The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has announced a significant recruitment drive for the post of Assistant Section Officer (ASO). A total of 100 vacancies have been advertised under Notification No. E-I/RC/2026/2. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online, with the application window commencing on June 23, 2026, and concluding on July 13, 2026. This opportunity is particularly aimed at non-recommended candidates of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE-2024) who possess a university degree.
Key Highlights
| Organization | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Total Vacancies | 100 |
| Notification No. | Advt No. E-I/RC/2026/2 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Start Date | June 23, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | July 13, 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India (across CSIR’s laboratories/institutes or Headquarters) |
| Official Website | https://www.csir.res.in/ |
About the Organization
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is a premier research and development (R&D) organization in India, established as an autonomous body by the Government of India in 1942. Operating under the aegis of the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, CSIR is headquartered in New Delhi and boasts a dynamic network of 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, and other units across the country.
Known for its cutting-edge R&D knowledge base across diverse science and technology areas, CSIR plays a crucial role in promoting scientific, industrial, and economic growth. Its extensive work spans fields from oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, and biotechnology to mining, aeronautics, environmental engineering, and information technology. CSIR is committed to providing significant technological interventions for societal efforts, including environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, and energy sectors. It is also a pioneer in India’s intellectual property movement, strengthening its patent portfolio globally.
Vacancy Details
The CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 aims to fill 100 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts across three specialized cadres. These positions are classified as Group B (Non-Gazetted) and offer a uniform pay scale.
| Post Name | No. of Vacancies | Category-wise Reservation (Indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (General) | 61 | UR: 23, OBC: 17, EWS: 08, SC: 09, ST: 04 |
| Assistant Section Officer (Finance & Accounts) | 18 | UR: 07, OBC: 06 (including 2 backlog), EWS: 01, SC: 02, ST: 02 (including 1 backlog) |
| Assistant Section Officer (Stores & Purchase) | 21 | UR: 08, OBC: 06, EWS: 03, SC: 02, ST: 02 |
| Total | 100 |
Additionally, 7 posts (including 2 backlog) are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) across various categories, provided they meet the minimum 40% disability criteria.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must carefully review the specific eligibility criteria for the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026, as it is highly specialized.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or institution in any stream.
Crucially, candidates must also be non-recommended candidates of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 and their details must be listed on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal. This recruitment is exclusively for those who appeared in UPSC CSE 2024 but were not finally recommended for any service.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit for applying is 33 years as on the closing date of online applications, i.e., July 13, 2026.
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation will be provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per Government of India rules.
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (NCL): 3 years
- PwBD (UR): 10 years
- PwBD (OBC): 13 years
- PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen: As per Government rules (3 years after military service deduction)
- CSIR Departmental Candidates: 5 years
Nationality
The applicant must be a citizen of India.
Salary & Pay Scale
Candidates selected for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) post in CSIR will be placed under Pay Level 7, Cell 1 of the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix.
The starting basic pay is ₹44,900 per month, which can increase up to ₹1,42,400 with experience and career progression. Along with the basic salary, employees are also eligible for various Central Government benefits, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), House Building Advance, and National Pension System (NPS) as per CSIR rules.
The indicative in-hand salary for a newly appointed ASO in metro cities is estimated to be approximately ₹73,000 – ₹75,000 per month, depending on the posting city and applicable allowances.
Application Fee
The application fee varies based on the candidate’s category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR), OBC (NCL), and EWS Categories | ₹500 |
| Women/SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen | NIL |
Candidates can pay the examination fee through online modes such as Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The last date for fee payment is also July 13, 2026.
Selection Process
The selection process for CSIR Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts is distinct and primarily relies on the performance in UPSC CSE 2024, followed by a qualifying Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).
- Application Screening & Shortlisting: Applications will be screened, and candidates will be shortlisted for the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) in a ratio of 1:5 (i.e., 5 times the total vacancies in each category, subject to a minimum of five). Shortlisting will be based on the total marks obtained in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE-2024), specifically the Mains Examination plus the Personality Test.
- Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): Shortlisted candidates must appear for a mandatory Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). This test is qualifying in nature, carries 100 marks, and has a duration of 1 hour. It assesses proficiency in Word Processing (typing and document exercises), Spreadsheet preparation, and PowerPoint Presentation. The CPT will be held tentatively in Delhi, with minimum qualifying marks: UR – 40%, EWS/OBC – 37%, SC/ST – 35%, and all PwBD categories – 30%.
- Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared based on the total marks obtained in UPSC CSE 2024 (Mains + Personality Test), subject to qualifying the CPT with the prescribed minimum threshold marks. Candidates who clear the CPT but score lower in CSE-2024 will rank below those with higher CSE-2024 scores.
- Cadre Allocation: A single merit list will be drawn, and CSIR will allocate cadres (General / Finance & Accounts / Stores & Purchase) based on merit and the candidate’s choice submitted in the online application.
- Document Verification & Medical Examination: Candidates will undergo verification of original documents, including UPSC mark sheets and proof of non-recommendation. A medical examination will also be conducted.
- Probation: Selected candidates will undergo a probation period of 2 years from the date of joining, which may be extended.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official CSIR recruitment portal. Offline applications will not be accepted.
- Visit the official CSIR recruitment portal: https://recruitment.csir.res.in/.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link for Advt No. E-I/RC/2026/2.
- Register using your UPSC CSE-2024 Roll Number, a valid email ID, and mobile number.
- Upon successful registration, a User ID and password will be sent to your registered email and mobile number.
- Log in using the generated credentials.
- Fill in all required personal details, educational qualifications, UPSC CSE-2024 marks details, category, PwBD/Ex-Serviceman status, and CSIR employee status (if applicable).
- Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, degree certificate, UPSC CSE-2024 mark sheets (for Prelims, Mains & Personality Test), caste certificate (if applicable), EWS certificate (if applicable), and PwBD certificate (if applicable).
- Review all entered details carefully before final submission.
- Proceed to pay the application fee (if applicable) through the online payment gateway (e.g., SBI Collect).
- Download and print the fee receipt and the final submitted application form for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | June 23, 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date for Online Application Submission | July 13, 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | July 13, 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) Date | To Be Announced |
| Admit Card Availability | Before Exam |
Important Links
Apply Online: Click Here
Official Website: Click Here
Official Notification Reference
Notification Title & Number: Advt No. E-I/RC/2026/2 for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit online applications for the CSIR Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts is July 13, 2026, by 05:00 PM.
What is the eligibility criteria for CSIR ASO posts?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university and must be non-recommended candidates of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, with their details listed on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.
What is the age limit for CSIR ASO Recruitment?
The maximum age limit for applicants is 33 years as on July 13, 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per Government of India norms.
What is the salary for an Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in CSIR?
Selected candidates will be appointed at Pay Level 7, Cell 1 of the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix, with a basic pay of ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400, along with other Central Government allowances.
Is there a written examination for CSIR ASO 2026?
No new written examination will be conducted. The selection is based on the total marks obtained in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (Mains + Personality Test), followed by a qualifying Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).
What is the application fee for CSIR ASO posts?
The application fee is ₹500 for Unreserved, OBC, and EWS categories. Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from paying any fee.
Where will the selected candidates be posted?
Officers appointed as ASO in CSIR will be liable to serve anywhere in India, including CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi or any of its 37 national laboratories, institutes, or extension centres across the country.
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