ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026 – Apply Now
ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna for the prestigious DST (SEED) funded project on “Sustainable Improvement in Livelihood of Scheduled Caste Community in Meskaur and Sirdala Blocks of Nawada Districts, Bihar.” A total of 01 vacancy is open for the post of Project Associate-II with an attractive emolument of ₹35,000/- + HRA per month for NET/CSIR-UGC qualified candidates. This is one of the finest sarkari naukri opportunities in the agriculture research sector for 2026 — the selection will be held through a Walk-in Interview on 23 September 2026. Read on for complete eligibility, salary, process, and official details at agrijob.in.

Table of Contents
📋 Table of Contents
ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview

The following table gives a snapshot of the latest ICAR Project Associate-II 2026 official notification released by ICAR-RCER, Patna. This is a govt job under a DST SEED-funded project, valid up to March 2027.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna |
| Post Name | Project Associate-II |
| Total Vacancies | 01 Post |
| Salary / Emolument | ₹35,000/- + HRA (NET/CSIR Qualified) | ₹28,000/- + HRA (Others) |
| Age Limit | Maximum 35 years (Relaxation as per GOI/ICAR rules) |
| Application Fee | Nil |
| Interview Date | 23 September 2026 |
| Interview Time | Enrolment: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Selection Mode | Walk-in Interview |
| Project Period | Up to March 2027 |
| Place of Posting | ICAR-RCER, Patna OR Project Site, Nawada, Bihar |
| Official Website | www.icarrcer.in |
Who Should Apply for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
This is a golden govt job opportunity for agriculture and allied science graduates in Bihar and across India. The vacancy is best suited for candidates matching the following profiles:
- Candidates holding a Master’s Degree (M.Sc) in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Economics, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Entomology, or Agricultural Pathology
- Graduates with a B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering from a recognised university
- Candidates holding an M.V.Sc in Livestock Production
- Researchers with minimum 2 years experience in Research & Development in agricultural industrial or academic institutions, Science & Technology organisations, or scientific activities and services
- Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET (national eligibility test) — eligible for the higher emolument of ₹35,000/- + HRA
- Those selected through a national level examination conducted by a Central Govt. Department or agency are also eligible for the higher pay slab
- Candidates aged up to 35 years as on the date of the walk-in interview (age relaxation applicable for reserved categories)
- Applicants interested in rural livelihood improvement and scheduled caste community development research in the Nawada district of Bihar
If you are an agriculture graduate looking for the best sarkari naukri in the research sector this year, ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is a rare chance to contribute to meaningful field-level work while earning a government salary.
Salary & Pay Details for Project Associate-II 2026
One of the most important aspects of any govt job is the salary. Here is the complete breakdown of the emolument for ICAR Project Associate-II under this DST SEED funded project:
- Emolument (NET/CSIR Scholars): ₹35,000/- per month + HRA — applicable to candidates who qualified CSIR-UGC NET or were selected through a national level examination conducted by Central Govt. Department
- Emolument (Others): ₹28,000/- per month + HRA — applicable to candidates who do not fall under the above category
- HRA: House Rent Allowance as per ICAR/GOI norms applicable to the place of posting
- Income Tax: TDS will be deducted at source from the emoluments as per ICAR rules
- No TA/DA: No travel allowance or daily allowance will be paid for attending the walk-in interview
- Job Nature: Purely contractual and co-terminus with the project — no regularisation
- Service Period: Six months from date of joining (extendable based on performance)
While this is a contractual role, ₹35,000 + HRA is a highly competitive salary for a research associate in the agriculture sector, often exceeding entry-level salaries in private agri-businesses. This also provides valuable research experience that strengthens your profile for permanent agriculture vacancy positions in future ICAR or CSIR competitive exams.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026. Candidates from all categories can apply and attend the walk-in interview without any fee payment. This is a significant advantage compared to many other government recruitment processes.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Nil (No Fee) |
| SC / ST | Nil (No Fee) |
| Persons with Disability (PH) | Nil (No Fee) |
| Female Candidates | Nil (No Fee) |
Important: ICAR-RCER and agrijob.in do not charge any fees from candidates. Do not pay any amount to anyone claiming to help you get this job. Beware of fraudulent agents.
Age Limit
The maximum age limit for ICAR Project Associate-II 2026 is 35 years as on the date of the walk-in interview (23 September 2026). Age relaxation is provided to reserved category candidates as per Government of India and ICAR rules.
| Category | Age Limit / Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | Maximum 35 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years relaxation (up to 38 years) |
| SC / ST | 5 years relaxation (up to 40 years) |
| Persons with Disability (PH) | 10 years relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per GOI / ICAR rules |
Project Associate-II 2026 Vacancy Details
ICAR-RCER has announced 01 (one) vacancy for the post of Project Associate-II under the DST SEED funded project. The post is purely contractual and co-terminus with the project up to March 2027. Details are as follows:
| Post Name | No. of Posts | Project | Place of Posting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Associate-II | 01 | DST (SEED) — Livelihood of SC Community, Nawada, Bihar | ICAR-RCER Patna or Project Site, Nawada |
| Total | 01 | — | — |
The DST SEED (Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development) funded project focuses on sustainable livelihood improvement for Scheduled Caste communities in Meskaur and Sirdala Blocks of Nawada Districts, Bihar. This is impactful, field-oriented research work with a respected institution under ICAR.
Eligibility / Qualification for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026
Before attending the walk-in interview for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026, candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria as per the official notification:
- Essential Qualification (Option A): Master’s Degree in any of the following disciplines from a recognised university or equivalent:
- Agronomy
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Extension
- Agricultural Economics
- Plant Breeding
- Agricultural Entomology
- Agricultural Pathology
- Essential Qualification (Option B): B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering from a recognised university or equivalent
- Essential Qualification (Option C): M.V.Sc (Livestock Production) from a recognised university or equivalent
- Experience Required: Minimum 2 years of experience in Research and Development in Agricultural, Industrial, and Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organisations and Scientific Activities and Services
- Nationality: Indian citizen
- NET/CSIR-UGC: Qualifying NET is not mandatory but makes you eligible for the higher emolument of ₹35,000/- + HRA
Candidates must bring all original certificates, mark sheets, degree certificates, and attested photocopies along with a passport-size photograph and bio-data on the day of the interview. No incomplete applications will be entertained.
Selection Process for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026
The updated selection process for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is straightforward and entirely merit-based. There is no written examination — selection is done through a direct Walk-in Interview process:
- Walk-in Interview: Candidates report at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, ICAR Parisar, P.O.-BV College, Patna-800014 (Bihar) on 23 September 2026
- Enrolment: Candidates must enrol strictly between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM on the day of the interview — candidates reaching after 11:30 AM will NOT ordinarily be entertained
- Document Verification: The selection committee verifies all original certificates, mark sheets, and testimonials against the eligibility criteria
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear before the selection committee for a technical and personal discussion
- Final Merit List: Selected candidates are notified and offered an appointment letter on a contractual basis
Important Note: ICAR-RCER, Patna reserves the right to cancel or postpone the interview and terminate the contract even before completion of the project. No appeal shall be entertained in such cases.

How to Apply / Attend Walk-in Interview for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026
Unlike most govt job notifications that require an online application, ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is a Walk-in Interview. There is no separate online application form. Follow these steps carefully before 23 September 2026:
- Visit the official ICAR-RCER website: www.icarrcer.in and download the official recruitment notification PDF
- Check the official notification PDF and read all terms and conditions carefully before proceeding
- Download and fill the ICAR-RCER Application Form — include all personal, academic, and professional details
- Prepare your bio-data with a recent passport-size photograph affixed on top
- Arrange original certificates and attested photocopies of all documents:
- 10th Certificate
- 12th / Diploma Certificate
- Graduation Certificate
- Post Graduation (M.Sc / B.Tech / M.V.Sc) Certificate and mark sheets
- NET / CSIR-UGC Certificate (if applicable)
- Experience Certificate(s)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC as applicable)
- Aadhar Card
- NOC from present employer (if working)
- Report at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, ICAR Parisar, P.O.-BV College, Patna – 800014, Bihar on 23 September 2026
- Complete your enrolment strictly between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM — late arrivals will not be entertained
- Appear before the selection committee for the interview
For the latest updates and any changes in the interview schedule, keep checking the official ICAR-RCER website: www.icarrcer.in. Any change in information provided in the advertisement shall only be published on the institute website.
Don’t miss this latest agriculture vacancy — bookmark agrijob.in and join our Telegram channel @agrijob_in for instant alerts on more agriculture jobs 2026 and government jobs 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released / Published | 09 September 2026 |
| Online Application / Pre-Registration | Not Applicable (Walk-in) |
| Walk-in Interview Date | 23 September 2026 |
| Enrolment Timing at Venue | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM only |
| Project Period (End Date) | Up to March 2027 |
| Service Period | 6 months from joining (extendable) |
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF (Telegram) | Download Notification PDF |
| Official Website (ICAR-RCER) | www.icarrcer.in |
| ICAR Official Portal | www.icar.org.in |
| India Government Portal (Authority) | India Government Portal |
| More Agriculture Jobs | Latest Agriculture Jobs |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Govt Jobs 2026 |
| Join Telegram for Job Alerts | Join @agrijob_in |
Frequently Asked Questions about ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026
What is ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is an official government recruitment notification released by ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna on 09 September 2026. It invites eligible candidates for 01 vacancy of Project Associate-II under a DST (SEED) funded research project on livelihood improvement for Scheduled Caste communities in Nawada, Bihar. Selection is through Walk-in Interview on 23 September 2026.
What is the salary for ICAR Project Associate-II in 2026?
The emolument for ICAR Project Associate-II 2026 is ₹35,000/- per month + HRA for candidates who qualified CSIR-UGC NET or were selected through national level examinations. For other candidates (who do not fall under the above categories), the emolument is ₹28,000/- per month + HRA. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview and TDS is deducted as per ICAR rules.
What is the eligibility for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Economics, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Entomology, or Agricultural Pathology; OR B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering; OR M.V.Sc in Livestock Production from a recognised university. Additionally, candidates need a minimum of 2 years experience in Research and Development in agricultural, industrial, or academic institutions. The maximum age limit is 35 years with relaxation for reserved categories as per GOI/ICAR rules.
What is the last date to apply for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
There is no online application form or last date for ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026. The selection is through a Walk-in Interview on 23 September 2026. Candidates must report and enrol between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM only. Candidates arriving after 11:30 AM will ordinarily not be entertained. Plan your travel in advance to reach ICAR-RCER, Patna on time.
How many vacancies are there in ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
There is 01 (one) vacancy for the post of Project Associate-II under ICAR Project Associate Recruitment 2026. The post is under a DST SEED funded project at ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, with posting at ICAR-RCER Patna or the project site in Nawada, Bihar.
Is the ICAR Project Associate-II post a permanent government job?
No, ICAR Project Associate-II 2026 is a purely contractual position co-terminus with the DST SEED project, which runs up to March 2027. The initial service period is 6 months from the date of joining, extendable based on performance. There is no provision for regularisation. However, the experience gained at ICAR-RCER significantly enhances your profile for competitive exams like ICAR JRF, SRF, and CSIR-UGC NET in future years.
Disclaimer: This Agricultural jobs related information is only for the purpose of providing information to you and for Agricultural career advancement of Agricultural, Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Breeding, Agriculture Marketing, Forestry, Poultry, Fisheries, Agri Business Management Graduates. We are not representing this employer or any Employment Agency nor we guarantee any employment. We do not ask candidates for any fees, Personal Information like (Bank OTP, Credit-Debit Card No, Aadhar Card OTP etc.) Please be Aware And never Share Such Information to any one or In the Name of agrijob.in. Please verify the correctness of the Agri jobs details yourself. We do not offer any guarantee on correctness of any details mentioned here. If a candidate pays any amount to anyone claiming to represent any company then it would be the responsibility of that candidate and he cannot hold us or the concerned employer responsible for such fraudulent activities.






