ICAR - Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About ICAR-CAZRI Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

The Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), established in 1959, is the world's first institute dedicated to arid zone research. As a constituent of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), its primary mission is to develop sustainable farming systems and natural resource management strategies for India's arid regions. The institute plays a critical role in combating desertification, improving crop productivity under water-stress conditions, and enhancing the livelihoods of desert-dwelling communities.

Headquartered in Jodhpur, CAZRI operates through several specialized divisions and maintains a strong regional presence across various agro-climatic zones. It manages five key Regional Research Stations (RRS) located in Pali, Bikaner, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), Bhuj (Gujarat), and Leh (Ladakh). This extensive network allows the institute to conduct site-specific research and deliver technological interventions directly to farmers through its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Scientist (Agricultural Research Service): Focuses on core research in disciplines like Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, and Animal Nutrition. Selection is primarily handled through the ASRB ARS Exam.
• Technical Assistant / Senior Technical Officer: Responsible for laboratory analysis, field experiments, and data collection. These roles support the scientific staff in executing complex research projects.
• Young Professional (I & II): Typically contractual positions for specific projects. YP-I roles usually require a Graduation/Diploma, while YP-II requires a Master’s degree.
• Administrative & Supporting Staff: Includes roles such as Assistant, Lower Division Clerk (LDC), and Skilled Support Staff (SSS) who manage the institute's operations and logistics.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

Salaries at ICAR-CAZRI are governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) for permanent staff, while project-based roles receive fixed monthly emoluments.

• Scientific Cadre: Entry-level Scientists start at Level-10 (Pay scale ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500) and can progress up to Level-14 (Principal Scientist) or higher.
• Technical Cadre: Ranges from Level-3 for technicians to Level-10 for Senior Technical Officers.
• Project Roles: Young Professional-I typically receives ₹30,000 (fixed), while Young Professional-II receives ₹42,000 (fixed) per month.
• Benefits: Permanent employees enjoy standard Central Government perks, including House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Medical facilities under CGHS/CS(MA) rules, and a defined contributory pension scheme (NPS).

🎯 Selection Process

The selection methodology depends on the nature of the vacancy:

1. Scientific Roles: Conducted by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) via the ARS Examination, which includes a Preliminary (CBT), Mains (Descriptive), and a Personal Interview.
2. Technical & Admin Roles: Usually involves a Written Competitive Examination followed by a Skill Test (if applicable) and Document Verification.
3. Project-Based Roles (YP, JRF, SRF): Generally filled through a Walk-in Interview or a specialized screening process followed by an interview (Physical or Online).

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack ICAR-CAZRI Exams

• Master the ICAR/ASRB Syllabus: For scientific and technical posts, focus heavily on your core subject (e.g., Agronomy, Entomology). The ASRB NET/ARS syllabus is the gold standard for preparation.
• Practice with PYQs: Analyze previous year question papers from ASRB to understand the weightage of different topics. This is especially crucial for the ARS Prelims (CBT).
• Stay Updated on Arid Agriculture: For interviews, ensure you are well-versed in current challenges like climate change, water-harvesting techniques, and arid-zone specific crop varieties developed by ICAR.