CGCRI Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026: Scientist, Technical Assistant & Technician Scheme

CSIR-CGCRI Recruitment 2026: Examination Scheme & Detailed Syllabus

The CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), a constituent national laboratory under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), conducts structured merit-based examinations to recruit top-tier scientific, technical, and ministerial personnel. Mastering the exact syllabus, paper pattern, and marking scheme is critical for achieving success in CSIR-CGCRI competitive examinations.

Recruitment Architecture by Post Cadre

The evaluation stages at CSIR-CGCRI Kolkata are customized according to post levels:

• Scientist Cadre (Level 11 & Level 12): Two-tier assessment comprising rigorous academic/research publication shortlisting, a technical seminar presentation on proposed R&D domains before institutional peers, and a comprehensive viva-voce interview before the Selection Committee.
• Technical Assistant (Level 6): Stage 1 qualifying Trade/Skill Test in relevant laboratory/workshop techniques, followed by Stage 2 Computer Based Written Examination consisting of 3 Papers.
• Technician - 1 (Level 2): Stage 1 qualifying Trade Test evaluating practical ITI trade skills (Glass Blowing, Fitting, Electrical, Machining), followed by Stage 2 Competitive Written Test.
• Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA): Written Examination (Paper I & Paper II) followed by a qualifying English/Hindi Computer Typing Test.

CSIR-CGCRI Written Examination Structure (Technical Assistant & Technician)

The written competitive test for Technical and Technician posts is organized into three distinct papers administered on the same day:

Crucial Rule: Paper I is qualifying in nature. Paper II and Paper III are evaluated only for those candidates who secure the minimum threshold marks prescribed by the Selection Committee in Paper I. Final merit lists are prepared strictly on the combined marks of Paper II and Paper III (out of 450).

Section-Wise Detailed Syllabus Breakdown

1. Paper I: Mental Ability & Aptitude (50 Questions / 100 Marks)

• General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, syllogisms, pattern completion, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction tests, Venn diagrams, non-verbal series, and statement-assumption analysis.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Number systems, simplification, ratio & proportion, percentages, averages, time & work, speed & distance, simple & compound interest, mensuration, and basic data interpretation.
• Problem Solving: Spatial visualization, decision making, visual memory, and arithmetic reasoning.

2. Paper II: General Awareness & English Comprehension (50 Questions / 150 Marks)

• General Awareness (25 Qs / 75 Marks): Current national and international events, developments in Indian science & technology (CSIR innovations, ISRO/DRDO missions), Indian geography, history, constitutional framework, environmental science, and basic economics.
• English Language (25 Qs / 75 Marks): Reading comprehension passages, vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms & phrases), error spotting, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, sentence improvement, and prepositional usage.

3. Paper III: Domain Technical Subjects (100 Questions / 300 Marks)

• Ceramic Technology & Engineering: Raw materials (clays, feldspar, quartz, bauxite), processing & beneficiation, body formulation, drying and firing kinetics, phase equilibria, refractory classifications, glass melting, annealing, specialty glasses, bioceramics, and advanced functional ceramics.
• Mechanical Engineering & Fitter Trade: Engineering materials, mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, workshop practice, machine tools (lathe, milling, grinding), limits, fits & tolerances, and CNC machining.
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Circuit theory, power electronic drives, transformers, industrial furnaces, instrumentation & sensors (thermocouples, optical pyrometers), PLC/SCADA controllers, and microprocessors.
• Chemical Sciences / Chemical Engineering: Unit operations, reaction kinetics, physical chemistry of interfaces, colloid science, spectroscopy (UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analysis (TGA/DSC).

Preparation Strategy for CSIR-CGCRI Technical Exams

1. Secure Paper I First: Practice 40 to 50 reasoning and quantitative questions daily. Although Paper I marks do not count towards the final ranking, failing to clear its qualifying cutoff prevents evaluation of subsequent papers.
2. Master Core Trade Concepts: Domain knowledge in Paper III carries 300 marks (66.7% of the competitive merit score). Thoroughly revise diploma/degree standard textbooks and past CSIR technical assistant question banks.
3. Avoid Blind Guesswork: With negative marking of 1 mark for every 3-mark question in Papers II & III, unwarranted guesses can severely depress overall merit percentiles.
4. Practice Hands-On Trade Skills: Do not overlook the practical Trade Test; candidates who fail to demonstrate instrument calibration or workshop precision are disqualified regardless of theoretical excellence.

To check current vacancies, official advertisement notifications, and direct application links, visit the CSIR-CGCRI Recruitment 2026 Hub.