The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has released the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Notification for 100 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) vacancies under Advertisement No. E-I/RC/2026/2. This recruitment offers a Pay Level 7 salary of ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400 and is one of the most unique Central Government job opportunities announced this year.
Unlike regular government recruitments, this notification is exclusively meant for non-recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 whose details are available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal. The selection process does not include a separate written examination by CSIR. Instead, candidates will be shortlisted based on their UPSC CSE 2024 performance and will have to qualify a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).
Interested candidates can submit their online applications from 23 June 2026 to 13 July 2026. In this article, check complete details regarding eligibility, vacancy distribution, salary, selection process, CPT qualifying marks, application fee, important dates, and online application procedure.
Candidates looking for other high-paying government opportunities can also check NHSRCL Deputy Engineer Recruitment 2026, ISRO ISTRAC Apprentice Recruitment 2026, and RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026.
CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Advertisement No. | E-I/RC/2026/2 |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Total Vacancies | 100 Posts |
| Job Type | Central Government Job |
| Pay Level | Level 7 |
| Salary | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Age Limit | Not Exceeding 33 Years |
| Qualification | Degree + UPSC CSE 2024 Non-Recommended Candidate |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 13 July 2026 |
| Official Website | csir.res.in |
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Quick Access Link
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Official PDF |
| Apply Online | Click Here To Apply |
| CSIR Official Website | Official Website |
| UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal | Pratibha Setu Portal |
What Makes This Recruitment Different?
Unlike regular government job recruitments, this notification is not open to all graduates.
CSIR has specifically invited applications only from candidates who:
- Appeared in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
- Were not recommended for final selection.
- Are listed on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.
- Possess a recognized university degree.
Candidates who do not fulfill these conditions are not eligible to apply for this recruitment.
This makes the recruitment highly targeted and significantly different from standard ASO notifications released by other government departments.
CSIR ASO Vacancy 2026
CSIR has announced a total of 100 vacancies across three ASO cadres.
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer (General) | 61 |
| Assistant Section Officer (Finance & Accounts) | 18 |
| Assistant Section Officer (Stores & Purchase) | 21 |
| Total | 100 |
Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR | 38 |
| SC | 13 |
| ST | 08 |
| OBC (NCL) | 29 |
| EWS | 12 |
| Total | 100 |
Post-wise Vacancy Distribution
| Post Name | UR | SC | ST | OBC (NCL) | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASO (General) | 23 | 9 | 4 | 17 | 8 | 61 |
| ASO (Finance & Accounts) | 7 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 18 |
| ASO (Stores & Purchase) | 8 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 21 |
| Total | 38 | 13 | 8 | 29 | 12 | 100 |
The notification also reserves 7 posts for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) under various disability categories.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a University Degree from a recognized University or Institution.
However, possessing a degree alone is not sufficient. Applicants must also be non-recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 whose details are available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.
This eligibility condition is mandatory for all applicants.
Graduates seeking broader government job opportunities can also explore the latest RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026 notification.
Age Limit
The upper age limit for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 is:
| Category | Age Limit / Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General | 33 Years |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 Years Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 Years Relaxation |
| PwBD (UR) | 10 Years Relaxation |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years Relaxation |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years Relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | As Per Rules |
| CSIR Departmental Candidates | 5 Years Relaxation |
The age limit will be calculated as on the closing date of online application.
CSIR ASO Salary 2026
Selected candidates will be appointed as Group B (Non-Gazetted) officers under Pay Level 7.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 7 |
| Salary Range | ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 |
| Classification | Group B (Non-Gazetted) |
Apart from the basic pay, employees will be eligible for:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Medical Reimbursement
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- House Building Advance
- New Pension System Benefits
These benefits are available as per CSIR and Central Government rules.
Candidates comparing central government salaries may also be interested in NHSRCL Deputy Engineer Recruitment 2026, which offers higher pay scales for engineering professionals.
CSIR ASO Selection Process 2026
One of the biggest advantages of this recruitment is that candidates do not have to appear for a separate written examination conducted by CSIR.
The selection process consists of the following stages:
Stage 1: Shortlisting Based on UPSC CSE 2024 Marks
CSIR will use the marks obtained by candidates in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 for shortlisting purposes.
Only candidates meeting the prescribed criteria and eligibility conditions will be considered for the next stage.
Stage 2: Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)
Shortlisted candidates will be required to appear for a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).
The CPT will assess practical computer skills required for office administration and government work.
The test is qualifying in nature, and candidates must demonstrate adequate computer proficiency to proceed further in the recruitment process.
Stage 3: Document Verification
Candidates who qualify the required stages will be called for document verification.
Original certificates relating to educational qualification, category, age, UPSC candidature, and other eligibility conditions will be verified.
Stage 4: Final Selection
The final merit list will be prepared based on the recruitment criteria prescribed by CSIR and successful completion of all required stages.
Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) Details
The Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) is the only test stage in the CSIR ASO recruitment process.
The CPT will carry 100 marks and will be conducted for a duration of 1 hour. However, it is qualifying in nature only, meaning its marks will not be added to the final merit list.
The test will evaluate a candidate’s ability to perform routine office tasks using computers, including:
- Word Processing (MS Word)
- Spreadsheet Handling (MS Excel)
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Typing and Document Formatting
- Data Handling and Office Tasks
Minimum Qualifying Marks in CPT
| Category | Minimum Threshold % | Minimum Marks (Out of 100) |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 40% | 40 Marks |
| EWS | 37% | 37 Marks |
| OBC | 37% | 37 Marks |
| SC | 35% | 35 Marks |
| ST | 35% | 35 Marks |
| PwBD | 30% | 30 Marks |
Candidates must secure the prescribed minimum marks to qualify the CPT.
How Final Merit Will Be Prepared
- Shortlisting will be done in a 1:5 ratio based on UPSC CSE 2024 marks.
- Final merit will be prepared using UPSC CSE 2024 total marks (Mains + Interview).
- CPT is only qualifying and does not contribute to merit ranking.
Application Fee
The application fee varies according to category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| UR | ₹500 |
| OBC (NCL) | ₹500 |
| EWS | ₹500 |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
| Women Candidates | Nil |
The fee must be paid online through the payment modes prescribed in the application portal. Fee once paid will generally not be refunded except under conditions specified by CSIR.
Important Dates
Candidates should note the following important dates carefully.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 23 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Registration | 13 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 13 July 2026 |
| CPT Date | To Be Notified |
Interested candidates should avoid waiting until the last date because application portals often experience heavy traffic during the final days.
How to Apply for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official CSIR recruitment portal by following these steps:
- Visit the official CSIR website.
- Open the ASO Recruitment 2026 application portal.
- Complete registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, educational, and UPSC CSE 2024 details carefully.
- Upload the required documents and photograph.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review the application form before final submission.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates should ensure that the information provided matches their UPSC CSE 2024 records and supporting documents.
Why This Recruitment Is Important for UPSC Aspirants
Every year, thousands of candidates clear various stages of the Civil Services Examination but do not make it to the final recommended list.
CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 provides such candidates with an opportunity to secure a Central Government position without appearing for another competitive written examination. The recruitment recognizes the effort already invested in the UPSC examination process and offers a stable Group B career path with attractive salary and government benefits.
For many UPSC aspirants, this recruitment may serve as an excellent alternative career opportunity while continuing future preparation plans.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Official PDF |
| Apply Online | Click Here To Apply |
| CSIR Official Website | Official Website |
| UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal | Pratibha Setu Portal |
Related Government Job Opportunities
- NHSRCL Deputy Engineer Recruitment 2026
- NHSRCL Recruitment 2026
- ISRO ISTRAC Apprentice Recruitment 2026
- RRB Section Controller Recruitment 2026
⚡ Don’t Miss New Govt Jobs & Results
Get instant alerts for Government Jobs, Results, Admit Cards, Internships, PSU Recruitments & Engineering Vacancies before most candidates.
🔥 High-demand vacancies, admit cards & results are often shared first on our channels.
FAQs : CSIR Assistant Section Officer Recruitment 2026
Who is actually eligible for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026?
Only candidates who appeared in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024, are listed as non-recommended candidates on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal, and possess a recognized university degree are eligible to apply.
Will CSIR conduct its own written exam for ASO recruitment?
No. CSIR will not conduct any separate written examination. Selection is based on UPSC CSE 2024 marks, followed by a qualifying Computer Proficiency Test.
How is shortlisting done for the CPT stage?
Candidates are shortlisted in a 1:5 ratio based on their total marks in UPSC CSE 2024 (Mains + Interview).
Do CPT marks affect final selection?
No. The CPT is only qualifying in nature. Final merit is prepared solely on the basis of UPSC CSE 2024 marks.
What happens if I fail the CPT?
If a candidate does not secure the minimum qualifying marks in CPT, they will be disqualified from final selection, regardless of their UPSC score.
Can candidates who did not appear in UPSC CSE 2024 apply?
No. This recruitment is strictly limited to UPSC CSE 2024 candidates listed on the Pratibha Setu Portal.
What is the salary of a CSIR Assistant Section Officer?
The post falls under Pay Level 7, with a salary range of ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400, along with DA, HRA, and other Central Government allowances.
Is this a permanent government job?
Yes. The Assistant Section Officer post is a regular Group B (Non-Gazetted) Central Government position under CSIR.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application form is 13 July 2026.
Why is CSIR recruiting only UPSC CSE 2024 non-recommended candidates?
CSIR is utilizing the UPSC Pratibha Setu initiative to recruit qualified candidates who appeared in Civil Services Examination 2024 but were not recommended for final services allocation. This allows government organizations to recruit candidates already assessed through the UPSC selection process.
Can UPSC CSE 2024 recommended candidates apply?
No. The notification is specifically meant for non-recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024. Candidates who have already been recommended by UPSC are not eligible.
Is CSIR ASO a Group B or Group C post?
The Assistant Section Officer (ASO) post is a Group B (Non-Gazetted) position under Pay Level 7.
What is the in-hand salary of a CSIR ASO?
The exact in-hand salary depends on the city of posting and applicable allowances. However, employees receive basic pay of ₹44,900 along with DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, and other Central Government benefits.
Where will the Computer Proficiency Test be conducted?
According to the notification, the CPT is tentatively scheduled to be conducted in Delhi. However, CSIR may conduct the test in additional cities if required.
Will there be an interview in CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026?
No separate interview is mentioned in the notification. Final merit will be based on UPSC CSE 2024 marks, subject to qualifying the Computer Proficiency Test.
