Job Description
Overview
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has announced a specialized recruitment drive for 100 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) positions. This unique opportunity is exclusively reserved for candidates who appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 but were not finally recommended for service. The role is classified as Group B (Non-Gazetted) and offers a competitive pay structure under the 7th Pay Commission.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing administrative tasks and file processing within CSIR laboratories or headquarters.
- Handling financial and accounting records for the Finance & Accounts cadre.
- Overseeing procurement, inventory, and supply chain duties for the Stores & Purchase cadre.
- Assisting senior officers in policy implementation and departmental coordination.
- Maintaining accurate records and documentation as per government standards.
- Ensuring compliance with CSIR rules and Central Government administrative procedures.
Why Apply
This role provides a stable career path within a premier scientific research organization. Selected candidates benefit from Central Government pay scales, comprehensive medical coverage, and pension schemes, making it an excellent opportunity for qualified professionals.
Important Dates
- Application Start: 23 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 13 July 2026
Quick Facts
- Vacancy: 100
- Pay Level: 7
- Location: Pan India
- Category: Other Jobs
CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 100 Assistant Section Officer Posts Overview
Registration Date
23 Jun 2026 –
13 Jul 2026
Salary
₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400
Vacancies
100
Eligibility
University Degree
Application Link
Vacancy Details
| Post | Total |
|---|---|
| ASO (General) | 61 |
| ASO (Finance & Accounts) | 18 |
| ASO (Stores & Purchase) | 21 |
How to Apply
- Visit the official CSIR recruitment portal at https://recruitment.csir.res.in.
- Register using your UPSC Roll Number and valid contact details.
- Complete the profile page with accurate personal and category information.
- Fill out the six-tab application form carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required certificates in the specified formats.
- Pay the application fee via SBI Collect if applicable and upload the e-Receipt.
- Preview all details before final submission to avoid errors.
- Download and print the final application form for your records.
Cutoff Marks
Minimum qualifying marks for CPT: UR (40), EWS/OBC (37), SC/ST (35), PwBD (30).
Application Fee
General, OBC (NCL), and EWS candidates must pay ₹500. Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen are exempted from the fee. Payment is accepted via SBI Collect.
Age Limit
Maximum 33 years as on 13 July 2026. Relaxations: SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD (10-15 years), Ex-Servicemen (3 years), CSIR Departmental (5 years).
Selection Process
The selection process is based on two primary stages. First, candidates are shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio based on their total marks obtained in the UPSC CSE-2024 Mains and Personality Test. Second, shortlisted candidates must qualify for a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) of 100 marks. The final merit list is determined by the UPSC CSE-2024 scores, provided the candidate meets the minimum qualifying threshold in the CPT.
Exam Pattern
The Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) is a 1-hour qualifying exam worth 100 marks. It evaluates skills in Word Processing, Spreadsheet preparation, and PowerPoint Presentation. Minimum qualifying marks are 40% for UR, 37% for OBC/EWS, 35% for SC/ST, and 30% for PwBD categories.
Latest Current Affairs (Key Points)
This section covers potential developments in India's National Affairs around August 2026.Topics include government initiatives for rural development, progress on national infrastructure projects, and...
Discussion on the United Nations Security Council's response to an escalating regional conflict.Report on a significant bilateral trade agreement signed between major nations.Coverage of an internatio...
Organization
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), established in 1942, is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It is the nation's largest research and development organization, operating 37 national laboratories and numerous extension centers. CSIR focuses on diverse scientific fields, including aerospace, biotechnology, chemicals, and materials science, aiming to foster innovation and technological advancement to support India's socio-economic development and industrial growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a total of 100 vacancies for the Assistant Section Officer post. This includes 61 positions for General, 18 for Finance & Accounts, and 21 for Stores & Purchase cadres. Additionally, 7 of these posts are reserved for PwBD candidates.
Eligibility is restricted to candidates who appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 but were not finally recommended for any service. You must hold a University degree and your details must be available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal to qualify.
The online application window closes on 13 July 2026 at 05:00 PM. This deadline also applies to the payment of the application fee. Ensure you submit your form well in advance to avoid technical issues.
The ASO post is placed at Pay Level 7, Cell 1 of the 7th Pay Commission. The basic pay ranges from ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400 per month, plus applicable allowances like DA, HRA, and transport benefits.
Yes, the application fee is ₹500 for UR, OBC (NCL), and EWS candidates. However, women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen are fully exempted from paying any fee. Payments must be made online via SBI Collect.
The selection process consists of two stages: shortlisting based on UPSC CSE-2024 marks (Mains + Personality Test) in a 1:5 ratio, followed by a qualifying Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). Final merit is based on the UPSC CSE-2024 scores.
The CPT is a 1-hour qualifying test worth 100 marks. It assesses your proficiency in Word Processing, Spreadsheet preparation, and PowerPoint Presentation. You must secure the minimum threshold marks (e.g., 40 for UR) to be considered for the final merit list.
The upper age limit is 33 years as of 13 July 2026. Age relaxations are provided for reserved categories, including 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (NCL), and up to 15 years for PwBD candidates.
