ICAR-IARI Research Associate, SRF and YP-II Recruitment 2026
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR IARI) — Division of Plant Physiology & Division of Biochemistry
Executive Summary & Key Facts
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR IARI) has issued an official recruitment notification for Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, Young Professional-II, announcing a total of 4 vacancies located in Delhi. The online application window opens on 24 October 2026 and closes on 11 November 2026. To be eligible, applicants must hold RA: Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or a relevant plant science discipline with thesis research focused on CRISPR Cas9 gene editing, prime editing, transgenic generation, novel gene construct development, and evaluation of transgenic lines. SRF: Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences with a 4-year/5-year bachelor’s degree (1st Division). Candidates with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in basic sciences and a 2-year master’s degree must have NET/GATE/ICAR-SRF qualification and 2 years of research experience. Candidates with a 5-year B.Tech. + M.Tech. degree must have both qualifications mentioned on the degree. OR Ph.D. in any of the above disciplines. YP-II: Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences. and be within the prescribed age limit of RA and YP-II: Men 40 years, Women 45 years; SRF: Men 35 years, Women 40 years. Age relaxation as per Government of India rules., with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. Selected candidates will receive an approved pay scale of RA: Rs. 61,000/- per month + 30% HRA for Master’s degree holders; Rs. 67,000/- per month + 30% HRA for Ph.D. holders. SRF: Rs. 37,000/- per month + 30% HRA. YP-II: Rs. 42,000/- consolidated per month.. The selection procedure comprises Shortlisting based on eligibility and documents, followed by interview. Interview details will be sent by email to shortlisted candidates. No TA/DA for interview.. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.
📅 Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, Young Professional-II - Important Dates & Schedule
| Application Start | 24 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply |
11 Nov 2026
|
📋 Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, Young Professional-II - Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy Overview
| Post Name |
💼 Research Associate
💼 Senior Research Fellow
💼 Young Professional-II
|
|---|---|
| Total Vacancies | 4 |
| Qualification | RA: Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or a relevant plant science discipline with thesis research focused on CRISPR Cas9 gene editing, prime editing, transgenic generation, novel gene construct development, and evaluation of transgenic lines. SRF: Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences with a 4-year/5-year bachelor’s degree (1st Division). Candidates with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in basic sciences and a 2-year master’s degree must have NET/GATE/ICAR-SRF qualification and 2 years of research experience. Candidates with a 5-year B.Tech. + M.Tech. degree must have both qualifications mentioned on the degree. OR Ph.D. in any of the above disciplines. YP-II: Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences. |
| Age Limit | RA and YP-II: Men 40 years, Women 45 years; SRF: Men 35 years, Women 40 years. Age relaxation as per Government of India rules. |
| Salary | RA: Rs. 61,000/- per month + 30% HRA for Master’s degree holders; Rs. 67,000/- per month + 30% HRA for Ph.D. holders. SRF: Rs. 37,000/- per month + 30% HRA. YP-II: Rs. 42,000/- consolidated per month. |
| Application Fee |
General: ₹0
OBC: ₹0
EWS: ₹0
SC: ₹0
ST: ₹0
fee_exempted: Yes
payment_mode: NA
|
| Selection Process | Shortlisting based on eligibility and documents, followed by interview. Interview details will be sent by email to shortlisted candidates. No TA/DA for interview. |
👥 Category-Wise Vacancy Details
Total Seats: 4| Post / Designation | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Associate | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 |
| Senior Research Fellow | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 2 |
| Young Professional-II | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 1 |
| Consolidated Total | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 4 |
Complete Salary Breakup & Allowances
Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 67,000 per month, with 30% HRA for RA and SRF; YP-II gets Rs. 42,000 consolidated
Age Eligibility & DOB Range for Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, Young Professional-II
Cut-off Date: 11 Nov 2026 — Candidates must be between 35 to 45 years (General category). Category-wise relaxation and exact DOB boundaries are shown below.
| Category | Min Age | Max Age | Relaxation | DOB Must Be Between |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 35 yrs | 45 yrs | — | 12 Nov 1981 to 11 Nov 1991 |
| EWS | 35 yrs | 45 yrs | — | 12 Nov 1981 to 11 Nov 1991 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 35 yrs | 48 yrs | +3 yrs | 12 Nov 1978 to 11 Nov 1991 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 35 yrs | 50 yrs | +5 yrs | 12 Nov 1976 to 11 Nov 1991 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 35 yrs | 50 yrs | +5 yrs | 12 Nov 1976 to 11 Nov 1991 |
| PwD (General) | 35 yrs | 55 yrs | +10 yrs | 12 Nov 1971 to 11 Nov 1991 |
Check Your Age Eligibility — Interactive Calculator
Prescribed Age: 35–45 Years (As on 11 Nov 2026)
Remuneration & Monthly Pay Scale
Official Prescribed Pay: Rs. 37,000 to Rs. 67,000 per month consolidated / with HRA depending on post
📝 Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, Young Professional-II - Detailed Notification Guide
ICAR-IARI Research Vacancy 2026: Official Announcement
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) has released an official notification under Employment News No. 30/55 inviting qualified candidates for research positions in the Division of Plant Physiology & Division of Biochemistry. This engagement offers temporary research appointments across specialized positions focused on advanced plant biotechnology, molecular biology, and gene editing projects at the Pusa campus in New Delhi.
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI) |
| Advertisement No. | Employment News No. 30/55 |
| Department | Division of Plant Physiology & Division of Biochemistry |
| Project | Enhancing climate resilience and ensuring food security with genome editing tools |
| Funding Agency | ICAR (Genome Editing Scheme) |
| Tenure | Initial period of 6 months or project duration, whichever is earlier (extendable based on performance) |
| Post Name(s) | Research Associate (RA), Senior Research Fellow (SRF), Young Professional-II (YP-II) |
| Vacancies | 4 |
| Pay | Rs 37,000/- to Rs 67,000/- per month + applicable HRA / Consolidated |
| Age Limit | Varies by post (35 to 45 years depending on post and gender) |
| Job Location | New Delhi-110012 |
| Application Mode | Online Form and Scanned Biodata Submission |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 November 2026 |
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
| Post | Vacancies | Category | Fellowship / Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | 1 | Unreserved | Rs 61,000/- per month + 30% HRA (for Master’s Degree holders) & Rs 67,000/- per month + 30% HRA (for Ph.D.) |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 2 | Unreserved | Rs 37,000/- + 30% HRA per month |
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | 1 | Unreserved | Rs 42,000/- Consolidated |
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
| Post | Essential Qualification | Desirable Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or a relevant plant science discipline, with thesis research focused primarily on CRISPR cas9 mediated gene editing, prime editing, transgenic generation, novel gene construct development, and evaluation of transgenic lines. | Agrobacterium mediate genetic transformation in Soybean/Mustard/Pigeon pea, particle gun mediated transformation of plants, RNA mediated gene editing, Genome editing of plants, molecular cloning, Novel and efficient vector development, Molecular analysis of transgenic plants, Data interpretation and statistical analysis, Scientific writing. |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences, with a 4-year/5-year bachelor’s degree (1st Division). Candidates with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in basic sciences and a 2-year master’s degree must have NET/GATE/ICAR-SRF (PhD entrance) qualification and 2 years of research experience. Candidates with a 5-year B.Tech. + M.Tech. degree must have both qualifications mentioned on the degree. OR Ph.D. in any of the above disciplines. | Agrobacterium mediate genetic transformation, molecular cloning, Molecular and physiological analysis of transgenic plants, data Analysis, Research paper writing. |
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences. | Agrobacterium mediate genetic transformation, molecular cloning, Molecular and physiological analysis of transgenic plants. |
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
| Post | Age Limit (Men) | Age Limit (Women) |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | 40 years | 45 years |
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | 40 years | 45 years |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 35 years | 40 years |
A total of 4 vacancies are available for the posts of Research Associate (RA), Senior Research Fellow (SRF), and Young Professional-II (YP-II). Candidates interested in cutting-edge agricultural science can submit their online applications along with the prescribed biodata before the official deadline of 11 November 2026. Candidates seeking broader opportunities in the National Capital Region can also explore all latest Delhi Government Jobs to view upcoming scientific and administrative openings.
The engagement is purely contractual, initially for a duration of 6 Months, with possibilities of extension dependent on candidate performance and project requirements. Candidates holding advanced degrees in biotechnology or life sciences can check more Post Graduate jobs in Delhi to assess relevant career paths in research organizations.
Post Breakdown & Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet strict educational and research criteria to qualify for shortlisting. Below is the detailed breakdown of available posts and the specific qualifications mandated by ICAR-IARI:
| Post Name | UR / Total Posts | Essential Educational Qualifications & Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Research Associate (RA) | 1 | Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, or a relevant plant science discipline. Thesis research must be focused on CRISPR Cas9 gene editing, prime editing, transgenic generation, novel gene construct development, and evaluation of transgenic lines. |
| Senior Research Fellow (SRF) | 2 | Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences with a 4-year or 5-year bachelor’s degree (1st Division). Candidates with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in basic sciences and a 2-year master’s degree must possess NET/GATE/ICAR-SRF qualification and 2 years of research experience. Candidates with a 5-year B.Tech + M.Tech degree must have both degrees mentioned on the certificate. Alternatively, candidates holding a Ph.D. in any of the above disciplines are also eligible. |
| Young Professional-II (YP-II) | 1 | Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences. |
For research candidates tracking multiple institutes across New Delhi, you can review the ICAR IARI Division of Environmental Sciences Walk-in Interview 2026 for YP-I and Laboratory cum Field Attendant recruitment details to compare project requirements across various divisions.
Age Upper Limits & Category Relaxations
The upper age limits for these contractual research positions vary depending on the specific post applied for, calculated as per standard government directives:
- Research Associate (RA): Upper age limit is 40 years for Men and 45 years for Women.
- Young Professional-II (YP-II): Upper age limit is 40 years for Men and 45 years for Women.
- Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Upper age limit is 35 years for Men and 40 years for Women.
Age relaxation is admissible to reserved category candidates in accordance with Government of India rules: 5 years for SC/ST candidates, 3 years for OBC candidates, and applicable relaxation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
Emoluments & Monthly Pay Structure
Selected candidates will receive fixed monthly fellowships or consolidated stipends along with House Rent Allowance (HRA) where applicable:
- Research Associate (RA): Rs. 61,000/- per month + 30% HRA for Master’s degree holders with requisite experience; Rs. 67,000/- per month + 30% HRA for Ph.D. degree holders.
- Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Rs. 37,000/- per month + 30% HRA.
- Young Professional-II (YP-II): Rs. 42,000/- consolidated per month (no separate HRA).
No separate application fee is payable for applying to these positions across any category (General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, PwD).
Selection Stage Process
The selection methodology for ICAR-IARI research staff consists of three systematic evaluation stages:
- Stage 1 (Screening): Initial verification of online forms, academic marksheets, degree certificates, experience certificates, and thesis details.
- Stage 2 (Shortlisting): Shortlisting of candidates based on academic performance, research experience in gene editing/molecular tools, and supporting documents.
- Stage 3 (Interview): Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Specific interview schedules and mode (online/offline) will be communicated directly via email to shortlisted applicants.
Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
Applications must be submitted electronically before the final submission deadline of 11 November 2026. Follow the practical step-by-step procedure below to submit your details correctly:
- Step 1: Access the official online application Google Form portal using the official link provided by ICAR-IARI.
- Step 2: Fill in personal details, contact information, and ensure the precise project name and post applied for are entered correctly.
- Step 3: Prepare a typed biodata in the prescribed format, attach a recent passport-sized self-attested photograph, and verify all academic scores starting from 10th standard onwards.
- Step 4: Upload clean, scanned copies of required enclosures into the designated submission fields.
- Step 5: Review all entries thoroughly and submit the form prior to midnight on 11 November 2026.
Required Documents Checklist
Keep scanned copies (PDF format recommended) of the following self-attested documents ready before completing the online submission:
- Completed application form/typed biodata with self-attested passport-size photograph.
- Self-attested copies of 10th standard mark sheet and passing certificate.
- Self-attested copies of 12th standard mark sheet and passing certificate.
- Self-attested copies of Undergraduate (UG) degree and semester mark sheets.
- Self-attested copies of Postgraduate (PG) degree and semester mark sheets.
- Ph.D. degree certificate or provisional degree certificate (if applicable).
- NET / GATE / ICAR-SRF qualification certificate (where applicable).
- Official experience certificates and office orders issued by Principal Investigators/Employers.
- Project work reports, thesis copies, testimonials, and published research paper abstracts.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the present employer if currently working.
🎂 Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, Young Professional-II - Age Relaxation Criteria
⚠️ Important Application Guidelines & Instructions
- Ensure the project name and post applied for are entered correctly.
- Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Academic score will not be awarded if marks and supporting certificates are not attached from 10th onwards.
- Submit the form and scanned enclosures before the deadline.