ICAR CIFE Recruitment 2026: RA & JRF Vacancy

Introduction

The ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), a deemed university under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has announced a recruitment drive for two contractual positions: Research Associate (RA) and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). These roles are part of a Department of Biotechnology (DBT) funded project focused on developing and characterizing CRISPR-Cas9 mediated Myostatin Gene Knockout Muscle Cell Lines for cultivated seafood. The recruitment will be conducted through a walk-in interview. Interested candidates who meet the specified educational qualifications and experience criteria are encouraged to apply. The last date for submitting applications is November 11, 2026. This is a significant opportunity for individuals looking to contribute to cutting-edge research in fisheries biotechnology and cultivated seafood development. All details regarding eligibility, application procedure, and terms of engagement are provided in the official notification, which candidates must read carefully before applying.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

Candidates must meet the following essential qualifications:

• Research Associate (RA): M.F.Sc. in Fish Biotechnology or M.Sc. in Life Science/Biotechnology. Additionally, candidates must possess 3 years of research experience in Genome Editing, Cell Culture, and Biotechnology, along with a minimum of 02 research publications in the aforementioned areas.
• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): M.F.Sc. in Fish Biotechnology or M.Sc. in Life Science/Biotechnology.

Desirable Qualifications for both posts: Technical knowledge and skills in Cell Culture, Cultivated Meat/Seafood, and Genome Editing.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age limits for the posts are as follows:

• Research Associate (RA): Maximum 40 years for men and 45 years for women.
• Junior Research Fellowship (JRF): Maximum 35 years for men and 40 years for women.

Age relaxations will be provided as per Government of India norms for candidates belonging to reserved categories, previous employment, or other applicable grounds. Candidates claiming age relaxation must submit the relevant certificates along with their documents.

Application Fee

The official notification does not specify any application fee for these positions.

Salary and Emoluments

Selection Process

The selection for both Research Associate and Junior Research Fellowship positions will be based on a combination of factors:

• Academic performance
• Research experience
• Performance during the walk-in interview

Only candidates who fulfill all eligibility conditions will be invited to appear for the interview.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates are required to submit their applications on or before November 11, 2026. The application form is provided within the official notification. Candidates should fill out the form completely and bring it along with all necessary documents to the walk-in interview venue. The interview is scheduled for November 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the ICAR-CIFE, Yari Road campus.

Required Documents

Candidates attending the walk-in interview should be prepared to submit the following:

• Completed application form.
• Copies of publications (for Research Associate position).
• Certificates supporting any claims for age-related relaxations (e.g., category, previous employment).
• Other relevant educational and experience certificates.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates should note that these positions are purely temporary and on a contractual basis for three years. The incumbent will have no claim for regular appointment or absorption in ICAR. Travel Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) will not be provided for attending the interview. It is crucial for applicants to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before appearing for the walk-in interview. A common mistake might be not bringing all required documents, especially those supporting age relaxation claims, which could lead to disqualification. Ensure all details in the application form are accurate and match supporting documents.

Official Notification and Application Links

For detailed information and to download the application form, please refer to the official notification:

• Download Official Notification

Relevant FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the ICAR CIFE recruitment?
A1: The last date to submit your application is November 11, 2026.

Q2: Is there an application fee for these posts?
A2: The official notification does not mention any application fee.

Q3: What is the duration of the contract for these positions?
A3: The appointment will be on a contractual basis for three years.

Q4: Will TA/DA be provided for attending the interview?
A4: No, TA/DA will not be provided for attending the walk-in interview.