Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, a premier institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has released an official recruitment notification for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) for the recruitment year 2026. ICAR IARI invites dynamic, research-oriented, and academically proficient candidates to fill 1 vacancy on a temporary/contractual research project basis. This notification represents an exceptional career path for postgraduates possessing an M.Sc degree in relevant agricultural or biological sciences who aspire to build a career in advanced agricultural research.
Interested candidates are required to complete and submit their applications online before the final deadline of 31st August 2026 via the official portal of ICAR IARI. Prospective candidates must carefully review all eligibility criteria, research scope, age limits, and submission rules prior to submitting their applications.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
The single opening for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position requires specialized educational background and academic excellence. Below is the structured breakdown of the vacancy and required qualification:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Educational Qualifications Required |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | 1 Post | M.Sc degree in Agricultural Sciences / Biotechnology / Life Sciences / Botany / Genetics / Plant Pathology / Biochemistry or relevant discipline with minimum qualifying marks from a recognized University/Institute. Candidates qualifying NET/GATE or equivalent national level examinations will be given preference as per ICAR norms. |
Key Qualification Guidelines
- Candidates must possess a Master's degree (M.Sc) in the relevant subject area at the time of application.
- Preference may be given to candidates who have cleared CSIR-UGC NET, ICAR-NET, GATE, or equivalent national eligibility tests.
- Prior practical exposure to laboratory research techniques, field trial execution, or computational biological analysis will be considered an additional asset.
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
Applicants must satisfy the age parameters specified by ICAR rules as on the closing date of application submission (31-08-2026):
- Maximum Age Limit (Men): 35 Years
- Maximum Age Limit (Women): 40 Years
- Age Relaxation: Relaxation in upper age limit is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, Person with Disabilities (PwD), and Ex-Servicemen candidates in accordance with standard rules issued by the Government of India and ICAR from time to time.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
The candidate selected for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) position will receive financial remuneration structured according to ICAR and DST guidelines:
- Emoluments / Remuneration: Rs. 31,000/- per month + House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable based on the institute location.
- Tenure: The appointment is purely temporary and co-terminus with the duration of the research project or until further orders from ICAR IARI management.
- Other Benefits: Medical care facility as per institute norms and research exposure under senior principal investigators.
Selection Process
The selection methodology for ICAR IARI Junior Research Fellow recruitment comprises the following critical stages:
- Initial Screening of Applications: Shortlisting candidates based on academic excellence, qualifications, NET qualification, and research experience.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to appear for a personal interview conducted either in person at the ICAR IARI campus or via virtual online mode.
- Document Verification: Original certificates verifying age, educational degrees, category certificates, research experience, and NET scorecards will be authenticated prior to formal engagement.
Detailed Exam / Interview Pattern & Marking Scheme
Where screening tests or structured interview evaluations are conducted, candidates are judged on specific domain competency parameters outlined below:
| Evaluation Stage | Core Assessment Areas | Weightage / Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Academic & Research Track Record | M.Sc Marks, NET/GATE Score, Published Research Papers | Qualifying / Shortlisting |
| Personal Interview | Subject Knowledge, Practical Lab Skills, Analytical Reasoning, Project Understanding | 100% Final Selection Criteria |
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill the Online Application Form
Eligible candidates can fill and submit their application form by adhering to the following structured step-by-step procedures:
- Visit the official website of ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute at https://iari.res.in.
- Navigate to the 'Recruitment' / 'Vacancies' / 'Project Staff' section on the official portal.
- Locate and download the detailed official notification for the Junior Research Fellow (JRF) 2026 post.
- Read the notification carefully to ensure fulfillment of all qualification and age prerequisites.
- Click on the Apply Online link or download the prescribed proforma application form if specified.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, contact address, and national exam details accurately.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, including M.Sc degree certificate, mark sheets, age proof, photo, and signature.
- Verify all filled information for correctness before final submission.
- Submit the completed application form online before the deadline of 31-08-2026.
- Keep a printed copy or saved PDF copy of the submitted form for future reference.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Candidates selected for the interview/verification round must bring original documents along with self-attested photocopies. Essential documents include:
- Secondary / Class 10th Certificate (Proof of Date of Birth).
- M.Sc Degree Certificate and Semester Mark Sheets.
- B.Sc Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets.
- CSIR-UGC NET / ICAR-NET / GATE Scorecard / Certificate (if applicable).
- Caste / Category Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates seeking age relaxation).
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer (if currently employed).
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume highlighting publications or research work.
- Government-issued Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License).