CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 100 Assistant Section Officer Posts

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has officially opened applications for 100 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) vacancies under Advertisement No. E-I/RC/2026/2. This recruitment is exclusively for non-recommended candidates of UPSC's Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE-2024) who hold a University degree and appear on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal. The online application window is open from 23 June 2026 (10:00 AM) to 13 July 2026 (05:00 PM). The ASO post is a Group B (Non-Gazetted) position at Pay Level 7, Cell 1 (₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400).

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 - Notification Out

CSIR Headquarters has released the official recruitment notification for the post of Assistant Section Officer across three cadres - General, Finance & Accounts, and Stores & Purchase. This is a unique opportunity designed exclusively for UPSC CSE-2024 aspirants who cleared various stages but were not finally recommended for IAS/IPS or allied services. Eligible candidates can apply online through the CSIR recruitment portal before the deadline.

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 - Overview

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CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026  - Important Dates

Candidates planning to apply for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 should mark these dates carefully. The application portal opened on 23 June 2026 and will close on 13 July 2026 at 5:00 PM. Both the application submission and fee payment deadlines fall on the same date, so candidates should avoid waiting until the last day.

CSIR ASO Vacancy 2026 - Post-wise & Category-wise Breakdown

CSIR has advertised 100 ASO posts across three specialised cadres. All three posts share the same pay scale at Pay Level 7, Cell 1. Category-wise distribution ensures representation across UR, SC, ST, OBC (NCL), and EWS groups. Candidates should note that 7 of these 100 posts (including 2 backlog) are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) with not less than 40% of relevant disability.

Note on backlog vacancies: In the ASO (Finance & Accounts) category, 1 vacancy under ST is a Backlog Vacancy, and 2 of the 6 OBC vacancies are Backlog Vacancies.

PwBD Vacancy Breakup (Out of 7 Reserved Posts)

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Eligibility Criteria - Who Can Apply for CSIR ASO 2026?

The eligibility for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 is highly specific and differs from standard government job notifications. Only candidates who appeared in UPSC's Civil Services Examination 2024 but were not finally recommended for any service - and whose details appear on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal - are eligible. General graduates not associated with CSE-2024 are not eligible for this recruitment.

Essential Qualification

Candidates must hold a University degree and must be non-recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE-2024), as per details available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal. There is no branch or subject restriction on the degree - any graduate from a recognised university qualifies on academic grounds, provided the CSE-2024 condition is met.

Age Limit (as on 13 July 2026)

Candidates wondering about the age limit for CSIR ASO 2026 should note that the upper age limit is 33 years as on the closing date of online application. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories as listed below.

Application Fee

The application fee for CSIR ASO 2026 is payable online through SBI Collect. Women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are fully exempted from paying any fee. Fee-paying candidates must upload the e-Receipt in the online application before the submission deadline.

CSIR ASO Selection Process 2026

The CSIR ASO 2026 selection process involves two key stages - shortlisting based on CSE-2024 marks, followed by a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). The final merit is determined by CSE-2024 total marks (Mains + Personality Test), subject to qualifying the CPT. Candidates who clear the CPT but score lower in CSE-2024 will rank below those with higher CSE-2024 scores, making UPSC marks the decisive factor.

1. Application Screening: Applications are screened and candidates are shortlisted for CPT in the ratio of 1:5 (i.e., 5 times total vacancies per category, subject to a minimum of five). Shortlisting is based on total marks obtained in UPSC CSE-2024 Mains plus Personality Test.
2. Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): Shortlisted candidates appear for a qualifying CPT of 100 marks and 1-hour duration. Qualifying the CPT is mandatory for further consideration.
3. Final Merit List: Prepared based on total CSE-2024 marks (Mains + Personality Test), subject to qualifying the CPT with the minimum threshold marks prescribed by CSIR.
4. Cadre Allocation: A single merit list is drawn. CSIR allocates cadre (General / Finance & Accounts / Stores & Purchase) based on merit and the candidate's choice submitted in the online application. Cadre once allotted is final and unchangeable.
5. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates are called to produce original documents for verification.

Also Read: RBI Office Attendant Result 2026 Out - Download Merit List PDF

Tie-Breaking Methodology

In case of a tie in scores, CSIR resolves it in the following order of precedence:

1. Higher marks in Mains Examination of CSE-2024
2. Date of Birth - older candidate placed higher
3. Earlier acquisition of Essential Degree
4. Alphabetical order of first names

Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) - Pattern & Minimum Qualifying Marks

The Computer Proficiency Test for CSIR ASO 2026 is qualifying in nature and carries 100 marks with a duration of 1 hour. Candidates who fail to secure the prescribed minimum threshold marks will be eliminated from further consideration regardless of their CSE-2024 scores. The CPT will be held tentatively in Delhi, though CSIR reserves the right to conduct it in other cities as well.

The CPT will assess proficiency in Word Processing (typing and document exercises), Spreadsheet preparation, and PowerPoint Presentation - skills essential to day-to-day office functioning.

Category-wise Minimum Qualifying Marks for CPT

For PwBD candidates, Govt. of India / Staff Selection Commission (SSC) rules on CPT shall apply.

CSIR ASO Salary & Benefits 2026

Candidates selected as Assistant Section Officer in CSIR will be placed at Pay Level 7, Cell 1 of the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix, with a starting basic pay of ₹44,900 per month scaling up to ₹1,42,400. Beyond the base salary, CSIR employees receive a comprehensive benefits package aligned with Central Government norms.

Officers appointed will be liable to serve anywhere in India across any of CSIR's 37 national laboratories, institutes, extension centres, or CSIR Headquarters at Anusandhan Bhawan, New Delhi.

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Apply Online - How to Submit the CSIR ASO Application Form 2026

Candidates must apply online only through the official CSIR websites. No offline, postal, or email-based applications will be accepted. The online portal is available via Google Chrome (recommended) and requires a valid, active email ID throughout the recruitment process.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit https://www.csir.res.in or https://recruitment.csir.res.in.
2. Click "Apply Online" and register using your UPSC Roll Number, email address, and mobile number. A User ID and password will be sent to your registered email and mobile.
3. Log in with the received credentials and complete the Profile Page (Gender, Date of Birth, Category, PwBD status, Ex-Serviceman status, CSIR employee status etc.). Once locked, profile details cannot be modified.
4. Fill in the 6-tab application form: Apply → Personal Details → Education → Experience → Additional Details → Uploads → Preview & Submit.
5. Upload all required scanned documents (photographs, signature, certificates) as per specifications.
6. Preview the complete form and click Submit. An Application Number will be generated.
7. If fee is applicable, pay ₹500 via SBI Collect (UPI, Debit Card, Net Banking). Download the e-Receipt and upload it in the application before the deadline.
8. Retain a printout of the final submitted form for future reference.

Document Upload Specifications

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes to Avoid

The CSIR ASO application process has several technical and eligibility-specific requirements that can trip up even well-prepared candidates. The mistakes below are the most commonly observed reasons for application rejection or disqualification - review each carefully before submitting.

• Not appearing on UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal: Eligibility is strictly tied to being listed on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal as a non-recommended CSE-2024 candidate. If your name does not appear there, you are not eligible - no exceptions.
• Locking profile with incorrect data: Once the profile page is locked on the portal, details like name, category, and date of birth cannot be changed. Any discrepancy found at document verification will result in cancellation of candidature.
• Uploading fee receipt after deadline: Even if you pay the fee before 13 July 2026, failing to upload the SBI Collect e-Receipt within the application portal by 5:00 PM on 13 July 2026 means your application will not be treated as complete.
• Using a degree from an unrecognised institution: The qualifying degree must be from a University/Institution/Board recognised by the Government of India. The final result must have been declared on or before the closing date of online application.
• Applying with a CGPA without converting to percentage: Universities awarding CGPA/SGPA grades must have the percentage calculated as per the formula prescribed by their University/Institute before filling the application.
• Government employees applying without NOC: Applicants currently employed in Government Departments must produce a valid 'No Objection Certificate' from their employer at the time of document verification. An undertaking to resign or experience certificate will not be accepted in lieu of NOC.
• Canvassing in any form: Canvassing or attempting to influence the selection through any means is treated as disqualification for the post and can lead to debarment from future CSIR recruitments.
• Inactive email ID: All communications, including interview/CPT call letters, are sent only by email. A non-functional or frequently unchecked email ID (including spam/junk folders) can cause candidates to miss critical updates.

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 - Important Links