ICAR Assistant

ICAR Assistant: A Prestigious Administrative Role in Agricultural Research

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recruits Assistants for its headquarters and various research institutes across India. The ICAR Assistant role is a non-technical, administrative position crucial for the smooth functioning of the premier agricultural research organization in the country. This Group 'B' post offers a secure central government job with an excellent salary, benefits, and the opportunity to work in a scientific and academic environment. It is an ideal career for graduates looking for a stable administrative profile.

Life as an ICAR Assistant: Salary, Perks, and Career Path

Working as an Assistant at ICAR provides a rewarding career with significant growth prospects.

Salary and Allowances: The post of Assistant at ICAR HQ falls under Pay Level-7 (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400), while at Institutes, it is under Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400). The salary is enhanced by allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA), making it a highly attractive package.

Job Profile: The role involves handling files, drafting letters, managing data, and assisting senior officers in day-to-day administrative and financial matters. It is a desk job that requires good organizational and communication skills.

Career Progression: An Assistant has a well-defined career path. Through seniority and departmental exams, one can be promoted to Assistant Section Officer, Section Officer, and higher administrative positions within the ICAR system. This provides ample opportunity for professional growth and advancement.

ICAR Assistant Examination Structure

The selection process is multi-staged to select the most competent candidates for administrative duties.

• Prelims Exam: A computer-based objective test of 200 marks, covering General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. This is a qualifying stage.
• Mains Exam: This stage is crucial for the final merit list. It consists of two papers: Paper-I (Objective) covering Quantitative Abilities and English, and Paper-II (Descriptive) in English/Hindi to test writing skills.
• Skill Test: A Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) is conducted, which is qualifying in nature. It includes modules on Word Processing, Spread Sheet, and Generation of Slides.

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university is required.
• Age Limit: The age limit is typically between 20 and 30 years, with relaxations for reserved categories as per Government of India rules.

How to Apply for the ICAR Assistant Exam

The application process is conducted online through the official IARI portal.

1. Visit Official Website: Go to the official website of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) at www.iari.res.in.
2. Registration: Click on the recruitment link for the post of Assistant and register by providing your name, mobile number, and email ID.
3. Login: Use the credentials sent to your email/mobile to log in.
4. Fill Application Form: Complete the online application form with your personal, educational, and contact details.
5. Upload Documents: Upload your recent photograph, signature, and other required documents (like category certificate) as per the specified guidelines.
6. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. The fee varies for different categories.
7. Final Submission: Review your application thoroughly before final submission. Print a copy of the completed application form for your records.