CSB Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2026: Scientist-B, Assistant & Tech Exam Scheme PDF

The Central Silk Board (CSB)—a statutory apex organization under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India—conducts recruitment for various scientific, technical, and ministerial positions to advance India's sericulture and silk manufacturing sector. Candidates aspiring to join as Scientist-B (Pre-Cocoon and Post-Cocoon Sectors), Assistant Engineer, Technical Assistant, Sericulture Assistant, or Junior Stenographer must build a clear understanding of the prescribed syllabus and examination scheme. To track active vacancy notifications, deadlines, and salary details, visit our complete CSB Recruitment 2026 Hub.

CSB Selection & Examination Architecture 2026

The selection mechanism in the Central Silk Board is segmented strictly based on cadre classification and post responsibility:

Detailed Syllabus Breakdown for Scientist-B Posts

Scientist-B positions require deep domain proficiency across specialized agricultural or engineering sciences. Candidates must prepare according to their designated sector:

1. Pre-Cocoon Sector (Agricultural & Life Sciences)

• Host Plant Physiology & Agronomy: Moriculture, host plants of non-mulberry silks (Som, Soalu for Muga; Castor, Kesseru for Eri; Asan, Arjun for Tasar), propagation methods, soil fertility management, integrated nutrient management (INM), and drought tolerance.
• Silkworm Genetics & Breeding: Taxonomy, anatomy and morphology of silkworms (Bombyx mori, Antheraea mylitta, Antheraea assamensis, Samia ricini), cytogenetics, quantitative traits, hybridization, polyvoltine vs. bivoltine rearing, seed technology, and preservation of silkworm germplasm.
• Silkworm Pathology & Crop Protection: Bacterial, viral (NPV, CPV), fungal (muscardine), and microsporidian (Pebrine) diseases; prophylactic protocols; pest management including uzi fly and dermestid beetle control.
• Biotechnology & Molecular Biology: Molecular markers (RAPD, ISSR, SSR), DNA sequencing, genetic transformation in sericulture, and proteomics of silk glands.

2. Post-Cocoon Sector (Textile & Chemical Engineering)

• Cocoon Quality & Stifling: Cocoon assessment, sorting, sun drying, steam stifling, hot-air drying, and cooking techniques for optimum silk yield and reelability.
• Reeling, Spinning & Twisting: Reeling systems (charkha, cottage basin, multi-end reeling machines, automatic reeling machines), raw silk throwing, doubling, twisting mechanics, spun silk processing, and noil spinning.
• Silk Wet Processing, Dyeing & Finishing: Degumming biochemistry, sericin removal, eco-friendly natural and synthetic dyeing, reactive and acid dyes, printing, softeners, anti-crease finishing, and weighting of silk.
• Physical & Chemical Testing: Raw silk testing standards (denier/size deviation, evenness, cleanness, neatness, tenacity, elongation, winding test, cohesion), BIS and ISA standards.

Exam Pattern for Technical & Ministerial CBT (120 Marks)

The written computer-based screening test for Technical Assistants, Sericulture Assistants, and Junior Ministerial Cadres is structured as follows:

Preparation Strategy for CSB Recruitment Tests

• Master ICAR / GATE Core Standard Textbooks: For Scientist-B Pre-Cocoon, focus on Dandin & Jolly's Sericulture Handbook and ICAR Life Science syllabus. For Post-Cocoon, practice numerical problems from standard textile fiber and fabric mechanics.
• Analyze Previous Year Papers: Work through past CSB question papers to understand question patterns, particularly the balance between agricultural botany and entomology.
• Practice Computer-Based Mock Tests: Familiarize yourself with timed online testing to ensure high accuracy, keeping in mind the 0.25 negative marking penalty.

Candidates can review active notifications, test schemes, and direct PDF downloads at the Central Silk Board Recruitment Portal.