ICAR CIFA Recruitment 2026 Notification Out: The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar, has released official advertisements (Advt. 19/2026-27 and Advt. 20/2026-27) inviting eligible candidates for walk-in interviews. These contractual positions include Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Young Professional-I (YP-I) under time-bound research projects.
Candidates looking for research opportunities in life sciences, biotechnology, zoology, or fisheries can attend the walk-in interviews scheduled for September 22 and September 23, 2026, at the ICAR-CIFA campus in Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar. Below is the complete breakdown of eligibility criteria, salary, selection criteria, and walk-in details.
ICAR CIFA Recruitment 2026 Overview
This table summarizes key details regarding the ICAR-CIFA walk-in interviews for Junior Research Fellow and Young Professional-I vacancies.
| Organization Name | ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) |
|---|---|
| Post Names | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) & Young Professional-I (YP-I) |
| Total Vacancies | 02 Posts (01 JRF + 01 YP-I) |
| Mode of Selection | Walk-in-Interview |
| Interview Dates | September 22, 2026 (YP-I) & September 23, 2026 (JRF) |
| Job Location | Bhubaneswar, Odisha |
| Official Website | cifa.nic.in |
ICAR CIFA Vacancy Details and Monthly Salary
Candidates selected for these contractual roles will receive fixed consolidated monthly pay along with applicable allowances.
| Post Name | Project Title | Duration | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Production of vaccine against tilapia parvovirus (TiPV) and its efficacy in protecting the fish from infection (DBT Funded) | Upto 31st July 2028 (or co-terminus with project) | Rs. 37,000/- + 18% HRA (1st & 2nd yr); Rs. 42,000/- + 18% HRA (3rd yr as SRF) |
| Young Professional-I (YP-I) | Genome Editing in Aquaculture (ICAR Research Project) | Up to 31st March 2027 (Likely to be extended) | Rs. 30,000/- Consolidated |
ICAR CIFA Eligibility Criteria 2026
Applicants must satisfy educational qualification and age criteria as of the date of the walk-in interview to qualify.
Educational Qualification
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): M.Sc. in Zoology, Biotechnology, Microbiology OR M.F.Sc. / M.V.Sc. (professional course). Must have cleared NET / GATE or other national-level examinations conducted by Central Government agencies. Desirable: Hands-on research experience in cell culture, PCR, RT-PCR, expression analysis, ELISA, and immunology.
- Young Professional-I (YP-I): Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science, Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, Zoology, or Social Sciences from a recognized university. Desirable: Laboratory and field experience in aquaculture.
Age Limits & Relaxation
- JRF Post: Maximum 35 years for Men and 40 years for Women. Age relaxation applies to SC/ST/OBC/PWD candidates as per Government of India rules.
- YP-I Post: Minimum age is 21 years and maximum age is 45 years. Relaxation applicable as per rules.
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria
Selection will be based on academic qualifications, relevant work experience, and personal performance during the interview.
- Evaluation Scorecard for JRF (100 Marks): Academic Qualifications (10th, 12th, Graduation, Post-Graduation) - 40 Marks; Research/Work Experience - 20 Marks; Personal Interview - 40 Marks.
- Evaluation Scorecard for YP-I (100 Marks): Educational Qualifications - 30 Marks; Work Experience - 20 Marks; Personal Interview - 50 Marks.
- Tie-Breaking Principle: In case of equal total marks, the candidate senior in age gets priority. If age is identical, higher work experience marks will decide ranking.
Documents Required for Walk-In Interview
Candidates must bring essential documentation to the venue for identity and eligibility verification on the interview date.
- 5 copies of updated Bio-Data / Application Form.
- 2 recent passport-size photographs.
- One set of self-attested photocopies of all mark sheets and certificates (10th onwards).
- Original certificates for age proof, caste, and educational qualification verification.
- Experience certificates and valid identity proof.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) if currently employed.
Walk-in-Interview Schedule & Venue
All candidates must arrive at the institute on time on the respective dates listed below.
- Venue: ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar - 751002, Odisha.
- YP-I Interview Date & Time: September 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
- JRF Interview Date & Time: September 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
Important Links
Access official advertisement notifications and related links directly using the table below.
| Link Description | URL / Resource |
|---|---|
| Official JRF Notification (PDF) | Download JRF Advt. 19/2026-27 |
| Official YP-I Notification (PDF) | Download YP-I Advt. 20/2026-27 |
| Official Website | www.cifa.nic.in |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is prior registration mandatory for attending the ICAR CIFA walk-in interview? No, candidates can directly attend the walk-in interview on the specified date with their Bio-Data, photographs, and required documents.
Q2: Will TA/DA be provided to candidates attending the interview? No, candidates will not receive any Travel Allowance (TA) or Daily Allowance (DA) for attending the walk-in interview.
Q3: Are these posts permanent in nature? No, both Junior Research Fellow and Young Professional-I engagements are purely temporary and contractual. Candidates have no right to claim permanent absorption in ICAR-CIFA.
Conclusion
The ICAR CIFA Recruitment 2026 presents a great opportunity for candidates with backgrounds in biological sciences, biotechnology, zoology, and fisheries to gain hands-on experience in research projects. Ensure all required documentation is arranged before attending the walk-in interview on September 22 or 23, 2026. Visit the official ICAR-CIFA website regularly for further updates or notices.