CSIR Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Recruitment 2026 - 100 Vacancies (UPSC CSE-2024 Non-Recommended)

## CSIR Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Recruitment 2026 ### Notification Overview **Organization:** Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi **Position:** Assistant Section Officer (ASO) **Total Vacancies:** 100 posts (61 General, 18 Finance & Accounts, 21 Stores & Purchase) **Notification Number:** Advt. No. E-I/RC/2026/2 **Post Classification:** Group B (Non-Gazetted) **Pay Level:** Level 7, Cell 1 (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400) **Application Period:** 23 June 2026 (10:00 AM) to 13 July 2026 (05:00 PM) **Official Website:** csir.res.in / recruitment.csir.res.in ### About This Recruitment This is a unique recruitment opportunity exclusively designed for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE-2024) non-recommended candidates who hold a University degree and appear on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal. This is NOT a general recruitment - only eligible UPSC CSE-2024 candidates can apply. ### Vacancy Distribution **Post-wise Breakdown:** - **ASO (General):** 61 posts (UR: 23, SC: 9, ST: 4, OBC(NCL): 17, EWS: 8) - **ASO (Finance & Accounts):** 18 posts (UR: 7, SC: 2, ST: 2, OBC(NCL): 6, EWS: 1) - **ASO (Stores & Purchase):** 21 posts (UR: 8, SC: 2, ST: 2, OBC(NCL): 6, EWS: 3) **PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) Reservation:** - 7 posts reserved for PwBD candidates (40% or more disability) - Blindness/Low Vision: 2 posts (1 backlog) - Deaf & Hard of Hearing: 1 post - Locomotor disability: 2 posts (1 backlog) - Autism/Intellectual/Learning Disability/Mental Illness: 2 posts ### Eligibility Criteria **Essential Qualification:** - Must be a non-recommended candidate of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE-2024) - Must hold a University degree from a recognized institution - Must appear on UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal as non-recommended - NO branch or subject restriction on the degree **Age Limit (as on 13 July 2026):** - Upper age limit: 33 years - Age relaxation available for reserved categories **Age Relaxation:** | Category | 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) | | CSIR Departmental Candidates | 5 years | **Important Note on Eligibility:** - Eligibility is STRICTLY tied to UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal listing - General graduates NOT associated with CSE-2024 are NOT eligible - Government employees must produce a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) at document verification ### Application Fee | Category | Fee | |----------|-----| | UR / OBC (NCL) / EWS | ₹500 | | Women / SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | NIL (Exempted) | **Fee Payment:** Online via SBI Collect (UPI, Debit Card, Net Banking) ### Important Dates | Event | Date & Time | |-------|------------| | Online Application Start | 23 June 2026 (10:00 AM) | | Last Date for Application | 13 July 2026 (05:00 PM) | | Last Date for Fee Payment | 13 July 2026 (05:00 PM) | | Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) | To be announced (Tentatively Delhi) | ### Selection Process (3 Stages) **Stage 1: Application Screening & Shortlisting** - Applications screened based on UPSC CSE-2024 marks - Shortlisting ratio: 1:5 (5 candidates per vacancy per category, minimum 5) - Basis: Total marks in UPSC CSE-2024 Mains + Personality Test **Stage 2: Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)** - Qualifying test (100 marks, 1 hour duration) - Covers: Word Processing, Spreadsheet preparation, PowerPoint Presentation - Category-wise minimum qualifying marks: - UR: 40 marks (40%) - EWS/OBC: 37 marks (37%) - SC/ST: 35 marks (35%) - PwBD: 30 marks (30%) - Conducted tentatively in Delhi **Stage 3: Final Merit List & Cadre Allocation** - Final merit based on CSE-2024 total marks (subject to clearing CPT minimum) - Single merit list prepared - Cadre allocation (General / Finance & Accounts / Stores & Purchase) based on merit and candidate's choice **Tie-Breaking Methodology:** 1. Higher marks in CSE-2024 Mains 2. Date of Birth (older candidate ranked higher) 3. Earlier acquisition of Essential Degree 4. Alphabetical order of first names **Document Verification:** - Shortlisted candidates called for original document verification - CSIR may post selected officers across any of 37 national laboratories, institutes, or CSIR Headquarters ### Salary & Benefits **Pay Structure:** - **Pay Level:** Level 7, Cell 1 (7th CPC Pay Matrix) - **Basic Pay Range:** ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400 per month **Additional Benefits:** - Dearness Allowance (DA) - as per Central Government rates - House Rent Allowance (HRA) - if CSIR accommodation not availed - Transport Allowance - as per Central Government rates - Medical Reimbursement - available - Leave Travel Concession - available - House Building Advance - available - Pension: New Pension System (NPS) from 01.01.2004 **Probation Period:** 2 years from date of joining **Posting:** Liable to serve anywhere in India across CSIR's 37 national laboratories, institutes, extension centres, or CSIR Headquarters (Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi) ### How to Apply Online **Application Portal:** https://www.csir.res.in or https://recruitment.csir.res.in **Step-by-Step Application Process:** 1. **Registration:** Visit official portal and click 'Apply Online' 2. **Register with:** - UPSC Roll Number - Email address - Mobile number - User ID and password will be sent to registered email/mobile 3. **Profile Page:** Log in and complete profile details - Gender, Date of Birth, Category - PwBD status, Ex-Serviceman status - CSIR Departmental candidate status - **Note:** Once locked, profile cannot be modified 4. **Application Form:** Fill 6-tab form - Tab 1: Apply - Tab 2: Personal Details - Tab 3: Education - Tab 4: Experience - Tab 5: Additional Details - Tab 6: Uploads 5. **Document Upload:** - Photograph: JPG only, <50 KB (200×150 pixels) - Signature: JPG only, <50 KB (50×150 pixels) - Certificates/Documents: PDF only, <1 MB each - CSE-2024 Mark Sheets: Both Prelims & Mains+PT in single PDF, <1 MB 6. **Preview & Submit:** - Preview complete form - Click Submit - Application Number generated 7. **Fee Payment (if applicable):** - Pay ₹500 via SBI Collect - Download e-Receipt - Upload e-Receipt before 13 July 2026 (05:00 PM) 8. **Final Step:** - Retain printout of submitted form for reference ### Required Documents **For Application & Document Verification:** - Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate/10th Pass Certificate) - Educational qualification certificates (10th onwards) - Degree certificate from recognized University - CSE-2024 Mark Sheets (Prelims and Mains + Personality Test) - Caste/Community certificate (if applicable) - PwBD certificate (if applicable, with % of disability) - Employment/Experience certificate (if applicable) - No Objection Certificate from employer (mandatory if currently in government service) - Aadhaar card - PAN card - Self-attested copies of all uploaded documents ### Important Instructions & Eligibility Tips **Critical Points to Remember:** 1. **UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal Verification:** - Your name MUST appear on UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal as non-recommended CSE-2024 candidate - Verify this before applying - No exceptions - if not listed, you're ineligible 2. **Profile Page Locking:** - Once profile is locked, NO modifications to name, category, DOB allowed - Discrepancies found at document verification = cancellation of candidature 3. **Degree Requirements:** - Must be from Government of India recognized University/Institution - Final result declared on or before 13 July 2026 - No branch/subject restriction - If CGPA awarded, convert to percentage using institution's formula 4. **Fee Payment:** - Even if fee paid before deadline, uploading e-Receipt after 05:00 PM on 13 July = incomplete application - Download e-Receipt immediately after payment 5. **Government Employee NOC:** - Currently employed in government? Must produce valid NOC from employer - Experience certificate or resignation undertaking NOT acceptable 6. **Email ID Critical:** - Use active, frequently checked email ID - All communications (CPT call letters, interview dates) sent via email only - Check spam/junk folders regularly 7. **Avoid These Mistakes:** - Not verifying UPSC portal eligibility before applying - Locking profile with incorrect data - Uploading degree from unrecognized institution - Not uploading fee receipt before deadline - Canvassing in any form (leads to permanent debarment) ### Computer Proficiency Test Details **Test Duration:** 1 hour (60 minutes) **Total Marks:** 100 **Type:** Qualifying (mandatory to clear) **Skills Tested:** - **Word Processing:** Document creation, formatting, typing exercises - **Spreadsheet:** Data entry, formulas, basic calculations - **PowerPoint:** Presentation creation, slide design **Venue:** Tentatively Delhi (CSIR reserves right to conduct elsewhere) **Minimum Qualifying Marks (Category-wise):** | Category | Marks | % | |----------|-------|-----| | UR | 40 | 40% | | EWS | 37 | 37% | | OBC (NCL) | 37 | 37% | | SC | 35 | 35% | | ST | 35 | 35% | | All PwBD | 30 | 30% | ### FAQs **Q1: Who is eligible for CSIR ASO 2026?** A: Only non-recommended candidates of UPSC CSE-2024 who appear on UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal with a University degree are eligible. General graduates are NOT eligible. **Q2: Can I apply if I didn't clear UPSC prelims/mains?** A: No. You must have appeared in CSE-2024 and be listed on UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal as non-recommended to be eligible. **Q3: What if I completed my degree after 13 July 2026?** A: Your degree must be declared on or before 13 July 2026 (the application closing date). If declared after, you're ineligible. **Q4: Can I apply for multiple cadres?** A: No. You can choose ONE cadre preference in your application. Cadre once allotted is final. **Q5: What happens after clearing CPT?** A: Merit list prepared based on CSE-2024 marks (Mains + PT), subject to CPT qualification. Document verification follows. **Q6: Is accommodation provided?** A: CSIR may provide accommodation based on availability. HRA not paid if accommodation is provided. **Q7: Can I change my cadre choice after selection?** A: No. Cadre allocation is final and based on merit and your choice at application time. **Q8: What is the probation period?** A: 2 years from date of joining. Satisfactory completion required for confirmation. **Q9: Where will I be posted?** A: CSIR has 37 national laboratories, institutes, extension centres, and headquarters. You can be posted anywhere. **Q10: If I'm a government employee, what do I need?** A: Valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer at document verification stage. Experience certificate alone won't suffice. ### Preparation Tips **For the Computer Proficiency Test:** - Strengthen Word Processing skills (MS Word): formatting, document creation - Practice Spreadsheet basics (Excel): formulas, data entry, calculations - Learn PowerPoint: slide creation, design, transitions - Take online practice tests for CPT-like scenarios **For Document Verification:** - Gather all certificates from 10th onwards - Get CSE-2024 mark sheets (Prelims, Mains, Personality Test) - Prepare NOC if in government service - Get proper category certificate if applicable ### Contact Information **Help Desk Email:** ra.helpdesk@csir.res.in **Official Website:** https://www.csir.res.in **Recruitment Portal:** https://recruitment.csir.res.in ### CSIR Information **About CSIR:** - CSIR operates 37 national laboratories and research institutes across India - Works on scientific research, technology development, and consulting - Employs 10,000+ scientists and technical staff - Contributes to India's research and development sector **CSIR Headquarters:** Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi *This is a special recruitment opportunity for UPSC CSE-2024 candidates. Verify your eligibility on UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal before applying. Application deadline: 13 July 2026 (05:00 PM).*