CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 has officially opened with 28 Technician (1) vacancies at the Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru. Total monthly emoluments of Rs.37,260 are on offer for selected candidates — making this one of the best Group-C government jobs for ITI holders this year. This guide is for Indian job seekers aged 18–28 who hold a 10th standard certificate with a minimum 55% marks and an ITI/trade certificate in any of 13 trades. It covers eligibility, salary, application process, selection procedure, important dates, and everything you need to know before applying online at recruitment.cftri.res.in.
CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 offers 28 Group-C posts (Advt. No. Rec.02/2026) at Pay Level-2 (Rs.19,900–63,200), with total emoluments of Rs.37,260/month. Applications are open from 19 October to 18 November 2026 at recruitment.cftri.res.in. Eligible candidates need 10th pass with 55% marks and an ITI certificate in the relevant trade.
- Organisation: CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru
- Advertisement No.: Rec.02/2026
- Post Name: Technician (1)
- Total Vacancies: 28 posts (UR-9, EWS-5, SC-4, ST-1, OBC(NCL)-9)
- Pay Level: Level-2 (Rs.19,900–63,200)
- Total Monthly Emoluments: Rs.37,260 (approx., including HRA at Mysuru)
- Upper Age Limit: 28 years (as on 18-11-2026)
- Minimum Qualification: 10th Standard with 55% marks + ITI/Trade Certificate
- Application Start Date: 19 October 2026 (from 10:00 AM)
- Online Application Last Date: 18 November 2026 (upto 11:59 PM)
- Hard Copy Last Date: 26 November 2026
- Application Fee: Rs.500/- (SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen exempt)
- Official Website: cftri.res.in / recruitment.cftri.res.in
- What Is CSIR CFTRI and Why Apply in 2026?
- Who Should Apply for CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026?
- CSIR CFTRI Technician Vacancy Details 2026 — Trade-Wise Breakdown
- CSIR CFTRI Technician Salary 2026 — Pay, Allowances & Benefits
- Eligibility Criteria for CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026
- How to Apply for CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step
- Selection Process — Trade Test, Written Exam & Merit List
- CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026 vs Other Government ITI Jobs
- Pros and Cons of CSIR CFTRI Technician Job 2026
- Important Terms Related to CSIR CFTRI Recruitment 2026
- Important Dates — CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 Timeline
- Important Links — CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is CSIR CFTRI and Why Apply in 2026?
CSIR-CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute), Mysuru, is one of India’s most prestigious R&D laboratories. Established in 1950, it operates as a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. The institute focuses on cutting-edge food science, food technology, nutrition, and food safety research.
CSIR CFTRI invites online applications for 28 Technician (1) posts under Advertisement No. Rec.02/2026 — a direct recruitment drive offering permanent Group-C government employment. With CSIR’s Assessment Promotion scheme, selected technicians can advance their careers without a separate competitive examination, making this one of the most coveted ITI government jobs of 2026.
The institute is headquartered in Mysuru, Karnataka, and also has resource centres at Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Lucknow. Selected candidates may be posted at any of these locations or transferred to any CSIR lab/institute across India.
Who Should Apply for CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026?
- 🎓 ITI pass candidates with a trade certificate in Fitter, Electrician, COPA, Electronics Mechanic, Welder, or any of the 13 advertised trades
- 🧪 Science students (10th pass) with minimum 55% marks seeking a permanent central government technical job
- 👨🔧 Experienced tradespeople with 2–3 years of apprentice/work experience in relevant trades at a government organisation
- 🪖 Ex-Servicemen (ESM) — 2 posts reserved; age relaxation of 3 years available
- ♿ Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) — 2 posts reserved; 10 years age relaxation; application fee exempted
- 👩 Women candidates — CSIR-CFTRI specifically encourages women to apply; application fee exempted for women
- 📋 SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/EWS candidates — reserved category benefits including age relaxation and fee exemption (SC/ST/Women)
- 🏛️ Government employees in CSIR labs/autonomous bodies — eligible for 5-year additional age relaxation
CSIR CFTRI Technician Vacancy Details 2026 — Trade-Wise Breakdown
CSIR CFTRI has announced 28 Technician (1) vacancies across 13 trades. The posts are Group-C permanent government positions. Here is the complete trade-wise vacancy breakdown as per the official notification (Rec.02/2026):
| Post Code | Trade | Total Posts | Category Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE01 | Fitter | 6 | UR-2, EWS-1, SC-1, OBC(NCL)-2 (1 post ESM) |
| TE02 | Electronics Mechanic | 7 | UR-4, EWS-1, SC-1, OBC(NCL)-1 (1 ESM, 1 PwBD-c) |
| TE03 | Instrument Mechanic | 1 | OBC(NCL)-1 |
| TE04 | Laboratory Assistant (Chemical Plant) | 2 | UR-1, SC-1 |
| TE05 | COPA (Computer Operator & Programming Asst.) | 2 | UR-1, OBC(NCL)-1 (1 PwBD-b) |
| TE06 | ICT System Maintenance | 1 | OBC(NCL)-1 |
| TE07 | Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician | 2 | SC-1, OBC(NCL)-1 |
| TE08 | Electrician | 2 | EWS-1, ST-1 |
| TE09 | Carpenter | 1 | UR-1 |
| TE10 | Plumber | 1 | EWS-1 |
| TE11 | Sheet Metal Worker | 1 | OBC(NCL)-1 |
| TE12 | Turner | 1 | EWS-1 |
| TE13 | Welder | 1 | OBC(NCL)-1 |
| TOTAL | 28 | UR-9, EWS-5, SC-4, ST-1, OBC(NCL)-9 | |
Note: Out of 28 posts, 2 are reserved for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and 2 for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) — Category “b” (Deaf & Hard of Hearing) and Category “c” (Locomotor Disability) respectively. Vacancy numbers are provisional and may change at the time of final selection.
CSIR CFTRI Technician Salary 2026 — Pay, Allowances & Benefits
The CSIR CFTRI Technician salary 2026 is highly competitive for a Group-C central government position. Selected candidates are placed at Pay Matrix Level-2 (Rs.19,900–Rs.63,200) with total monthly emoluments of approximately Rs.37,260 at the minimum of the scale — this includes House Rent Allowance as admissible at Mysuru HQs.
| Pay Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Level-2 Minimum) | Rs.19,900 per month |
| Pay Scale Range | Rs.19,900 – Rs.63,200 (Level-2) |
| Total Monthly Emoluments (approx.) | Rs.37,260 (incl. HRA at Mysuru) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As admissible to Central Govt. employees |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per CSIR rules (not paid if govt. accommodation utilised) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | As admissible to Central Govt. employees |
| Medical Expense Reimbursement | As per CSIR/GoI rules |
| Leave Travel Concession (LTC) | As per CSIR/GoI rules |
| Children’s Education Allowance | As per CSIR/GoI rules |
| Pension (NPS) | National Pension System — defined contributions |
| Accommodation (Govt. Quarter) | Eligible as per CSIR Residence Allotment Rules |
In addition to salary, CSIR provides Assessment Promotion opportunities for Technical Support Staff — eligible candidates can advance to higher grades without facing open competition. This is a significant long-term career benefit that sets CSIR jobs apart from other central government ITI positions.
Eligibility Criteria for CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026
All candidates must fulfil the essential qualification, age limit, and citizenship requirements as on the last date of receipt of online application (18-11-2026). Here are the detailed eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualification
For all 13 trades, the minimum essential qualification is any one of the following three routes:
- Route 1 (ITI): SSC / 10th Standard or equivalent with Science subjects, minimum 55% marks + ITI certificate or national/state trade certificate in the relevant trade
- Route 2 (Apprentice): SSC / 10th Standard with Science, minimum 55% marks + 2 years full-time apprentice trainee experience at a recognised institution in the relevant trade
- Route 3 (Work Experience): SSC / 10th Standard with Science, minimum 55% marks + 3 years work experience in the relevant trade in a Ministry / Department / PSU / Autonomous Body under GoI / State / UT
Age Limit (as on 18-11-2026)
| Category | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Unreserved / General (UR) | 28 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 31 years (3 years relaxation for reserved posts) |
| SC / ST | 33 years (5 years relaxation for reserved posts) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 38 years (10 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Actual age minus military service + 3 years |
| Widows / Divorced Women (not remarried) | 35 years (40 years for SC/ST) |
| Govt. Employees (CSIR/Autonomous Bodies) | 33 years (5 years relaxation) |
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs.500/- (non-refundable) |
| SC / ST | Exempted |
| Women (all categories) | Exempted |
| PwBD / Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | Exempted |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Exempted |
Fee Payment Method: Non-refundable fee of Rs.500/- must be paid via SBI Collect portal. Payment is mandatory for submission — online applications without fee (for non-exempt categories) will be summarily rejected.
How to Apply for CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step
Applications must be submitted online only through the official CSIR-CFTRI recruitment portal. Follow these steps carefully to complete a valid application before the 18 November 2026 deadline:
- Visit the official portal: Go to https://recruitment.cftri.res.in or https://www.cftri.res.in using Google Chrome (preferred).
- Register online: Click “Apply Online” and register with your name, email address, and mobile number. You will receive a User ID and password on your registered email and mobile.
- Complete your profile: Log in and fill in your profile page — gender, date of birth, category (UR/SC/ST/OBC/EWS), PwBD status, Ex-Serviceman status, and government employee status. Once locked, this cannot be modified.
- Fill the 7-tab application form: Complete all tabs — Apply, Personal Details, Education, Experience, Additional Details, Uploads, and Preview & Submit.
- Upload documents: Upload passport-size photo (JPG, under 50KB), live photo (via webcam/QR), signature (JPG, under 50KB), and all certificates as PDF files (each under 1 MB).
- Pay the application fee: Pay Rs.500/- via SBI Collect link (non-exempt categories). Download the e-receipt and upload it in the application portal before 18-11-2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Submit and print: Submit the online application. Take a printout of the completed application form before 11:59 PM on 18-11-2026. The portal will be disabled after this time.
- Send hard copy by speed post/registered post: Sign the printout, attach one passport-size photo and self-attested copies of all required documents. Post to: Recruitment Section (E-I Section), CSIR-CFTRI, Cheluvamba Mansion, Mysuru – 570020, Karnataka. Envelope must be superscribed with post name and post code. Must reach by 26-11-2026.
Do NOT wait until the last date to submit your online application — the server may be overloaded near the deadline and the last date will NOT be extended due to technical failures. Submit your application at least 5–7 days early. Also apply for each post code (trade) separately — one application per post code is required, with separate fee payments for each.
Selection Process — Trade Test, Written Exam & Merit List
The CSIR CFTRI Technician selection process 2026 involves a multi-stage screening. Here is the complete selection procedure:
Stage 1 — Document Screening
A Screening Committee constituted by the Director, CSIR-CFTRI, will scrutinise all applications received. Candidates meeting all eligibility criteria will be shortlisted for the Trade Test.
Stage 2 — Trade Test (Qualifying in Nature)
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a Trade Test in their respective trade. This test is qualifying in nature — passing is mandatory but marks do not count in the final merit list.
Stage 3 — Written Examination (3 Papers)
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Time | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Mental Ability Test (Qualifying) | 50 | 100 (2 marks each) | 1 Hour | None |
| Paper-II | General Awareness + English Language | 25+25=50 | 75+75=150 (3 marks each) | 30 Min | 1 mark per wrong answer |
| Paper-III | Concerned Subject / Trade | 50 | 150 (3 marks each) | 1 Hour | 1 mark per wrong answer |
Total Questions: 150 | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Mode: OMR-based or Computer-Based MCQ | Medium: English and Hindi (except English language questions). Paper-II and Paper-III are evaluated only for candidates who clear the minimum threshold in Paper-I. The final merit list is based entirely on Paper-II and Paper-III marks.
CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026 vs Other Government ITI Jobs
| Parameter | CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026 | SSC MTS 2026 | Railway Technician (RRB) 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Group | Group-C (Permanent) | Group-C (Permanent) | Group-C (Permanent) |
| Monthly Salary (Approx.) | Rs.37,260 | Rs.22,000–Rs.25,000 | Rs.35,000–Rs.40,000 |
| Pay Level | Level-2 (Rs.19,900–63,200) | Level-1 | Level-2 |
| Minimum Qualification | 10th + ITI (55% marks) | 10th Pass | 10th + ITI |
| Total Vacancies 2026 | 28 (CFTRI unit) | 8,326+ | 9,144+ |
| Age Limit (General) | 28 years | 18–27 years | 18–36 years |
| Competition Level | Moderate–Low | Very High | Very High |
| Job Location | Mysuru (with transfer options) | Pan India | Pan India |
| Research Environment | Yes — Premier CSIR Lab | No | No |
| Promotion via Assessment | Yes (CSIR Assessment Promotion) | Standard DPC | Standard LDCE |
| Best For | ITI holders seeking research-linked govt. jobs | 10th pass seeking any govt. job | Railway enthusiasts with ITI |
CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026 offers a lower competition environment (28 posts vs thousands elsewhere) with a prestigious research institute environment, comparable salary, and CSIR Assessment Promotion benefits. For ITI candidates in the relevant 13 trades, this is one of the best Group-C government job opportunities of 2026. We strongly recommend applying before 18 November 2026.
Pros and Cons of CSIR CFTRI Technician Job 2026
Advantages
- ✅ Permanent central government employment — strong job security
- ✅ Rs.37,260/month total emoluments — competitive for a Group-C post
- ✅ CSIR Assessment Promotion — career advancement without separate exam
- ✅ Prestigious institute — work alongside top food scientists at a premier CSIR lab
- ✅ Lower competition — only 28 posts vs tens of thousands of applicants for RRB/SSC
- ✅ Full benefits package — DA, HRA, TA, Medical, LTC, Children’s education allowance
- ✅ NPS pension — defined contribution pension for post-retirement security
Disadvantages
- ❌ Only 28 vacancies — limited seats across 13 trades
- ❌ Hard copy submission mandatory — additional hassle of speed post by 26-11-2026
- ❌ Posting at Mysuru HQ — candidates from other states may face relocation challenges
- ❌ Transfer liability — selected candidates can be transferred to any CSIR lab in India
Important Terms Related to CSIR CFTRI Recruitment 2026
Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 process with confidence:
- Pay Matrix Level-2: The 7th Pay Commission pay level covering Rs.19,900–Rs.63,200, corresponding to Group-C central government posts. Annual increments raise your basic pay each year.
- Total Emoluments: The approximate total monthly take-home pay including basic pay + DA + HRA + TA. For CSIR CFTRI, this is approximately Rs.37,260/month at the minimum of the scale in Mysuru.
- ITI Certificate: Industrial Training Institute certificate — the primary trade qualification required for all 13 Technician posts. Must be obtained from a recognised institution.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Other Backward Classes candidates not belonging to the creamy layer (family income below Rs.8 lakh per annum). They receive 3 years age relaxation and fee concession for reserved posts.
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Candidates with family gross annual income below Rs.8 lakh who do not fall under SC/ST/OBC. Must submit an Income & Asset Certificate valid for 2026–2027.
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): Candidates with 40% or more physical disability as certified by a competent medical authority. Eligible for 10 years age relaxation and fee exemption.
- Trade Test: A practical/skills assessment in your specific trade (e.g. Fitter, Electrician) that is qualifying in nature. You must pass it to proceed to the written examination.
- National Pension System (NPS): A defined-contribution pension scheme applicable to all central government employees recruited on or after 01-01-2004. CSIR employees are covered under NPS.
- CSIR Assessment Promotion: A scheme under which CSIR Technical Support Staff can be promoted to a higher grade after qualifying through an assessment process, without facing open competition.
- Hard Copy Submission: A mandatory step in CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 — the printed and signed application form with self-attested documents must reach CFTRI Mysuru by 26-11-2026 via speed post or registered post. Applications without hard copy are rejected outright.
Important Dates — CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Published | October 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 19 October 2026 (from 10:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application & Fee | 18 November 2026 (upto 11:59 PM) |
| Last Date to Download Filled Application Form | 18 November 2026 (upto 11:59 PM) |
| Application Portal Disabled After | 18 November 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Age Determination Date | 18 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Hard Copy (Speed Post) | 26 November 2026 |
| Trade Test Date | To be announced on cftri.res.in |
| Written Examination Date | To be announced on cftri.res.in |
Important Links — CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026
| Link / Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Official CSIR-CFTRI Website | www.cftri.res.in |
| Apply Online — Official Recruitment Portal | recruitment.cftri.res.in |
| Official Notification PDF (Rec.02/2026) | Download from recruitment.cftri.res.in |
| SBI Collect Fee Payment Link | SBI Collect — CFTRI Application Fee |
| Telegram Notification (Agrijob.in) | t.me/agrijob_in/1144 |
| CSIR Official Website | www.csir.res.in |
| Ministry of Science & Technology, GoI | dst.gov.in |
| Help Desk Email | recruitment@cftri.res.in |
Conclusion
CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 is a rare opportunity for ITI holders and 10th pass science candidates to secure permanent central government employment at one of India’s most prestigious food research institutes. With 28 posts across 13 trades, a salary package of Rs.37,260/month, CSIR Assessment Promotion benefits, and a relatively lower competition level compared to mass recruitments like RRB or SSC, this vacancy stands out as one of the best government jobs for skilled tradespeople in 2026. Apply online at recruitment.cftri.res.in before 18 November 2026 and send your hard copy by 26 November 2026.
- CSIR CFTRI has announced 28 Technician (1) posts under Advt. Rec.02/2026 — one of the best ITI government jobs of 2026.
- Total monthly emoluments are approximately Rs.37,260 at Pay Level-2 (Rs.19,900–63,200).
- Minimum eligibility: 10th standard with 55% marks in Science subjects + ITI/trade certificate in the relevant trade.
- Application window: 19 October to 18 November 2026 online; hard copy must reach CFTRI Mysuru by 26 November 2026.
- Application fee: Rs.500/- (SC/ST/Women/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen are fully exempted).
- Selection is through a qualifying Trade Test followed by a 3-paper written examination; final merit is based on Paper-II & III only.
Frequently Asked Questions About CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026
What is CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026?
CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 is an official direct recruitment drive by the Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, to fill 28 Group-C Technician (1) posts across 13 trades under Advertisement No. Rec.02/2026. It is a permanent central government job carrying Pay Level-2 with total emoluments of Rs.37,260/month.
How many vacancies are there in CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026?
There are a total of 28 vacancies for the Technician (1) post — distributed as UR-9, EWS-5, SC-4, ST-1, and OBC(NCL)-9 across 13 trades. Out of 28, 2 posts are reserved for Ex-Servicemen and 2 for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
What is the salary for CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026?
The CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026 salary is at Pay Matrix Level-2 (Rs.19,900–Rs.63,200). The total monthly emoluments — including HRA as admissible at Mysuru headquarters — are approximately Rs.37,260 at the minimum of the scale. Additional allowances like DA, TA, Medical, and LTC are also provided.
What is the eligibility for CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must have passed SSC/10th Standard with Science subjects securing a minimum of 55% marks, along with an ITI certificate or national/state trade certificate in the relevant trade. Alternatively, 2 years’ apprentice training or 3 years’ work experience in the relevant trade under a government organisation is also accepted.
What is the last date to apply for CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026?
The last date to submit the online application and pay the fee for CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026 is 18 November 2026 (upto 11:59 PM). The hard copy of the application must be received at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru by 26 November 2026 via speed post or registered post.
Is there an application fee for CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026?
Yes. A non-refundable application fee of Rs.500/- is required for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. SC/ST candidates, Women (all categories), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-Servicemen are fully exempted from the application fee.
What is the selection process for CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026?
The selection process involves three stages: (1) Document screening by a Screening Committee, (2) a qualifying Trade Test in the relevant trade, and (3) a competitive Written Examination consisting of 3 papers — Mental Ability Test (Paper-I, qualifying), General Awareness + English (Paper-II), and Concerned Trade/Subject (Paper-III). The final merit list is prepared based on marks in Paper-II and Paper-III only.
Which trades are available in CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026?
A total of 13 trades are available: Fitter (TE01), Electronics Mechanic (TE02), Instrument Mechanic (TE03), Laboratory Assistant-Chemical Plant (TE04), COPA (TE05), ICT System Maintenance (TE06), Refrigeration & AC Technician (TE07), Electrician (TE08), Carpenter (TE09), Plumber (TE10), Sheet Metal Worker (TE11), Turner (TE12), and Welder (TE13).
Is CSIR CFTRI Technician a permanent government job?
Yes. The CSIR CFTRI Technician (1) post is a permanent central government Group-C position. Selected candidates are placed on probation initially and, upon successful completion, confirmed in service. They are governed by CSIR Service Rules 1994 and Central Civil Services rules and enjoy all central government employee benefits including NPS pension.
Can I apply for more than one trade in CSIR CFTRI Technician 2026?
Yes. Candidates may apply for multiple trade post codes provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria for each. However, a separate online application with a separate fee payment is required for each post code. Hard copy must also be sent separately for each post code in separate envelopes.
Last Updated: October 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on CSIR CFTRI Technician Recruitment 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All data is sourced directly from the official CSIR-CFTRI notification (Rec.02/2026). Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official portal at cftri.res.in before applying. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any changes in vacancy numbers, dates, or eligibility criteria after the publication of this article.
