ICMR Assistant

ICMR Assistant: A Key Role in India's Premier Medical Research Body

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Assistant exam is a national-level recruitment for Group-B administrative posts within ICMR and its various institutes across India. An ICMR Assistant plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the council by providing vital administrative and clerical support. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a scientific and research-oriented environment, contributing to the advancement of medical science in the country. It is a secure government job with a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career growth, making it a highly desirable career for graduates.

Salary, Job Profile, and Career Advancement

A career as an ICMR Assistant offers a stable and rewarding professional life.

Salary Structure: The ICMR Assistant post is in Level 6 of the Pay Matrix (pre-revised Pay Band-2: ₹9300-34800 + Grade Pay ₹4200). The pay scale ranges from ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400. [10, 11] The gross monthly salary, including allowances like DA, HRA, and TA, is highly competitive.

Job Profile: The role of an Assistant involves a variety of administrative tasks, including:

• Assisting Programme Officers and scientists.
• Handling correspondence and maintaining files.
• Coordinating with various ICMR centers and departments.
• Scrutinizing reviews and compiling research-related information. [10]

Career Growth: ICMR provides a structured career progression for its administrative staff. Based on performance, seniority, and departmental exams, an Assistant can be promoted to higher administrative posts within the council, ensuring steady career growth.

ICMR Assistant Examination Structure

The selection for the ICMR Assistant post is based on a single-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT).

• Computer-Based Test (CBT): This is an objective-type test consisting of 80 questions to be answered in 80 minutes. The questions are divided equally among four sections: General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. [57]
• Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. [37]
• Skill Test: A qualifying skill test on computer proficiency (MS Office and Power Point) is also conducted for candidates who clear the CBT.

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Education: A minimum of a three-year Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university is required. [10]
• Skills: Working knowledge of computers (MS Office, PowerPoint) is essential. [10]
• Age Limit: The upper age limit is generally 30 years, with relaxations for reserved categories as per government rules.

How to Apply for the ICMR Assistant Exam

The application process for the ICMR Assistant exam is conducted online through the official ICMR or its designated recruitment portal.

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the official ICMR website at www.icmr.gov.in or the portal mentioned in the notification (e.g., PGIMER's website). [38]
2. Register Online: New users must complete the registration process by providing a valid email ID and mobile number. [38]
3. Fill the Application Form: Log in with your registration details and fill out the online application form with correct personal and educational information.
4. Upload Documents: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and your signature in the specified digital format. [23]
5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee online via the provided payment gateway. The fee varies for different categories. [19]
6. Final Submission: After payment, review the application form thoroughly and submit it. It is important to save or print the final confirmation page for future reference. [38]