CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026: 100 Assistant Section Officer Vacancies for UPSC CSE-2024 Non-Recommended Candidates

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 Announced for 100 Assistant Section Officer Positions

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has officially released its recruitment notification for the year 2026, offering a significant opportunity for aspiring candidates. This recruitment drive aims to fill 100 vacancies for the post of Assistant Section Officer (ASO) within Group B (Non-Gazetted). A crucial aspect of this recruitment is its exclusive eligibility criteria: it is open only to candidates who appeared for the Civil Services Examination-2024 (CSE-2024) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) but were not recommended for selection. The official advertisement number for this recruitment is E-I/RC/2026/2.

Key Highlights of the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026

Important Dates to Remember

Detailed Vacancy Breakdown

The 100 Assistant Section Officer vacancies are distributed across different specializations and categories. Candidates are advised to review the breakdown carefully.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet the following educational and age requirements:

• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university in any discipline or stream is mandatory. Crucially, candidates must have appeared for the UPSC CSE 2024 and must have a non-recommended status recorded on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal.
• Age Limit: The maximum age limit for applicants is 33 years as of July 13, 2026.

Age Relaxation Provisions

CSIR provides age relaxations for specific categories as per government norms:

Application Fee Details

How to Apply for CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026

Interested and eligible candidates should follow the application procedure meticulously. The application process will be conducted entirely online.

1. Visit the official CSIR website at www.csir.res.in.
2. Navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Careers' section.
3. Locate the advertisement for the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 (Advertisement Number: E-I/RC/2026/2).
4. Click on the 'Apply Online' link, which will be active from 23rd June 2026, 10:00 am.
5. Register yourself by providing the necessary details.
6. Fill out the online application form accurately, ensuring all information is correct.
7. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified dimensions and format.
8. Proceed to pay the application fee online if applicable, before the last date of 13th July 2026, 5:00 pm.
9. Review all entered details before submitting the final application.
10. Download and save a copy of the completed application form for future reference.

Selection Process for Assistant Section Officer

The selection process for the CSIR ASO positions is designed to identify candidates with the most suitable profiles. It involves multiple stages:

• Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on their performance in the UPSC CSE 2024, specifically the total marks obtained in the Mains Examination and the Personality Test.
• Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): Shortlisted candidates will then appear for a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). This test is of 1 hour duration and carries 100 marks. The exam will be conducted in an online mode.
• Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared considering the marks from the UPSC CSE 2024, provided the candidate qualifies the CPT.
• Cadre Allocation: Based on the final merit and candidate preferences, cadre allocation will be done.
• Document Verification: Successful candidates will undergo document verification to confirm their eligibility and credentials.

Minimum Qualifying Marks for CPT

To qualify the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT), candidates must achieve the minimum percentage of marks as specified for their category:

Tie-Breaking Policy

In the event of a tie in marks between candidates, the following tie-breaking policy will be applied:

• Higher marks obtained in the Mains Examination of UPSC CSE-2024.
• If still tied, the candidate with an earlier Date of Birth (older candidate) will be placed higher.
• If a tie persists, the candidate who acquired their essential degree earlier will be ranked higher.
• As a final resort, candidates will be ranked in alphabetical order of their first name.

Next Steps After Application

Once you have successfully submitted your online application for the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026, it is essential to stay informed. The CSIR will soon announce the date for the Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). Candidates are advised to regularly check the official CSIR website (www.csir.res.in) for updates regarding the CPT schedule, admit card availability, and any other important announcements. Prepare diligently for the CPT, and if shortlisted, ensure you have all necessary documents ready for verification.

For further details, you can refer to the official notification. Download official CSIR ASO Notification 2026 PDF - Click to Download.