CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 100 Assistant Section Officer Posts
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has released Advertisement No. E-I/RC/2026/2 to recruit 100 Assistant Section Officers (ASO) in Pay Level 7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400). There is one very important condition: these posts are only for non-recommended candidates of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE-2024) whose details appear on the UPSC Pratibha Setu portal. If you appeared in CSE-2024 and were not recommended, this is a wonderful second chance. Check more UPSC-related job notifications on GovtJobsAlert.in.
Online applications are open from 23 June 2026 to 13 July 2026. If you did not appear in CSE-2024, you are not eligible for this particular recruitment, so please read the eligibility carefully before applying. In this article on GovtJobsAlert.in, we explain the vacancy break-up, eligibility, age limit, salary, the Computer Proficiency Test, and the full online application steps. Let us help you apply correctly.
Key Highlights – CSIR ASO 2026
CSIR, established in 1942, is India’s premier R&D organisation with 37 national laboratories across the country. The Assistant Section Officer is a Group B (Non-Gazetted) administrative post. Here are the quick highlights for graduate government job aspirants:
- Post Name: Assistant Section Officer (General, Finance & Accounts, Stores & Purchase)
- Total Vacancies: 100
- Pay Level: Level 7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400)
- Special Condition: Only for non-recommended UPSC CSE-2024 candidates
- Last Date to Apply: 13 July 2026
Vacancy Breakdown – CSIR ASO 2026
The 100 posts are divided across three cadres. Out of these, 07 posts are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD).
| Post (Cadre) | Pay Level | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| ASO (General) | Level 7 | 61 |
| ASO (Finance & Accounts) | Level 7 | 18 |
| ASO (Stores & Purchase) | Level 7 | 21 |
| Total | — | 100 |
Educational Qualification
The eligibility for this recruitment is very specific. A candidate must satisfy both conditions:
- Possess a University degree (graduation in any discipline), and
- Be a non-recommended candidate of UPSC CSE-2024, as per the list available on the UPSC Pratibha Setu portal.
Candidates who do not meet both conditions should not apply. Those from a commerce and finance background may prefer the Finance & Accounts cadre. The degree must be from a University or Institution recognised by the Government of India, and the final result should have been declared on or before the last date of the online application. If your university awards CGPA or grades, you must convert them into a percentage as per your university’s formula.
Age Limit
The maximum age is 33 years, calculated as on the closing date of the online application. Upper-age relaxation is allowed as follows:
- SC / ST: 5 years
- OBC (NCL): 3 years
- PwBD (UR): 10 years; PwBD (OBC): 13 years; PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen and CSIR departmental candidates: as per rules
Salary – CSIR Assistant Section Officer
The post carries Pay Level 7 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
- Pay Level: Level 7
- Pay range: ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 per month
In addition, officers receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance and other benefits such as medical reimbursement, Leave Travel Concession and House Building Advance, as applicable to CSIR employees. Wherever entitled accommodation is provided, HRA is not paid. The post is governed by the National Pension System (NPS). A confirmed Group B post in a premier research organisation like CSIR offers strong job security, a respected work environment and clear avenues for career growth.
Selection Process – How Are CSIR ASOs Selected?
Selection is based on your CSE-2024 performance and a qualifying computer test.
- Shortlisting of candidates in the ratio 1:5 based on total marks (Mains + Personality Test) obtained in UPSC CSE-2024.
- Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) — 100 marks, 1 hour, qualifying in nature. It tests Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Slide preparation.
- Final selection based on CSE-2024 marks, subject to qualifying the CPT.
The CPT is held in Delhi (tentatively) and carries category-wise minimum qualifying marks — 40% for UR, 37% for OBC and EWS, 35% for SC and ST, and 30% for all PwBD categories. A single merit list is prepared, and the cadre (General, Finance & Accounts, or Stores & Purchase) is allotted based on merit and your choice in the application form. The cadre once allotted is final and cannot be changed. You can review general exam preparation guidance to brush up your computer skills before the test.
How to Apply Online for CSIR ASO 2026
The application is fully online. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official CSIR recruitment portal (link in Essential Links below).
- Register using your UPSC Roll Number, email ID and mobile number.
- Complete your profile and fill the application form across all six tabs.
- Upload your photograph, signature, CSE-2024 mark sheets and other documents.
- Pay the application fee through SBI Collect (if applicable) and submit the form.
Important Dates – CSIR ASO 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 23 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 13 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 13 July 2026 |
Application Fees – CSIR ASO 2026
The fee must be paid online through SBI Collect.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / OBC (NCL) / EWS | ₹500 |
| Women / SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | No Fee |
Essential Links – CSIR ASO 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for CSIR ASO 2026
- Visit CSIR Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If you appeared in UPSC CSE-2024 and were not recommended, do not let this chance pass — a stable Group B post in CSIR is an excellent career start. Apply before 13 July 2026 and keep your CSE-2024 mark sheets handy. For more central government job updates, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in. All the very best for your application!