ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 โ Walk-in 28 July
ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR โ Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi โ 110012. This is a prestigious sarkari naukri opportunity for M.Sc. / Ph.D. candidates in Biotechnology, Virology, or Plant Pathology to join a DBT-funded national research project. 01 vacancy is open for the post of Senior Project Associate (SPA) under the project National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants (NCS-TCP), with a salary of Rs. 42,000/- plus HRA per month. The Walk-in Interview is on 28 July 2026 at 9:30 AM at the Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Email applications must reach by 25 July 2026 to ncstcp.iari@gmail.com. Read the complete details at agrijob.in.

Table of Contents
ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 โ Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | ICAR โ Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) |
| Division | Division of Plant Pathology, New Delhi โ 110012 |
| Post Name | Senior Project Associate (SPA) |
| Total Vacancies | 01 Post (Unreserved) |
| Project | National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants (NCS-TCP) โ DBT Funded |
| Emoluments | Rs. 42,000/- plus HRA per month (fixed) |
| Upper Age Limit | 40 Years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PWD as per GoI norms) |
| Application Fee | NIL (Free) |
| Selection Mode | Walk-in Interview |
| Walk-in Date | 28 July 2026 at 09:30 AM |
| Email Last Date | 25 July 2026 |
| Email ID | ncstcp.iari@gmail.com |
| Venue | Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi โ 110012 |
| Official Website | iari.res.in |
This ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is a coveted position at India’s premier agricultural research institute. ICAR-IARI has been at the forefront of agricultural science for over a century, and working on the NCS-TCP project puts the selected candidate at the cutting edge of plant virology and tissue culture certification research. This is an official notification issued by the Division of Plant Pathology and represents a rare opportunity to contribute to India’s agricultural biosecurity framework.
Who Should Apply for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
This walk-in interview is suited for highly qualified research candidates. Verify your profile matches the following criteria before attending on 28 July 2026:
- M.Sc. graduates in Biotechnology, Virology, or Plant Pathology with 4 years of R&D experience
- B.Tech / B.E. graduates in Engineering or Technology with 4 years of research and development experience in industrial, academic, or scientific organisations
- Ph.D. holders in Biotechnology, Virology, Plant Pathology, Engineering, or Technology from a recognised university (eligible directly without experience requirement)
- Candidates with hands-on expertise in PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, DAS-ELISA, or DAC-ELISA techniques (desirable)
- Researchers with experience in molecular diagnostics of viruses and virus-like agents (desirable)
- NET-qualified candidates and those with publications in SCI journals (preferred)
- Candidates below 40 years of age (upper age limit as on interview date 28.07.2026)
- Candidates willing to work in New Delhi at ICAR-IARI Division of Plant Pathology
Salary & Pay Details for ICAR IARI SPA 2026

The emoluments for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 are fixed as per DBT project norms for Senior Project Associate level positions. Here are the complete pay details:
- Fixed Emoluments: Rs. 42,000/- per month
- HRA: House Rent Allowance as per ICAR/DBT norms (additional)
- Gross Salary: Rs. 42,000/- + HRA (significantly higher than many state-level research posts)
- Pay Type: Fixed, project-based contractual salary
- Position Type: Unreserved, temporary, co-terminus with the NCS-TCP project
- Benefits: As per DBT/ICAR project norms
- Career Value: Research experience at ICAR-IARI is among the most prestigious credentials in Indian agricultural science
The salary of Rs. 42,000 + HRA for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is one of the highest among DBT-funded project positions, reflecting the advanced qualification requirements for this role. For more such high-value agriculture research jobs 2026, follow agrijob.in.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | NIL (No Fee) |
| SC / ST | NIL (No Fee) |
| Persons with Disability (PWD) | NIL (No Fee) |
| Female Candidates | NIL (No Fee) |
There is no application fee for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026. The application and walk-in process is completely free. No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview as per ICAR norms.
Age Limit for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate 2026
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | Maximum 40 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years relaxation (up to 45 years) |
| OBC | 3 years relaxation (up to 43 years) |
| PWD (Persons with Disability) | 10 years relaxation (up to 50 years) |
| Other categories | As per GoI / DBT / ICAR norms |
ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate 2026 โ Vacancy Details
| Post Name | No. of Posts | Category | Emoluments | Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate (SPA) | 01 | Unreserved | Rs. 42,000/- + HRA | NCS-TCP (DBT Funded) |
| Total | 01 |
The position is under the DBT-funded project “National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants (NCS-TCP)” at the Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. This is a temporary, co-terminus position โ meaning it is valid for the duration of the project. The institution reserves the right to modify the number of vacancies. The selected candidate shall not claim any regular appointment at ICAR-IARI as the position is purely contractual.
Eligibility / Qualification for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate
The eligibility criteria for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 are clearly defined in the official notification. Candidates must fulfil either of the two options below:
- Option A โ Essential (Masters + Experience): Masters degree in Biotechnology / Virology / Plant Pathology OR Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Technology from a recognised university; AND four years of experience in Research and Development in industrial or academic institutions, Science and Technology organisations, or scientific activities and services
- Option B โ Essential (Doctoral): Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Biotechnology / Virology / Plant Pathology / Engineering and Technology from a recognised university (no experience requirement)
- Desirable: Research experience in molecular diagnostics of viruses and virus-like agents
- Desirable Skills: Hands-on expertise in PCR / RT-PCR / qPCR / DAS-ELISA / DAC-ELISA; ability to independently perform diagnostics and virome analysis of NCS-TCP covered crops
- Desirable: Good knowledge of SOPs preparation and database management; publications in SCI journals; NET-qualified candidates preferred
- Upper Age: Maximum 40 years (relaxation as per GoI norms)
- Nationality: Indian Citizen
Selection Process for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026
The updated selection process for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is a direct walk-in interview. There is no written examination. The selection is based on merit assessed through interview only. Here are the stages:
- Email application submission (by 25 July 2026) โ send merged PDF to ncstcp.iari@gmail.com
- Walk-in Registration at Division of Plant Pathology on 28 July 2026 by 9:30 AM sharp
- Document Verification by the interview panel (originals + self-attested copies mandatory)
- Technical / Research Interview by expert panel
- Final merit-based selection and offer
โ ๏ธ Important: Late arrival after 9:30 AM on 28 July 2026 will be treated as ABSENT. No call letters will be issued. Candidates must appear in person. Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification.

How to Apply for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026
The application process for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 involves both email submission and physical attendance at the walk-in interview. Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official ICAR-IARI website at iari.res.in and download the prescribed Application Format (Annexure-I and Annexure-II) from the scrolling link
- Fill the application form completely in the prescribed format only โ deviating formats will not be considered
- Prepare a single merged PDF file containing: duly filled application (Annexure-I & II) + scanned copies of all documents + updated CV
- Email the merged PDF to ncstcp.iari@gmail.com latest by 25 July 2026
- On 28 July 2026, arrive at the Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi โ 110012 by 9:30 AM
- Bring one hard copy of the duly filled application in the prescribed format along with two recent passport-size photographs
- Bring all original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies (degree certificates, mark-sheets, experience letters, NET/GATE scorecard if any)
- If employed elsewhere, bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer
- Candidates whose relatives work at ICAR/IARI must submit a declaration (Annexure-II) in advance by post
For the latest govt research jobs 2026 and ICAR vacancies, join Telegram channel @agrijob_in for instant free alerts.
Important Dates for ICAR IARI SPA Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 07 July 2026 |
| Application Opens | Immediately |
| Last Date to Email Application | 25 July 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview Date | 28 July 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 9:30 AM (sharp) โ Late arrivals treated as ABSENT |
| Interview Venue | Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi โ 110012 |
| Result / Selection | Announced post walk-in interview |
About ICAR โ Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
ICAR โ Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), commonly known as Pusa Institute, is India’s premier national institute for agricultural research, education, and extension. Established in 1905 at Pusa, Bihar and relocated to New Delhi in 1936, IARI is an autonomous organisation under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
The Division of Plant Pathology at ICAR-IARI conducts cutting-edge research in plant disease management, molecular diagnostics, and biosecurity. The NCS-TCP project โ National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants โ is a critical DBT-funded initiative to ensure disease-free and genetically authentic tissue culture plantlets for Indian horticulture and agriculture. For the broader ICAR research ecosystem, visit icar.org.in.
Important Links for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Apply / Email CV | ncstcp.iari@gmail.com (by 25 July 2026) |
| Official Notification & Application Format | Download from iari.res.in |
| ICAR-IARI Official Website | iari.res.in |
| ICAR Main Portal (Authority Link) | icar.org.in |
| More Agriculture Jobs 2026 | Latest Agriculture Jobs โ agrijob.in |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Govt Jobs 2026 โ agrijob.in |
| Join Telegram for Job Alerts | Join @agrijob_in on Telegram |
Frequently Asked Questions about ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026
What is ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is an official walk-in interview notification by the Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi for 01 post of Senior Project Associate (SPA) under the DBT-funded NCS-TCP project. Salary is Rs. 42,000/- + HRA. Walk-in Interview is on 28 July 2026 at 9:30 AM. Email applications must reach by 25 July 2026 to ncstcp.iari@gmail.com.
What is the salary for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate 2026?
The salary for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is a fixed emolument of Rs. 42,000/- per month plus HRA as per DBT project norms. This is one of the highest paid DBT project associate positions, reflecting the advanced Ph.D. or Master’s + 4-year experience requirement. No other allowances are mentioned in the official notification.
What is the eligibility for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
The essential qualification for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is either: (a) M.Sc./B.Tech in Biotechnology, Virology, or Plant Pathology with 4 years of R&D experience; OR (b) Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Virology, Plant Pathology, Engineering, or Technology. The upper age limit is 40 years with relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PWD (10 years). NET-qualified candidates and those with SCI publications are preferred.
When and where is the ICAR-IARI SPA walk-in interview 2026?
The walk-in interview for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is on 28 July 2026 at 9:30 AM at the Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi โ 110012. Candidates must arrive before 9:30 AM. Late arrivals will be treated as absent and will not be interviewed. No call letters will be issued.
What is the last date to apply for ICAR IARI SPA Recruitment 2026?
The last date to email the application for ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is 25 July 2026. Candidates must send a single merged PDF (application form in prescribed format + CV + scanned documents) to ncstcp.iari@gmail.com. Additionally, candidates must physically attend the walk-in interview on 28 July 2026 at 9:30 AM.
What is the NCS-TCP project at ICAR-IARI?
NCS-TCP stands for National Certification System for Tissue Culture Raised Plants. It is a DBT-funded national project at the Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi aimed at certifying tissue culture propagated planting material as disease-free and true-to-type. The project involves molecular diagnostics of viruses and virus-like agents using PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, DAS-ELISA, and DAC-ELISA techniques. The Senior Project Associate selected in ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026 will work on this project.
How many vacancies are there in ICAR IARI SPA Recruitment 2026?
There is 01 (one) vacancy for the post of Senior Project Associate (SPA) in ICAR IARI Senior Project Associate Recruitment 2026. The post is unreserved (General), temporary, and co-terminus with the NCS-TCP project. The institution reserves the right to modify the number of vacancies. This contractual position does not lead to any regular appointment at ICAR-IARI.
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