CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026 is a current Group-C technical recruitment opportunity for candidates who have completed Class 10 with Science and hold the relevant ITI or trade qualification. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has notified 43 Technician (1) vacancies under Advertisement No. R&A/01/2026 across 10 trades.
The online application window opened on 18 August 2026 at 10:00 AM and closes on 17 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. The recruitment is especially relevant to ITI-qualified candidates who want a technical support role in the CSIR system. Before applying, candidates should match their trade to the exact vacancy, check the age and qualification rules, understand the screening and Trade Test stages, and keep the required documents ready.
This guide covers the recruitment itself, while the site’s separate CSIR Technician age-limit guide explains the DOB and relaxation rules in greater detail, and the CSIR Technician selection-process guide provides a deeper examination of the Trade Test and written-exam stages.
CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026 at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting organisation | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Advertisement | R&A/01/2026 |
| Post | Technician (1) |
| Group | Group-C / Group-II (1) |
| Total vacancies | 43 |
| Application start | 18 August 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last date | 17 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Maximum age | 28 years, subject to notified relaxation |
| Broad qualification | 10th/SSC with Science and minimum 55% plus relevant ITI/trade qualification or permitted alternative experience |
| Pay level | Level-2, ₹19,900–₹63,200 |
| Selection | Application screening, Trade Test and written examination |
| Application mode | Online |
CSIR’s official recruitment pages confirm the application dates and identify the recruitment as Technician (1), Advertisement R&A/01/2026. The CSIR recruitment listing also shows the closing date of 17 September 2026. citeturn3search1turn3search3
What Is CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026?
CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026 is a direct recruitment exercise for technical support positions in the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. CSIR is a Government of India scientific research organisation with a network of national laboratories and institutes. The Technician role is intended for candidates with practical technical training in specified trades rather than for general graduate-level applicants.
The current advertisement covers 43 posts. The recruitment is therefore much smaller than mass examinations such as SSC or Railway recruitment, but its trade-specific eligibility makes it highly relevant for candidates whose ITI training matches one of the notified posts.
The official CSIR recruitment page currently lists the Technician recruitment alongside other CSIR opportunities and directs candidates to the online application route. citeturn3search2turn3search3
CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026 visual context: CSIR laboratory inspection. Image source: Wikimedia Commons, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government Open Data License (India).
CSIR Technician Vacancy 2026: Trade-Wise Posts
The 43 vacancies are spread across 10 technical trades. The largest share is for Computer Operator and Programming Assistant, making this recruitment particularly interesting for candidates with COPA training.
| Trade / Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA) | 21 |
| Desktop Publishing Operator (DTPO) | 7 |
| Computer Hardware & Network Maintenance (CH&NM) | 5 |
| Medical Lab Technician (MLT) | 2 |
| Draughtsman (Architecture) | 2 |
| Instrument Mechanic | 2 |
| Draughtsman (Mechanical) | 1 |
| Draughtsman (Civil) | 1 |
| Laboratory Assistant in Chemical Plant (LACP) | 1 |
| Interior Designer | 1 |
| Total | 43 |
The vacancy distribution reported from the advertisement shows 21 COPA posts, 7 DTPO, 5 CH&NM and smaller numbers in the remaining specialised trades. Candidates should use the post code and qualification table in the official advertisement before selecting a trade because the eligibility is not interchangeable across all 10 options. citeturn3search6turn3search11
CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Notification / application opening | 18 August 2026 |
| Online application starts | 18 August 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Online application closes | 17 September 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Written examination | To be announced |
| Trade Test | As per recruitment schedule |
| Document verification / later formalities | As notified by CSIR |
The most important date is the application closing time. CSIR’s recruitment portal states that applications close at 5:00 PM on 17 September 2026. Do not treat the deadline as midnight. Submit early enough to handle registration, document upload and payment issues. citeturn3search0turn3search2
CSIR Technician Eligibility 2026
Eligibility is trade-specific, but the common educational route is Class 10 or SSC with Science subjects and at least 55% marks, together with the relevant ITI or National/State Trade Certificate. The notification also recognises specified alternative routes such as apprenticeship or relevant work experience for particular trades.
That distinction matters. A candidate cannot simply possess any ITI certificate and assume eligibility for all 43 posts. The ITI/trade qualification must correspond to the selected Technician post. For example, a COPA-trained candidate should examine the COPA qualification conditions, while a candidate applying for Instrument Mechanic must meet the corresponding technical requirement.
Some trade-specific eligibility routes can involve a full-time apprenticeship or prescribed relevant experience in place of the standard ITI certificate. Candidates should therefore read the exact post code in the advertisement instead of relying on a simplified eligibility headline.
CSIR Technician Age Limit 2026
The maximum age for the current Technician recruitment is 28 years, with applicable relaxation for eligible reserved and special categories under the CSIR/Government rules. Age is reckoned according to the date specified in the recruitment advertisement, so candidates should use the notified cutoff rather than their age on the day they open the application form.
The site’s dedicated CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026 Age Limit article explains the DOB cutoff and category-wise relaxation in more detail.
A common mistake is to check only the year of birth. Eligibility is determined by the complete date-of-birth rule, and supporting documents will be checked later. Keep your matriculation certificate or another accepted age-proof document ready.
CSIR Technician Qualification: What ITI Candidates Should Check
Before applying, make a three-column check for yourself: your Class 10 marks, your ITI/trade qualification, and the CSIR post code. All three should line up.
- Confirm that you passed Class 10/SSC with the required Science subjects.
- Confirm that your marks satisfy the notified minimum.
- Match the exact ITI or trade certificate to the vacancy.
- Check whether your certificate is from the recognised route specified in the advertisement.
- If relying on apprenticeship or work experience, verify that the duration and type of experience meet the post-specific condition.
- Keep certificates and marksheets consistent with the name and date of birth entered in the application.
Trade matching is the key eligibility issue in this recruitment. It is better to spend time checking the official post code than to submit a form based on a generic statement such as “10th plus ITI candidates can apply.”
CSIR Technician Salary 2026
The Technician (1) post carries Pay Matrix Level-2, with a basic-pay range of ₹19,900 to ₹63,200. The basic pay is only one part of the final remuneration because eligible Central Government/CSIR allowances and deductions affect the monthly amount received.
Candidates should distinguish the starting basic pay from gross salary and in-hand salary. The pay-matrix maximum is not the amount a newly appointed Technician receives each month. Actual earnings depend on the applicable allowances, posting and deductions.
The Level-2 structure also makes the post relevant to candidates comparing CSIR technical work with other 10th-plus-ITI government opportunities. The site’s broader government-job coverage can be used for comparison, but the current advertisement remains the authority for this post.
CSIR laboratory image. Source: Wikimedia Commons, author Shishirdasika, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
CSIR Technician Selection Process 2026
The recruitment uses a technical screening route rather than a conventional interview-based selection. The main stages are application screening, a Trade Test and a written examination, with later verification and appointment formalities as prescribed.
1. Application Screening
CSIR first checks applications against the advertised qualification and other eligibility requirements. Because the vacancies are trade-specific, the screening stage can eliminate candidates whose certificates do not match the selected post.
2. Trade Test
The Trade Test is designed to establish practical proficiency in the relevant technical trade. Candidates should prepare for hands-on task knowledge rather than studying only theoretical multiple-choice questions.
3. Written Examination
The written examination tests the areas specified in the notification. Current recruitment summaries describe a 150-question paper with a duration of 2 hours 30 minutes, conducted in OMR-based or computer-based mode as decided by CSIR. citeturn3search6turn3search15
For a deeper breakdown of the stages and merit logic, see the site’s CSIR Technician Selection Process 2026 guide.
CSIR Technician Exam Pattern and Preparation Strategy
Preparation should begin with the trade rather than with generic government-exam material. A candidate who has prepared only general knowledge but cannot demonstrate practical competence in the notified trade may struggle at the Trade Test stage.
Technical preparation first
Revise your ITI syllabus systematically. Focus on tools, safety, basic troubleshooting, standard procedures, terminology and practical tasks relevant to the chosen trade.
Build a written-test routine
Once the trade basics are secure, add daily practice for the written examination. Use timed question sets and track mistakes. Your error log should separate knowledge gaps from calculation mistakes and careless reading.
Practise practical tasks
For the Trade Test, revise the practical work you performed during ITI training or apprenticeship. If you have access to tools or a workshop, practise safely under supervision where necessary. The aim is to demonstrate competence, not simply memorise definitions.
Do not ignore documents
Technical recruitment can fail at the verification stage when candidates cannot prove the qualification they claimed. Keep originals and accepted copies of certificates ready and make sure the application details match them.
Application Fee and Payment
Applicable candidates should check the exact fee and category exemptions in Advertisement R&A/01/2026 before payment. Recruitment summaries report a standard application fee of ₹500 for candidates to whom the fee applies, with exemptions or concessions for specified categories according to the notification. citeturn3search11
Do not assume that every applicant must pay the same amount. Category, exemption status and the official payment instructions should be checked on the CSIR recruitment portal. Save the transaction confirmation after successful payment.
Documents Required for CSIR Technician Application
- Recent passport-size photograph in the prescribed digital format.
- Signature image in the required format.
- Class 10/SSC certificate and marksheet.
- ITI or National/State Trade Certificate, as applicable.
- Apprenticeship or experience proof if using an alternative eligibility route.
- Category certificate for candidates claiming reservation or relaxation.
- PwBD/Ex-Servicemen documents where applicable.
- Valid identity and contact details.
Scan documents before beginning the application. Check file size, file type and readability against the portal instructions rather than uploading a blurred photograph or certificate.
How to Apply for CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026
- Open the official CSIR recruitment portal for Advertisement R&A/01/2026.
- Read the full advertisement and identify the post code matching your trade.
- Confirm age, Class 10 marks and trade qualification.
- Register using a valid mobile number and email address.
- Enter personal details exactly as supported by your certificates.
- Select the eligible Technician trade/post.
- Enter educational and experience details accurately.
- Upload the photograph, signature and supporting documents in the required format.
- Review every field, especially DOB, category, trade and qualification.
- Pay the applicable fee if required.
- Submit the application before 17 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- Download and preserve the final application and payment confirmation.
Use the official CSIR recruitment route rather than a third-party application form. The CSIR recruitment portal currently provides the online application link and clearly states the opening and closing times. citeturn3search0turn3search2
Where Are the CSIR Technician Posts?
The recruitment is connected with CSIR Headquarters and its participating units, with the trade-wise posting information determining where a selected candidate may be placed. Candidates should not assume that all 43 posts are at one laboratory or in one city.
This is another reason to read the post-wise vacancy and posting information carefully. CSIR operates a broad network of laboratories and institutes across India, so the nature of work and location can differ by unit. CSIR’s own laboratory gallery shows institutes ranging from engineering and chemical research facilities to physical-science and biotechnology laboratories. citeturn2search1turn2search9
Seven Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing a Trade Without Matching the ITI Certificate
The 43 posts are divided across specific trades. Select only a post for which your qualification meets the notified requirement.
2. Treating 5 PM as Midnight
The application closes at 5:00 PM on 17 September 2026. Submit earlier.
3. Ignoring the 55% Class 10 Requirement
The broad eligibility route includes Class 10 with Science and minimum marks. Verify your marks before applying.
4. Checking Age Only by Birth Year
The exact DOB cutoff matters. Use the official date and the complete date range.
5. Preparing Only for the Written Exam
The Trade Test is an important part of the selection process. Practical competence must be prepared alongside theory.
6. Uploading Unreadable Documents
A blurred certificate or incorrect file format can create avoidable application problems. Prepare clear scans before starting.
7. Relying on a Third-Party Summary as the Final Authority
Recruitment summaries are useful for discovery, but the CSIR advertisement and recruitment portal control eligibility, dates, vacancy changes and instructions.
CSIR Technician vs Other 10th + ITI Government Jobs
Candidates with 10th plus ITI qualifications have several government recruitment routes, but the right choice depends on trade, location, salary structure and selection method. CSIR Technician is attractive to candidates who want a technical role within a scientific research organisation and who can demonstrate trade proficiency.
Unlike a broad clerical recruitment, the CSIR post is built around specific technical skills. That can reduce the number of eligible applicants for a particular trade, although the total vacancy count is only 43. Candidates should therefore judge the opportunity by their exact trade rather than by the headline vacancy number alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are there in CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026?
There are 43 Technician (1) vacancies under Advertisement R&A/01/2026, distributed across 10 trades. citeturn3search3turn3search6
What is the last date to apply for CSIR Technician 2026?
The online application closes on 17 September 2026 at 5:00 PM. citeturn3search0
What is the CSIR Technician age limit?
The maximum age is generally 28 years, subject to the prescribed cutoff date and applicable relaxation rules.
What qualification is required?
The broad route is Class 10/SSC with Science and at least 55% marks plus the relevant ITI or recognised trade qualification, although the exact requirement varies by post code and permitted alternative routes.
What is the CSIR Technician salary?
The post carries Pay Matrix Level-2 with a basic-pay range of ₹19,900–₹63,200, plus applicable allowances and subject to deductions.
What is the CSIR Technician selection process?
The recruitment uses application screening, a Trade Test and a written examination, followed by later verification and appointment formalities under the notified rules.
Is there an interview?
The current recruitment framework focuses on screening, Trade Test and written examination rather than a conventional interview.
Which trade has the most vacancies?
COPA has the highest number with 21 vacancies, followed by DTPO with 7 and CH&NM with 5.
Where can I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official CSIR Recruitment & Assessment Board portal. Candidates should use the official recruitment route and verify the advertisement before submitting.
Final Checklist Before Submission
- Read Advertisement R&A/01/2026 fully.
- Match your ITI/trade certificate to the correct post code.
- Confirm Class 10 Science subjects and minimum marks.
- Check the age cutoff and relaxation applicable to you.
- Prepare photograph, signature and certificates.
- Check category and reservation documents.
- Review every application field before final submission.
- Pay the correct fee if applicable.
- Submit before 17 September 2026, 5:00 PM.
- Save the completed form and payment confirmation.
- Begin Trade Test and written-exam preparation immediately.
Final Verdict
CSIR Technician Recruitment 2026 is a focused opportunity for 10th-pass candidates with relevant ITI or trade qualifications. The current recruitment offers 43 posts across 10 technical trades, with COPA accounting for the largest share. The online application window closes on 17 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
The strongest application strategy is simple: match your trade carefully, verify the age and Class 10 requirements, prepare practical skills for the Trade Test, and submit the form well before the closing time. Candidates should keep the official CSIR advertisement and recruitment portal as the final authority for any subsequent correction, schedule or vacancy update.
Official source: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Recruitment & Assessment Board and CSIR career opportunities page.