ICAR-CIRCOT SRF Walk-in Interview 2026

ICAR-CIRCOT is hiring 1 Senior Research Fellow (SRF) for a project post in Mumbai. If you have a Master's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, or Agri-Business/Finance/Marketing/Agri-Economics, you can attend the walk-in interview on 25 August 2026. You must first email your application by 23 August 2026. The fellowship pays Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA.

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT) Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), an institute of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research located at Adenwala Road, Matunga, Mumbai, is looking for one Senior Research Fellow to work under the XII Plan scheme of the National Agricultural Innovation Fund (NAIF), component II - Agri Business Incubation Centre (ABI). This is a temporary, contract-based post that will run co-terminus with the project, which is likely to be completed by 30 September 2026 (this date may be extended). There is no written exam for this post — selection is entirely through a walk-in interview conducted in hybrid mode, which makes this a fast route into an ICAR research role.

The appointment is purely temporary and contractual. If you join and later want to resign before your contract ends, you need to give one month's notice or one month's fellowship in lieu of notice. There is also no provision for absorption or re-employment at ICAR-CIRCOT once the project is completed, and the post may be terminated at any time along with the project. Canvassing in any form will disqualify your candidature.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Master's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, any other Engineering discipline, Agri-Business, Finance, Marketing, or Agri-Economics.
• Alternate route: If you hold a postgraduate degree in basic sciences (3-year Bachelor's plus 2-year Master's), you must also have a NET qualification and 2 years of research experience, as per the applicable ICAR and DST office memorandums.
• Desirable: Experience in Agri-Business Incubation, management, and preparing project reports, booklets or leaflets using software such as CorelDRAW, Photoshop or MS Office will strengthen your application.

Age Limit

• You should be up to 35 years (men) or 40 years (women) old as on the date of interview, 25 August 2026.
• Age Relaxation: OBC candidates get 3 years, SC/ST candidates get 5 years, and PH (differently-abled) candidates get 10 years of relaxation, as per Government of India rules.

Salary

• The selected SRF will get a fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month plus HRA.
• During your period of employment, any change to this fellowship amount by ICAR will be strictly subject to approval from the funding agency.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

ICAR-CIRCOT will select the SRF through:

1. Application Screening: Your emailed application and biodata are checked against the eligibility criteria listed above.
2. Walk-in Interview: You will be interviewed in person, or online if you have informed ICAR-CIRCOT in advance, on 25 August 2026 at 11:00 AM, after reporting by 10:00 AM.
3. Document Verification: You must bring your original certificates and self-attested copies for age, qualification and experience for verification at the interview.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application addressed to the Director, ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai, along with detailed biodata in the Annexure-I format.
2. Attach self-attested photocopies of your certificates for age, qualification and experience, plus a recent passport-size photograph.
3. Combine everything into a single PDF file and email it to circotadmn1@gmail.com on or before 23 August 2026.
4. Attend the walk-in interview at ICAR-CIRCOT, Adenwala Road, Five Gardens, Matunga, Mumbai 400019 on 25 August 2026, reporting by 10:00 AM.
5. Carry your original documents, application copy and biodata for verification on the day of the interview.

Note: No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining the post if selected. If you are currently employed, you must bring a No Objection Certificate from your employer.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 13 August 2026
• Last Date to Email Application: 23 August 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: 25 August 2026 (Reporting 10:00 AM, Interview 11:00 AM)
• Likely Project Completion Date: 30 September 2026 (may be extended)

• Support agri-business incubation activities under the NAIF ABI project
• Prepare project reports, booklets and leaflets for agri-startups and stakeholders
• Assist in mentoring and handholding of agri-business ventures incubated at the centre
• Maintain project documentation, MIS records and periodic progress reports
• Coordinate with entrepreneurs, scientists and industry partners on incubation activities
• Use design software such as CorelDRAW and Photoshop to prepare promotional and training material
• Travel across India for project-related fieldwork when required