ICAR CRRI Walk-in Interview 2026 for YP-II, YP-I & AFO

ICAR CRRI Recruitment 2026: Engagement Overview

The ICAR - National Rice Research Institute (formerly Central Rice Research Institute - CRRI), functioning under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has released an official employment notification under Advertisement No. 37/YP-II/YP-I/AFO/2026-27. This recruitment drive aims to fill 24 contractual positions across research and field support roles at its campus in Cuttack, Odisha.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

The openings include positions for Young Professional-II, Young Professional-I, and Agricultural Field Operator (AFO) under project-based operations. Selection will be conducted strictly through a walk-in interview mode on scheduled dates. Candidates tracking central agricultural research openings may also review the ICAR Indian Agricultural Research Institute Project Associate I Recruitment 2026 recruitment details to compare project vacancies across allied research centers.

Post Breakdown & Vacancy Distribution

A total of 24 temporary positions are being filled through this selection drive. The appointment is purely contractual and co-terminus with project requirements. Below is the detailed post-wise vacancy count:

Eligibility Criteria: Qualifications & Age Limits

Candidates must ensure they satisfy the educational background, experience parameters, and age boundaries specified for each respective designation as of 02 November 2026.

Educational Qualifications

• Young Professional-II (YP-II): Post Graduate degree with M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture, Botany, or Microbiology. Prior experience in research laboratories or ICAR institutes is desirable.
• Young Professional-I (YP-I): Bachelor degree with B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture, Botany, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or Molecular Biology from an accredited university.
• Agricultural Field Operator (AFO): Matriculation (10th pass) with +2 vocational training in an Agriculture-related discipline, OR Matriculation with a minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience from an established organization.

Age Boundaries & Relaxations

• YP-II and YP-I: Minimum age is 21 years and maximum age is 45 years.
• Agricultural Field Operator: Minimum age is 18 years and maximum age is 50 years.
• Statutory Relaxations: Age relaxation applies to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen categories in accordance with Government of India rules.

Remuneration & Contract Terms

Selected personnel will receive a fixed consolidated stipend per month without any extra Dearness Allowance (DA) or House Rent Allowance (HRA), unless explicitly specified in project provisions. The monthly payment stands at Rs. 42,000/- for YP-II, Rs. 30,000/- for YP-I, and Rs. 18,000/- for Agricultural Field Operator.

The engagement is on a temporary, tenure-based format. Engagement does not confer any entitlement to permanent absorption, regularization, or continued employment within the Indian Council of Agricultural Research or CRRI.

Selection Methodology

Selection will be carried out on the spot through personal evaluation and interview boards at the institute campus.

• Walk-in Interview: The primary evaluation mechanism consists of an in-person interview testing domain competence, technical knowledge, and suitability for field or laboratory duties.
• Written Screening Test (Contingency): If the turnout of eligible applicants for any designated post is substantially high, the screening committee reserves the right to conduct a written screening test on the reporting morning to shortlist candidates for the interview.
• Document Verification: Rigorous verification of original academic marksheets, degree certificates, category credentials, and experience certificates will occur prior to interaction with the selection board.

Important Schedule & Reporting Instructions

Candidates must report at the designated interview venue strictly on the specified calendar dates according to the post applied for:

• YP-II & YP-I Reporting Date: 02 November 2026.
• Agricultural Field Operator (AFO) Reporting Date: 03 November 2026.
• Walk-in Venue: ICAR - Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, Odisha - 753006.
• Application Processing Fee: Completely Nil (Rs. 0/-) across all categories.

Step-by-Step Walk-in Application Procedure

There is no online submission or postal application dispatch system for this recruitment. Applicants must follow these direct steps:

• Download Application Form: Visit the official portal at icar-crri.in and locate the proforma biodata form attached to Advertisement No. 37/YP-II/YP-I/AFO/2026-27.
• Complete the Biodata Form: Fill in all academic records, personal particulars, contact information, and project experience accurately in clear handwriting or print.
• Affix Photograph: Paste one recent passport-size color photograph in the allocated space on the proforma.
• Assemble Supporting Dossier: Collate self-attested photocopies of all educational credentials from matriculation onward, proof of date of birth, caste certificates (if seeking relaxation), and work experience certificates.
• Attend Interview: Report directly to ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack, on your post-designated date (02 November 2026 or 03 November 2026) carrying the filled form, self-attested copies, and all original documentation for verification.

Essential Documents Checklist

Failure to produce any of the following mandatory records during morning document verification will result in immediate disqualification:

• Duly completed and signed official Biodata application form.
• Original Matriculation (10th) certificate and mark sheet as age proof.
• Original Higher Secondary (+2), Graduation, and Post-Graduation mark sheets and provisional/degree certificates as applicable.
• Self-attested photocopies of all academic records and certificates.
• Work experience certificates from recognized institutions, mandatory for AFO candidates applying via the experience route.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer if currently serving in any government, semi-government, or autonomous body, or currently enrolled in full-time academic degree programs.
• Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, or Passport).
• Two additional passport-sized color photographs.

Crucial Candidate Instructions & Guidelines

Candidates appearing for the walk-in selection should take note of standard ICAR administrative protocols. No travel allowance (TA) or daily allowance (DA) will be paid for attending the interview or written test. Applicants must make their own arrangements for travel and boarding.

Canvassing in any form will lead to immediate disqualification. All candidates are advised to verify details from the official portal at icar-crri.in before traveling to the venue.