CSIR Scientist Recruitment & Assessment Promotion Rules, 2025
Complete Guide for Central Government Employees | CSRAP Rules 2025
Effective from 01.01.2026📑 Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction & Enactment
- 2. Key Definitions
- 3. Recruitment Process
- 4. Essential Qualifications & Age Limits
- 5. Scientific Posts & Pay Levels
- 6. Assessment Promotion Rules
- 7. Selection & Assessment Committees
- 8. Recruitment & Assessment Board (RAB)
- 9. Relaxation in Age & Qualifications
- 10. Important Points to Remember
🎯 Introduction & Enactment
📌 Official Title
CSIR Scientist Recruitment & Assessment Promotion Rules, 2025 (CSRAP Rules, 2025)
Commencement Date
These rules shall come into force with effect from 01.01.2026 in respect of Recruitment and Assessment Promotion of Scientists.
Legal Authority
Formulated by the Governing Body of CSIR in exercise of powers conferred under Bye Law 11 of the Rules & Regulations and Bye-laws of the CSIR.
Scope of Applicability
These rules govern:
- Recruitment to Scientific Posts (Scientist-B to Scientist-G)
- Assessment Promotions to Scientific Posts (Scientist-B to Scientist-G)
- All CSIR Laboratories, Institutes, and Headquarters
📖 Key Definitions You Must Know
1. Scientist
An Indian Citizen recruited and appointed in a Scientific post in CSIR to perform R&D activities including:
- Innovation, formulation, and planning
- Generation, testing, and advancement of knowledge
- Development, dissemination, and diffusion of new methods
- Management, implementation, and coordination of S&T activities
- Protection of new knowledge/methods/techniques/policies
2. Assessment Year
The period between 1st January to 31st December of a year.
3. Residency Period
The time period in which a Scientist acquires eligibility to be assessed for the next higher post/pay level.
4. Due Date of Assessment
The date on which the scientist becomes eligible for assessment promotion on completion of residency period.
5. Cluster
Broad R&D areas in which CSIR undertakes Research and Development:
- Biosciences & Biotechnology
- Chemical Sciences & Technology
- Engineering Sciences & Technology
- Material Sciences & Technology
- Physical, Earth & Environmental Sciences
- Management of Science & Technology and Policy Studies
6. Assessment Committee
Committee constituted to assess scientists for promotion to next higher grade.
7. Recruitment and Assessment Board (RAB)
Centralized recruiting agency/body of CSIR established to conduct fair and transparent recruitment and assessment.
🏢 Scientific Posts & Pay Levels
🎯 Pay Structure as per 7th CPC
| Sl. No. | Designation/Post | Pay Level (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scientist-B | L-10 |
| 2 | Scientist-C | L-11 |
| 3 | Scientist-D | L-12 |
| 4 | Scientist-E | L-13 |
| 5 | Scientist-F | L-13-A |
| 6 | Scientist-G | L-14 |
🎓 Essential Qualifications & Age Limits
For Scientist-B (L-10)
| Stream/Discipline | Essential Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Science | M.Sc or equivalent |
| Engineering | BE / B.Tech. / BS(Engg) / BSc(Engg.) or equivalent |
| Medical | MBBS / BAMS / BHMS / BSMS / BUMS or equivalent |
| Pharma | B.Pharma or equivalent |
| Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry | BVSc & AH or equivalent |
| Agriculture | M.Sc (Agri) or equivalent |
| Information Technology | BE/B.Tech (IT/CS), M.Sc(IT/CS)/MCA with Bachelor degree in Science/Engg./Tech or equivalent |
| Management Science | MBA with Bachelor degree in Science/Engg./Tech or equivalent |
For Scientist-C (L-11)
| Stream/Discipline | Essential Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Science | Ph.D (Sci.) or equivalent |
| Engineering | ME/M.Tech/MS (Engg)/M.Sc (Engg.) or equivalent |
| Medical | MD or equivalent |
| Pharma | M.Pharma or equivalent |
| Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry | MVSc & AH or equivalent |
| Agriculture | Ph.D (Agri) or equivalent |
| Information Technology | ME/M.Tech (IT/CS) OR M.Sc(IT/CS)/MCA with Bachelor degree or equivalent |
| Management Science | Ph.D (Mgmt) with Bachelor degree in Science/Engg./Tech or equivalent |
For Scientist-D (L-12)
| Stream/Discipline | Educational Qualification | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Ph.D (Sci.) or equivalent | 3 years |
| Engineering | ME/M.Tech/MS (Engg) or equivalent OR Ph.D (Engg.) or equivalent |
3 years NIL |
| Medical | MD or equivalent OR MBBS + Ph.D or equivalent |
3 years NIL |
| Pharma | M.Pharma or equivalent OR Ph.D (Pharma) or equivalent |
3 years NIL |
| Information Technology | ME/M.Tech(IT/CS) or equivalent OR Ph.D or equivalent |
3 years NIL |
For Scientist-E (L-13)
| Stream/Discipline | Educational Qualification | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Ph.D (Sci.) or equivalent | 6 years |
| Engineering | Ph.D (Engg.) or equivalent | 3 years |
| Medical | MD or equivalent OR MBBS + Ph.D or equivalent |
6 years 3 years |
| Pharma | M.Pharma or equivalent OR Ph.D (Pharma) or equivalent |
6 years 3 years |
| Information Technology | Ph.D (IT/CS) or equivalent | 3 years |
For Scientist-F (L-13A)
| Stream/Discipline | Educational Qualification | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Ph.D (Sci.) or equivalent | 10 years |
| Engineering | Ph.D (Engg.) or equivalent | 7 years |
| Medical | MD or equivalent OR MBBS + Ph.D or equivalent |
10 years 7 years |
| Pharma | Ph.D (Pharma) or equivalent | 7 years |
| Information Technology | Ph.D(IT/CS) or equivalent with Bachelor degree in Science/Engg./Tech | 7 years |
📌 Note on Experience Period
The period of experience shall be counted from the date of acquiring the prescribed minimum educational qualification required for the grade.
📋 Recruitment Process
Recruitment through RAB
The Recruitment and Assessment Board (RAB) serves as the centralized Recruiting Agency of CSIR. All recruitment processes for Scientists at all levels are conducted by RAB.
For Scientist-B (Entry Level)
🎯 Two-Stage Process
- Open Competitive Written Examination (70% weightage)
- Interview (30% weightage)
Selection Process:
- Written test to shortlist candidates
- Minimum 3 and up to 12 candidates shortlisted per post for interview
- Final merit list based on combined marks (Written 70% + Interview 30%)
- RAB determines minimum qualifying marks
For Scientist-C & Above
🎯 Two-Stage Process
- Screening by Screening Committee
- Interview by Selection Committee
Selection Process:
- Applications screened by Screening Committee
- Minimum 3 and up to 12 candidates shortlisted per post
- Final merit list based on interview marks only
- Written test/seminar may be organized if necessary
Appointing Authority
| Post Level | Location | Appointing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B to Scientist-F | CSIR Headquarters | DG, CSIR |
| Scientist-B to Scientist-F | National Labs/Institutes | Director of Lab/Institute |
| Scientist-G | All CSIR | Vice President, CSIR |
📈 Assessment Promotion Rules
Flexible Complementing Scheme
Promotion from one grade to next higher grade is based on Flexible Complementing. The promotion is in-situ and the post stands upgraded automatically as personal to the Scientist.
Minimum Residency Period
| From Grade | To Grade | Minimum Residency Period |
|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B (L-10) | Scientist-C (L-11) | 3 years |
| Scientist-C (L-11) | Scientist-D (L-12) | 4 years |
| Scientist-D (L-12) | Scientist-E (L-13) | 4 years |
| Scientist-E (L-13) | Scientist-F (L-13A) | 5 years |
| Scientist-F (L-13A) | Scientist-G (L-14) | 5 years |
Assessment Process Timeline
Assessment process is undertaken twice a year:
- For January-June: Process completed before 1st January
- For July-December: Process completed before 1st July
Minimum PMS/APAR Threshold Marks
| Promotion Level | 1st Chance | 2nd Chance | 3rd Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientist-B to C | 85% | 80% | 75% |
| Scientist-C to D | 85% | 80% | 75% |
| Scientist-D to E | 85% | 80% | 75% |
| Scientist-E to F | 85% | 80% | 75% |
| Scientist-F to G | 85% | 80% | 80% |
Merit Promotion (Fast Track)
🌟 Special Benefit
Relaxation of one year in residency period if scientist consistently secures 90% and above marks in PMS/APAR for three successive years.
- Marks must be actual, not obtained by averaging
- Benefit applicable up to two times in entire career
- Not more than 10% of scientists assessed in a year can get this benefit
Periods Counted for Residency
- Period on Deputation/Foreign Service to scientific post
- Study Leave for academic accomplishments
- Prestigious Fellowships (Raman, DAAD, Boyscast, Fulbright, Humboldt, etc.)
- Leave including EOL counting for annual increments
- EOL for full-time R&D assignment
Periods NOT Counted
- Deputation to non-scientific post
- EOL not counted for increment
- Period treated as dies-non
- Service as Adhoc Scientist/Quick Hire Fellow/Scientists' Pool Scheme
👥 Selection & Assessment Committees
Screening Committee (For Scientist-C & above)
Composition:
- Chairperson: One Scientist from sister Lab/Instt (Not below Scientist-F rank)
- Members:
- One Internal Expert from concerned Lab
- One External Expert from sister Lab
- Director of Lab or his nominee
Quorum: Chairperson + 2 members (one must be External Expert)
Selection Committee
Composition:
- Chairperson: Chairperson of RAB (or nominated Co-Chairperson)
- Members:
- Two External Experts
- One Departmental Core (CSIR) Expert
- Director of Lab or his nominee
Quorum: 3 members including Chairperson
Internal Screening Committee (ISC)
For Scientists up to Scientist-E:
- Chairperson: Director or nominated Scientist
- Members:
- One Scientist-G or above from another Lab
- Two Scientists-G or above from same Lab
For Scientist-F to Scientist-G:
- Chairperson: External Scientist/Technologist
- Members:
- Director of Lab/Head of Division (Scientist-G or above)
- Two Scientists from CSIR (Director's Grade or above)
Assessment Committee
For up to Scientist-E:
- Chairperson: Chairperson of RAB
- Members:
- Two Departmental Members (Scientist-G and above)
- Two External Experts
- Director of Lab or nominee
- SC/ST Representative
For Scientist-F:
- Chairperson: Chairperson of RAB
- Members:
- Distinguished Scientist/Outstanding Scientist/Director from same cluster
- Two eminent External Experts
- Representative from Scientific Department/R&D Organization
- Director of concerned Lab
- SC/ST Representative
🏛️ Recruitment & Assessment Board (RAB)
About RAB
RAB was constituted by the Governing Body of CSIR in its 153rd meeting held on 01.05.2002 for conducting effective, fair, and transparent recruitment and career progression of CSIR Scientists.
Constitution of RAB
- Chairperson, RAB (Appointed by President, CSIR)
- An Eminent Scientist (Sitting member of CSIR Governing Body)
- One Co-Chairperson (From approved panel)
- Director of a CSIR Lab/Instt
- Chairperson, RAC, DRDO / Chairperson, ASRB, ICAR
- Head, RAB (Member-Convener)
Term of RAB
3 years from the date of notification
Chairperson of RAB
Post: Full-time position
Pay Level: L-16
Appointing Authority: President, CSIR (Prime Minister)
Upper Age Limit: 67 years
Tenure: 3 years or up to 70 years (whichever is earlier)
Extension: May be extended by another 3 years in exceptional circumstances
Eligibility: Retired eminent Scientist/Technologist/Technocrat
Powers & Functions of RAB
- Recommend policy initiatives for recruitment and assessment
- Suggest modifications/amendments in CSRAP Rules
- Establish Zonal Centres across the country
- Conduct recruitment to technical posts of L-10 and above
- Constitute Selection and Assessment Committees
- Declare panel of successful candidates
🎯 Relaxation in Age & Qualifications
General Rule
No relaxation in Educational Qualification shall be allowed under any circumstances.
Age Relaxation
1. For SC/ST/OBC/EWS Categories
Reservations, relaxation of age limit, and other concessions as per Central Government/CSIR orders from time to time.
2. For Government Employees
Up to 5 years relaxation for CSIR/Government/Autonomous Bodies/Public Sector Employees
3. For Women Candidates
Up to 3 years relaxation for women candidates in addition to other age relaxations
4. For Persons with Benchmark Disability
Age concession as per rules - whichever is more beneficial (as person with disability OR as Government employee)
5. Special Relaxation by DG, CSIR
DG, CSIR may relax age for Scientist C, D, E & F based on committee recommendation
⚠️ Maximum Age Limit
The maximum age shall not exceed 55 years for direct recruitment post, even after all relaxations.
⭐ Important Points to Remember
1. Advance Increments
- Up to 3 increments: Director of Lab/Instt can grant
- 3 to 5 increments: DG, CSIR can grant
- 5 to 7 increments: Vice-President, CSIR can grant
Must be recommended by Selection Committee with proper justification
2. Panel Validity
- Selection panel valid for 1 year from date of Selection Committee meeting
- May be extended for maximum 6 months in exceptional cases
3. Modified ACP Scheme (MACP)
Scientists covered under MACP as approved for Central Government civilian employees:
- Provides alternate channel for development
- Grade upgradation after 10/20/30 years of service
- Subject to provisions of MACP notified by Government
4. Scientists Under Suspension/Disciplinary Proceedings
Assessment regulated as per Government of India instructions applicable to administrative cadres.
5. No Adhoc Appointments
There shall be no Adhoc appointments for Scientist positions under these rules. Services as Adhoc Scientist/Quick Hire Fellow/Scientists' Pool Scheme shall NOT be counted for assessment promotion.
6. Work Report Submission
Non-submission of Work Report within stipulated date may be treated as wilful disinterest. Appointing Authority may forfeit the chance for assessment.
7. Assessment Committee Threshold
Scientists found "Not yet fit for Promotion" shall be considered for assessment in the next year.
8. Promotion While on Leave
If scientist is on study leave/deputation during promotion date, promotion effective from date of assumption of charge on resumption of duty.
9. Digital/Online Interviews
Selection Committee may conduct interviews through digital/online conferencing for candidates residing/visiting abroad. "In-absentia selection" NOT permitted.
10. Acting Director's Powers
Acting Director may initiate recruitment for up to 10% of existing vacancies in a calendar year at Entry Level only.
📞 Contact Information
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Address: Anusandhan Bhawan, 2, Rafi Marg, New Delhi
Official Website: www.csir.res.in
📝 Conclusion
The CSIR Scientist Recruitment & Assessment Promotion Rules, 2025 (CSRAP Rules, 2025) provide a comprehensive framework for:
- ✅ Transparent and merit-based recruitment
- ✅ Fair assessment and promotion system
- ✅ Career progression through Flexible Complementing
- ✅ Merit promotion for outstanding performers
- ✅ Centralized recruitment through RAB
🎯 Key Takeaway for Central Government Employees
These rules ensure a systematic and transparent career progression path for scientists in CSIR, with clear eligibility criteria, assessment timelines, and promotion mechanisms. The implementation from 01.01.2026 marks a new era in CSIR's scientific workforce management.
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