The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has announced the CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 for the post of Assistant Section Officer (ASO). This recruitment drive invites online applications exclusively from non-recommended candidates of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. The process includes a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) following shortlisting based on the UPSC examination marks. Eligible candidates can register online starting 23rd June 2026.
Also Read: CUET UG Results 2026: Important Dates, How to Check & Admission Details
Vacancy Details
The posts under CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 is given in details:
| Category | ASO (General) | ASO (Finance & Accounts) | ASO (Stores & Purchase) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 23 | 2 | 2 | 27 |
| SC | 9 | 2 | 2 | 13 |
| ST | 4 | 0 (1 backlog) | 6 | 10 (+1 backlog) |
| OBC (NCL) | 17 | 6 (2 backlog) | 3 | 26 (+2 backlog) |
| EWS | 8 | 1 | 8 | 17 |
| Total Posts | 61 | 18 | 21 | 100 |
Salary and Benefits
The Assistant Section Officer posts carry pay at Level 7, Cell 1 with a pay scale from Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400. Benefits for the candidates applied under CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), reimbursement of medical expenses, Leave Travel Concession, House Building Advance, and other allowances applicable as per Central Government rates. The posts are governed by the New Pension System effective from 01.01.2004.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying under CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 must possess a University degree and be non-recommended candidates of the Civil Services Examination 2024 conducted by the UPSC, as per the list available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Relaxation Beyond 33 Years |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 Years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 Years after deduction of military service |
| CSIR Departmental Candidates | 5 Years |
| Others | No age relaxation |
Selection Process
Selection of the candidates under CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 is based on shortlisting candidates through total marks obtained in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (Mains plus Personality Test) in a ratio of 1:5 per category. Shortlisted candidates must then pass the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT), which is qualifying in nature. The final merit list will be prepared based on UPSC examination marks subject to qualifying the CPT.
Exam Pattern/ Admission Test Details
The Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) used under CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 is of 1-hour duration carrying 100 marks. It tests skills in word processing, spreadsheet preparation, and presentation slides. Minimum qualifying marks vary by category, e.g., 40 marks for UR, 35 for SC/ST, and 30 for PwBD candidates.
Documents Required
- Photograph (recent passport size)
- Signature on white paper
- Proof of date of birth
- Educational certificates from 10th standard onwards
- Mark sheets of UPSC CSE 2024 (Preliminary, Mains, Personality Test)
- Experience certificate (if applicable)
- Caste/community certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Any other relevant supporting documents
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official CSIR recruitment website
- Register using UPSC Roll Number, email ID, and mobile number
- Complete the profile with accurate personal and category details
- Fill the application form across sections including education, experience, and uploads
- Upload scanned documents as per specifications
- Preview and submit the application form carefully
- Make payment of the application fee if applicable through SBI Collect
- Upload the payment receipt in the online application portal
- Keep a copy of the final application for future reference
Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR), OBC (NCL), EWS | Rs. 500 |
| Women, SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen | NIL |
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date for Registration and Online Application | 23rd June 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Last Date for Registration & Submission of Online Application | 13th July 2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Online Payment of Application Fee | 13th July 2026 (05:00 PM) |
Important Links
| CSIR Official Recruitment Portal |
| CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 – Apply Now |
| UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal |
| Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026?
Only non-recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 possessing a university degree are eligible.
What is the age limit for the Assistant Section Officer posts?
The upper age limit is 33 years as of the closing date with relaxation applicable to reserved categories.
What is the selection procedure for the recruitment?
Shortlisting based on UPSC CSE marks, followed by a qualifying Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).
Is there an application fee for all candidates?
Application fee of Rs. 500 applies to UR, OBC (NCL), and EWS categories; others are exempted.
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