1. Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The ICAR - Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar, a premiere research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has officially released its recruitment notification for the year 2026. The institute invites dynamic, eligible, and dedicated candidates to apply for 06 vacant positions of Young Professional (YP-I and YP-II) on a purely temporary/contractual basis. These positions are created under various ongoing research projects, institute schemes, and ad-hoc scientific endeavors aiming to advance freshwater aquaculture across India.
Selected candidates will get an exemplary opportunity to work closely with senior scientists and agricultural experts in cutting-edge areas such as fish genetics, fish nutrition, health management, aquatic environment, and extension education. Candidates interested in scientific research and field implementation are strongly encouraged to go through the complete notification details regarding eligibility, pay structure, and application guidelines prior to applying.
2. Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
The total 06 vacancies are distributed across specific categories of Young Professionals depending on project requirements. Below is the structured breakdown of the available posts and requisite minimum qualifications:
| Post Name | Total Posts | Educational Qualification & Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Young Professional - I (YP-I) | 03 | B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Zoology, Biotechnology, Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.), or equivalent from a recognized University/Institute. Basic computer application knowledge is desirable. |
| Young Professional - II (YP-II) | 03 | M.F.Sc. in Fisheries Science / Master's Degree (M.Sc.) in Zoology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or relevant branch from a recognized University with experience in research laboratories. |
Note: Practical hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, field sampling, data compilation, and scientific report drafting will be considered an added advantage during the candidate evaluation stage.
3. Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
ICAR rules strictly govern the eligibility conditions for contractual Young Professional recruitment. The age criteria are defined as follows:
- Minimum Age Limit: 21 Years (as on the crucial date of application evaluation).
- Maximum Age Limit: 45 Years for all candidates.
- Age Relaxation: Relaxation in upper age limits will be applicable to SC, ST, OBC, PWD, and Women candidates in accordance with standard orders issued by the Government of India and ICAR from time to time.
4. Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
The engagement for Young Professionals is purely contractual for a specified tenure (normally 1 year, extendable based on performance and project duration). The remunertion is fixed as per ICAR guidelines:
| Designation | Monthly Consolidated Remuneration | Allowances & Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Young Professional - I (YP-I) | Rs. 25,000/- per month (Fixed) | No HRA or extra allowances. Standard Leave rules apply. |
| Young Professional - II (YP-II) | Rs. 35,000/- per month (Fixed) | No HRA or extra allowances. Standard Leave rules apply. |
5. Selection Process
The selection process for ICAR-CIFA Young Professional positions is straightforward, transparent, and merit-based. The process consists of the following sequential stages:
a) Application Screening & Shortlisting
Applications submitted by candidates will be thoroughly scrutinized against eligibility norms, educational qualifications, and experience parameters. If a large number of applications are received, ICAR-CIFA reserves the right to short-list candidates based on higher qualification percentages or relevant research experience.
b) Walk-In / Personal Interview
Shortlisted applicants will be called to appear for an offline or online interview conducted by an expert Selection Committee at ICAR-CIFA, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar. The interview evaluates technical knowledge, practical research skills, general awareness, and adaptability to research project tasks.
c) Document Verification & Final Joining
Candidates selected in the interview must present original academic certificates, proof of identity, experience letters, and category certificates for thorough physical verification before receiving the offer of engagement.
6. Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
No written examination is typically scheduled unless specified due to an overwhelmingly high volume of applicants. The final selection matrix focuses primarily on academic merit and interview performance:
| Evaluation Parameter | Weightage / Marks Breakdown |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification & Marks Percentage | 40 Marks |
| Relevant Research / Practical Experience | 20 Marks |
| Personal Interview / Technical Viva | 40 Marks |
| Total Evaluation | 100 Marks |
7. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill the Online/Offline Application Form
Candidates aspiring to apply for the ICAR CIFA Young Professional recruitment 2026 must follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official portal of ICAR-CIFA at www.cifa.nic.in.
- Navigate to the 'Vacancies / Opportunities' section on the homepage.
- Download the detailed advertisement PDF for ICAR CIFA Young Professional Recruitment 2026.
- Carefully read the eligibility conditions, project details, and job descriptions.
- Download and print the standard Application Form format provided along with the advertisement.
- Fill in all mandatory details including personal details, academic marks, category, contact information, and scientific experience accurately.
- Attach self-attested copies of required certificates (10th, 12th, Degree, Master's, Mark sheets, Caste Certificate, Experience Certificate).
- Send the filled application form via post/email as specified in the official notification to the designated authority at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar before the deadline.
8. Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Candidates invited for document verification or interview must bring the following documents (original and one set of self-attested photocopies):
- Printed Application Form signed by the applicant.
- Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport for identity verification.
- Matriculation (10th) Marksheet & Certificate for Date of Birth verification.
- Intermediate (10+2) Marksheet & Certificate.
- Graduation Degree Certificate & Consolidated Mark Sheet.
- Post-Graduation (M.Sc./M.F.Sc.) Degree & Marksheets (if applicable).
- Category / Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) in prescribed Central Govt format.
- Experience Certificates, Research Publications, or Awards, if any.
- Two passport-sized recent color photographs.