NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 – Apply Now for 2 Posts
NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the National Horticulture Board (NHB), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. A total of 02 Research Associate (RA) vacancies are open under the prestigious Clean Plant Programme (CPP) at ICAR HQ, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. This is a golden sarkari naukri opportunity for Ph.D. holders in Horticulture and related disciplines. The latest 2026 notification is live — read on for complete eligibility, salary, and how to apply at agrijob.in.
Table of Contents
NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | National Horticulture Board (NHB) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India |
| Post Name | Research Associate (RA-1 & RA-2) |
| Total Vacancies | 02 Posts |
| Project | Loan 4411 IND – Building India’s Clean Plant Program (CPP) |
| Location | ICAR HQ, Horticultural Science Division, Pusa Campus, New Delhi |
| Salary / Pay Scale | As per Project / Govt Norms |
| Age Limit | As per Govt Rules |
| Application Fee | NIL |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | As per NHB Official Portal |
| Official Website | www.nhb.gov.in |
Who Should Apply for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026?
This govt job under the Clean Plant Programme is ideal for highly qualified agriculture researchers. Check if you match the following profile before applying:
- Ph.D. holders in Horticulture or any sub-discipline of Horticulture Sciences (for RA-1)
- Ph.D. holders in Horticulture / Agricultural Economics / Plant Pathology (for RA-2)
- Candidates with strong quantitative analysis and statistical software skills
- Professionals with excellent written and verbal English communication skills
- Researchers comfortable working in a team environment with strict project deadlines
- Candidates proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and related tools
- Agriculture researchers looking for a prestigious sarkari naukri in horticultural research at the national level
- Applicants based in or willing to relocate to New Delhi (ICAR Pusa Campus)
Salary & Pay Details for NHB Research Associate 2026
The NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 offers remuneration as per World Bank-funded project norms under Loan 4411 IND. While the official notification does not specify a fixed salary bracket, Research Associates under similar World Bank / Government of India-funded CPP programmes typically receive the following:
- Pay Scale: As per Project Norms (World Bank Loan Project)
- Estimated Monthly Remuneration: ₹50,000 – ₹70,000 per month (typical for Ph.D.-level RA positions in ICAR/NHB projects)
- Allowances: As per Government of India / NHB Project Guidelines
- Job Type: Contractual (till 31st March 2027 as per deliverables)
- Benefits: Exposure to national-level horticulture policy, ICAR collaboration, World Bank project experience
- Higher than most private agri-sector research roles at the same qualification level
Candidates are advised to verify the exact remuneration from the official NHB notification PDF available at www.nhb.gov.in under Tenders/Vacancies.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | NIL |
| SC / ST | NIL |
| Persons with Disability (PH) | NIL |
| Female Candidates | NIL |
There is no application fee for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026. All candidates can apply free of cost through the official NHB online portal.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General | As per Govt / NHB Project Rules |
| OBC | 3 years relaxation (as per Govt norms) |
| SC / ST | 5 years relaxation (as per Govt norms) |
| PH (Persons with Disability) | 10 years relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Govt rules |
The exact upper age limit for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 should be confirmed from the official notification PDF. Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India rules.
Research Associate 2026 Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Project | Location | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Associate – 1 (RA-1) | Loan 4411 IND – CPP | ICAR HQ, New Delhi | 01 |
| Research Associate – 2 (RA-2) | Loan 4411 IND – CPP | ICAR HQ, New Delhi | 01 |
| Total | 02 |
Both positions are based at the Horticultural Science Division, KAB-II, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. The RAs will support the Assistant Director General (Fruits & Plantation Crops) in coordinating 9 Clean Plant Centres (CPCs) and the Referral Lab at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.
Eligibility / Qualification for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026
Before applying for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026, candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria as per the official notification:
- Essential Qualification (RA-1): Ph.D. Degree in Horticulture or any sub-discipline of Horticulture Sciences from a recognised university
- Essential Qualification (RA-2): Ph.D. Degree in Horticulture / sub-discipline of Horticulture / Agricultural Economics / Plant Pathology
- Statistical Skills: Demonstrated quantitative analysis skills using statistical software (mandatory)
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written English language skills required
- Team Work: Strong ability to work on a team with strict project deadlines
- Computer Proficiency: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and related tools
- Nationality: Indian Citizen
Scope of Work & Key Responsibilities
The selected Research Associates under NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 will work on the prestigious Clean Plant Programme (CPP) — a World Bank-funded initiative to strengthen India’s horticultural planting material quality. Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting communication between ICAR HQ, CPCs and other ICAR units for smooth project implementation
- Analysing and summarising results from Clean Plant Centres (CPCs) and preparing progress reports
- Contributing to briefs, meeting minutes, conference abstracts, and learning documents
- Assisting in organising meetings, seminars, and training events related to the CPP programme
- Preparing and consolidating ICAR’s input to the CPP management and financial platforms (RA-2)
- Contributing to in-house research including literature reviews, questionnaire development, and database management
- Supporting impact evaluation management for large-scale programme assessment (RA-2)
- Obtaining consolidated audit reports related to ICAR institutes and Clean Plant Centres
Selection Process for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026
The updated selection process for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 is based on merit and interview. Candidates shortlisted as per the eligibility criteria will be called for further rounds:
- Screening of Online Applications based on eligibility criteria
- Shortlisting of candidates meeting the minimum qualification requirements
- Interview / Personal Discussion with the Selection Committee at NHB/ICAR
- Document Verification for shortlisted candidates
- Final Merit List preparation and offer of assignment
How to Apply Online for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026
Follow these simple steps to complete your online application for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026. Apply well before the closing date to avoid last-minute rush:
- Visit the official NHB website: www.nhb.gov.in
- Click on the “Tenders / Vacancies” section on the homepage
- Find the link for Research Associate (RA) Recruitment 2026 – CPP at ICAR HQ
- Read the complete Terms of Reference (ToR) / official notification PDF carefully
- Click on the online application link: nhb.gov.in/OnlineApplication/Login.aspx
- Register with your valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill in all personal, academic, and research experience details accurately
- Upload scanned copies of your Ph.D. certificate, photo, signature, and supporting documents
- Submit the form and note down your application reference number
- Print or save the confirmation page for future reference
Stay updated on latest agriculture jobs and government jobs 2026 on agrijob.in. Join our Telegram channel @agrijob_in for instant job alerts.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 2026 (Check NHB Portal) |
| Online Application Opens | As per NHB Portal |
| Last Date to Apply | Check nhb.gov.in for Closing Date |
| Interview / Selection Date | TBA (post-shortlisting) |
| Assignment Start | As per selection |
| Assignment End (Deliverable) | 31st March 2027 |
Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Notification / Tenders & Vacancies | Download Notification PDF |
| Official Website – NHB | www.nhb.gov.in |
| ICAR Official Website | www.icar.org.in |
| India.gov.in (Authority Link) | 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 NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026
What is NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026?
NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 is an official government recruitment notification released by the National Horticulture Board (NHB), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, for 02 Research Associate posts under the World Bank-funded Clean Plant Programme (CPP) at ICAR HQ, New Delhi. Eligible Ph.D. candidates can apply online at nhb.gov.in.
What is the salary for NHB Research Associate 2026?
The salary for NHB Research Associate 2026 is as per World Bank project norms. While the exact figure must be confirmed from the official notification, similar Ph.D.-level RA positions under ICAR/NHB-funded projects typically offer approximately ₹50,000 – ₹70,000 per month including allowances as per Government of India norms.
What is the eligibility for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. Degree in Horticulture or any sub-discipline of Horticulture Sciences (RA-1), or Ph.D. in Horticulture / Agricultural Economics / Plant Pathology (RA-2). Additionally, strong statistical analysis skills, excellent English communication, and computer proficiency in MS Office tools are mandatory eligibility requirements.
What is the last date to apply for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026?
The last date to apply for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 is mentioned on the official NHB website under Tenders/Vacancies. Visit www.nhb.gov.in and check the current vacancy listing. Do not wait until the closing date — submit your application early to avoid website congestion.
How many vacancies are there in NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 02 vacancies in NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026 — one post each for Research Associate-1 (RA-1) and Research Associate-2 (RA-2). Both posts are based at ICAR HQ, Horticultural Science Division, Pusa Campus, New Delhi under the Clean Plant Programme.
Is there an application fee for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026?
No, there is no application fee for NHB Research Associate Recruitment 2026. All candidates irrespective of category (General, OBC, SC, ST, PH, Female) can apply free of cost through the online portal at nhb.gov.in. Always apply only through the official NHB website link.
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