ICAR Assistant ICAR Assistant Recruitment Exam

ICAR Assistant: A Career in Agricultural Research and Administration

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recruits Assistants for its headquarters and various research institutes across the country. This is a prestigious Group 'B' non-gazetted post that forms the administrative backbone of India's premier agricultural research organization. As an ICAR Assistant, you play a vital role in the smooth functioning of the council, which is at the forefront of agricultural innovation. This position offers a secure central government job with a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a clear path for career growth.

Salary, Perks, and Career Path of an ICAR Assistant

A career as an ICAR Assistant is financially rewarding and offers significant opportunities for professional advancement.

Salary Structure: The salary for an ICAR Assistant varies based on the place of posting.

• ICAR Headquarters: Pay Level 7 (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400) of the 7th CPC.
• ICAR Institutes: Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400) of the 7th CPC. [2]

The salary is supplemented by allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA) and House Rent Allowance (HRA), making the overall package very attractive.

Career Progression: ICAR offers a well-defined career path. An Assistant can be promoted to higher administrative roles such as Assistant Section Officer and Section Officer based on performance and by clearing departmental examinations. This provides a clear and motivating growth trajectory.

Work Environment: The job offers a professional and stable work environment within India's top agricultural research body. It provides a good work-life balance and the satisfaction of contributing to a sector that is vital to the nation's economy.

ICAR Assistant Selection Process

The selection process for the ICAR Assistant is a comprehensive three-stage examination designed to select the most competent candidates.

• Preliminary Exam: This is an objective-type screening test. It consists of 100 questions covering General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The duration is 1 hour, and there is a negative marking of 1/3rd for each wrong answer. [2, 17]
• Mains Exam: This stage has two papers. Paper-I is objective and covers Quantitative Abilities and English Language. Paper-II is a descriptive test in English or Hindi, assessing writing skills (Essay, Precis, Letter/Application). [2, 22]
• Skill Test (CPT): Candidates who qualify the Mains exam undergo a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT), which is qualifying in nature. It includes modules on Word Processing, Spreadsheets, and Generation of Slides. [2]

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Education: A Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university is the minimum qualification required. [2, 10]
• Age Limit: The age limit is typically between 20 and 30 years, with relaxations for reserved categories as per government rules. [2, 10]

How to Apply for the ICAR Assistant Exam

The application process for the ICAR Assistant exam is conducted online through the official ICAR-IARI website.

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) at www.iari.res.in. [23, 29]
2. Find the Recruitment Link: Navigate to the "Recruitment Cell" and find the notification for the Assistant post.
3. Online Registration: Register on the portal by providing your basic details to create a login ID and password. [23]
4. Fill the Application Form: Log in and fill out the detailed application form with your personal, educational, and contact information.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required certificates as per the specified format. [23]
6. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online. The fee for UR/OBC-NCL/EWS is ₹1200, while for Women/SC/ST/PwD candidates, it is ₹500. [2]
7. Final Submission: Review the application carefully before final submission. It is advisable to print a copy of the completed form for your records. [23]