ICAR NBPGR Recruitment 2026 – SRF & Lab Assistant Walk-In, Rs.42,000 Salary

ICAR NBPGR Recruitment 2026 — the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources has announced a walk-in interview for 3 vacancies: 1 Senior Research Fellow (SRF) and 2 Laboratory Assistants under the NMHYS Plant Quarantine Field Facility (Lead Centre) Component. The SRF earns up to Rs.42,000/month + HRA in year 3 — and the interview is scheduled for 23 October 2026 at Pusa Campus, New Delhi.This guide is for MSc Agriculture, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, and B.Sc. Science graduates who want to join a prestigious ICAR project before the October 2026 deadline. We cover eligibility, salary details, required documents, the walk-in process, and every key date you need to know.

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📋 Table of Contents

What Is ICAR-NBPGR and the NMHYS Project?

ICAR-NBPGR (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources) is India’s premier institution for the collection, characterisation, evaluation, documentation, and conservation of plant genetic resources. Established under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), NBPGR is headquartered at Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110012, and plays a critical role in India’s agricultural biodiversity mission.

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The National Mission on High Yielding Seeds (NMHYS) is a Central Sector Scheme funded by the Government of India through ICAR. The Plant Quarantine Field Facility (Lead Centre) Component under NMHYS is specifically designed to strengthen India’s seed quarantine infrastructure — preventing entry of foreign pests, diseases, and invasive species through scientifically managed quarantine protocols. The current recruitment is directly under this project, with Dr. V. Celia Chalam, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Plant Quarantine, ICAR-NBPGR, as the Principal Investigator (PI).

ICAR-NBPGR recruits research staff on a contractual basis for externally funded projects, and these positions offer valuable experience in plant pathology, molecular diagnostics, quarantine management, and plant genetic resources conservation — experience highly regarded for future government science careers, CSIR/UGC NET, and PhD admissions.

Who Should Apply for NBPGR Walk-In 2026?

This recruitment is ideal for candidates with a background in life sciences and agriculture who want hands-on government research experience in plant quarantine and seed science.

• 🎓 MSc Agriculture (Plant Pathology / Entomology / Nematology) graduates with 4/5-year bachelor’s degree seeking SRF role
• 🔬 MSc Biotechnology / Molecular Biology / Life Sciences candidates with NET qualification and research experience
• 🌿 MSc Plant Genetic Resources / Microbiology graduates from recognised universities targeting the SRF post
• 📐 B.Sc. Science graduates with relevant experience in agriculture, biotechnology lab, or plant protection for Lab Assistant role
• 👩‍🔬 Women candidates — 5 years of age relaxation applies; this is a research-oriented field role at a central government institution
• 🏛️ SC/ST candidates eligible for 5-year upper age limit relaxation per GoI/ICAR rules
• 🧪 Candidates with greenhouse crop growing or molecular virus detection experience — directly matches desirable qualifications
• ⏰ Fresh research graduates (2025–2026 passouts) wanting first exposure to ICAR-level research before pursuing PhD or permanent government science jobs

NBPGR SRF and Lab Assistant Salary 2026

ICAR NBPGR follows the ICAR-prescribed consolidated stipend structure for project staff. Both posts carry additional House Rent Allowance (HRA) over the base fellowship amount, making the effective monthly take-home significantly higher than the base figure.

Key points on salary: The SRF fellowship is funded under the NMHYS Central Sector Scheme. HRA is applicable over and above the base stipend as per Government of India / ICAR norms for the city of posting (New Delhi). The post is contractual and co-terminus with the project ending 31st March 2027, with a possibility of extension subject to ICAR approval.

Eligibility Criteria – SRF and Laboratory Assistant

Candidates must meet the educational qualifications, age limits, and experience criteria exactly as specified in the official notification before attending the walk-in interview.

Senior Research Fellow (SRF) — Eligibility

Essential Qualification (Option A):

• Master’s Degree in Science in any of the following disciplines: Plant Pathology, Entomology, Nematology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Plant Genetic Resources, or Life Sciences
• The MSc must be from a recognised university
• Bachelor’s Degree must be of 4 or 5 years duration

Essential Qualification (Option B):

• Post-graduate degree in Basic Sciences with specialisation in Biotechnology, Agriculture, Botany, Genetics, Plant Science, Life Sciences, or a related subject
• Bachelor’s degree of 3 years AND Master’s degree of 2 years
• Must hold NET qualification
• Minimum 2 years of research experience in the relevant area

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in molecular detection of plant viruses, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, or insects, as proven by published papers in relevant area
• Experience in growing crops in greenhouse conditions

Upper Age Limit (SRF): 35 years as on the date of interview

Laboratory Assistant — Eligibility

• Essential: B.Sc. / Graduate degree in Science
• Desirable: Relevant experience in agriculture field, biotechnology laboratory, plant protection, or growing crops
• Upper Age Limit: 50 years as on the date of interview

Age Relaxation Table

Application Fee

Application Fee: Nil. No application fee is charged for ICAR NBPGR walk-in interview posts. All eligible candidates can attend free of cost. Note that no TA/DA is provided for attending the interview.

How to Apply for NBPGR Walk-In Interview 2026

The selection process is entirely via walk-in interview in physical mode — there is no online application portal for this post. Follow these steps to apply correctly before the 23 October 2026 deadline.

1. Download the Application Form — Visit the official ICAR-NBPGR website at nbpgr.org.in or access the official notification from the Telegram link below. Download and print the prescribed application format.
2. Fill Application Form Carefully — Complete the form with accurate details including educational qualifications, experience, publications/awards, and personal information. Use block letters or type the form clearly.
3. Attach Scanned Copies — Scan and attach the following: all educational certificates, experience certificate, NET qualification certificate (if applicable), first page of research paper/abstract (if applicable), and any other relevant documents.
4. Send Advance Copy by Email — Email the duly filled application form with scanned copies to nmhys.quarantine@gmail.com before 23 October 2026. Subject line: “Application for SRF / Laboratory Assistant – NMHYS Project, NBPGR”.
5. Report at the Venue on Interview Day — Appear at Room No. K-108, Division of Plant Quarantine, ICAR-NBPGR, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110012 on 23 October 2026. SRF candidates report at 9:30 AM; Laboratory Assistant candidates report at 2:00 PM.
6. Carry Original Documents — Bring original certificates and photocopies of all documents: age proof, educational qualifications, experience, publications, awards, and the filled application form. Originals will be verified on interview day.

ICAR SRF vs Laboratory Assistant – Which Post Suits You?

Both posts are under the same NMHYS project at ICAR-NBPGR but serve very different roles. Use this comparison to decide which post to apply for.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Joining NBPGR Project Post

Advantages (Pros)

• ✅ Prestigious ICAR Institution — Work experience at ICAR-NBPGR, India’s national plant genetic resources bureau, carries significant credibility for future government science careers
• ✅ Competitive Salary — SRF earns Rs.37,000–42,000 + HRA per month; Lab Assistant earns Rs.20,000 + HRA — better than many private entry-level science roles
• ✅ Research & Publication Opportunities — NMHYS project work in plant quarantine offers scope for co-authoring papers, which strengthens PhD and permanent government job applications
• ✅ Zero Application Fee — Walk-in interview with no fees; accessible to candidates from all backgrounds
• ✅ Central Delhi Location — Pusa Campus is one of India’s most respected agricultural research addresses and provides excellent networking opportunities

Disadvantages (Cons)

• ❌ Contractual / Temporary Nature — Posts are co-terminus with the project (up to March 2027); no guarantee of extension or permanent absorption into ICAR/NBPGR
• ❌ No TA/DA for Interview — Candidates must bear their own travel expenses to attend the walk-in at New Delhi
• ❌ No Path to Regularisation — Selected candidates have no right to claim regular appointment or absorption — this is a project-based position only

Important Terms Related to ICAR NBPGR Recruitment

Understanding these key terms will help you prepare better for the interview and understand your rights and expectations as a project staff member.

• ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): The apex national body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences. Funds the NMHYS scheme.
• NBPGR (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources): An ICAR institute dedicated to collection, evaluation, documentation, and conservation of plant genetic resources for India’s food and nutritional security.
• NMHYS (National Mission on High Yielding Seeds): A Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India focused on developing and deploying high-yielding, disease-resistant seed varieties to boost agricultural productivity.
• Plant Quarantine: The regulatory process of inspecting, testing, and clearing plant material at entry points to prevent introduction of exotic pests, diseases, and invasive species. The Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order 2003 governs this domain.
• SRF (Senior Research Fellow): A post-graduate level research position in ICAR projects, typically requiring 2+ years of research experience or NET qualification. Current SRF stipend is Rs.37,000–42,000 + HRA as per ICAR norms 2026.
• NET (National Eligibility Test): Conducted by CSIR/UGC for science candidates. NET qualification is required for SRF Option B candidates with 3+2 year degree pattern in the NBPGR recruitment.
• HRA (House Rent Allowance): An additional monthly allowance over the base stipend, calculated as per GoI city classification. For Delhi (X city), HRA can be 27% of basic pay or a fixed amount.
• Co-terminus Post: A contractual position that automatically ends when the project ends. Selected candidates at NBPGR serve until 31st March 2027, with possible extension.
• Principal Investigator (PI): The scientist responsible for the funded project. For this recruitment, Dr. V. Celia Chalam, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Plant Quarantine, ICAR-NBPGR, is the PI.
• Central Sector Scheme: A 100% centrally funded Government of India scheme implemented through central government institutions — unlike Centrally Sponsored Schemes which have state cost-sharing.

Important Dates & Timeline

Important Links

Conclusion

ICAR NBPGR Recruitment 2026 offers a rare opportunity to work at India’s national plant genetic resources institution on a Central Government-funded seed mission, with a salary of up to Rs.42,000 + HRA per month for SRF and Rs.20,000 + HRA for Laboratory Assistants. With only 3 vacancies, competition will be keen — especially for the single SRF post. Do not wait: send your advance email application to nmhys.quarantine@gmail.com before 23 October 2026 and report at Pusa Campus, New Delhi on the interview day with all original documents. Bookmark this page — we update it every time official data changes.

Frequently Asked Questions About ICAR NBPGR Recruitment 2026

What is the walk-in interview date for ICAR NBPGR recruitment 2026?

The walk-in interview for ICAR NBPGR recruitment 2026 is scheduled for 23 October 2026 at Room No. K-108, Division of Plant Quarantine, ICAR-NBPGR, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110012. SRF candidates must report at 9:30 AM and Laboratory Assistant candidates at 2:00 PM.

What is the SRF salary at ICAR NBPGR 2026?

The Senior Research Fellow (SRF) salary at ICAR NBPGR 2026 is Rs.37,000/month + HRA for Year 1 and Year 2, and Rs.42,000/month + HRA for Year 3. The post is under the NMHYS Central Sector Scheme at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi.

What is the salary of Laboratory Assistant at NBPGR 2026?

The Laboratory Assistant salary at ICAR NBPGR 2026 is Rs.20,000/month + HRA. The HRA is paid as per GoI/ICAR norms applicable to New Delhi. There are 2 Laboratory Assistant posts available in this recruitment.

What qualification is required for ICAR NBPGR SRF post 2026?

For the SRF post at ICAR NBPGR 2026, candidates need either: (A) MSc in Plant Pathology, Entomology, Nematology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Plant Genetic Resources, or Life Sciences with 4/5-year bachelor’s; or (B) PG degree in Basic Sciences (Biotechnology/Agriculture/Botany/Genetics/Life Sciences) with 3-year bachelor’s + 2-year master’s + NET qualification + 2 years research experience.

What is the age limit for NBPGR recruitment 2026?

The upper age limit for ICAR NBPGR recruitment 2026 is 35 years for SRF and 50 years for Laboratory Assistant as on the interview date. Age relaxation applies: Women/SC/ST — 5 years; OBC — 3 years; Persons with Disability — 10 years; as per GoI/ICAR rules.

How to apply for NBPGR walk-in interview 2026?

To apply for ICAR NBPGR walk-in interview 2026: download the prescribed application form, fill it with required details, attach scanned copies of certificates, experience letter, and research papers, then email the complete package to nmhys.quarantine@gmail.com before 23 October 2026. Then appear in person at the venue on interview day with all original documents.

Is there any application fee for ICAR NBPGR recruitment 2026?

No, there is zero application fee for ICAR NBPGR recruitment 2026. All eligible candidates can apply and attend the walk-in interview free of charge. However, no TA/DA is provided for travelling to the interview venue at Pusa Campus, New Delhi.

What is the NMHYS project at ICAR NBPGR?

NMHYS stands for National Mission on High Yielding Seeds, a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India funded through ICAR. The Plant Quarantine Field Facility (Lead Centre) Component at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, focuses on seed quarantine management to prevent introduction of exotic pests and plant diseases through imported seed material. The project runs until 31st March 2027.

What documents are required for the NBPGR walk-in interview?

For the ICAR NBPGR walk-in interview 2026, candidates must carry: original + photocopies of age proof, all educational certificates and marksheets, NET certificate (if applicable for SRF Option B), experience certificate, publications or research paper first page (for SRF desirable criteria), the filled application form in prescribed format, and recent passport-size photographs. Missing originals may result in disqualification at the venue.

Is the NBPGR project post a permanent government job?

No, the ICAR NBPGR SRF and Laboratory Assistant posts are purely contractual and co-terminus with the NMHYS project ending 31st March 2027. Selected candidates have no right to claim regularisation or absorption into ICAR/NBPGR at any point. The project may be extended with ICAR approval. For permanent ICAR positions, candidates should watch for ASRB and ICAR-wide technical examinations.

Last Updated: October 2026 | This page is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest ICAR NBPGR recruitment information.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All salary figures, eligibility criteria, and dates are sourced from the official ICAR-NBPGR notification. Candidates are advised to verify details from the official NBPGR website (nbpgr.org.in) before attending the walk-in interview. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with ICAR or any government body.

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