ICAR Research Management Recruitment 2026 — 48 Vacancies

ICAR, through the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), is hiring for 48 Research Management Positions at its headquarters and institutes across India. These posts include Deputy Director General, Assistant Director General, Director, and Joint Director roles, open to serving Principal Scientists/Professors with a doctoral degree and strong research experience. You can apply online at oasis.asrb.gov.in. The last date to apply is 23 October 2026.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Management Positions Recruitment 2026 - 48 Posts

The Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) has released Vacancy Notification No. 01/2026 (dated 13 August 2026) to fill 48 Research Management Positions (RMP) at the ICAR Headquarters in New Delhi and at ICAR research institutes spread across the country, from Izatnagar and Karnal in the north to Port Blair and Chennai in the south. Each post is filled on a five-year tenure basis, and is open only to scientists and professors who already hold a rank equivalent to Principal Scientist or Professor. ICAR runs one of the world's largest agricultural research networks, with institutes and national bureaux working on crops, livestock, fisheries, natural resources, and agricultural engineering, and this notification aims to fill senior leadership vacancies across that network. If you lead research teams, manage large agricultural research programmes, or have a strong publication record, this notification is worth a close look.

Vacancy Breakdown by Post Type

Every item in the notification carries only one vacancy each — this is a post-wise recruitment, not a category-wise one. The Director posts alone cover institutes working on horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, plant genetic resources, agricultural engineering, rice and wheat research, soil and water conservation, agricultural statistics, and agricultural extension, among other disciplines. Some of the institutes on this list, such as the National Rice Research Institute, the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, and the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, are well-known names in their fields, so leading one of them is a significant career move. Check the full notification (pages 4 to 53) to see the exact institute and subject area attached to each of the 48 items.

Who Can Apply?

You must currently hold the rank of Principal Scientist or Professor (or an equivalent position in Pay Level 14 of the 7th CPC) and have a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in the relevant subject. Because the notification covers 48 different institutes and subject areas, the exact experience threshold differs from post to post, but every route below requires you to already be established at a senior scientific or academic rank. Depending on the specific post, one of the following routes applies:

• Standard route: At least 10 years of experience as Principal Scientist/Professor, including 3 years in a Research Management Position or in a specified leadership role such as Head of Division, Head of a Regional Station, or Project Coordinator.
• Senior scientist route: At least 3 years of experience in Pay Level 15 or above in a Central/State Government department or its statutory/autonomous bodies.
• Eminent Scientist route: You have a national or international award/recognition, fellowship of a reputed academy, at least 10 publications in NAAS-rated (8.0+) journals, and 3+ years leading a multi-institutional research project.
• Extended experience route: At least 25 years of post-Ph.D. research/academic experience, including 5 years as Programme Leader/Director/Director General of CGIAR or another international organisation.

Exact qualification and experience requirements vary slightly for each of the 48 posts. Check pages 4 to 53 of the official notification for the post-specific criteria before you apply.

Salary

• The Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering) post carries a fixed salary of Rs. 2,10,000 per month.
• The remaining posts (Director, Assistant Director General, Joint Director) carry their own fixed pay as specified against each post in the official notification — check the post you are interested in for the exact figure.
• You will also get DA, HRA, TA and other allowances as per Central Government rules.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

ASRB fills Research Management Positions through screening and interview — there is no written test involved:

1. Screening of Applications: A Screening Committee reviews your qualifications, experience, and publication record against the post-specific criteria.
2. Personal Interview: If you are shortlisted, you will be called for an interview before the ASRB Selection Committee.
3. Final Selection: Selection is based on your overall service record, experience, and interview performance.

How to Apply

1. Go to the ASRB OASIS portal at oasis.asrb.gov.in.
2. Register using a valid email address and mobile number.
3. Choose the specific post you are eligible for from the list of 48 positions.
4. Fill in your qualification, experience, and publication details in the online form.
5. Upload your certificates, No Objection Certificate, and experience proof as required.
6. Pay the application fee for each post you apply to, and submit your form.

Read Vacancy Notification No. 01/2026 in full at asrb.gov.in before you apply, since post-specific qualifications and pay differ across the 48 positions.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 13 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 23 October 2026

• Lead and manage the overall research programme of the institute or division
• Set research priorities and coordinate multi-disciplinary projects
• Supervise scientists, administrative staff, and research budgets
• Represent the institute in national and international scientific forums
• Build partnerships with other research bodies, universities, and industry
• Monitor project outcomes and ensure quality of research output
• Mentor young scientists and guide their career development
• Report progress and achievements to ICAR Headquarters