CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Notification Released: Apply Online for 100 Assistant Section Officer Posts

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has officially released the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Notification for 100 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) vacancies. The recruitment is exclusively meant for non-recommended candidates of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024.

The online application process has started from 23 June 2026 and interested eligible candidates can submit their applications until 13 July 2026 through the official recruitment portal. This recruitment presents an excellent opportunity for UPSC Civil Services aspirants who narrowly missed final selection but wish to build a prestigious career in the Central Government.

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026: Highlights

Source: Official CSIR Recruitment Notification.

About CSIR

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) is India's premier research organization established in 1942 under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology. With 37 National Laboratories spread across India, CSIR offers excellent career growth, job security, government benefits, and opportunities to contribute to scientific administration.

CSIR ASO Vacancy 2026

A total of 100 vacancies have been announced.

Cadre-wise Vacancy Distribution

Category-wise Vacancy

The notification also provides reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per Government of India norms.

CSIR ASO Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates must satisfy the following eligibility conditions:

• Must possess a Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university.
• Must be a Non-Recommended Candidate of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024.
• Candidate details should be available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.

Candidates not fulfilling these conditions are not eligible to apply.

Age Limit

The maximum age is: 33 Years (as on 13 July 2026)

Age Relaxation

CSIR ASO Salary 2026

Selected candidates will receive:

• Pay Level-7 (7th CPC)
• Basic Pay: ₹44,900 per month
• Pay Scale: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400

Apart from the basic salary, employees will receive:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Transport Allowance (TA)
• Medical Benefits
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
• New Pension Scheme (NPS)
• Other Central Government benefits

CSIR ASO Application

CSIR ASO Selection Process 2026

Unlike conventional recruitment examinations, CSIR will use UPSC CSE 2024 performance for shortlisting. The selection process includes:

Step 1: Shortlisting Candidates will be shortlisted based on:

• UPSC CSE 2024 Mains Marks
• Personality Test (Interview) Marks

Approximately five times the vacancies will be shortlisted.

Step 2: Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)

Shortlisted candidates must appear for a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). The CPT is qualifying in nature.

Step 3: Final Merit Final selection will be based on:

• UPSC CSE 2024 Marks
• Qualifying the Computer Proficiency Test

Computer Proficiency Test (CPT)

The CPT carries:

• 100 Marks
• Duration: 1 Hour
• Qualifying Nature

The examination evaluates:

• MS Word
• Spreadsheet (Excel)
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Typing Skills
• Office Productivity Tasks

Minimum Qualifying Marks

CSIR ASO Application Dates

Required Documents

Candidates should keep the following ready:

• Passport Size Photograph
• Signature
• Date of Birth Certificate
• Educational Certificates
• UPSC CSE 2024 Mark Sheets
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• PwBD Certificate
• Experience Certificate (if applicable)

How to Apply for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026?

Follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the official CSIR recruitment portal.
2. Complete the online registration using your UPSC Roll Number.
3. Fill in personal and educational details.
4. Upload all required documents.
5. Pay the application fee (if applicable).
6. Preview the application carefully.
7. Submit the application.
8. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Applications submitted after 13 July 2026 (5:00 PM) will not be accepted.

Why This Recruitment is Important

This recruitment is unique because it provides a valuable opportunity for candidates who performed well in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 but were not recommended for final services. Instead of conducting another written examination, CSIR is utilizing UPSC performance and a qualifying Computer Proficiency Test to fill administrative positions.

The Assistant Section Officer role also offers a stable career with Central Government benefits, attractive salary, promotion opportunities, and nationwide postings within CSIR's network of laboratories.

Preparation Tips for Computer Proficiency Test

Candidates should focus on:

• MS Word formatting and document creation
• Microsoft Excel formulas and data management
• PowerPoint presentation preparation
• English typing speed and accuracy
• Office file handling and editing

Since the CPT is qualifying, candidates should aim to comfortably score above the prescribed category-wise threshold.

Final Words

The CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for UPSC CSE 2024 non-recommended candidates to secure a respected Group B Central Government position. With 100 vacancies, a Level-7 pay scale, and a streamlined selection process based on UPSC performance, eligible candidates should complete the application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many vacancies are available in CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026?

Answer: A total of 100 Assistant Section Officer vacancies have been announced.

Q2. Who can apply for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026?

Answer: Only non-recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 with a bachelor's degree are eligible.

Q3. What is the salary of a CSIR Assistant Section Officer?

Answer: The salary is under Pay Level-7, with a pay scale of ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400, along with Central Government allowances.

Q4. Is there a written examination?

Answer: No. Candidates are shortlisted based on UPSC CSE 2024 marks, followed by a qualifying Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).

Q5. What is the last date to apply?

Answer: The last date to submit the online application is 13 July 2026 (5:00 PM).