CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 for UPSC CSE-2024 Non-Recommended Candidates – Apply Online, Salary, Eligibility

CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 is a special drive for non-recommended candidates of UPSC CSE-2024, offering Group B (Gazetted) posts in General, Finance & Accounts, and Stores & Purchase cadres with Level-8 pay (₹47,600–₹1,51,100).

Selection is based on UPSC CSE-2024 Mains + Personality Test marks and a CSIR interview, with pan-India postings across CSIR labs and offices. Online applications are open from 15 January to 4 February 2026 for eligible graduates aged up to 33 years, with age relaxations as per government norms.

CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has released a dedicated recruitment notification for Section Officer (SO) posts, exclusively for non‑recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE‑2024).

If you appeared in UPSC CSE‑2024, qualified till the final stage but did not get recommended in the final list, this is a high‑quality Central Government job opportunity with Group B (Gazetted), Level‑8 pay scale and pan‑India posting under one of India’s premier scientific organizations.

CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 – Key Highlights

About CSIR – Why This Job Is Attractive

CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), established in 1942, is an autonomous body under the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.

Key points that make this job highly attractive for serious job seekers:

• CSIR is India’s premier scientific industrial R&D organization.
• It operates a network of 37 National Laboratories with a strong pan‑India presence.
• As a Section Officer in CSIR, you join a stable Central Government setup with:
  • Good promotional avenues
  • Reputed work environment
  • Strong administrative exposure
• Ideal for UPSC aspirants who want:
  • Job security
  • Respectable Group B (Gazetted) status
  • Work profile aligned with administration, finance, and establishment work

Vacancy Details – CSIR Section Officer 2026

CSIR is inviting online applications for three cadres of Section Officer from non‑recommended candidates of UPSC CSE‑2024.

CSIR SO Vacancy 2026 – Post‑wise & Category‑wise

Posts Suitable for PwBD

The advertised Section Officer posts are identified as suitable for various categories of Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) as per latest Government of India guidelines. Multiple disability types including visual, hearing, locomotor, SLD, MI, etc., have been specified as suitable, as per the notification.

Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?

The eligibility for CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 is very specific and restricted. This makes the competition niche but intense among serious UPSC candidates.

Essential Eligibility

To apply for CSIR SO 2026, both of the following conditions must be fulfilled:

1. Educational Qualification:
   • Candidate must possess a University degree (Graduation) from a recognized University/Institution/Board approved by Government of India / Regulatory Bodies.
2. UPSC CSE‑2024 Status:
   • Candidate’s name must appear in the list of non‑recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024.
   • This means:
     • You appeared in CSE‑2024
     • You reached the stage where marks for Mains + Personality Test are available
     • You are not in the final recommended list but are listed as non‑recommended.

Candidates who do not satisfy both conditions should not apply, as their candidature will be rejected during document verification.

Age Limit & Relaxations

Upper Age Limit

Maximum Age: Not exceeding 33 years as on the closing date of online application (i.e. 04 February 2026).

Age Relaxation (Upper Age)

PwBD candidates should note:

• Disabilities under “likely to improve” (temporary disability) category are not eligible for reservation.
• Disabilities categorized as “progressive”, “non‑progressive” or “not likely to improve” are eligible for age relaxation as per latest DEPwD guidelines.

Application Fee – CSIR SO 2026

• Fee payment is to be done online through SBI Collect after submission of application form.
• The fee, once paid, is non‑refundable.

CSIR Section Officer Salary & Benefits

Section Officer in CSIR is a Group B (Gazetted) post with attractive Central Government pay and allowances.

Pay Scale

• Pay Level: Level‑8, Cell‑1
• Pay Matrix: ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 (as per 7th CPC)

In addition to basic pay, the officer will receive:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) as per Central Government rates
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) (if government accommodation not availed)
• Transport Allowance (TA)
• Other allowances as per CSIR/Government rules

Additional Benefits

• Medical reimbursement as per CSIR rules
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
• House Building Advance (HBA)
• Pension:
  • New Pension System (NPS) for recruits joining fresh
  • Those already under Government Pension Scheme in previous Govt./PSU/Autonomous/Central University jobs may continue under CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, as per applicable rules.

Posting & Transfer

• CSIR has headquarters in New Delhi and 37 laboratories across India.
• Section Officers can be posted anywhere in India in:
  • CSIR Headquarters
  • Any CSIR Laboratory/Institute/Unit/Extension Centre
• Liability to serve pan‑India is clearly mentioned in the notification.

Selection Process – CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026

The selection process is purely merit‑based, combining UPSC CSE‑2024 marks and CSIR interview marks.

Shortlisting for Interview

• Applications are screened, and candidates are shortlisted in the ratio of 1:2.5 (i.e., 2.5 times the total SO vacancies, subject to minimum three candidates).
• Shortlisting is done only on the basis of total marks obtained in UPSC CSE‑2024 (Mains + Personality Test).

Final Selection

• Final merit will be prepared based on:
  • Total marks in UPSC CSE‑2024 (Mains + Personality Test)
    • Marks obtained in CSIR Interview
• The CSIR Interview carries maximum 350 marks.
• The final list will decide selection and cadre allocation.

Tie‑Breaking Rules

In case two or more candidates secure the same total score, tie is resolved in this order:

1. Candidate with higher CSE‑2024 (Mains + Personality Test) marks ranked higher.
2. If still tied – older candidate (Date of Birth) placed higher.
3. If still tied – candidate who acquired the essential degree earlier placed higher.
4. If still tied – alphabetical order of first name.

Interview & Document Verification

• City of Interview & Document Verification: Delhi only.
• Shortlisted candidates will appear for Interview‑cum‑Document Verification on the same day.
• Candidates must bring:
  • Original documents uploaded during online application
  • Self‑attested copies of:
    • Proof of Date of Birth
    • Educational qualifications (10th onwards)
    • UPSC CSE‑2024 mark sheets (Prelims, Mains + Personality Test)
    • Category / PwBD certificates (if applicable)
    • Experience certificates (if any)
    • Any other supporting documents
  • Printout of filled‑in online application form.

If any claim (qualification, category, age relaxation etc.) is not supported by valid documents, candidature will be cancelled on the spot.

Cadre Allocation – General / F&A / Stores & Purchase

• A single merit list will be prepared for all Section Officer posts.
• Cadre allocation (General, Finance & Accounts, Stores & Purchase) will be done by CSIR on the basis of:
  • Merit position
  • Preference/choice given by candidate in online application
• Once allotted, cadre will be final and cannot be changed.

How to Apply Online for CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026

Applications are accepted only through online mode on the official CSIR recruitment portal.

Official Websites

• https://www.csir.res.in
• https://recruitment.csir.res.in

Important Dates

Pre‑Requisites Before Applying

Before starting the online form, keep ready:

• Active Email ID and Mobile Number (to be kept active till completion of recruitment)
• Scanned documents in required format:
  • Photograph (jpg, < 50 KB, 200×150 px, colour, light background)
  • Signature (jpg, < 50 KB, 50×150 px, black ink on white paper)
  • Proof of date of birth (PDF, < 1 MB)
  • Educational certificates & marksheets for each qualification from 10th onwards (merged PDF per qualification, < 1 MB each)
  • UPSC CSE‑2024 mark sheets:
    • Prelims
    • Mains + Personality Test (both merged in a single PDF, < 1 MB)
  • Experience certificates (if any, PDF < 1 MB each)
  • Caste / Community certificate (if applicable, PDF < 1 MB)
  • Disability certificate (if applicable, PDF < 1 MB)
  • Any other supporting documents (PDF < 1 MB each)

Ensure all scanned images and documents are clear and readable.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

1. Visit CSIR recruitment portal:
   • https://www.csir.res.in or https://recruitment.csir.res.in
2. Click on the link for “Recruitment for the post of Section Officer from non‑recommended candidates of UPSC CSE‑2024”.
3. Click “Apply Online” and complete Registration using:
   • UPSC CSE‑2024 Roll Number
   • Valid Email ID
   • Mobile Number
4. On successful registration, you will receive a User ID and Password on your email and mobile.
   • Login using these credentials (change password after first login for safety).
5. Complete Profile Page:
   • Basic details (Gender, DOB, Marital Status, Category etc.)
   • PwBD details (if applicable)
   • Ex‑Servicemen status and service details (if applicable)
   • Government / CSIR employee status (if applicable)
     Once profile is verified and locked, these details cannot be edited.
6. Fill all tabs of the online form:
   • Apply
   • Personal Details
   • Education
   • Experience
   • Additional Details
   • Uploads
   • Preview & Submit
7. Carefully upload photograph, signature and all required documents in correct format and size.
8. Verify all details in Preview section, then click “Submit”.
   • After final submission, form details cannot be changed.
9. On successful submission, an Application Number is generated.
   • Candidates exempt from fee can directly print their application.
10. Fee‑paying candidates (UR/OBC/EWS) must:
    • Click on SBI COLLECT link given in the portal.
    • Accept terms and proceed.
    • Select payment category and enter details like:
      • Application Number, Name, Post, Email ID, Mobile No. etc.
    • Make payment via:
      • UPI / Debit Card / Net Banking etc.
    • Download e‑Receipt from SBI Collect using DU Reference No. or DOB & Mobile number.
11. After payment, log in again to the CSIR portal:
    • Enter payment details
    • Upload the e‑Receipt
    • Ensure final submission is completed before 04 February 2026, 5:00 PM.
12. Take a printout of the final application form and keep it safe.
    • Physical copy and documents will be needed at the time of Document Verification.

Probation & Service Conditions

• Selected officers will be placed on probation for 2 years from the date of joining.
• Probation may be extended or curtailed at the discretion of the Appointing Authority.
• During probation, candidates may be required to:
  • Undergo training
  • Appear in tests
  • Face performance reviews as prescribed by CSIR
• Canvassing in any form or trying to influence the process can lead to disqualification or termination.

Important Instructions & General Conditions

• Candidate must be a citizen of India.
• Essential qualifications must be from an institution recognized by Government of India / Regulatory body.
• Final results of the essential qualification must have been declared on or before the last date of online application.
• Merely fulfilling eligibility conditions does not guarantee call for Interview / Document Verification.
• Candidates working in Government Departments must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of Document Verification.
• Any mismatch between information in application and original documents can lead to cancellation of candidature.
• Providing false information, suppressing material facts or adopting unfair means can result in:
  • Disqualification from this recruitment
  • Debarment from future CSIR recruitments
  • Termination from service if already appointed
  • Possible legal/penal consequences
• All future notifications, corrigendum, addendum etc. regarding this recruitment will be uploaded only on CSIR website. Candidates must regularly check the official portal.

FAQs – CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026

Q1. Who can apply for CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026?

Only those candidates who:

• Possess a University degree (Graduation), and
• Are listed as non‑recommended candidates of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 (CSE‑2024)
  can apply. Others are not eligible.

Q2. What is the last date to apply online for CSIR Section Officer 2026?

The last date for online registration and submission of the application form is 04 February 2026, up to 5:00 PM. The same date and time applies for online fee payment.

Q3. What is the salary of CSIR Section Officer?

CSIR Section Officer is a Group B (Gazetted) post in Pay Level‑8, with pay matrix ₹47,600 – ₹1,51,100 (as per 7th CPC), plus DA, HRA (if no government accommodation), TA and other Central Government allowances.

Q4. Where will the CSIR SO Interview be conducted?

The Interview‑cum‑Document Verification will be conducted only at Delhi. The exact schedule and venue will be notified later on the official CSIR website and via registered email/SMS.

Q5. What is the selection criteria for CSIR SO 2026?

• Shortlisting for interview: Based on UPSC CSE‑2024 (Mains + Personality Test) marks.
• Final selection: CSE‑2024 (Mains + Personality Test) marks + CSIR Interview marks (out of 350).

Q6. Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates?

Yes. Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India norms:

• 5 years for SC/ST
• 3 years for OBC (NCL)
• 10 to 15 years for PwBD (depending on category)
• 3 years for Ex‑Servicemen (subject to conditions)
• 5 years for CSIR Departmental candidates.

Q7. Is CSIR Section Officer a permanent government job?

CSIR SO post is a regular Central Government Group B (Gazetted) post under an autonomous body of Govt. of India. After successful completion of probation period and subject to rules, it is treated as a stable, regular government job with all applicable benefits.

Q8. Can I choose my preferred cadre (General / F&A / Stores & Purchase)?

Yes, candidates can give their cadre preference in the online application. However, final cadre allocation is done by CSIR based on:

• Merit position
• Preference indicated
• Administrative requirements
  Cadre once allotted is final and cannot be changed.

Final Takeaway for Job Seekers

For serious UPSC Civil Services aspirants whose names appear in the non‑recommended list of CSE‑2024, CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 offers a rare, high‑quality Central Government opportunity:

• Reputed organization under Ministry of Science & Technology
• Gazetted Group B status with Level‑8 pay
• Stable career, solid benefits and nationwide postings
• Selection process that respects your UPSC CSE performance by directly factoring in your Mains + Personality Test marks

Interested and eligible candidates should not wait till the last date. Complete your registration, document uploads and fee payment well in advance on https://recruitment.csir.res.in to avoid last‑minute technical issues.