CSIR Section Officer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India's premier research and development organization, has announced a unique recruitment opportunity for the position of Section Officer across three specialized cadres: General, Finance & Accounts, and Stores & Purchase. This recruitment is exclusively designed for candidates who appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 and reached the Interview stage but were not recommended for final selection.

This initiative represents an excellent second opportunity for highly qualified individuals who have already demonstrated their merit by clearing one of India's toughest competitive examinations. The recruitment offers eight Group B (Gazetted) positions with attractive pay scales, comprehensive benefits, and substantial career growth prospects within India's largest research and development network.

About CSIR

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), established in 1942, is an autonomous body functioning under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. CSIR operates a network of 37 national laboratories across the country, employing over 4,500 scientists and approximately 8,000 scientific and technical personnel. The organization conducts cutting-edge research in diverse fields including aerospace engineering, structural engineering, ocean sciences, life sciences, metallurgy, chemicals, mining, food, petroleum, leather, and environmental science.

CSIR's contributions to national development include innovations in drug discovery, industrial technologies, environmental solutions, and strategic research supporting defense and security. The organization holds thousands of patents and has transferred numerous technologies to industry, contributing significantly to India's scientific and economic growth.

Position Overview and Significance

Section Officers in CSIR play crucial administrative roles across three specialized domains:

Section Officer (General): Handles general administration, establishment matters, coordination between departments, implementation of policies, personnel management, and official correspondence.

Section Officer (Finance & Accounts): Manages financial planning, budget preparation and monitoring, expenditure control, audit compliance, financial reporting, and implementation of accounting procedures.

Section Officer (Stores & Purchase): Oversees procurement processes, vendor management, inventory control, quality assurance, compliance with purchase regulations, and logistics coordination for scientific equipment and materials.

These positions offer exposure to scientific administration, interaction with renowned scientists, participation in research project management, and opportunities to contribute to nationally important R&D initiatives.

Why This Recruitment is Special

This recruitment follows a unique selection methodology. Instead of conducting fresh examinations, CSIR directly utilizes the marks obtained by candidates in UPSC CSE 2024 (combined scores of Mains + Personality Test). This approach recognizes the rigorous evaluation already undergone by candidates and provides them an alternative career path in scientific administration. Only candidates who reached the UPSC interview stage qualify, ensuring a pre-screened talent pool of high-caliber individuals.