ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru is inviting offline applications for 15 posts across four categories: Senior Research Fellow, Young Professional II, Young Professional I, and Field Assistant. These positions are funded under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) and other time-bound ad-hoc research projects. The application deadline is 25 November 2026 at 05:30 PM. Candidates are advised to submit applications via registered post or in person to ensure timely receipt.
Overview
ICAR-IIHR is a premier national research institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, dedicated to advancing horticultural science and sustainable agriculture. The current recruitment (Advertisement No. 05/2026/ESTT. I, dated 12 November 2026) seeks qualified professionals for project-based and scheme-based roles with varying tenures and remuneration structures.
Positions are available under prominent research initiatives including the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), DST-funded livelihood projects, ICAR Crop Research Programs on genomics, DUS testing schemes for vegetable crops, and the All India Network Project on Emerging Pests. The tenure of each position ranges from 31 March 2027 to 31 March 2031, depending on the underlying project timeline.
All roles are contractual, project-based, and offer consolidated or monthly remuneration with house rent allowance (HRA) where applicable. Candidates are expected to possess subject-specific expertise and demonstrate commitment to agricultural research, field implementation, or technical support in horticultural interventions.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Notice | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Applications | 25 November 2026 at 05:30 PM |
| Interview (Items 01–09) | 15 December 2026 (Report by 08:30 AM, tentative) |
| Interview (Items 10–17) | 16 December 2026 (Report by 08:30 AM, tentative) |
Application Fee
See the official notification for details on application fees (if any).
Vacancy Details
| Item | Post Name | Vacancies | Remuneration | Tenure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1, 2 | Senior Research Fellow (NICRA) | Not specified | ₹37,000 PM + HRA | 31.03.2031 |
| 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Young Professional II (NICRA) | 6 posts | ₹42,000 PM (Consolidated) | 31.03.2031 |
| 9 | Senior Research Fellow (DST Vigyandhara) | 1 post | ₹42,000 PM + 27% HRA | 31.03.2027 |
| 10 | Young Professional II (ICAR-CRP Genomics) | 1 post | ₹42,000 PM (Consolidated) | 31.03.2027 (Likely extended) |
| 11 | Young Professional II (DUS Testing) | 1 post | ₹42,000 PM (Consolidated) | 31.03.2027 |
| 12 | Senior Research Fellow (High Yielding Seeds) | 1 post | ₹37,000 PM + HRA | 31.08.2027 |
| 13 | Young Professional II (DUS Testing, Teasel Gourd) | 1 post | ₹42,000 PM (Consolidated) | 31.03.2028 |
| 14 | Senior Research Fellow (DUS Testing, Multiple Vegetables) | 1 post | ₹37,000–₹42,000 PM + HRA (escalating) | 31.03.2027 |
| 15 | Field Assistant (DST SCSP Project) | 1 post | ₹20,000 PM + 30% HRA | 31.03.2028 |
| 16 | Young Professional I (AINP-EP) | 1 post | ₹30,000 PM (Consolidated) | 31.12.2029 |
| 17 | Young Professional II (Main Institute Budget) | 1 post | ₹42,000 PM (Consolidated) | 31.03.2027 |
Eligibility
Age Limit:
- Senior Research Fellow: 35 years for men; 40 years for women
- Young Professional I, Young Professional II, and Field Assistant: 21 to 45 years
Specific educational qualifications, subject expertise, experience requirements, and age relaxation policies vary by item and project. Candidates must refer to the official notification PDF to confirm eligibility for their target item.
Generally, Young Professional and Field Assistant roles require a bachelor's degree or higher qualification in relevant disciplines such as horticulture, agriculture, botany, plant science, or related fields. Senior Research Fellow positions typically require a master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline and relevant research or field experience. Exact qualification details and experience mandates are specified item-wise in the notification.
How to Apply
- Download the application form: Visit the ICAR-IIHR official website and locate the prescribed proforma for Advertisement No. 05/2026/ESTT. I. Ensure you download the correct version.
- Review the notification: Carefully read the complete recruitment notification PDF to understand item-wise requirements, eligibility, and submission instructions.
- Gather supporting documents: Prepare certified copies of educational certificates, experience letters, identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport), address proof, and any other documents specified in the notification.
- Fill the application form: Complete all sections of the application with legible handwriting or typing. Provide accurate information and ensure no field is left blank without valid reason.
- Affix your photograph and signature: Attach a recent passport-size photograph and sign the form as instructed.
- Enclose all documents: Assemble the completed application, self-attested photocopies of supporting documents, and any item-specific requirements in the prescribed order.
- Submit offline: Send the complete application package via registered post (with delivery confirmation) or submit by hand delivery to the ICAR-IIHR office address provided in the notification. Ensure receipt by 25 November 2026 at 05:30 PM.
- Retain proof: Keep the registered post receipt or hand-delivery acknowledgement as proof of submission and for future reference during interview and appointment.
Salary
The salary structure is consolidated or monthly with HRA, varying by post and item. Senior Research Fellow positions offer ₹37,000–₹42,000 PM + HRA. Young Professional II roles provide ₹42,000 PM (consolidated). Young Professional I offers ₹30,000 PM (consolidated). Field Assistant positions provide ₹20,000 PM + 30% HRA. Item-wise remuneration details are provided in the vacancy table above and in the full notification PDF.
Important Links
- ICAR-IIHR Official Website – Application form, notification, and eligible candidate list
- Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF (Advertisement No. 05/2026/ESTT. I) – Complete details, item-wise eligibility, and submission address
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the last date to apply for ICAR-IIHR recruitment 2026?
A: The last date for receipt of offline applications is 25 November 2026 at 05:30 PM. Applications must reach the ICAR-IIHR office via registered post or hand delivery by this deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Q: How many vacancies are available, and what are the positions?
A: A total of 15 numbered posts (Items 3–17) plus 2 Senior Research Fellow items (Items 1–2) are available. Positions include Senior Research Fellow (₹37,000–₹42,000 PM + HRA), Young Professional II (₹42,000 PM consolidated), Young Professional I (₹30,000 PM consolidated), and Field Assistant (₹20,000 PM + 30% HRA). Exact item-wise details are in the notification PDF.
Q: What are the age limits for different posts?
A: Senior Research Fellow: 35 years for men and 40 years for women. Young Professional I, Young Professional II, and Field Assistant: 21 to 45 years. Relaxation policies (if any) are mentioned in the official notification.
Q: What is the tenure of these positions?
A: Tenure varies by item and project. Positions are available from 31.03.2027 to 31.03.2031. Some posts like Item 10 are likely to be extended. Refer to the detailed item-wise table in the notification PDF for exact tenure dates.
Q: When are the interviews scheduled, and are they confirmed dates?
A: Interviews for Items 01–09 are tentatively scheduled for 15 December 2026, and for Items 10–17 on 16 December 2026. Both interviews require candidates to report by 08:30 AM. These are tentative dates; confirm final schedules on the official website or from your interview call letter.
Q: Is this recruitment online or offline?
A: This is an offline recruitment. Candidates must submit the prescribed application proforma (not a digital form) via registered post or by hand delivery to the ICAR-IIHR office. Online submission is not accepted for this recruitment.
Disclaimer: Candidates are strongly advised to verify all details, eligibility criteria, document requirements, and submission instructions on the official ICAR-IIHR website and the notification PDF before submitting their application.