on the total score.

• Phase I: a candidate must get the passing marks in each section. NICL decides these marks. NICL shortlists about 15 times the number of vacancies in each category for Phase II, subject to availability.
• Phase II objective test: a candidate must get a minimum score in each test. A candidate also needs a minimum total score. NICL sets it by the number of vacancies.
• Phase II descriptive test: NICL checks the descriptive answers of candidates who qualify in the objective test only. The descriptive test has its own cut-off.
• Interview: NICL calls candidates who NICL shortlists on the Phase II result. A candidate must get the minimum qualifying marks in the interview.

NICL captures the thumb impression, the iris scan, and the photograph of each candidate on the day of Phase II. NICL checks them at later stages. A mismatch can lead to rejection.

How does NICL decide the final merit list?

NICL adds the Phase II objective score and the interview score with an 80:20 weight. Phase I marks do not count in this score. NICL ranks candidates from the highest score to the lowest.

If two candidates have the same score, NICL looks at the interview marks first. The higher interview score wins. If these marks are equal, the older candidate ranks first.

NICL may also make a waiting list. It holds up to 50% of the number of vacancies. NICL uses the waiting list if a selected candidate does not accept the offer. A medical fitness check is part of the appointment.

NICL may equate scores if it holds an exam in more than one session. This step adjusts for small differences in difficulty between sessions. NICL reports each score with two decimal places.

Which documents does NICL ask for at the interview?

A candidate must bring originals and self-attested photocopies. A candidate who does not bring the required documents cannot take the interview.

• The printout of the interview call letter.
• The system-generated printout of the online application form.
• Proof of date of birth, such as a birth certificate or a Std X certificate with the date of birth.
• A photo ID in original, and a photocopy.
• Marksheets and certificates for Std X, Std XII, and graduation. The result must be declared on or before 1 October 2026.
• A caste certificate with a caste validity certificate for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. The OBC certificate must show the non-creamy layer clause.
• An income and asset certificate for EWS candidates.
• A disability certificate and the Unique Disability ID card for PwBD candidates.
• A No Objection Certificate for candidates who work in government or a public sector undertaking.
• Experience certificates, if any.

NICL pays the sleeper class rail or bus fare by the shortest route to a candidate called for the interview. The candidate must show the ticket or the receipt.

Next step: read the exam pattern for the marks and the time of each section.