ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 – Rs.44,400/Month, Walk-in 29 Sep

ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026
✅ Quick Answer
ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 offers 01 temporary Senior Research Fellow post under a Conservation Agriculture research project at FSRCHPR, Ranchi, Jharkhand. The Walk-in Interview is on 29 September 2026 at 9:30 AM. Salary is Rs.37,000/month + 20% HRA (Year 1–2) and Rs.42,000/month + 20% HRA from Year 3 — effective gross of Rs.44,400 to Rs.50,400/month.
📋 ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 — Key Facts at a Glance
  • Organisation: ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), FSRCHPR, Ranchi
  • Advertisement No.: E-2/2026-27
  • Post: Senior Research Fellow (SRF) — 01 Vacancy
  • Project: Evaluation of Conservation Agricultural (CA) Practices under Rice-Fallow System of Eastern Region
  • Salary (Year 1–2): Rs.37,000/month + 20% HRA (Gross: ~Rs.44,400/month)
  • Salary (Year 3): Rs.42,000/month + 20% HRA (Gross: ~Rs.50,400/month)
  • Walk-in Date: 29 September 2026 (Tuesday)
  • Reporting Time: 9:30 AM sharp
  • Project Period: Upto 31st March, 2031
  • Age Limit: Max 35 years (Men) / 40 years (Women) as on interview date
  • Qualification: Master’s Degree in Agriculture (Agronomy/Soil Science/Hort./Plant Breeding/Agrl. Engg. etc.) with 4-year B.Sc. Ag.
  • Application Mode: Walk-in Interview — No Online Form Required

What is ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026?

ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026
ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026

ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 is an official walk-in interview notification released by the ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Farming System Research Centre for Hill and Plateau Region (FSRCHPR), Plandu, Ranchi — 834010 (Jharkhand) under Advertisement No. E-2/2026-27. The notification invites eligible MSc Agriculture candidates for 01 temporary post of Senior Research Fellow (SRF) under the Consortium Research Project on Conservation Agriculture for Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh — specifically the evaluation of Conservation Agricultural (CA) practices under the Rice-Fallow system of Eastern India.

This is a direct walk-in opportunity — there is no online application form, no registration fee, and no written entrance exam required to appear. Eligible candidates simply walk in with their documents on 29 September 2026 at 9:30 AM to the ICAR-RCER campus in Ranchi. The project runs until 31st March 2031, offering engagement up to 5 years subject to satisfactory performance and project continuation.

ICAR — the Indian Council of Agricultural Research — is India’s apex agricultural research organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. A fellowship under ICAR carries immense research credibility and is widely recognised as a strong credential for PhD admissions at top Indian agricultural universities.

About the Research Project

The SRF will work under the project titled “Evaluation of Conservation Agricultural (CA) Practices under Rice-Fallow System of Eastern Region” — a Consortium Research Project on Conservation Agriculture covering Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Conservation Agriculture focuses on minimising soil disturbance, maintaining permanent soil cover, and crop rotation — practices that are increasingly critical for sustainable rice-fallow farming in Eastern India. The selected SRF will conduct field experiments, manage data recording, perform statistical analysis, and contribute to the scientific outputs of this nationally funded project.

Who Should Apply for ICAR RCER SRF 2026?

This walk-in interview is specifically relevant for the following candidate profiles. Check if you fit before preparing your documents:

  • 🎓 MSc Agriculture graduates in Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology, or Entomology with a 4-year B.Sc. Ag. degree from a recognised university
  • 👨‍🔬 Freshers and experienced researchers aged up to 35 years (men) or 40 years (women) as on 29 September 2026
  • 🌾 Candidates interested in Conservation Agriculture and rice-based farming system research in Eastern India (Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh region)
  • 💻 Candidates with computer skills, statistical analysis experience, or data recording background — these are desirable qualifications that improve selection chances
  • 🏛️ Researchers seeking ICAR experience to strengthen PhD applications at IARI, NDRI, HAU, or state agricultural universities
  • 📍 Candidates available to relocate to or already based in Ranchi, Jharkhand — the posting is at ICAR-RCER, FSRCHPR, Plandu, Ranchi-834010
  • Candidates available on 29 September 2026 and able to appear in person at 9:30 AM — late arrivals will not ordinarily be entertained
  • 📁 Candidates with complete original documents from Matriculation onwards — all original marksheets, certificates, and degrees are mandatory at the interview

ICAR RCER SRF 2026 Salary and Stipend Details

The ICAR RCER SRF salary 2026 is one of the most competitive contractual research fellowships in the Indian agriculture sector. Here is the complete pay structure as per the official notification (Advertisement No. E-2/2026-27):

Year of FellowshipBasic EmolumentsHRA (20%)Gross Monthly (Approx.)Annual CTC (Approx.)
1st YearRs.37,000/monthRs.7,400/monthRs.44,400/monthRs.5,32,800/year
2nd YearRs.37,000/monthRs.7,400/monthRs.44,400/monthRs.5,32,800/year
3rd YearRs.42,000/monthRs.8,400/monthRs.50,400/monthRs.6,04,800/year

Note: Income Tax will be deducted at source from the emoluments as per applicable rules. No TA/DA is provided for attending the walk-in interview. The fellowship is purely contractual — there is no provision for regularisation or permanency.

Despite being contractual, an ICAR SRF fellowship at Rs.44,400–Rs.50,400/month gross is significantly higher than most entry-level private agri-sector positions in Jharkhand, and on par with many state government junior officer roles — with the added advantage of prestigious ICAR research experience on your CV.

💡 Pro Tip — HRA Calculation
The 20% HRA is calculated on the base emoluments — Rs.37,000 × 20% = Rs.7,400 for Year 1–2, and Rs.42,000 × 20% = Rs.8,400 from Year 3. This HRA is in addition to the base amount, bringing your effective gross monthly stipend to Rs.44,400 (Year 1–2) and Rs.50,400 (Year 3). Ensure you understand this before comparing with other job offers.

ICAR RCER SRF 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before appearing for the walk-in interview, carefully verify the following eligibility requirements as per the official ICAR-RCER notification:

Educational Qualification

  • Essential: Master’s Degree in any of the following disciplines — Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology, or Entomology
  • Mandatory Prerequisite: The Master’s degree must be obtained with a 4-year B.Sc. Agriculture degree from a recognised university
  • Desirable: Experience in conducting field experiments, data recording and management, statistical analysis, and computer knowledge

Age Limit (as on Date of Interview — 29 September 2026)

CategoryMaximum Age Limit
Male Candidates35 years
Female Candidates40 years
OBC / SC / ST / PwDAs per GoI / ICAR relaxation rules

Documents Required at Walk-in Interview

  • ✅ All original educational marksheets and certificates from Matriculation (Class 10) onwards
  • ✅ Original degree certificates (B.Sc. Ag. and M.Sc. Ag.)
  • ✅ Photocopies of all educational documents (self-attested)
  • ✅ Matriculation certificate for date of birth verification
  • ✅ Caste/category certificate (if applicable, for age relaxation)
  • ✅ Two recent coloured passport-size photographs
  • ✅ Valid government-issued photo identity proof
  • ✅ Experience certificates (if any — for desirable qualifications)

How to Appear for ICAR RCER SRF Walk-in Interview 2026

There is no online application form for ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026. Follow these steps to appear for the walk-in interview:

  1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm your Master’s degree discipline and that you hold a 4-year B.Sc. Agriculture degree from a recognised university. Check your age against the 29 September 2026 cutoff date.
  2. Download the Official Notification: Download Advertisement No. E-2/2026-27 from the ICAR-RCER official website at icarrcer.icar.gov.in or via Telegram at t.me/agrijob_in/784 for the latest update.
  3. Prepare Your Documents: Collect all original marksheets and certificates from Class 10 onwards, plus photocopies of each. Keep 2 recent coloured passport-size photographs ready.
  4. Reach the Venue on Time: Report to ICAR-RCER, FSRCHPR, Plandu, Ranchi-834010 (Jharkhand) on 29 September 2026 before 9:30 AM. Candidates arriving after 9:30 AM will not ordinarily be entertained as per the official notification.
  5. Complete the Registration Formality: On arrival, submit documents for verification. A qualifying written test may be conducted before the interview if the number of candidates is large — carry a pen and be prepared.
  6. Attend the Interview: Appear for the personal interview. Selected candidates will be informed via email or telephone in due course after the interview.

ICAR SRF vs JRF vs Project Associate — Which Is Better?

Many MSc Agriculture graduates confuse the different ICAR contractual research positions. Here is a clear comparison of the three most common categories to help you decide which career path suits you best:

ParameterICAR SRF (Senior Research Fellow)ICAR JRF (Junior Research Fellow)Project Associate-II
Minimum QualificationMSc Agriculture (4-year BSc)BSc Agriculture / MSc 1st yearMSc / BE / BTech
Salary (Base)Rs.37,000–Rs.42,000/monthRs.31,000–Rs.37,000/monthRs.35,000/month
HRA20% of base (project-linked)As per institute norms20% of base
Gross Monthly (Approx.)Rs.44,400–Rs.50,400Rs.37,200–Rs.44,400Rs.42,000
Research ProfileIndependent field research, data analysisAssisted research under senior scientistTechnical + administrative support
PhD PathwayStrong — direct ICAR PhD eligibilityModerate — JRF exam required for PhDLimited — typically non-PhD track
Contract DurationUp to project end (varies: 2–5 years)2–3 years typically1–3 years project-linked
Job SecurityContractual — no regularisationContractual — no regularisationContractual — no regularisation
Best ForMSc grads targeting research career / PhDFresh BSc / early MSc candidatesTechnical support seekers
🔵 Expert Verdict
For MSc Agriculture graduates, the ICAR SRF fellowship is the strongest contractual research option available in 2026. At Rs.44,400–Rs.50,400/month gross and project duration up to 2031, the ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 offers both strong earnings and CV-building research experience that directly supports PhD applications and future ICAR Scientist career pathways. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this walk-in opportunity should not be missed.

Advantages and Disadvantages of ICAR SRF Fellowship 2026

✅ Advantages (Pros)

  • High Stipend: Rs.44,400–Rs.50,400/month gross — significantly above most entry-level private agriculture jobs in Jharkhand and Eastern India
  • Long Project Tenure: Project runs until 31st March 2031 — up to 4.5 years of engagement from the interview date, providing exceptional stability for a contractual position
  • ICAR Prestige: Working under India’s premier agricultural research council carries high academic and professional credibility across all Indian agricultural universities and research organisations
  • PhD Pathway: Direct experience and publications under ICAR significantly strengthen PhD admission applications at IARI, state agricultural universities, and international institutions
  • Research Skills: Field experiment management, statistical analysis, and data recording skills developed here are transferable to global agri-research organisations including CGIAR, FAO, and IRRI

❌ Disadvantages (Cons)

  • No Permanency: The position is purely contractual and co-terminus with the project — there is no provision for regularisation into a permanent ICAR post
  • No TA/DA: No travel or daily allowance is provided for attending the walk-in interview — candidates must bear their own travel expenses to reach Ranchi
  • Contractual Risk: The Director, ICAR-RCER reserves the right to terminate the contract even before project completion — providing less job security than a permanent government post
  • No Pension Benefits: Unlike permanent central government positions, SRF fellowships do not include pension, gratuity, or EPF contributions

Important Terms Related to ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026

Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the ICAR SRF recruitment process, your rights as a fellow, and your career prospects:

  • ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): India’s apex autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture for research, education, and extension in agriculture. Founded in 1929, ICAR oversees 100+ research institutes across India.
  • ICAR-RCER (Research Complex for Eastern Region): An ICAR institute headquartered in Patna with a sub-centre (FSRCHPR) at Plandu, Ranchi focused on farming systems research for Eastern India’s hill and plateau regions.
  • FSRCHPR (Farming System Research Centre for Hill and Plateau Region): The specific ICAR sub-centre at Plandu, Ranchi where the SRF will be posted. Specialises in agronomy research for Jharkhand’s unique agro-climatic conditions.
  • SRF (Senior Research Fellow): A government-funded contractual research position above JRF, typically requiring MSc-level qualification. SRF fellowships at ICAR pay Rs.37,000–Rs.42,000/month plus HRA as of 2026 norms.
  • Conservation Agriculture (CA): A farming approach based on three core principles — minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop diversification/rotation. Increasingly important for sustainable rice-fallow farming in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
  • Rice-Fallow System: A cropping system common in Eastern India where rice is grown in the kharif season, followed by a fallow period in rabi. Conservation Agriculture research aims to productively utilise this fallow period.
  • Co-Terminus Contract: The SRF contract ends automatically when the project ends or when the Competent Authority decides — whichever is earlier. There is no independent tenure beyond the project life.
  • HRA (House Rent Allowance): An additional allowance paid on top of base emoluments. For this post, HRA is 20% of base — Rs.7,400 (Year 1–2) and Rs.8,400 (Year 3) per month.
  • Walk-in Interview: A recruitment mode where eligible candidates directly appear at the specified venue on the interview date — no advance registration or application form submission is required beforehand.
  • Consortium Research Project: A multi-institute collaborative research project coordinated under ICAR involving multiple state/regional centres working together on a common research objective — in this case, Conservation Agriculture across Eastern India.

ICAR RCER SRF 2026 Important Dates and Timeline

EventDate / Details
Advertisement NumberE-2/2026-27
Walk-in Interview Date29 September 2026 (Tuesday)
Reporting Time9:30 AM (Late arrivals not entertained)
Interview VenueICAR-RCER, FSRCHPR, Plandu, Ranchi-834010, Jharkhand
Project PeriodUpto 31st March, 2031
Result CommunicationVia email/telephone after interview (no fixed date)
Any notification updatesCheck icarrcer.icar.gov.in for official changes
ResourceLink
📥 Official Notification PDF / Telegram AlertDownload via Telegram — t.me/agrijob_in/784
🌐 ICAR-RCER Official Websiteicarrcer.icar.gov.in
🏛️ ICAR Official Portalicar.org.in
🇮🇳 India Government Jobs Portalncs.gov.in — National Career Service Portal
📱 Agrijob.in Telegram Channelt.me/agrijob_in — Get Instant Job Alerts
📚 ICAR SRF JRF Complete GuideICAR JRF SRF 2026 — Salary, Syllabus & How to Apply
🔬 More ICAR Walk-in Vacancies 2026ICAR RCER Walk-in Interview 2026 — All Posts

Conclusion — Should You Appear for ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026?

ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 is a strong opportunity for MSc Agriculture graduates seeking a prestigious research fellowship with a gross monthly stipend of Rs.44,400–Rs.50,400, project engagement up to March 2031, and the credibility of working under India’s premier agricultural research council. With only 01 vacancy and a direct walk-in format, competition will be strong — candidates with field experiment experience and computer/statistical skills hold a clear advantage. If you meet the eligibility, appear in person at ICAR-RCER, FSRCHPR, Plandu, Ranchi-834010 on 29 September 2026 at 9:30 AM sharp with all original documents. For the latest updates, download the official notification and follow agrijob.in’s Telegram alert.

📌 Key Takeaways — ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026
  • ICAR RCER has announced 01 SRF post under the Conservation Agriculture Rice-Fallow research project at Ranchi, Jharkhand
  • Salary is Rs.37,000/month + 20% HRA (gross Rs.44,400) for Year 1–2, rising to Rs.42,000 + 20% HRA (gross Rs.50,400) from Year 3
  • Walk-in Interview is on 29 September 2026 at 9:30 AM — no online application needed, just appear with documents
  • Eligible qualification: MSc in Agriculture disciplines (Agronomy, Soil Science, Hort., Plant Breeding, Agrl. Engg., etc.) with 4-year B.Sc. Ag. degree
  • Age limit: Max 35 years (Men) / 40 years (Women) as on interview date — GoI/ICAR relaxation applicable
  • Project runs until 31 March 2031 — download the official notification from t.me/agrijob_in/784

Frequently Asked Questions About ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026

What is the salary for ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026?

The salary for ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 is Rs.37,000 per month plus 20% HRA for the first and second year of the fellowship, giving a gross monthly stipend of approximately Rs.44,400. From the third year, the base emolument increases to Rs.42,000/month plus 20% HRA, making the gross monthly total Rs.50,400. Income Tax is deducted at source as per applicable government rules.

What is the walk-in interview date for ICAR RCER SRF 2026?

The walk-in interview for ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 is scheduled for 29 September 2026 (Tuesday) at 9:30 AM at ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Farming System Research Centre for Hill and Plateau Region (FSRCHPR), Plandu, Ranchi-834010, Jharkhand. Candidates reaching the venue after 9:30 AM will not ordinarily be entertained.

What qualification is required for ICAR RCER SRF 2026?

The essential qualification for ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 is a Master’s Degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology, or Entomology — with a 4-year B.Sc. Agriculture Degree from a recognised university. Desirable qualifications include experience in field experiments, data recording, statistical analysis, and computer knowledge.

Is there an online application form for ICAR RCER SRF 2026?

No. ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 does not have an online application form. This is a walk-in interview recruitment. Eligible candidates must appear in person at ICAR-RCER, FSRCHPR, Plandu, Ranchi-834010 on 29 September 2026 at 9:30 AM with all required original documents and their photocopies. No prior registration or form submission is required.

What is the age limit for ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026?

The maximum age limit for ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 is 35 years for male candidates and 40 years for female candidates as on the date of interview (29 September 2026). Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India and ICAR rules for candidates belonging to OBC, SC, ST, and PwD categories.

Will there be a written test before the interview?

Yes, a qualifying written test may be conducted before the personal interview if needed, as per the official notification. The decision to hold a written test rests with the interview committee and will depend on the number of candidates appearing. Candidates should be prepared for this possibility and carry a pen on the day of the interview.

How long is the ICAR RCER SRF 2026 project duration?

The project under which the SRF is recruited runs up to 31st March, 2031. Engagement as Senior Research Fellow may be extended further subject to satisfactory performance of the selected candidate, as decided by the Competent Authority. However, the contract is also subject to termination if the project ends earlier — whichever event occurs first governs the service period.

What documents must I bring for the walk-in interview?

Candidates must bring all original educational documents from Matriculation onwards — including marksheets and degree certificates — along with self-attested photocopies of all documents. Additionally, two recent coloured passport-size photographs are mandatory as per the official notification. Candidates without original documents or photographs will not be considered at the interview.

Where can I download the ICAR RCER SRF 2026 official notification?

The official notification for ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 (Advertisement No. E-2/2026-27) can be downloaded from the ICAR-RCER official website at icarrcer.icar.gov.in. Any changes or updates to the notification will also be posted only on the official website. You can also download the notification directly via the Agrijob.in Telegram channel alert at t.me/agrijob_in/784.

Is ICAR RCER SRF a permanent government job?

No. ICAR RCER SRF Recruitment 2026 is a purely contractual and temporary position. It is co-terminus with the project and there is no provision for regularisation into a permanent government post. The Director of ICAR-RCER reserves the right to terminate the contract even before project completion. Candidates seeking a permanent central government position should explore ICAR Scientist recruitment or ASRB competitive examinations instead.

Last Updated: September 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page and follow Agrijob.in on Telegram for the latest agriculture job alerts. Always verify final details on the official ICAR-RCER website before appearing for the interview.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All salary figures, eligibility criteria, dates, and vacancy details are sourced from the official ICAR-RCER Advertisement No. E-2/2026-27. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any changes made by the recruiting authority after publication. Candidates are advised to verify all information on the official website at icarrcer.icar.gov.in before appearing for the interview.