The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has announced a major recruitment drive for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts, offering a valuable career opportunity to candidates who appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 but were not included in the final recommended list. The recruitment is being conducted through the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal, which provides employment opportunities to deserving non-recommended UPSC candidates.
This special recruitment initiative aims to utilize the talent pool of UPSC aspirants by providing them with prestigious Central Government positions under CSIR, one of India’s premier scientific research organizations.
CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Total Vacancies | 100 |
| Advertisement No. | E-I/RC/2026/2 |
| Pay Level | Level-7 |
| Salary | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 13 July 2026 |
| Official Website | CSIR Recruitment Portal |
The recruitment drive is exclusively meant for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 non-recommended candidates whose details are available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.
Vacancy Details
CSIR has announced a total of 100 vacancies across different cadres:
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (General) | 61 |
| Assistant Section Officer (Finance & Accounts) | 18 |
| Assistant Section Officer (Stores & Purchase) | 21 |
| Total | 100 |
Selected candidates will be appointed to Group-B (Non-Gazetted) positions under the Government of India framework.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates interested in applying must fulfill the following conditions:
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Candidate must be a UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 non-recommended candidate.
- Applicant’s name should be available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit is 33 years as on the closing date of application.
Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India norms:
- 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
- CSIR Departmental Candidates: 5 years
Salary and Benefits
The Assistant Section Officer post carries an attractive salary package under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Pay Scale
- Pay Level: Level-7
- Basic Pay: ₹44,900
- Maximum Pay: ₹1,42,400
Additional Benefits
Selected candidates will also receive:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Medical Benefits
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Pension and retirement benefits as per applicable rules
These benefits make the CSIR ASO position one of the most attractive opportunities for UPSC aspirants seeking a stable government career.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR/OBC (NCL)/EWS | ₹500 |
| SC/ST | Nil |
| Women | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
| Ex-Servicemen | Nil |
The fee must be paid online through the prescribed payment gateway.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of the following stages:
1. Shortlisting
Candidates will be shortlisted based on their UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 performance, including marks obtained in:
- Civil Services Main Examination
- Personality Test (Interview)
2. Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
Shortlisted candidates will have to appear for a Computer Proficiency Test, which is qualifying in nature.
3. Document Verification
Candidates clearing the CPT will undergo document verification.
4. Final Merit List
The final selection will be based on UPSC CSE 2024 scores and fulfillment of eligibility conditions.
Why This Recruitment Is Important
Every year, thousands of talented candidates reach advanced stages of the UPSC Civil Services Examination but fail to make it to the final recommended list. Through the UPSC Pratibha Setu initiative, government departments and organizations can recruit such candidates for various prestigious posts.
The CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 provides these candidates with an excellent opportunity to secure a Central Government job while utilizing their administrative knowledge and competitive examination skills.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the CSIR Recruitment Portal.
- Register using UPSC CSE 2024 credentials.
- Fill in personal and educational details.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the application form.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Dates
- Online Application Start Date: Ongoing
- Last Date to Apply Online: 13 July 2026
- Fee Payment Last Date: 13 July 2026
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last date and should complete their applications well in advance
The CSIR Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for UPSC CSE 2024 non-recommended candidates to join a reputed Central Government organization. With 100 vacancies, attractive salary, job security, and career growth prospects, this recruitment drive is expected to attract significant interest from eligible aspirants. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria should submit their applications before 13 July 2026 to avoid last-minute issues