Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The ICAR - National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) has officially published a notification inviting applications for recruitment to 5 posts of Project Associate and Project Assistant. Candidates holding qualifications such as B.Sc, M.Sc, or a relevant Diploma in Agriculture, Botany, Biotechnology, or Life Sciences are eligible to apply. This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for scientific aspirants and researchers to work in specialized agricultural research projects under the prestigious Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Interested candidates must review all eligibility criteria, including educational requirements, age limits, and selection parameters before submitting their application. The last date for online submission of application forms is set for 05-10-2026. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance to avoid last-minute server delays.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
The detailed post-wise breakdown of vacancies and corresponding academic qualification criteria are as follows:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Educational Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Project Associate | 02 | Master's Degree (M.Sc) in Agriculture, Botany, Plant Pathology, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Biotechnology, or relevant Life Sciences field from a recognized University or Institute. Preference will be given to candidates with GATE/NET clearance or prior research experience. |
| Project Assistant | 03 | Bachelor's Degree (B.Sc) in Agriculture, Botany, Life Sciences, or a recognized 3-year Diploma in relevant technical/agricultural discipline from a recognized University or Institution. |
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
Candidates applying for the NBPGR Project recruitment must satisfy the upper age criteria determined by ICAR/DST guidelines:
- Maximum Age Limit for Men: 35 Years as of the application closing date.
- Maximum Age Limit for Women: 40 Years as of the application closing date.
- Age Relaxation: Standard age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per Government of India guidelines:
- OBC Candidates: 3 Years relaxation.
- SC / ST Candidates: 5 Years relaxation.
- PwD Candidates: Up to 10 Years relaxation.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
Selected candidates will receive monthly consolidated remuneration structured in accordance with ICAR/DST norms:
- Project Associate: Rs. 31,000/- per month + permissible House Rent Allowance (HRA) for NET/GATE qualified candidates, or as specified under project guidelines.
- Project Assistant: Rs. 20,000/- per month + permissible HRA as per norms.
- In addition to basic remuneration, candidates may receive exposure to high-level scientific research, laboratory training, and academic publication opportunities.
Selection Process
The recruitment for Project Associate and Project Assistant posts under NBPGR will be conducted through a multi-stage shortlisting procedure:
- Initial Screening of Applications: Received applications will be scrutinized based on essential academic marks, desirable qualifications, and relevant experience.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person or online interview conducted by the Selection Committee.
- Document Verification: Verification of original academic certificates, identity proof, experience certificates, and category certificates prior to final engagement.
Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
For these project-based positions, a written exam is generally not conducted unless the number of applicants is exceptionally high. Selection is predominantly conducted through a structured Personal Interview evaluation evaluated out of 100 Marks as detailed below:
| Evaluation Parameter | Maximum Weightage Marks |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification & Excellence | 40 Marks |
| Relevant Research / Work Experience | 20 Marks |
| Performance in Interview (Subject Knowledge & Aptitude) | 40 Marks |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Fill the Online Application Form
Eligible candidates can follow the step-by-step procedure below to submit their application successfully through the official portal:
- Visit the official NBPGR website at nbpgr.org.in.
- Navigate to the 'Vacancies' or 'Careers/Announcements' section on the homepage.
- Locate and download the official recruitment notification for Project Associate & Project Assistant posts.
- Carefully read all guidelines, eligibility conditions, and application procedures detailed in the official PDF.
- Click on the Apply Online / Application Form link specified for the post.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, contact information, and relevant work experience accurately.
- Upload clear scanned copies of required documents including passport photograph, signature, marksheets, and certificates.
- Review the filled application form thoroughly to ensure there are no errors before final submission.
- Submit the completed application form online before the closing date: 05-10-2026.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form and keep a copy safely for future reference.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Candidates must keep the following original documents ready along with self-attested photocopies for document verification during the interview:
- High School / 10th Class Certificate as Proof of Date of Birth.
- Intermediate / 10+2 Mark Sheet and Certificate.
- Graduation Degree (B.Sc) / Diploma Marksheets and Passing Certificates.
- Post-Graduation Degree (M.Sc) Marksheets and Passing Certificates (if applying for Project Associate).
- Valid Category / Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) in central format, if applicable.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer if currently employed in Government/PSU/Autonomous bodies.
- Government-issued Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport).
- Recent Passport-size Color Photographs.