Job Description
Overview
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI), operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is currently seeking applications from qualified Indian nationals for the position of Junior Research Fellow (JRF). This initiative aims to bolster research capabilities within the organization through the engagement of dedicated scholars on a temporary and contractual basis. These roles are essential for supporting the ongoing scientific mandates of the BSI across its various regional centers.
Key Responsibilities
- Conducting systematic botanical research and field surveys to document plant diversity.
- Assisting senior scientists in the collection, preservation, and identification of plant specimens.
- Maintaining detailed laboratory records and digital databases of botanical findings.
- Drafting technical reports, research papers, and documentation for scientific publications.
- Utilizing advanced analytical tools and software for data processing and taxonomic studies.
- Participating in institutional seminars, workshops, and collaborative research projects as assigned.
Why Apply
Joining the BSI as a Junior Research Fellow offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national-level environmental research. Fellows gain hands-on experience in plant taxonomy and systematics while working in a professional scientific environment, which significantly enhances their academic and career prospects in the biological sciences.
Important Dates
- Notification Date: 18 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 09 August 2026
Quick Facts
- Total Vacancies: 06
- Fellowship: ₹37,000 to ₹42,000 per month plus HRA
- Location: Various BSI Regional Centres
- Category: Research Jobs
Botanical Survey of India JRF Recruitment 2026 Overview
Registration Date
18 Jul 2026 –
09 Aug 2026
Salary
₹37,000 - ₹42,000
Vacancies
06
Eligibility
M.Sc. in Botany
Application Link
Vacancy Details
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): 06 Posts
How to Apply
- Visit the official Botanical Survey of India website to download the notification and application form.
- Pay the required application fee through the Bharatkosh portal and retain the transaction receipt.
- Complete the application form with all necessary personal and academic details.
- Prepare a hard copy of the application, including the fee receipt and self-attested documents, and send it via Registered Post to the Scientist-in-Charge, Technical Section, BSI-Hqrs, Kolkata.
- Create a single merged PDF of your application and documents, naming it 'BSI_JRF_2026_FirstName_LastName', and email it to the designated address.
- Submit the mandatory online proforma via the Google Form link provided on the official website.
- Ensure all submissions are completed by 09 August 2026 and keep a copy of the application for your records.
Application Fee
General: ₹400; OBC: ₹200; SC/ST/PH: ₹100. Payment must be made online via the Bharatkosh portal.
Age Limit
Maximum 28 years as of 09 August 2026, with standard government relaxations for reserved categories.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three distinct stages. First, candidates must appear for an offline written test consisting of multiple-choice questions, which lasts for three hours. Second, those who qualify in the written examination will be invited for an online interview to assess their research aptitude and subject knowledge. Finally, successful candidates will undergo a document verification process to confirm their educational credentials and eligibility status. NET-qualified candidates are directly eligible for the interview stage.
Exam Pattern
The written test is an offline MCQ-based examination with a duration of 3 hours. It evaluates the candidate's core knowledge in Botany and research methodology.
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Organization
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is the apex research organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Established in 1890, it is headquartered in Kolkata. The BSI is mandated to conduct floristic surveys, document plant diversity, and carry out taxonomic research across the country. It operates through various regional centers and herbariums, contributing significantly to the conservation and scientific understanding of India's rich botanical heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a total of 06 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions available in this recruitment drive. These posts are distributed across various regional centers of the Botanical Survey of India. Please refer to the official notification for any specific regional breakdown if provided.
Candidates must hold an M.Sc. degree in Botany from a UGC-recognized university. A minimum of 55% aggregate marks is required to be eligible for the fellowship. Having a specialization in Plant Taxonomy or Systematics is considered a desirable qualification.
The maximum age limit for applicants is 28 years as of the last date of application. Age relaxations are applicable as per government rules: 5 years for SC, ST, PH, and female candidates, and 3 years for OBC-NCL candidates.
The selected Junior Research Fellows will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 for the first two years. From the third year onwards, the amount increases to ₹42,000 per month, plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per the prevailing government rules.
The deadline for the submission of the complete application, including the hard copy, soft copy, and online proforma, is 09 August 2026. It is advised to complete all steps well before this date to ensure your application is processed.
The application fee is ₹400 for General candidates, ₹200 for OBC, and ₹100 for SC/ST/PH candidates. The payment must be made online through the Bharatkosh portal. Ensure you keep the payment receipt as it is a mandatory document for your application.
The selection process involves an offline written test (MCQ-based), followed by an online interview for shortlisted candidates, and finally, document verification. Candidates who have qualified for the CSIR-JRF NET are exempted from the written test stage.
To apply, you must download the form from the official BSI website, pay the fee via Bharatkosh, and submit a hard copy by Registered Post to the BSI headquarters in Kolkata. Additionally, you must email a merged PDF of your documents and fill out the mandatory online Google Form.
