ICAR-IISWC Young Professional-I Recruitment 2026 - Walkin

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC) is recruiting Young Professional-I positions through a walk-in interview process for 2026. ICAR-IISWC is a premier research institute under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare focusing on soil and water conservation research. The Young Professional-I role is a contractual position supporting various research and developmental activities related to soil conservation, watershed management, and allied agricultural research projects. Selected candidates will work on field surveys, data collection, laboratory analysis, and project documentation. This is a temporary engagement renewable based on performance and project requirements. The position offers exposure to advanced agricultural research and potential pathways into permanent ICAR positions.

Typical / Indicative Timeline

Typical / Indicative Vacancy Distribution

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, or related disciplines from a recognized university
• Desirable: Master's degree in relevant field, Computer proficiency (MS Office, data analysis software), Field experience in agricultural research projects
• Additional Skills: Knowledge of statistical software (SPSS, R), GIS/Remote Sensing basics, Report writing skills

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative Age Criteria

Age calculated as on the date of walk-in interview

Nationality

• Candidate must be a Citizen of India
• Certificate of Indian nationality required at the time of interview

Walk-in Interview Process

1. Check Notification: Visit the official ICAR-IISWC website (www.iiswc.gov.in) and download the detailed advertisement
2. Prepare Documents: Arrange all original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies (educational qualifications, experience certificates, caste certificate if applicable, age proof, identity proof)
3. Fill Application Form: Download and fill the prescribed application format available on the website
4. Attach Photograph: Paste recent passport-size photograph on the application form
5. Prepare Bio-data: Carry updated CV/Resume with complete educational and professional details
6. Arrive for Walk-in: Report to the venue mentioned in the notification on the scheduled date and time (typically 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM for registration)
7. Document Verification: Submit all documents for verification before the interview
8. Appear for Interview: Attend the interview/skill test as per the panel's schedule

Application Fees

Walk-in interviews typically do not require advance fee payment

1. Document Screening: Initial verification of all educational certificates, experience letters, and eligibility documents by the screening committee. Incomplete applications are rejected at this stage.

1. Written Test/Skill Assessment: Candidates may be required to appear for a written test or practical skill assessment covering subject knowledge, computer skills, and analytical ability (depending on project requirements).

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates face an expert panel for technical and HR interview covering academic background, research aptitude, subject knowledge, and suitability for the project work.

1. Final Merit List: Candidates are ranked based on combined performance in written test (if applicable) and interview marks, with reservation rules applied as per government norms.

1. Document Re-verification: Selected candidates must submit all original documents for final verification before offer letter issuance.

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

Written Test/Assessment Pattern (if applicable)

Typical / Indicative Pattern

Negative Marking: Typically 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer

Interview Pattern

The exact pattern varies based on project requirements and institute guidelines

Agriculture & Soil Science

• Fundamentals of soil science and soil classification
• Soil erosion types, causes and control measures
• Watershed management principles and practices
• Soil and water conservation techniques
• Agricultural meteorology and climate change
• Cropping systems and sustainable agriculture
• Soil fertility and nutrient management
• Irrigation methods and water management

Agricultural Engineering

• Farm machinery and equipment
• Soil and water conservation structures
• Drainage and irrigation engineering
• Land development and reclamation
• Survey and leveling techniques
• Farm power and energy sources

Environmental Science & Biotechnology

• Environmental pollution and control
• Biodiversity and ecosystem management
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation
• Environmental impact assessment
• Biotechnology applications in agriculture
• Microbial technology for soil health

Research Methodology & Statistics

• Research design and experimental techniques
• Data collection methods
• Statistical analysis (mean, median, mode, SD, CV)
• Correlation and regression analysis
• Hypothesis testing
• Software tools (Excel, SPSS, R basics)

Computer Skills

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Data entry and management
• Internet and email usage
• Report writing and presentation skills
• Basic knowledge of GIS and Remote Sensing

General Awareness

• Current affairs in agriculture sector
• Government schemes for farmers
• ICAR institutes and their functions
• Recent developments in soil and water conservation
• National and international agricultural organizations

Typical / Indicative Salary Structure for Young Professional-I

Additional Benefits: Medical facilities as per institute rules (typically OPD at institute hospital), Leave entitlement as per contractual terms (typically 1.5 days per month), No DA/TA separately (consolidated pay includes all), PF/Gratuity not applicable for contractual positions

Exact amount depends on project funding and qualification of the candidate

Young Professional-I positions serve as excellent entry points into the ICAR research ecosystem with opportunities for extension based on performance and project continuation (typically 1-3 years renewable contracts). High-performing candidates can transition to Young Professional-II roles with increased responsibilities and remuneration, gain valuable research experience for pursuing higher studies (PhD programs), and become eligible for regular ICAR positions through open competitive examinations. Many former Young Professionals have successfully cleared ICAR-NET, ARS examinations, and secured permanent research positions in ICAR institutes and State Agricultural Universities.

As this is a walk-in interview process, traditional admit cards are not issued. Candidates must bring the filled application form (downloaded from the official website) along with all required original documents and self-attested photocopies on the interview date. It is advisable to check the official ICAR-IISWC website 2-3 days before the scheduled walk-in date for any updates, change in venue, or additional instructions. Candidates should reach the venue at least 30 minutes before the registration time mentioned in the notification.

The result of the walk-in interview is typically declared within 7-10 working days after the interview date and is published on the official ICAR-IISWC website (www.iiswc.gov.in) in the form of a select list showing names of successful candidates in order of merit. Selected candidates are intimated individually via email or phone and are required to join within the specified period (usually 15-30 days) from the date of offer. The institute's decision regarding selection is final and binding, and no correspondence regarding non-selection will be entertained.

Typical / Indicative Cutoff Expectations: For Young Professional-I positions in ICAR institutes, the interview cutoff typically ranges between 55-65% marks for General category candidates, while reserved category candidates need to secure around 50-55% to be considered for selection. The actual cutoff varies significantly based on the number of candidates appearing, complexity of the project, and specific skill requirements. Category-wise cutoffs generally follow SC/ST cutoff at 5-10% lower than UR, and OBC cutoff at 3-5% lower than UR, with the final merit list prepared according to reservation policy.

Walk-in Interview Venues (typically conducted at ICAR-IISWC campuses)

Primary Venue: ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, 218, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun - 248195, Uttarakhand

Regional Research Centres (if vacancies exist at these locations):

• North: Chandigarh, Vasad (Gujarat)
• Central: Datia (Madhya Pradesh), Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
• East: Koraput (Odisha)
• Northeast: Umiam (Meghalaya)
• South: Udhagamandalam (Tamil Nadu), Ballari (Karnataka)

Exact venue is mentioned in the official notification based on where the vacancy exists. Candidates should verify the location before attending the walk-in interview.