ICAR NBPGR Recruitment 2026 - Walkin for Project Scientist III and Field Worker Posts

Introduction

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the premier autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. One of its prestigious constituent organizations, the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), has announced a significant recruitment drive for the year 2026. This notification targets highly qualified researchers and dedicated field personnel to join their esteemed institution in New Delhi. The positions available are Project Scientist III and Field Worker.

The ICAR-NBPGR plays a pivotal role in the conservation, development, and utilization of plant genetic resources, which is fundamental to India's agricultural security and biodiversity. By hiring Project Scientists with advanced degrees and Field Workers who can manage ground-level operations, the organization aims to bolster its research capabilities and project execution. For job seekers in the agricultural science sector, this represents a prestigious opportunity to work within a national framework that directly impacts the farming community and botanical research. The recruitment is conducted via a Walk-in Interview process, meaning candidates who meet the eligibility criteria must physically present themselves at the designated venue with all necessary documentation. This blog post will provide a comprehensive guide on every aspect of this recruitment, including eligibility, salary structures, selection procedures, and step-by-step application instructions to ensure that every aspirant has the best chance of success.

Highlights / Quick Overview

Application Fee

| Free (No fee required) | | Job Location | New Delhi | | Last Date to Attend Walk-in | 20/07/2026 |

Post-wise Vacancy Details

The recruitment is divided into two distinct categories based on the level of expertise and field requirements. Below are the specific vacancy counts for each role:

Eligibility Criteria

To ensure that only qualified and capable candidates are selected for these roles, ICAR-NBPGR has specified stringent eligibility criteria. Candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

Educational Qualification

• Project Scientist III: Candidates must possess a Doctoral Degree (PhD) in any of the following specialized fields:
  • Plant Pathology
  • Entomology
  • Nematology
  • Agricultural Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology
  • Botany
  • Zoology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Plant Genetic Resources
  • Life Sciences
• Field Worker: Candidates must possess a Graduate Degree in any recognized discipline. This role requires less specialization but demands practical capability and dedication to field-based tasks.

Experience Requirement

• Project Scientist III: Applicants must have at least seven years of relevant experience in the fields related to plant science, research projects, or agricultural biotechnology.
• Field Worker: No specific years of experience are mandated, but a willingness to work on-ground and perform field-related tasks is essential.

Age Limit

• Project Scientist III: The maximum age limit for applicants is 45 years.
• Field Worker: The maximum age limit for applicants is 50 years.

Nationality and Residency

• The candidate must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan (as per standard ICAR norms, though usually restricted to Indian nationals for these specific project roles).
• Candidates must possess a valid identity proof issued by the Government of India.

Important Dates

Application Fee

One of the major advantages of this recruitment is that it is a government-sponsored project and does not require any registration or application fees.

Selection Process

The selection process for the ICAR-NBPGR recruitment is designed to evaluate both the academic credentials and the practical knowledge of the candidates in a real-time environment. Since this is a Walk-in Interview, the standard competitive examination (written test) may be bypassed or integrated into the interview session.

• Step 1: Document Verification: Upon arrival at the venue on 20 July 2026, candidates will first have their original educational certificates, experience letters, and identity proofs verified by the officials.
• Step 2: Technical Screening: For Project Scientist roles, a brief technical discussion regarding the candidate's previous research work, publications, and expertise in specific domains (like Molecular Biology or Plant Pathology) will be conducted.
• Step 3: Personal Interview: A panel of experts from ICAR-NBPGR will interview the candidates to assess their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and suitability for the project's requirements.
• Step 4: Final Selection: Candidates who successfully clear both the document verification and the personal interview will be shortlisted for the respective posts based on merit.

Salary / Pay Scale

The salary offered is structured as a project-based remuneration, which includes a basic component and House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per government norms.

How to Apply Step by Step

Since this is a walk-in recruitment, the "application" is essentially your physical presence at the venue with all documents. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

1. Check Eligibility: Carefully read the educational and experience requirements for both Project Scientist III and Field Worker roles.
2. Prepare Document Folder: Collect your original certificates (PhD Degree, Graduation Degree, Experience Certificates).
3. Photocopy Set: Prepare a complete set of self-attested photocopies of all documents (ID proof, Educational certificates, Experience letters).
4. Identify the Venue: Ensure you have the exact location details for the ICAR-NBPGR campus in New Delhi.
5. Plan Travel: Since it is a walk-in on 20 July 2026, plan your travel to New Delhi well in advance.
6. Prepare for Interview: Prepare a brief summary of your research (for Scientists) or your work experience (for Field Workers).
7. Attend the Walk-in: Reach the venue on 20 July 2026 at the designated time mentioned in the official notification.
8. Submit Documents: Present your documents to the verification desk for initial screening.
9. Participate in Interview: Proceed to the interview panel as directed by the coordinators.
10. Follow-up: Stay in touch with the official website (nbpgr.org.in) for any updates regarding the final selection list.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the total number of vacancies?
A1: There are a total of 3 vacancies: 2 for Project Scientist III and 1 for Field Worker.

Q2: Is there any application fee to apply for ICAR-NBPGR?
A2: No, the application process is free for all candidates across all categories.

Q3: What are the educational requirements for Project Scientist III?
A3: A Doctoral Degree (PhD) in fields like Plant Pathology, Entomology, Biotechnology, Botany, Zoology, or other related life sciences is required.

Q4: Can a Graduate student apply for the Field Worker post?
A4: Yes, any graduate degree in any discipline is sufficient to apply for the Field Worker position.

Q5: What is the age limit for the Project Scientist role?
A5: The maximum age limit for the Project Scientist III post is 45 years.

Q6: What is the age limit for the Field Worker role?
A6: The maximum age limit for the Field Worker post is 50 years.

Q7: Where will the job be located?
A7: The selected candidates will be posted at the ICAR-NBPGR headquarters in New Delhi.

Q8: How much salary will a Field Worker receive?
A8: A Field Worker will receive a monthly pay of Rs. 18,000 plus 27% HRA.

Q9: What is the salary for Project Scientist III?
A9: A Project Scientist III will be paid Rs. 78,000 per month plus a 27% House Rent Allowance (HRA).

Q10: What does "Walk-in Interview" mean?
A10: It means that candidates do not need to apply online in advance; they must appear at the designated venue on the specified date with their original documents for selection.

Q11: Are there any specific experience requirements for Project Scientist?
A11: Yes, a minimum of seven years of relevant experience is required for the Project Scientist III position.

Q12: How can I contact ICAR-NBPGR for more details?
A12: You can visit their official website at https://nbpgr.org.in/ for any further updates and information.

Conclusion

The ICAR NBPGR Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for those looking to build a career in agricultural research and plant genetic resources. With a structured salary, a reputable organization like ICAR-NBPGR, and a clear selection process via walk-in interviews, it is an ideal platform for both seasoned researchers and dedicated field workers. Candidates are advised to prepare their documents thoroughly and ensure they are well-versed in the technical aspects of their respective fields before attending the interview on 20 July 2026.

If you meet the eligibility criteria—whether it be a PhD with experience for the Scientist role or a Graduate degree for the Field Worker role—do not miss this chance to serve in one of India's premier agricultural research institutions. Stay updated by visiting the official portal and ensure all your certifications are ready for verification. Good luck to all the aspirants!