CSIR Recruitment 2026

Educational Qualification :
Must possess a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University or Institution.
Must be a non-recommended candidate of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024.
Candidate's details should be available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.
There is no restriction on the stream or subject of the qualifying degree.
Candidates who did not appear in UPSC CSE-2024 or whose names are not listed on the Pratibha Setu Portal are not eligible.

Age Limit :
The upper age limit is 33 years as on 13 July 2026.
SC/ST candidates are eligible for an age relaxation of 5 years.
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates are eligible for an age relaxation of 3 years.
PwBD (Unreserved) candidates are eligible for an age relaxation of 10 years.
PwBD (SC/ST) candidates are eligible for an age relaxation of 15 years.
PwBD (OBC) candidates are eligible for an age relaxation of 13 years.
Ex-Servicemen are eligible for age relaxation as per Government rules.
CSIR departmental candidates are eligible for an age relaxation of 5 years.

Application Fee :
UR, OBC (NCL), and EWS candidates are required to pay an application fee of Rs. 500/-.
Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from payment of the application fee.
The application fee must be paid online through SBI Collect.
Candidates paying the fee must upload the SBI Collect e-Receipt before the application deadline.

Selection Process :
Applications will be screened based on eligibility and UPSC CSE-2024 scores.
Candidates will be shortlisted for the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) in the ratio of 1:5 category-wise.
Shortlisting will be based on total marks obtained in UPSC CSE-2024 Mains Examination and Personality Test.
The Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) is qualifying in nature.
Candidates qualifying the CPT will be considered for the final merit list.
The final merit list will be prepared based on UPSC CSE-2024 total marks (Mains + Personality Test).
Cadre allocation will be done based on merit and preferences submitted by candidates.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo Document Verification before final appointment.

Tie-Breaking Criteria :
Higher marks in UPSC CSE-2024 Mains Examination will be given preference.
If the tie persists, the older candidate will be ranked higher.
If still unresolved, the candidate who acquired the essential degree earlier will be preferred.
If the tie continues, alphabetical order of first names will be considered.

Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) :
The CPT is qualifying in nature and carries 100 marks.
The duration of the CPT is 1 hour.
The test will assess proficiency in Word Processing, Spreadsheet preparation, and PowerPoint Presentation.
The CPT is tentatively scheduled to be conducted in Delhi, though CSIR may conduct it at other locations.

Minimum Qualifying Marks :
UR candidates must secure at least 40 marks out of 100.
EWS and OBC candidates must secure at least 37 marks out of 100.
SC/ST candidates must secure at least 35 marks out of 100.
PwBD candidates must secure at least 30 marks out of 100.
PwBD candidates will be governed by the applicable Government of India and SSC guidelines.

Salary & Benefits :
Selected candidates will be appointed in Pay Level-7, Cell-1 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
The pay scale ranges from Rs. 44,900/- to Rs. 1,42,400/-.
Dearness Allowance (DA) will be payable as per Central Government rates.
House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be admissible as per rules.
Transport Allowance will be provided as per Central Government norms.
Medical reimbursement facilities will be available as per CSIR rules.
Leave Travel Concession (LTC) and House Building Advance facilities are admissible.
Employees will be covered under the National Pension System (NPS).
The probation period is two years from the date of joining.
Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India across CSIR laboratories, institutes, or Headquarters.

How to Apply :
Visit the official CSIR website and click on the "Apply Online" link.
Register using your UPSC Roll Number, email ID, and mobile number.
Log in using the credentials received after registration.
Complete the Profile Page carefully, as details cannot be modified once locked.
Fill in the online application form with personal, educational, and other required details.
Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and supporting documents.
Preview all details carefully before final submission.
Submit the application form and note down the generated Application Number.
Pay the application fee through SBI Collect, if applicable.
Upload the SBI Collect e-Receipt before the closing date.
Take a printout of the final submitted application form for future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid :
Ensure your name appears on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal before applying.
Verify all profile details carefully before locking the profile.
Upload the SBI Collect fee receipt within the prescribed deadline.
Ensure that your qualifying degree is from a recognized institution.
Convert CGPA/SGPA to percentage as per the formula prescribed by your University before filling the application form.
Government employees must produce a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) during document verification.
Avoid canvassing or attempting to influence the selection process.
Use an active email ID and check it regularly for recruitment-related updates.