Job Description
Overview
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has initiated a specialized recruitment drive for 100 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) positions. This unique opportunity is exclusively reserved for candidates who appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 but were not recommended for final selection. The role is a Group B (Non-Gazetted) position, offering a stable career path within one of India's premier research organizations.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing administrative tasks, including file processing and record maintenance within CSIR laboratories.
- Assisting in financial and accounting operations, including budget monitoring and expenditure tracking.
- Handling procurement processes, inventory management, and store-related documentation.
- Coordinating with various departments to ensure smooth operational workflows.
- Preparing reports, drafting official correspondence, and maintaining office databases.
- Ensuring compliance with government regulations and internal CSIR policies.
Why Apply
Joining CSIR provides a prestigious platform to contribute to national scientific research infrastructure. Employees benefit from a competitive salary structure, comprehensive medical coverage, and long-term career stability within a central government framework.
Important Dates
- Application Start: 23 June 2026
- Application Deadline: 13 July 2026
Quick Facts
- Vacancy Count: 100
- Pay Scale: Level 7 (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400)
- Location: Pan-India
- Category: Other Jobs
CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 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 contact details to receive your User ID.
- Log in to complete the profile page with accurate personal and educational data.
- 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.
- Submit the form and generate an application number.
- Print a copy of the final submitted application for your records.
Cutoff Marks
Minimum qualifying marks for CPT: 40% (UR), 37% (OBC/EWS), 35% (SC/ST), 30% (PwBD).
Application Fee
General, OBC (NCL), and EWS candidates must pay ₹500 via SBI Collect. Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen are exempted from the fee.
Age Limit
Maximum 33 years as on 13 July 2026, with category-wise relaxations as per government norms.
Selection Process
The selection process is based on a two-stage approach. 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), which is mandatory. The final merit list is prepared using the CSE-2024 scores, provided the candidate meets the minimum qualifying threshold in the CPT.
Exam Pattern
The Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) is a 100-mark, 1-hour qualifying exam. 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.
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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 posts for General, 18 for Finance & Accounts, and 21 for Stores & Purchase cadres. Additionally, 7 of these posts are reserved for PwBD candidates. Check the official notification for the detailed category-wise breakdown.
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. General graduates not associated with CSE-2024 are not eligible.
The online application window closes on 13 July 2026 at 05:00 PM. This deadline also applies to the fee payment process. It is highly recommended to submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues on the official portal.
The Assistant Section Officer position is placed at Pay Level 7, Cell 1 of the 7th Pay Commission. The basic pay range is ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400 per month. In addition to the basic salary, employees are entitled to DA, HRA, and other standard Central Government allowances.
Yes, the application fee is ₹500 for UR, OBC (NCL), and EWS candidates, payable via SBI Collect. However, women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are fully exempted from paying any application fee. Ensure you upload the e-Receipt if you are required to pay.
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 mandatory Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). The final merit list is determined by your CSE-2024 total marks, provided you qualify for the CPT.
The CPT is a 100-mark, 1-hour qualifying test. 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 test is tentatively scheduled to be held in Delhi.
The upper age limit is 33 years as of 13 July 2026. Relaxations are provided: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (NCL), 10 years for PwBD (UR), 15 years for PwBD (SC/ST), and 13 years for PwBD (OBC). CSIR departmental candidates also receive a 5-year age relaxation.
