BSI Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026

The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is hiring 6 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) at its regional centres across the country. If you hold an M.Sc. in Botany with at least 55% marks, you can apply through a combination of online, email, and postal submission. The last date to apply is 9 August 2026. The upper age limit is 28 years (relaxable for reserved categories), and the fellowship pays Rs. 37,000 per month for the first two years, rising to Rs. 42,000 per month from the third year onwards.

Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - 6 Posts

The Botanical Survey of India (BSI), which functions under the Ministry of Environment & Forests, has released a notification for 6 Junior Research Fellow (JRF) positions at its regional centres in Itanagar, Shillong, Gangtok, Howrah, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Noida, Dehradun, Jodhpur, Pune, Hyderabad, Vijaya Puram, Coimbatore, and Solan. Candidates who have already cleared CSIR-NET (JRF) are exempted from the written test and go straight to the interview round. This is a good opportunity for Botany postgraduates who want to build a research career in taxonomy, plant systematics, or related fields — selected Fellows can also register for a regular Ph.D. programme while working.

Who Can Apply?

• Qualification: You need a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in Botany from a UGC-recognized university with at least 55% aggregate marks at the time of applying.
• Preferred: Candidates with M.Sc. in Botany specializing in Plant Taxonomy or Plant Systematics, working knowledge of computers, strong analytical ability, and good technical writing skills will be preferred.
• NET Qualified: If you have already cleared CSIR-NET (JRF), you are exempted from the written test but must still apply, select your preferred regional centre, and appear for the interview if shortlisted.
• Nationality: Only Indian Nationals can apply.
• NOC Required: If you are already employed in Government, a PSU, or an Autonomous Body, you must bring a No Objection Certificate from your employer at the time of interview.

Age Limit

• You should not be older than 28 years as on the last date of application submission.
• Age Relaxation: 5 years for SC, ST, Physically Handicapped (PH), and female candidates; 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates.

Salary

• You will get a consolidated fellowship of Rs. 37,000 per month for the first two years.
• This increases to Rs. 42,000 per month from the third year onwards, if you are promoted to Senior Research Fellow (SRF).
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) is admissible as per central government rules.
• The fellowship is purely contractual — it does not entitle you to regularization or absorption in BSI. The initial appointment is for two years, extendable in phases up to a total of 5 years (2+1+2).

Application Fee

• General: Rs. 400
• OBC: Rs. 200
• SC / ST / PwD: Rs. 100
• Payment mode: Online only, through the Bharatkosh portal (bharatkosh.gov.in). The fee is non-refundable.

Selection Process

Your selection will happen in these stages:

1. Written Test: An offline, objective (MCQ) paper for 3 hours, held across all BSI Regional Centres. Candidates who have already qualified CSIR-NET/JRF are exempted from this test.
2. Document Verification: Bring your original certificates, testimonials, and a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence) for verification during the test and interview.
3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear for an online interview hosted through five regional centres — Central National Herbarium (Howrah), Eastern Regional Centre (Shillong), Western Regional Centre (Pune), Southern Regional Centre (Coimbatore), and Northern Regional Centre (Dehradun).

You must arrange your own travel and stay for the interview — no TA/DA will be paid.

How to Apply

1. Fill in the online proforma through the Google Form link available on bsi.gov.in.
2. Pay the exam fee online through the Bharatkosh portal and download your receipt.
3. Prepare your application form along with the Bharatkosh receipt, your best publications, and other prescribed documents.
4. Compile the soft copy into a single PDF and email it to bsi.jrf.2026@gmail.com, naming the file BSI_JRF_2026_FN_LN (your first and last name).
5. Send the hard copy by Registered Post to The Scientist-in-Charge, Technical Section, BSI-Hqrs, 3rd MSO Building, CGO Complex, F-Wing, DF Block, Salt Lake City, Kolkata - 700064.

All three parts of your application — the online form, the email, and the hard copy — must reach BSI by 9 August 2026.

Important Dates

• Last Date to Apply (Online, Email & Post): 9 August 2026
• Written Test Date: To be announced

• Carry out research work under the assigned botanical project at your BSI regional centre
• Collect, identify, and document plant specimens during field surveys across India
• Assist in herbarium management, specimen mounting, and preservation
• Prepare research papers, technical reports, and project documentation
• Support senior scientists with literature review and data analysis
• Travel to remote and difficult terrain for plant collection and survey work
• Maintain accurate records of specimens, field data, and research findings