ICAR IARI JRF Recruitment 2026 for 2 Posts: Eligibility, Apply Process, Last Date

ICAR IARI JRF Recruitment 2026 Overview

The Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, has invited applications for 2 Junior Research Fellow posts on a contractual basis. These positions are connected to the Ignite Life Science Foundation funded project titled 'Pre-breeding for climate-resilient and disease-resistant wheat by harnessing genes from Triticale × Wheat-derived rye chromatin'.

This is a project-linked research recruitment, not a regular permanent appointment. One JRF position is placed at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, while the second is placed at the IARI Regional Station, Shimla. Candidates should therefore read both the subject eligibility and location details carefully before applying.

Important Dates

The application window is short. Candidates should not wait until the last day because the official process requires sending a complete bio-data and document set through email.

Vacancy Details and Posting Locations

Although the post name is the same, the work location differs. Applicants should decide in advance whether they are comfortable with the posting location and should keep that in mind while preparing for the interview.

Eligibility Criteria

The essential academic requirement is a Master's degree in Genetics, Plant Breeding, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a relevant life science discipline, along with a Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline.

Candidates must have secured at least 60% marks in postgraduation. In addition, the notice requires candidates to have qualified NET/GATE or any national-level examination conducted by central government departments, agencies, or institutions such as DST, DBT, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, IARI, ICMR, IIT, IISc, IISER, or NISER.

The notice also mentions desirable experience in microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and molecular marker assisted breeding. Desirable experience does not replace the essential qualification requirement, but it can strengthen a candidate's profile during screening and interview.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The upper age limit for the JRF posts is 35 years. The notice states that age relaxation is available for SC, ST, OBC, PwD, women, and other exempted categories as per Government of India guidelines.

Candidates who want to claim relaxation should keep the relevant supporting certificate ready and include it in their document set wherever applicable.

Fellowship, Project Terms and Nature of Appointment

The fellowship for the Junior Research Fellow posts is Rs. 37,000 plus HRA for the first and second year, and Rs. 42,000 plus HRA in the third year, as applicable under the terms mentioned in the official notice.

These positions are purely contractual and project-based. Candidates should treat this as a temporary research assignment linked to a funded wheat improvement project rather than a regular institute cadre post.

The project focus is on climate-resilient and disease-resistant wheat breeding. This makes the recruitment especially relevant for candidates with training in genetics, breeding, molecular biology, cytogenetics, or related crop improvement research.

How to Apply

The official notice requires candidates to apply by sending a copy of their bio-data in the prescribed format along with relevant documents through email. The practical application route is email submission, even though some job listings describe the process broadly as online application.

1. Download and read the official notification carefully.
2. Fill the prescribed bio-data format.
3. Attach the required certificates and supporting records.
4. Send the completed application set by email to mniranjana2010@gmail.com and dpwalia66@gmail.com.
5. Ensure the email reaches before 25 April 2026.

Candidates should keep the subject line and attachments clear and readable. A badly organized application can create avoidable screening issues even if the candidate is otherwise eligible.

Documents Required with the Application

The official notice asks candidates to attach supporting records along with the application. Based on the notice, applicants should prepare the following:

• Prescribed bio-data form
• NET/GATE score proof or equivalent qualifying examination proof
• Certificates from matriculation onwards
• Date of birth certificate or proof of age
• Degree and mark sheet records
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Proof of experience, if applicable
• No Objection Certificate, if currently employed
• Publication details, if any

The document set should be complete and legible. Missing qualification proof or incomplete academic records can directly affect shortlisting.

Selection Process and Interview Details

Eligible candidates will be shortlisted and called for an online interview. The interview is scheduled for 30 April 2026 from 10:00 AM.

The notice does not mention a separate written test for this recruitment. The main selection stage publicly stated in the advertisement is the online interview, following scrutiny of applications and eligibility.

Candidates should therefore focus on subject fundamentals, project relevance, their postgraduate specialization, and any hands-on experience in microscopy, cytogenetics, molecular breeding, or related research methods.

Official Links and Final Checklist

Before sending the application, candidates should verify the official notice, confirm the last date, and recheck whether their subject background matches the exact wording used in the advertisement.

• Read the notification PDF fully and do not rely only on summary pages.
• Confirm whether your postgraduate subject fits the essential qualification list.
• Check that you meet the 60% postgraduation requirement.
• Keep NET/GATE or equivalent national-level qualification proof ready.
• Send the application to both email IDs before the deadline.
• Track your email regularly for interview communication.

The official resources are available at notification PDF and the ICAR-IARI contractual jobs page.