National Archives of India Recruitment 2026 career guide. Explore NAI jobs, eligibility, salary, selection process & how to apply for government positions.
The National Archives of India (NAI) is a premier institution dedicated to preserving the nation's historical records. It serves as a vital repository for invaluable documents and manuscripts, playing a crucial role in safeguarding India's rich heritage. Aspiring candidates seeking a stable and meaningful career in archival science and administration can find rewarding opportunities within the NAI. General eligibility criteria typically include specific educational qualifications relevant to the advertised posts, along with age limits as prescribed by government norms, and adherence to fulfilling all application requirements.
The genesis of the National Archives of India may be traced back to the year 1860 when Sandeman, the Civil Auditor, in his report stressed the need of relieving the offices of congestion by destruction of the papers of routine nature and transfer of all valuable records to a ‘Grand Central Archive’. However, things took a concrete shape in 1889, when Professor G.W. Forrest of Elphinstone College, Bombay was entrusted the job of examining the records of the Foreign Department of the Government of India. Earlier, he had earned reputation as an Archivist for his work in the Bombay Records Office. In his report, he made a strong plea for transferring all records of the administration of East India Company to a Central Repository. As a result, Imperial Records Department (IRD) came into existence on 11 March 1891 which was located in Imperial Secretariat Building at Calcutta (Kolkata). Professor G.W Forrest was made its Officer in Charge. His main task was to examine, transfer, arrange and catalogue records of all the Departments and to organise a Central Library in place of various Departmental Libraries. After G.W. Forrest, the work at Imperial Records Department (IRD) progressed well under S.C. Hill (1900), C.R. Wilson (1902), N.L. Hallward (1904), E. Denison Ross (1905), A.F. Scholfield (1915), R.A. Blaker (1919), J.M. Mitra (1920) and Rai Bahadur A.F.M. Abdul Ali (1922-1938) who were scholars as well as Records Keepers in their own right.
| Details | Government Research and Archival Institution |
| Type | Statutory Body under the Ministry of Culture |
| HQ | New Delhi, India |
| Entry Gate | Direct Recruitment, Deputation, sometimes through specific departmental exams or GATE for technical roles. |
| Salary Range | As per 7th Central Pay Commission guidelines, varying from Level 4 to Level 10 and above. |
The National Archives of India, established in 1891, is the oldest among the archival institutions in the world and is the principal multi-media archives of the Government of India. It is responsible for the custody, care, collection, and preservation of public records created by the various departments of the Government of India and its predecessor, the East India Company. NAI also actively engages in research, publications, and outreach programs to promote awareness of India's historical and cultural heritage.
The National Archives of India offers diverse career paths. While specific designations may vary with recruitment drives, common roles include:
Salaries at the National Archives of India are determined by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations. Employees receive pay as per the assigned Level on the Pay Matrix, along with various allowances and benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and medical facilities. Other benefits may include pension schemes, leave accrual, and opportunities for professional development.
The selection process for various posts at NAI generally involves one or more stages:
To excel in the recruitment processes for the National Archives of India, candidates should:
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Verification Source: https://nationalarchives.nic.in/