Spices Board Research Trainee Recruitment 2026

About This Job

Spices Board has released notification for 5 Spices Research Trainee posts at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI) in Myladumpara, Idukki, Kerala. This recruitment is exclusively for SC/ST candidates. If you hold an M.Sc. with minimum 55% marks in a relevant discipline, you can appear for the walk-in test. The walk-in date is 30 April 2026. Selected trainees will receive a stipend of Rs. 21,000 per month.

Spices Board Research Trainee Recruitment 2026 - 5 Posts

Spices Board (Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India) has invited applications from eligible SC/ST candidates for the position of Spices Research Trainee at its Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI), Myladumpara, Idukki, Kerala under Notification No. 57/2025. The training is spread across two research divisions -- Agronomy & Soil Science and Plant Pathology. This is a walk-in selection -- no prior online application is needed. You just need to show up at the venue with your documents and filled application form. If you are a postgraduate in agriculture or life sciences and belong to the SC or ST category, this is a solid opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at one of India's leading spice research centres.

Vacancy Breakdown by Division

• Agronomy and Soil Science Division: 2 posts
• Plant Pathology Division: 3 posts

Note: All 5 vacancies are reserved exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.

Who Can Apply?

For Agronomy & Soil Science Division:

• Essential: M.Sc. in Agronomy, Soil Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Horticulture, or Environmental Science with minimum 55% marks
• Desirable: Working knowledge in computer applications and experience in a related field

For Plant Pathology Division:

• Essential: M.Sc. in Agriculture (Plant Pathology), Microbiology, Botany, or Horticulture with minimum 55% marks
• Desirable: Working knowledge in computer applications and experience in a related field

Only SC/ST candidates are eligible to apply.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 30 years as on the date of notification (12 March 2026).
• You should not have been born before 13 March 1996.

Stipend

• Selected trainees will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 21,000.
• The training tenure is 2 years -- an initial period of 1 year, extendable by 1 more year based on your performance and the institute's requirements.
• You will also be entitled to 1 day of leave per month during the training period.

Note: This is a training position only. It does not lead to regular appointment and cannot be regularised at any stage.

Selection Process

The selection will be done in 3 stages through a walk-in test:

1. Document Screening: Your original certificates will be verified against the essential qualifications listed in the notification. You need to arrive 1 hour before the test for this.
2. Written Test: A written examination for shortlisted candidates.
3. Proficiency Test: A practical or proficiency-based assessment to evaluate your skills in the relevant discipline.

The Board reserves the right to short-list candidates for the second level test if required. Those who have previously undergone training in Spices Board (whether completed or not) are not eligible.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form (Annexure I) from the Spices Board website at www.indianspices.com.
2. Fill in the application form completely with your personal details, educational qualifications, and experience.
3. Collect all required original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies.
4. Carry a passport-size photograph.
5. Appear in person at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute (ICRI), Myladumpara, Idukki, Kerala on 30 April 2026 at 10:30 AM.
6. Report at the venue 1 hour before the test (by 9:30 AM) for document verification.
7. Submit your filled application form along with documents at the venue.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 12 March 2026
• Walk-in Test Date: 30 April 2026
• Walk-in Test Time: 10:30 AM (report by 9:30 AM for document verification)
• Last Date (Website Listing): 10 May 2026

• Assist scientists in recording field observations and experimental data
• Handle mass production of bio-agents in the laboratory
• Operate and maintain GC/HPLC instruments for analysis of soil and plant samples
• Monitor and maintain germplasm collections at the institute
• Help execute field experiments and record observations accurately
• Carry out germplasm characterisation and documentation work
• Prepare data analysis reports and interpret research results
• Maintain laboratory equipment and follow safety protocols