Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), functioning under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has officially announced Advertisement Notification No. 03/2026-27. This recruitment drive aims to engage dynamic, qualified, and motivated research personnel for the position of Senior Research Fellow (Botany) purely on a contractual basis for time-bound research projects.
Interested and eligible candidates specializing in Botanical Sciences, Pharmacognosy, or Plant Taxonomy are invited to participate in a Walk-in Interview scheduled for November 3, 2026. The interview process serves as an immediate entry pathway for researchers seeking high-level exposure in Ayurvedic botanical research, raw drug standardization, herbarium management, and field survey studies under the guidance of premier national institutes.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
Candidates wishing to apply for the position of Senior Research Fellow (Botany) must ensure they possess the necessary academic credentials and professional research experience prior to attending the walk-in interaction.
Academic Qualifications:
- Essential Qualification: Post-Graduate Degree (M.Sc.) in Botany / Plant Sciences / Medicinal Plants / Pharmacognosy from a recognized University or Institute with at least 55% aggregate marks.
- Mandatory Experience: Minimum of two (02) years of active research experience post-M.Sc. in botanical field surveys, raw drug identification, herbarium preparation, or plant tissue culture from a recognized research institution or university laboratory.
- Desirable Qualifications: NET/GATE qualification, published research papers in indexed peer-reviewed journals, knowledge of Ayurvedic medicinal plants, hands-on expertise in TLC/HPLC techniques, and working proficiency in computer applications.
Vacancy Table:
| Position Name | Notification Reference | Core Qualification | Experience Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Research Fellow (Botany) | Notification No. 03/2026-27 | M.Sc. in Botany / Plant Sciences | Minimum 2 Years Post-M.Sc. Research Experience |
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
The standard maximum age limit for applying to the post of Senior Research Fellow (Botany) is 35 years as on the date of the walk-in interview (03 November 2026).
Age Relaxation Table:
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST Candidates | Up to 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Up to 3 Years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwBD) | Up to 10 Years |
| Women Candidates / Widows | As per Government of India Rules |
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
Selected candidates for the post of Senior Research Fellow (Botany) will receive a fixed consolidated monthly remuneration as mandated by CCRAS / Ministry of Ayush guidelines.
- Monthly Remuneration: Rs. 42,000/- per month (Fixed).
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): HRA will be paid extra as per existing central government/institute norms depending upon the city classification of posting.
- Tenure: The engagement is purely temporary and contractual, initially for a period of six months or one year, extendable subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements.
Selection Process
The recruitment process for the Senior Research Fellow post relies primarily on candidate credential screening and a personal walk-in interview.
- Verification of Documents: Candidates reporting at the institute will first undergo rigorous original document verification, where academic transcripts, experience certificates, and identity proof will be authenticated.
- Written Test / Screening (If Required): In the event of a high number of candidates reporting for the walk-in interview, the institute reserves the right to conduct a short written screening test to shortlist candidates for the personal interview.
- Personal Interview: Candidates will be evaluated by a duly constituted Selection Committee based on subject domain knowledge, analytical skill, research aptitude, and familiarity with medicinal plant research.
Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
When a written screening test is organized, the structural composition generally adheres to the following layout:
| Subject Domain | Focus Area | Weightage / Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Botany & Medicinal Plants | Taxonomy, Pharmacognosy, Plant Physiology | 50 Marks |
| Research Methodology | Analytical Techniques, Experimental Design | 25 Marks |
| General Knowledge & Ayush Context | Basic Science, CCRAS Framework, Computer Basics | 25 Marks |
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Attend the Walk-in Interview
Interested candidates who fulfill the eligibility conditions must follow these steps to participate in the walk-in interview smoothly:
- Visit the official portal at ccras.nic.in and navigate to the vacancy/recruitment section to download Notification No. 03/2026-27 and the application form format.
- Carefully fill out the standardized application form with legible handwriting or typing, ensuring accurate educational and personal details.
- Attach one complete set of self-attested photocopies of all supportive documents including birth certificate, mark sheets, degree certificates, research publications, and experience letters.
- Affix recent passport-size photographs on the application form.
- Report at the designated venue on 03 November 2026 by 10:00 AM sharp. Late reporting may lead to disqualification from the selection process.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Candidates must carry original copies along with self-attested photocopies of the following credentials during the reporting time:
- Duly filled prescribed application form.
- Matriculation / 10th Standard Passing Certificate (Proof of Date of Birth).
- Intermediate / 12th Standard Mark sheet & Certificate.
- Bachelor's Degree (B.Sc.) and Master's Degree (M.Sc.) Mark sheets and Degree Certificates.
- Proof of 2 Years Post-M.Sc. Research Experience (Official certificates issued by employer/head of institute).
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) issued by competent authority, if applicable.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from present employer, if currently working in any government or semi-government organization.
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
- Copies of published research papers/abstracts, if any.