CARI Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) is a premier research organization dedicated to the formulation, coordination, and development of scientific research in Ayurveda. Functioning under the aegis of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the institute plays a critical role in validating traditional medicine through clinical trials, drug standardization, and pharmacological studies. With state-of-the-art laboratories and NABL-accredited hospitals, CARI is instrumental in the global positioning of Ayurveda as a credible medical science.

CARI operates through a vast network of specialized centers across India. For instance, CARI Bengaluru is renowned for its focus on metabolic disorders, while CARI Kolkata and CARI Mumbai lead in drug development and cancer research respectively. Joining CARI means contributing to national health missions and participating in high-impact research projects that bridge the gap between ancient texts and contemporary clinical practice.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Research Officer (Ayurveda/Pathology/Chemistry): Group ‘A’ gazetted positions responsible for leading clinical and laboratory research. ROs design study protocols, supervise Junior Research Fellows, and publish scientific papers in indexed journals.
• Junior/Senior Research Fellow (JRF/SRF): Highly sought-after project-based roles for postgraduates in Ayurveda (MD/MS) or Life Sciences (M.Sc./M.Pharm). These roles serve as the primary entry point for young researchers looking to gain experience in government-funded IMR and EMR projects.
• Pharmacist (Ayurveda): Responsible for the preparation of authentic Ayurvedic formulations, managing the dispensary, and ensuring the quality control of herbal raw materials used in research.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

CARI follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) structure for all permanent positions, while project-based roles receive consolidated fellowships.

• Pay Scales: * Group A (Research Officers): Level-10 (Starting Basic approx. ₹56,100).
  • Group B (Nursing/Technical): Level-6 to Level-8.
  • Group C (MTS/Clerical): Level-1 to Level-5.
• Allowances: Employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA) as per city classification (X, Y, Z).
• Perks: Benefits include Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) for medical officers, comprehensive medical facilities under CGHS, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and a defined contributory pension scheme (NPS).

🎯 Selection Process

The recruitment process at CARI is transparent and merit-based, typically following this roadmap:

1. Written Examination: For permanent Group B and C posts, a Computer-Based Test (CBT) is conducted by CCRAS, testing general intelligence, English, and domain-specific knowledge.
2. Interview/Skill Test: Group A positions require a personal interview to assess research aptitude. Technical roles (like Stenographers or LDCs) require a qualifying skill/typing test.
3. Walk-in Interviews: Many research fellow (JRF/SRF) and Consultant positions are filled through walk-in interviews at specific CARI units, focusing on academic merit and project-specific expertise.
4. Document Verification & Medical Fitness: Final selection is subject to verification of CCIM/NCISM registration (for doctors) and a standard medical examination.

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack CARI Exams

1. Master the CCRAS Exam Pattern

For technical roles, focus heavily on the "Domain Knowledge" section. If applying for Research Assistant (Botany), ensure your grip on medicinal plant taxonomy and pharmacognosy is absolute, as these questions carry the highest weightage.

2. Stay Updated with Ayush Portals

Candidates for Research Officer roles should be well-versed with recent initiatives on the Ayush Research Portal and NAMASTE Portal. Familiarity with current Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI) guidelines for Ayurvedic research is a significant advantage in interviews.

3. Practice Research Methodology

For SRF/JRF interviews, reviewers often ask about "Standard Operating Procedures" (SOPs) for drug preparation or "Good Clinical Practice" (GCP) guidelines. Prepare a brief summary of your PG dissertation as it is a common starting point for technical discussions.