CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026: Official Updates for 100 Vacancies (UPSC CSE 2024 Candidates)

CSIR ASO Exam Date 2026

The application window for the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026, aimed at filling 100 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) positions, has officially closed. Candidates who successfully applied are currently awaiting the official release of the CSIR ASO Exam Date 2026, which will be published on the official CSIR portal.

CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026

This recruitment drive seeks to hire Assistant Section Officers across the General, Finance & Accounts, and Stores & Purchase cadres. Eligibility is restricted to non-recommended candidates from the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 who are listed on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal. Applicants are encouraged to review the official notification thoroughly to ensure they meet all selection and eligibility requirements.

Download Official CSIR ASO Notification 2026 PDF

CSIR Assistant Section Officer Exam 2026: Overview

Note: This recruitment is exclusively for candidates who were not recommended for appointment in the UPSC CSE-2024.

CSIR ASO Exam 2026: Important Dates

CSIR ASO Vacancy Details Category-wise

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has officially opened 100 vacancies for Assistant Section Officers (ASO) in the General, Finance & Accounts, and Stores & Purchase departments. Detailed vacancy distributions by cadre and category are outlined in the data below.

CSIR ASO Eligibility

Prospective applicants must verify their eligibility against the prescribed criteria. Please note that the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 is a specialized drive and is not open for general public recruitment.

Age Limit Criteria (As of 13 July 2026):

The maximum age limit for applicants is 33 years as of 13 July 2026, serving as the official closing date for the application cycle.

Age Relaxation Policies:

Candidates from SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen categories are entitled to age relaxation as per established Government of India regulations.

Educational Requirements:

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and must have successfully appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024.

Eligibility is strictly reserved for those whose names appear on the UPSC Pratibha Setu Portal as non-recommended candidates. Individuals who did not participate in the UPSC CSE 2024 are ineligible.

CSIR ASO Apply Online Link

The online registration period for the CSIR ASO Recruitment 2026 has concluded. All applicants were required to finalize their submissions within the designated timeframe.

Application Fee

Steps to Apply for the CSIR ASO Application Form 2026

Interested candidates can follow our step-by-step guide below to navigate the application and selection processes.

1. Visit the official website: https://www.csir.res.in or https://recruitment.csir.res.in
2. Click on “Apply Online” and complete the registration process.
3. Log in using your User ID and password.
4. Fill in your personal details, education details, and other required information.
5. Upload your photo, signature, and necessary documents.
6. Check all details carefully and submit the application form.
7. Pay the application fee (if applicable) through SBI Collect.
8. Download the fee receipt and keep a printout of the final submitted form for future use.

Document Upload Specification

CSIR ASO Selection Process

The selection process evaluates candidates based on their performance in the UPSC CSE 2024 followed by a mandatory Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). There is no separate written examination for this role.

1. Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted for the CPT based on their total marks in UPSC CSE 2024 (Mains + Personality Test).
2. Computer Proficiency Test (CPT): Shortlisted candidates must appear for a qualifying CPT of 100 marks.
3. Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared based on UPSC CSE 2024 marks, subject to qualifying the CPT.
4. Cadre Allocation: Selected candidates will be allotted General, Finance & Accounts, or Stores & Purchase cadre based on merit and preference.
5. Document Verification: Candidates selected in the merit list will be called for document verification before appointment.

CSIR ASO CPT Exam Pattern

Shortlisted candidates will undergo a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) to assess their skills for essential office functions. The test is qualifying in nature, worth 100 marks, and must be completed within a 60-minute timeframe.

Minimum Qualifying Marks (Category-wise)

Candidates must meet the minimum qualifying score for their respective categories to pass the Computer Proficiency Test:

CSIR ASO Syllabus

The CPT evaluates proficiency across three critical areas:

• Word Processing: Typing passages, document formatting, editing, and other MS Word-related tasks.
• Spreadsheet Preparation: Creating and managing spreadsheets, using formulas, formatting data, and performing basic calculations in MS Excel.
• Presentation Creation: Preparing PowerPoint presentations, inserting text, images, tables, and applying formatting features.

CSIR ASO Tie-Breaking Policy

In the event of a tie in scores, the CSIR will implement standardized tie-breaking criteria to finalize candidate selection.

1. Higher Marks in Mains Examination: The candidate securing higher marks in the UPSC Mains Examination (CSE-2024) will be ranked higher in the merit list.
2. Date of Birth: If the tie persists, the older candidate (based on date of birth) will be placed higher.
3. Earlier Acquisition of Essential Degree: Candidates who obtained the required educational qualification earlier will be given preference.
4. Alphabetical Order of First Name: If the tie remains unresolved after applying the above criteria, candidates will be ranked according to the alphabetical order of their first names.

CSIR ASO Salary

ASOs recruited by CSIR will be compensated under Pay Level 7 of the 7th Pay Commission. Starting basic salary begins at ₹44,900 per month, with potential growth up to ₹1,42,400 based on tenure and promotion.

Beyond the base salary, ASOs are eligible for various Central Government allowances, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, medical benefits, and Leave Travel Concession (LTC).

Successful candidates will serve a 2-year probation period and may be deployed to any CSIR laboratory, institute, or headquarters across the country.