CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026: Apply for 100 Posts
Last Updated: 27 June 2026
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has opened online applications for 100 Assistant Section Officer posts.
CSIR offers these posts under three cadres:
- General
- Finance and Accounts
- Stores and Purchase
All posts fall under Group B, Non-Gazetted service. In addition, selected candidates will receive pay under Level 7.
However, every graduate cannot apply. Candidates must hold a university degree. They must also appear on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal as non-recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
Online registration started on 23 June 2026 at 10:00 am. Therefore, eligible candidates must complete the form by 13 July 2026 at 5:00 pm.
CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Overview
The table below shows the main details.
| Particular | Details |
|---|
| Organisation | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer |
| Advertisement Number | E-I/RC/2026/2 |
| Post Type | Group B, Non-Gazetted |
| Total Vacancies | 100 |
| Cadres | General, Finance and Accounts, Stores and Purchase |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 23 June 2026 at 10:00 am |
| Last Date | 13 July 2026 at 5:00 pm |
| Maximum Age | 33 years |
| Age Cut-Off Date | 13 July 2026 |
| Pay Level | Level 7, Cell 1 |
| Pay Scale | ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 |
| Selection Basis | UPSC CSE 2024 marks and qualifying CPT |
| Tentative CPT City | Delhi |
Important Dates
Candidates should complete every step before the deadline. Otherwise, the portal may reject an incomplete form.
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|
| Online registration started | 23 June 2026 at 10:00 am |
| Last date for registration | 13 July 2026 at 5:00 pm |
| Last date to submit the form | 13 July 2026 at 5:00 pm |
| Last date for fee payment | 13 July 2026 at 5:00 pm |
| Last date to upload payment receipt | 13 July 2026 at 5:00 pm |
| Computer Proficiency Test | To be announced |
| Document verification | To be announced |
Candidates should apply early. As a result, they can avoid website traffic and payment problems.
Official Links
Use only the official CSIR website and recruitment portal.
CSIR ASO Vacancy 2026
CSIR has announced 100 vacancies across three cadres.
The General cadre offers the highest number of posts. Meanwhile, the Finance and Accounts cadre offers 18 posts.
Category-Wise Vacancy Details
| Post/Cadre | UR | SC | ST | OBC-NCL | EWS | Total |
|---|
| ASO—General | 23 | 9 | 4 | 17 | 8 | 61 |
| ASO—Finance and Accounts | 7 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 18 |
| ASO—Stores and Purchase | 8 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 21 |
| Total | 38 | 13 | 8 | 29 | 12 | 100 |
The Finance and Accounts cadre also includes backlog posts:
- One ST vacancy is a backlog post.
- Two OBC-NCL vacancies are backlog posts.
In addition, CSIR has kept seven posts for eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities. This total includes two backlog posts.
However, CSIR may change the vacancy count later.
CSIR ASO Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet all eligibility rules by 13 July 2026.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a university degree from a recognised institution.
Also, the university must declare the final result on or before 13 July 2026.
CSIR will use the result date or marksheet issue date to check the qualification date.
UPSC CSE 2024 Requirement
Candidates must meet all the following conditions:
- They must have appeared in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
- They must belong to the non-recommended candidate list.
- The UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal must show their details.
- They must hold the required UPSC CSE 2024 marksheets.
Therefore, a university degree alone does not make a candidate eligible.
Candidates who did not appear in UPSC CSE 2024 cannot apply. Similarly, candidates missing from the Pratibha Setu Portal cannot apply.
Nationality
The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
Who Should Not Apply?
Candidates should not apply in the following cases:
- They did not appear in UPSC CSE 2024.
- The Pratibha Setu Portal does not list them.
- They do not hold a recognised university degree.
- Their degree result came after 13 July 2026.
- They cross the age limit without valid relaxation.
- They cannot provide proof for their claims.
Therefore, candidates should check every condition before registration.
CSIR ASO Age Limit 2026
The maximum age is 33 years as of 13 July 2026.
However, CSIR gives age relaxation to eligible categories.
Category-Wise Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|
| 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 deducting military service from actual age |
| CSIR departmental candidates | 5 years |
| Other categories | No relaxation |
Candidates must provide valid certificates to claim relaxation. Otherwise, CSIR may apply the normal age limit.
CSIR ASO Application Fee 2026
The fee depends on the candidate’s category.
| Category | Fee |
|---|
| UR | ₹500 |
| OBC-NCL | ₹500 |
| EWS | ₹500 |
| Women candidates | No fee |
| SC | No fee |
| ST | No fee |
| PwBD | No fee |
| Ex-servicemen | No fee |
UR, OBC-NCL and EWS candidates must pay ₹500 through SBI Collect.
In contrast, women, SC, ST, PwBD and ex-servicemen candidates do not need to pay any fee.
After payment, candidates must download the SBI Collect receipt. Next, they must enter the payment details and upload the receipt.
Therefore, fee payment alone does not complete the form.
CSIR ASO Selection Process 2026
CSIR will not hold a separate written recruitment exam.
Instead, the selection process includes:
- Application screening
- Shortlisting through UPSC CSE 2024 marks
- Computer Proficiency Test
- Final merit list
- Cadre allocation
- Document verification
Shortlisting for the CPT
CSIR plans to shortlist candidates in a minimum ratio of 1:5.
For example, CSIR may call around five candidates for each vacancy in a category.
CSIR will use the combined marks from:
- UPSC CSE 2024 Mains Examination
- UPSC CSE 2024 Personality Test
Final Merit List
CSIR will prepare the final merit list from the combined Mains and Personality Test marks.
However, candidates must also pass the Computer Proficiency Test.
The CPT only checks computer skills. Therefore, CSIR will not add CPT marks to the final merit score.
CSIR ASO Computer Proficiency Test
The CPT will check the practical computer skills needed for office work.
| Particular | Details |
|---|
| Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Nature | Qualifying |
| Tentative City | Delhi |
| Test Date | To be announced |
CSIR plans to hold the test in Delhi. However, it may choose more cities if needed.
Skills Covered in the CPT
The test may include:
- Word processing
- Passage typing
- Document editing
- Document formatting
- Spreadsheet preparation
- Spreadsheet exercises
- PowerPoint presentations
- Slide preparation
- Other office computer tasks
Therefore, candidates should practise common office software before the test.
Minimum CPT Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Percentage | Minimum Marks |
|---|
| UR | 40% | 40 |
| EWS | 37% | 37 |
| OBC | 37% | 37 |
| SC | 35% | 35 |
| ST | 35% | 35 |
| All PwBD categories | 30% | 30 |
Candidates must reach the minimum score for their category. Otherwise, CSIR will remove them from the final selection process.
CSIR ASO Cadre Allocation
CSIR will create one merit list for all three cadres.
Then, it will allot cadres based on:
- Merit position
- Candidate preference
- Category
- Available vacancies
- Administrative needs
CSIR may allot a candidate to:
- General
- Finance and Accounts
- Stores and Purchase
Once CSIR allots a cadre, the candidate cannot request a change.
Therefore, candidates should select their preferences carefully.
Tie-Breaking Rules
Sometimes, two or more candidates may receive the same final score.
In that case, CSIR will use these rules:
- First, CSIR will compare UPSC CSE 2024 Mains marks.
- Next, CSIR will give preference to the older candidate.
- Then, CSIR will check who completed the degree earlier.
- Finally, CSIR will use the alphabetical order of first names.
CSIR will apply these rules one by one until it breaks the tie.
How to Apply for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026
Candidates must submit the form through the official online portal.
CSIR will not accept forms through post, email or any other method.
Step 1: Register Online
First, open the official registration page.
Then, enter:
- UPSC CSE 2024 roll number
- Active email address
- Mobile number
- Security question and answer
- Captcha code
After registration, the portal will send a user ID and password to the registered email address and mobile number.
Therefore, candidates should provide active contact details.
Step 2: Complete the Candidate Profile
Next, log in with the user ID and password.
Enter the required details, such as:
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Marital status
- Category
- PwBD details
- Ex-serviceman details
- Government employee status
- CSIR employee status
After that, check all entries carefully.
Once candidates lock the profile, they cannot change these details.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
The portal will show these sections:
- Apply
- Personal Details
- Education
- Experience
- Additional Details
- Uploads
- Preview and Submit
Candidates can save their progress. Moreover, they can log in again before the deadline.
Step 4: Upload the Documents
Next, upload clear copies of all required documents.
These may include:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Educational marksheets
- Degree certificate
- UPSC marksheets
- Category certificate
- Disability certificate
- Employment documents
Candidates should check every file before uploading it.
Step 5: Preview the Application
After completing all sections, open the preview page.
Check names, dates, category, qualifications and uploaded documents.
Then, submit the form.
Candidates cannot edit the application after final submission.
Step 6: Save the Application Number
After submission, the portal will create an application number.
Candidates should save this number because they may need it later.
Fee-exempt candidates can also download the final form at this stage.
Step 7: Pay the Application Fee
Candidates who need to pay the fee should open the SBI Collect link.
Then, enter:
- Application number
- Candidate name
- Post name
- Email address
- Mobile number
The payment page may offer UPI, debit card and net banking.
Step 8: Upload the Payment Receipt
Finally, download the SBI Collect e-receipt.
Then:
- Log in to the CSIR portal.
- Enter the payment details.
- Upload the receipt.
- Submit the payment information.
- Download the final application form.
Candidates must complete this step by 13 July 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Documents Required
Candidates should prepare these documents before applying:
- Recent passport-size colour photograph
- Signature
- Date-of-birth proof
- Class 10 certificate and marksheet
- Other educational certificates and marksheets
- University degree certificate
- UPSC CSE 2024 Preliminary marksheet
- UPSC CSE 2024 Mains and Personality Test marksheet
- Employment certificate, if needed
- Experience certificate, if needed
- Caste or community certificate, if needed
- Disability certificate, if needed
- Other supporting documents
Preparing these documents early will make the process easier.
Document Upload Specifications
| Document | File Requirements |
|---|
| Photograph | JPG, below 50 KB, 200 × 150 pixels |
| Signature | JPG, below 50 KB, 50 × 150 pixels |
| Certificates and documents | PDF, below 1 MB each |
Photograph Guidelines
The photograph should:
- Show the face clearly.
- Use a light or white background.
- Have no red-eye effect.
- Have no strong reflection.
- Show no cap, hat or dark glasses.
However, candidates may wear religious headwear if it does not cover the face.
Signature Guidelines
Candidates should sign on white paper with black ink.
Also, they should use the same signature during later recruitment stages.
A different signature may create problems during verification.
Certificate Guidelines
Candidates should upload separate files for each qualification.
However, they should combine the passing certificate and marksheets of one qualification into one PDF.
In addition, they should combine both UPSC marksheets into one PDF below 1 MB.
Document Verification
CSIR will call shortlisted candidates for document verification.
At that stage, candidates must bring:
- Original uploaded documents
- Self-attested application form
- Self-attested copies of uploaded files
- Proof of age
- Proof of qualification
- Category certificate
- Employment documents
- No Objection Certificate, if needed
Government employees must bring a valid NOC from their employer.
However, CSIR may not accept a resignation letter or an NOC request in place of the final NOC.
Therefore, employed candidates should arrange the correct document in advance.
If a candidate cannot prove a claim, CSIR may cancel the application.
CSIR ASO Salary 2026
CSIR will appoint selected candidates under Pay Level 7, Cell 1.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹44,900 per month |
| Maximum Basic Pay | ₹1,42,400 per month |
| Pay Level | Level 7 |
| Post Type | Group B, Non-Gazetted |
The final in-hand salary will depend on the posting city, allowances and deductions.
Therefore, two candidates may receive different in-hand amounts.
Allowances and Benefits
Selected Assistant Section Officers may receive:
- Dearness Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Medical reimbursement
- Leave Travel Concession
- House Building Advance
- Residential accommodation
- Pension benefits under the applicable rules
However, candidates may not receive House Rent Allowance if CSIR provides residential accommodation.
In addition, New Pension System rules will generally cover selected candidates.
Probation Period and Posting
Selected candidates will normally complete a two-year probation period.
During this period, CSIR may review their work. Moreover, it may require training or tests.
CSIR has its headquarters in New Delhi. It also runs laboratories, institutes and centres across India.
Therefore, CSIR may post or transfer selected candidates anywhere in India.
Candidates may submit posting preferences. However, CSIR does not have to provide the preferred location.
Important Instructions
Before submitting the form, candidates should:
- Read the official notification.
- Check all eligibility rules.
- Use an active email address.
- Use an active mobile number.
- Check the spam folder regularly.
- Enter details as shown on certificates.
- Review the profile before locking it.
- Upload clear documents.
- Check the form before submission.
- Pay the fee through SBI Collect.
- Upload the payment receipt.
- Save the application number.
- Download the final form.
- Check the CSIR website for updates.
- Apply before the final date.
Moreover, candidates should provide complete and correct information.
Otherwise, CSIR may reject the form or cancel the selection later.
For application help, candidates may contact the CSIR Recruitment Cell at
ra.helpdesk@csir.res.in
.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies has CSIR announced?
CSIR has announced 100 Assistant Section Officer vacancies.
What is the last date to apply?
Candidates must complete the application process by 13 July 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Can every graduate apply?
No. Candidates must hold a university degree. In addition, the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal must list them as non-recommended UPSC CSE 2024 candidates.
What is the maximum age limit?
The maximum age is 33 years as of 13 July 2026.
However, eligible categories can claim age relaxation.
Will CSIR hold a written exam?
No. CSIR will use UPSC CSE 2024 Mains and Personality Test marks.
However, candidates must pass the Computer Proficiency Test.
Conclusion
The CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 offers 100 Group B posts to eligible UPSC CSE 2024 non-recommended candidates.
Therefore, interested candidates should check their age, degree, UPSC status and documents before applying.
They should also complete registration, fee payment and receipt uploading before 13 July 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Finally, candidates should visit the official CSIR website regularly for CPT, document verification and result updates.
Share this article with other eligible candidates so they do not miss the deadline.
Disclaimer: CSIR may change recruitment details through later notices or corrections. Therefore, candidates should check the official notification before applying.
