ICAR-IIHR CHES Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Centre for Horticulture Experimental Station (CHES) invites applications for the position of Senior Research Fellow (SRF). This is a temporary research position under various ongoing research projects in horticulture and allied sciences. The position offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge horticultural research and contribute to India's agricultural development. Selected candidates will work under the guidance of principal investigators on specialized research projects. This is a purely temporary appointment co-terminus with the project duration. The recruitment is open to candidates across India with relevant qualifications in agriculture, horticulture, or related disciplines.

Important Dates

Note: Exact dates to be confirmed in official notification

Vacancy Details (Typical / Indicative)

Exact vacancy count varies by project requirements and availability of positions

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

For Senior Research Fellow (SRF):

• Master's degree in Agriculture/Horticulture/Biotechnology/Plant Pathology/Entomology/Agricultural Extension/Agronomy or related disciplines
• Minimum 55% marks or equivalent CGPA (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
• NET/GATE qualification OR 2 years research experience as Junior Research Fellow (JRF) after Master's degree
• Published research work in peer-reviewed journals (preferred)

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative Age Requirements:

Age calculated as on last date of application submission

Nationality

• Candidate must be a Citizen of India
• Indian nationals residing abroad may apply but must produce eligibility certificate from Government of India

How to Apply

Application Mode: OFFLINE

1. Download the prescribed application format from the official ICAR-IIHR website (www.iihr.res.in) or CHES official portal
2. Fill the application form completely with accurate personal, educational, and experience details
3. Paste a recent passport-size photograph at the designated place on the application form
4. Attach self-attested copies of all relevant documents (mark sheets, degree certificates, NET/GATE scorecard, experience certificates, caste certificate if applicable)
5. Prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting educational qualifications, research experience, publications, and skills
6. Obtain signature of reporting officer/head of institution on the application form if currently employed
7. Place all documents in an envelope and superscribe "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW - PROJECT NAME"
8. Send the complete application by post/speed post/courier to the address mentioned in the official notification
9. Applications must reach the address on or before the last date; late applications will not be entertained
10. Keep a copy of the filled application form for future reference

Application Fees

ICAR research positions typically do not require application fees

Selection Process

1. Application Scrutiny: All received applications will be screened for eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, age limit, and required experience. Only eligible candidates will be shortlisted.

1. Personal Interview/Walk-in Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview before a duly constituted selection committee. The interview assesses subject knowledge, research aptitude, analytical skills, communication ability, and suitability for the project.

1. Presentation (if applicable): Candidates may be required to make a brief presentation on their previous research work, Master's dissertation, or understanding of the project area.

1. Document Verification: Original certificates and documents will be verified during the interview. Candidates must carry all original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies.

1. Final Selection: Based on interview performance and document verification, the selection committee will prepare a merit list. Selected candidates will be informed via email/phone and required to join within the specified timeframe.

1. Medical Fitness: Selected candidates may need to submit a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner before joining.

Selection Pattern

Interview Assessment

Walk-in Interview (if applicable)

Note: There is no written examination for SRF positions; selection is primarily through interview. However, if applications exceed a certain number, a screening test may be conducted at the discretion of the selection committee.

Minimum Qualifying Marks: Typically 50% for General/EWS/OBC and 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates in the interview.

Interview Topics & Syllabus

Core Subject Knowledge (Based on Specialization)

#### For Horticulture/Agriculture Candidates:

• Principles and practices of horticultural crops (fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantation crops)
• Crop improvement and breeding techniques
• Seed production technology and seed certification
• Post-harvest management and value addition
• Protected cultivation and precision farming
• Organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices

#### For Plant Pathology Candidates:

• Principles of plant pathology and disease management
• Fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode diseases of horticultural crops
• Disease diagnosis and surveillance techniques
• Integrated disease management strategies
• Biological control agents and biopesticides
• Molecular diagnostics and biotechnological approaches

#### For Entomology Candidates:

• Insect pests of horticultural crops and their management
• Pest surveillance and monitoring techniques
• Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies
• Beneficial insects and biological control
• Insecticide resistance management
• Pest forecasting and climate change impacts

#### For Biotechnology Candidates:

• Plant tissue culture and micropropagation techniques
• Molecular markers and genetic diversity analysis
• Genetic engineering and transgenic crops
• Genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics applications
• Molecular breeding and marker-assisted selection
• Plant-microbe interactions at molecular level

Research Methodology

• Experimental designs and statistical analysis
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation
• Scientific writing and publication ethics
• Research proposal development
• Literature review and citation management

General Awareness

• Current developments in agricultural research
• ICAR structure and mandate
• Government schemes for agriculture and horticulture
• Climate change and agriculture
• National and international agricultural issues

Project-Specific Topics

• Specific objectives and scope of the research project
• Relevant recent advances in the project area
• Methodologies applicable to project work
• Expected outcomes and deliverables

Salary & Allowances (Typical / Indicative)

Additional Benefits:

• Medical facilities as per project provisions
• Leave entitlement as per ICAR norms (typically 30 days annual leave)
• Opportunity to attend conferences/workshops/training programs
• Access to ICAR research facilities and library
• Publication support for research papers

Note: SRF positions are fellowship-based, not regular employment. Fellows are not entitled to regular employee benefits like DA, transport allowance, or pension. The fellowship is tax-free as per current Income Tax provisions (subject to applicable rules).

Increment: Annual increment of 5-8% may be applicable as per project and funding availability.

Senior Research Fellows at ICAR-IIHR gain valuable research experience and can pursue doctoral programs (Ph.D.) while working on projects, subject to institute norms and supervisor availability. Successful completion of research projects with good publications enhances prospects for selection as Scientists in ICAR through ARS examination or lateral entry. Fellows may also apply for scientist positions in state agricultural universities, CSIR labs, and private sector R&D organizations, leveraging their ICAR research experience.

Since this is an offline recruitment process with walk-in/scheduled interviews, formal admit cards are typically not issued. Shortlisted candidates will be intimated via email or phone with the interview date, time, and venue details. Candidates must bring the interview call letter (if issued) along with a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Driving License/Passport) and all original documents for verification during the interview. It is advisable to regularly check the official ICAR-IIHR website and email (including spam folder) for interview notifications after the application deadline.

Results of the selection process are typically declared within 15-20 days after completion of interviews. The final selection list will be published on the official ICAR-IIHR website and displayed on the notice board of the concerned center. Selected candidates will be individually informed via email and/or phone regarding joining formalities, required documents, and the date of joining. Waiting list candidates may also be notified for future vacancies during the project period. No separate intimation is sent to candidates who are not selected.

For SRF positions selected through interview, there is typically no fixed cutoff marks pattern as in written examinations. However, candidates generally need to score a minimum of 50-60 marks out of 100 in the interview to be considered for selection (45-50 marks for SC/ST/PwD candidates). The actual selection depends on the number of vacancies, total applicants, and performance of candidates relative to each other. Candidates with NET/GATE qualifications, research publications, and relevant field experience tend to score higher in interviews. Category-wise relaxation in qualifying marks applies as per government norms.

Interview Centres

Interviews are typically conducted at the respective ICAR-IIHR centres where the positions are advertised:

Primary Centres:

• Bangalore (Karnataka): ICAR-IIHR Main Campus
• Regional/Sub-stations: CHES Centres across India

Other Potential ICAR-IIHR Stations:

South: Bangalore (Karnataka), Chettalli (Karnataka), Hirehalli (Karnataka), Vengurla (Maharashtra)

East: Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Ranchi (Jharkhand)

West: Pune (Maharashtra), Rajgurunagar (Maharashtra)

North: Leh-Ladakh, Karnal (Haryana)

Northeast: Umiam (Meghalaya), Gangtok (Sikkim)

Note: Interview location will be specified in the official notification and is usually at the station where the vacancy exists. Candidates must appear at the designated centre; no requests for change of centre are typically entertained.