Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About ICMR Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

ICMR is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world. It operates through a network of permanent institutes like the National Institute of Virology (NIV), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), and the National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE). Each center specializes in specific health domains, ensuring a vast regional presence across India from Pune and Hyderabad to Chennai and Dibrugarh.

A career at ICMR provides exposure to cutting-edge laboratory technology and community-based field research.² The council is instrumental in national health policies, often collaborating with international agencies like the WHO. Employees are part of a mission-driven workforce that addresses both communicable diseases like TB and Malaria, and non-communicable challenges like Cancer and Diabetes.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Scientist B (Medical/Non-Medical): The entry-level executive research role. Scientist B professionals lead laboratory experiments, clinical trials, and data analysis.
• Technical Assistant: These roles are the technical backbone of ICMR labs. They are responsible for operating sophisticated equipment, sample collection, and experimental documentation.³
• Assistant / UDC / LDC: Administrative roles that manage the council's human resources, finance, and procurement divisions.⁴
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF): While primarily a fellowship, the ICMR-JRF is the main gateway for postgraduates to enter the research stream and eventually transition into scientific roles.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

ICMR staff are paid according to the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales.⁵

• Scientist B: Pay Level 10 (Starting Basic approx.⁶ ₹56,100; Gross approx. ₹1,00,000+).
• Scientist F/G: Pay Level 13A to 14 (Basic starting at ₹1,31,100 - ₹1,44,200).⁷
• Technical Assistant: Pay Level 6 (Basic starting at ₹35,400).⁸
• Lab Attendant: Pay Level 1 (Basic starting at ₹18,000).⁹

Standard Perks include:

• NPA: Non-Practicing Allowance for medical scientists (approx. 20% of basic pay).
• Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (up to 30% in X-class cities), and Transport Allowance.
• Welfare: Comprehensive medical facilities under CGHS rules, Professional Development Allowance for attending international seminars, and New Pension Scheme (NPS) benefits.¹⁰

🎯 Selection Process

The selection process at ICMR is highly standardized and merit-based:

1. Computer-Based Test (CBT): Used for Scientist B, Technical Assistant, and Administrative roles. The test typically covers General Intelligence, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Subject-specific questions.
2. Personal Interview: Mandatory for all Scientific (Group A) posts. Shortlisting is done based on CBT scores (often in a 1:5 ratio).
3. Skill Test: For clerical roles (UDC/LDC), a typing or computer proficiency test is a mandatory qualifying stage.
4. Project-Based Walk-ins: For temporary/contractual roles like "Young Professionals" or "Project Technical Support," selection is often through direct walk-in interviews or video conferencing.

💡 Expert Tips: "How to Crack ICMR Exams"

• Subject Mastery: For Scientist B roles, the Subject-specific section of the exam is the differentiator. Deep-dive into Biostatistics, Immunology, and Research Methodology.
• Check the Institute Website: While ICMR Hqrs conducts large-scale exams, individual institutes like NIV Pune often release center-specific vacancy notices for project-based roles.
• Age Relaxation Awareness: ICMR often provides age relaxation not just for reserved categories, but also for candidates who have prior experience working in ICMR projects.