CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026: 100 Posts, CPT & Salary

The CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 has been announced for
100 Assistant Section Officer vacancies.
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is conducting this recruitment under
Advertisement No. E-I/RC/2026/2.

However, this is not a regular recruitment for all graduates. Candidates must hold a university degree and must also be
non-recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE-2024)
whose details are available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.

The online application process started on
23 June 2026 at 10:00 AM and ended on
13 July 2026 at 5:00 PM. Therefore, candidates can no longer submit new applications.

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Latest Update

The application process for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 is closed.

Meanwhile, CSIR has released previous-year Computer Proficiency Test question papers for candidates. These papers can help applicants understand the practical format of the CPT.

Therefore, candidates should keep checking official CSIR updates for the
CPT date, admit card and shortlisted candidates list.

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Overview

Here are the major highlights of the recruitment.

CSIR ASO Notification 2026

CSIR issued the detailed CSIR ASO Notification 2026 for candidates who appeared in
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 but were not recommended for final appointment.

The notification explains:

• Vacancy distribution
• PwBD reservation
• Educational qualification
• Age limit
• Age relaxation
• Application fee
• Selection procedure
• Computer Proficiency Test
• CPT qualifying marks
• Cadre allocation
• Tie-breaking rules
• Salary and allowances
• Probation period
• Posting
• Document verification
• General recruitment conditions

CSIR ASO Important Dates 2026

Candidates should note the following recruitment dates.

Since the application window has ended, candidates should now focus on CPT preparation and upcoming CSIR notices.

CSIR ASO Vacancy 2026

The CSIR ASO Vacancy 2026 includes
100 Assistant Section Officer posts.

These vacancies are divided among three cadres.

CSIR ASO PwBD Vacancy 2026

Out of 100 vacancies, 7 posts, including 2 backlog vacancies, are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.

Candidates seeking PwBD reservation must satisfy the prescribed disability requirements. In addition, they must provide valid supporting certificates.

CSIR ASO Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must meet both the educational and special eligibility requirements.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must hold a University Degree from a recognised institution.

In addition, they must have obtained the required qualification by the prescribed closing date.

UPSC CSE-2024 Requirement

Candidates must also:

• Have appeared in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024
• Be a non-recommended candidate
• Have their details available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal

CSIR ASO Nationality

The applicant must be a citizen of India.

Candidates should also keep valid documents ready to support their eligibility claims.

CSIR ASO Age Limit 2026

The upper age limit for the Assistant Section Officer post is:

However, eligible candidates from reserved categories can receive relaxation.

CSIR ASO Age Relaxation

Candidates claiming age relaxation should keep the required certificates ready.

CSIR ASO Application Fee 2026

The application fee depends on the candidate’s category.

UR, OBC-NCL and EWS applicants had to pay ₹500.

However, women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates did not have to pay the fee.

CSIR ASO Selection Process 2026

The CSIR ASO Selection Process 2026 differs from a normal recruitment examination.

CSIR will not conduct a separate conventional written exam to prepare the final merit list.

Instead, the selection process includes:

Shortlisting for CPT

First, CSIR will screen the applications.

After screening, candidates may be shortlisted for CPT in a minimum 1:5 ratio, subject to the conditions of the recruitment notification.

In simple terms, around five candidates may be shortlisted against each vacancy or category.

Marks Used for Shortlisting

CSIR will consider the candidate’s combined marks in:

• UPSC CSE-2024 Mains Examination
• UPSC CSE-2024 Personality Test

Therefore, candidates do not have to appear in another conventional written examination for merit under this recruitment.

Final Selection

Shortlisted candidates must qualify the CPT.

Final selection will depend on:

• UPSC CSE-2024 Mains marks
• Personality Test marks
• CPT qualification
• Document verification
• Fulfilment of all eligibility conditions

CSIR ASO Computer Proficiency Test 2026

The CSIR ASO CPT 2026 will test practical computer skills needed for office work.

The CPT may test skills related to:

• Word processing
• Typing
• Document formatting
• Spreadsheet preparation
• Basic spreadsheet functions
• Presentation slides
• PowerPoint-related tasks
• Routine office computer work

Therefore, candidates should focus on practical computer practice.

CSIR ASO CPT Qualifying Marks

Candidates must achieve the prescribed minimum score.

Applicable Government of India or SSC provisions will also apply to eligible PwBD candidates.

CSIR ASO CPT Exam City 2026

CSIR has proposed Delhi as the tentative CPT city.

However, the Council may conduct the test in more than one city if necessary.

It may also select another location based on administrative requirements.

How to Prepare for CSIR ASO CPT 2026

The CPT focuses on practical computer skills. Therefore, regular hands-on practice will help candidates improve accuracy and speed.

Candidates should practise:

• Creating and formatting documents
• Fast and accurate typing
• Tables and page formatting
• Basic spreadsheet formulas
• Cell formatting
• Data organisation
• Charts where required
• Presentation slide creation
• Slide formatting
• Completing tasks within a time limit

Moreover, candidates can use previous-year CPT question papers to understand the test format.

CSIR ASO Cadre Allocation

CSIR will prepare a single merit list.

Selected candidates may receive one of these cadres:

• General
• Finance & Accounts
• Stores & Purchase

Cadre allocation will depend on:

• Merit position
• Candidate preference
• Available vacancies

Once CSIR allocates a cadre, the decision becomes final.

Therefore, candidates cannot claim a cadre change as a matter of right.

CSIR ASO Tie-Breaking Rules

If two or more candidates obtain equal relevant marks, CSIR will follow a fixed tie-breaking process.

The order is:

1. Higher marks in the UPSC CSE-2024 Mains Examination
2. Older candidate based on date of birth
3. Candidate who obtained the essential educational qualification earlier
4. Alphabetical order of first names

As a result, the recruitment process has a clear method for resolving equal scores.

CSIR ASO Salary 2026

The CSIR ASO Salary 2026 comes under Pay Level 7, Cell 1.

The Assistant Section Officer post is classified as:

The pay scale is:

In addition to basic pay, eligible candidates can receive allowances and other benefits according to applicable rules.

CSIR ASO Allowances and Benefits

Selected employees may receive:

• Dearness Allowance
• House Rent Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Medical expense reimbursement
• Leave Travel Concession
• House Building Advance
• Pension-related benefits under applicable rules

Furthermore, eligible employees may receive residential accommodation subject to availability.

However, employees who receive official accommodation may not get House Rent Allowance under the applicable conditions.

CSIR ASO Probation Period

Newly appointed Assistant Section Officers will normally remain on probation for two years from the date of joining.

During this period, they may need to:

• Complete prescribed training
• Undergo performance reviews
• Pass required tests
• Meet conduct standards
• Satisfy performance requirements

The appointing authority may extend or reduce the probation period according to applicable rules.

CSIR ASO Posting

CSIR Headquarters is located at Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi.

However, CSIR operates a nationwide network of 37 national laboratories.

Therefore, selected candidates may receive postings at:

• CSIR Headquarters
• National laboratories
• Research institutes
• CSIR units
• Extension centres
• Other CSIR establishments

Posting preferences may be considered where permitted. However, administrative requirements will determine the final posting.

Documents Required for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026

Candidates should keep all relevant documents safely until the recruitment process ends.

Important documents include:

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Class 10 certificate or marksheet
• Date of birth proof
• Graduation certificate
• Graduation marksheets
• Other educational certificates
• UPSC CSE-2024 Preliminary Examination marksheet
• UPSC CSE-2024 Mains and Personality Test marksheet
• SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS certificate, if applicable
• PwBD certificate, if applicable
• Experience certificate, if applicable
• Employment-related certificates
• NOC for eligible government employees
• Other supporting documents required by CSIR

Photograph Specifications

Signature Specifications

The uploaded signature should match the signature used during document verification.

How to Apply for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026

The online application process has ended. However, candidates can check the application steps below for reference.

1. Visit the official CSIR recruitment portal.
2. Open the Assistant Section Officer recruitment link.
3. Register with the UPSC Roll Number, email ID and mobile number.
4. Log in using the generated credentials.
5. Enter personal and category details.
6. Add educational qualifications.
7. Enter experience details, if applicable.
8. Complete the remaining information.
9. Upload the photograph and signature.
10. Upload UPSC CSE-2024 marksheets and other certificates.
11. Preview the application carefully.
12. Submit the form.
13. Note the generated application number.
14. Pay the application fee, if applicable.
15. Upload the payment receipt where required.
16. Save the final application for future reference.

CSIR ASO Document Verification 2026

Candidates who reach the required stage must complete Document Verification.

During verification, CSIR may check:

• Age
• Educational qualification
• Category
• Disability status
• UPSC CSE-2024 marks
• Employment status
• Experience
• Other eligibility claims

Candidates must produce original certificates along with the required self-attested copies.

Therefore, every detail entered in the application should match the supporting documents.

NOC for Government Employees

Candidates working in Government Departments must produce a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) during document verification.

However, a resignation letter, undertaking to resign, NOC request acknowledgement or experience certificate may not automatically replace the required NOC.

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Important Points

Candidates should remember these key points:

• CSIR has announced 100 ASO vacancies.
• The post comes under Pay Level 7.
• The pay scale is ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400.
• The maximum age is 33 years, subject to relaxation.
• A university degree is compulsory.
• Only eligible UPSC CSE-2024 non-recommended candidates listed through Pratibha Setu can participate.
• Applications closed on 13 July 2026.
• Shortlisting depends on UPSC CSE-2024 Mains + Personality Test marks.
• The CPT carries 100 marks.
• CPT duration is 1 hour.
• The CPT is qualifying.
• CPT marks do not count toward final merit.
• Delhi is the tentative CPT city.
• Selected candidates may receive postings anywhere in India.
• The normal probation period is two years.

Important General Conditions

Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions by the prescribed closing date.

Moreover, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee shortlisting.

Applicants should also note:

• Vacancy numbers may increase or decrease.
• Incomplete applications may face rejection.
• Missing documents can affect candidature.
• Incorrect information may lead to disqualification.
• False or suppressed information can cause cancellation even after selection.
• Candidates may be posted anywhere in India.
• Certificates in languages other than Hindi or English may require an attested translation.
• Candidates with CGPA, SGPA or OGPA should follow their institution’s approved conversion method.
• CSIR may modify, restrict, expand or cancel the recruitment process when required.
• Delhi jurisdiction applies to recruitment-related disputes.
• The English notification will prevail if any interpretation issue arises.

Action Against Misconduct

CSIR can take strict action against candidates who violate recruitment rules.

Prohibited activities may include:

• Using unfair means
• Impersonation
• Canvassing
• Applying improper influence
• Misbehaving during CPT
• Sharing confidential test material
• Reproducing test content without permission

Depending on the violation, CSIR may take action such as:

• Cancellation of candidature
• Disqualification
• Temporary debarment
• Permanent debarment
• Criminal proceedings where applicable
• Termination after appointment in serious cases

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Current Status

Here is the latest position of the recruitment process.

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 FAQs

Conclusion

The CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 offers 100 Assistant Section Officer vacancies in the General, Finance & Accounts, and Stores & Purchase cadres.

Although applications have closed, the recruitment process is still active. Therefore, eligible candidates should now focus on the CSIR ASO CPT 2026.

The post offers Pay Level 7 with a salary range of ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400. In addition, selected employees can receive applicable allowances and other benefits.

Candidates should regularly check official CSIR updates for the CPT date, admit card, shortlisted candidates list, document verification schedule and final result.