CARI Guwahati Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Walkin

The ICAR-Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), Guwahati is inviting applications for the position of Senior Research Fellow through a walk-in interview process for 2026. CARI Guwahati is a premier agricultural research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) focusing on agricultural development in the northeastern region of India. This recruitment is for project-based research positions that involve working on agricultural research projects with a fixed tenure. The selected candidates will work on specialized research projects contributing to agricultural advancements and innovations. This is a temporary position with the possibility of extension based on project requirements and performance. The walk-in interview format allows candidates to appear directly for selection without a preliminary written examination.

Typical / Indicative dates

Typical / Indicative vacancy distribution

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Master's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Soil Science, Agronomy, or related disciplines from a recognized university
• Desirable: NET/ICAR-NET qualified candidates OR first division in Master's degree
• Additional: Prior research experience in relevant field will be preferred
• Published research papers in peer-reviewed journals will be an advantage

Age Limit

Age as on the date of walk-in interview:

Relaxation:

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• NRI/OCI candidates are not eligible for this position

This is a Walk-in Interview recruitment process. Follow these steps:

1. Download the Application Form: Visit the official ICAR-CARI Guwahati website and download the prescribed application format
2. Fill the Application Form: Complete all sections of the application form with accurate information in BLOCK LETTERS or typed format
3. Arrange Required Documents: Gather original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies of all educational qualifications, experience certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and identity proof
4. Prepare Recent Photographs: Keep 3-4 recent passport-size photographs (same as affixed on application form)
5. Prepare Portfolio: Bring copies of published research papers, project reports, or any other relevant documents supporting your candidacy
6. Report on Walk-in Date: Reach the venue on the specified date and time with all original documents and filled application form
7. Document Verification: Submit your application and undergo initial document screening
8. Appear for Interview: Attend the interview panel when called

Application Fees

Note: Walk-in interviews typically do not require advance application fees. Candidates should verify from the official notification.

The selection process for Senior Research Fellow positions at CARI Guwahati involves the following stages:

1. Document Verification: Initial screening of educational qualifications, experience certificates, and eligibility criteria. Candidates with incomplete or incorrect documents will be rejected at this stage.

1. Written Test/Presentation (if applicable): Depending on the project requirements, candidates may be asked to give a brief presentation on their research work or take a short written test on subject knowledge.

1. Personal Interview: Comprehensive interview conducted by a panel of senior scientists and project investigators. Assessment covers technical knowledge in the relevant agricultural domain, research aptitude, understanding of research methodologies, and communication skills.

1. Final Merit List: Candidates are ranked based on interview performance, academic record, research experience, and publications. The merit list is prepared category-wise.

1. Offer of Appointment: Selected candidates receive an appointment letter specifying the project details, fellowship amount, duration, and joining formalities. Candidates must join within the stipulated time frame mentioned in the offer letter.

This recruitment is conducted through Walk-in Interview only. There is no written examination.

Interview Pattern

Assessment Criteria

Note: No negative marking as there is no written examination. Final selection is based on overall performance in the interview process.

The interview will assess knowledge in the candidate's specialization area. General topics include:

Core Agricultural Sciences

• Principles of Agronomy and Crop Production
• Soil Science and Soil Fertility Management
• Plant Breeding and Genetics
• Crop Physiology and Biochemistry
• Agricultural Statistics and Research Methodology
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Plant Protection

• Plant Pathology - diseases of major crops
• Agricultural Entomology - pest management
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Weed Science and Management
• Biological Control Methods

Horticulture (if applicable)

• Vegetable Production Technology
• Fruit Production and Post-Harvest Management
• Floriculture and Landscaping
• Protected Cultivation
• Organic Farming in Horticulture

Research Methodology

• Experimental Design and Analysis
• Statistical Methods in Agricultural Research
• Field Trial Techniques
• Data Collection and Interpretation
• Scientific Writing and Publication Ethics

Regional Agricultural Issues

• Agricultural challenges in Northeast India
• Climate-resilient crop varieties
• Shifting cultivation and its alternatives
• Soil conservation in hilly terrain
• Indigenous agricultural practices

Current Topics

• Climate Change and Agriculture
• Precision Agriculture
• Digital Agriculture and IT applications
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
• Recent developments in ICAR research

Typical / Indicative salary structure for Senior Research Fellow:

Additional Benefits

• Contingency Grant: ₹10,000 - ₹15,000 per annum for research purposes
• Leave Entitlement: 30 days casual leave per year (on pro-rata basis)
• Maternity Leave: As per rules for female candidates
• Medical Facilities: Access to ICAR medical facilities where available
• Library Access: Full access to institutional library and online journals

Note: Fellowship amount is as per ICAR/DST norms and subject to revision. No DA (Dearness Allowance) is typically provided to project fellows. PF and Gratuity benefits may not be applicable as this is a fellowship, not a regular employment.

Senior Research Fellows working at ICAR institutes gain valuable research experience and can pursue further academic growth. After completing the project tenure, fellows can apply for Ph.D. programs or Junior Scientist positions in ICAR institutes through regular recruitments. Publication of research papers during the fellowship period significantly enhances career prospects in academic and research organizations. Experienced SRFs may also transition to positions in agricultural universities, private sector R&D, or international agricultural research organizations.

Since this is a walk-in interview recruitment, no formal admit card is issued. Candidates need to bring the duly filled application form along with all original documents and self-attested photocopies on the day of the walk-in interview. It is advisable to check the official ICAR-CARI Guwahati website one day before the interview date for any last-minute changes in venue, timing, or requirements. Candidates should carry a valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or driving license) for verification purposes.

The result of the walk-in interview is typically declared within 7-10 working days after the completion of all interviews. Selected candidates are informed via email or phone call and an official offer letter is sent by post or email. The final merit list may or may not be published publicly, depending on the institute's policy. Candidates can also contact the project coordinator or the administrative office for result inquiries. The offer letter will specify the joining date, project details, fellowship amount, and terms of appointment.

Since selection is based on interview performance and not a written examination, there is no numerical cutoff score. However, candidates typically need to score at least 50-60% marks in the interview assessment to be considered for selection. Category-wise reservation in selection follows government norms with relaxed criteria for SC/ST/OBC candidates. The final selection depends on the number of vacancies, quality of candidates interviewed, and project requirements. Candidates with NET/ICAR-NET qualification or published research papers generally have better chances of selection.

The walk-in interview is conducted at a single location:

Walk-in Interview Venue

North East Region: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya OR ICAR-Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), Guwahati, Assam (as specified in the notification)

Note: All candidates must report to the venue mentioned in the official notification. The exact address, landmarks, and reporting time will be provided in the detailed advertisement. Candidates are advised to reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the scheduled reporting time.