ICAR-CRRI EAP-474 Recruitment 2026

ICAR-CRRI EAP-474 Recruitment 2026 – Overview

ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, has released Advertisement No. 26/YP-I/FA/2026-27, inviting applications for Young Professional-I and Field Assistant positions under the project “Bio-Transformation of Fly Ash into Safe Bio-fertilizer through Biological Heavy Metal Immobilization” (EAP-474). A total of 2 posts are available. Candidates will be selected through walk-in interviews scheduled separately for each post at ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack.

ICAR-CRRI EAP-474 2026 – Overview Table

Post-wise Vacancy and Qualification Details

Eligibility Criteria

• Young Professional-I: B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture, Botany, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or Molecular Biology. Age 21-45 years with relaxation as per rule.
• Field Assistant: Matriculation with +2 Vocational in an agricultural related subject or Diploma, OR Matriculation with 2 years’ working experience in agricultural field work from a reputed organization. Age 18-50 years with relaxation as per rule.
• Desirable for YP-I: experience in soil, plant, and water analysis work in lab and field experimentation, and preparation of scientific/technical reports.

How to Apply / Walk-in Details

1. Young Professional-I candidates should report at 10:00 AM on 15.09.2026 at ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack.
2. Field Assistant candidates should report at 10:00 AM on 16.09.2026 at the same venue.
3. Bring one recent passport-size photograph and original educational certificates (matriculation onwards) along with photocopies and experience certificates as applicable.
4. Download the Biodata form from the website and submit it along with copies of certificates during verification.
5. No TA/DA is admissible for appearing in the interview.

Terms and Conditions

• Positions are purely temporary and co-terminus with the scheme/project; services terminate automatically upon project completion or expiry of the offer period, whichever is earlier.
• No right to absorption in ICAR-CRRI/ICAR arises from this engagement.
• Age limits are relaxable for SC, ST, and OBC candidates as per Government of India norms.
• Director, ICAR-CRRI reserves the right to increase/decrease the number of positions or cancel the recruitment process.
• A screening test may be conducted if a large number of candidates appear for the walk-in interview.
• Candidates currently employed must furnish a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of the interview.

About the Fly Ash Bio-Fertilizer Project

This project explores biological methods to transform fly ash — a byproduct of coal-based thermal power generation — into a safe bio-fertilizer through biological immobilization of heavy metals. Unlike conventional fly ash disposal or amendment approaches, this project’s bio-fertilizer angle aims to convert an environmental liability into an agriculturally useful product, potentially offering a dual benefit of waste valorisation and soil nutrient enhancement for rice-based farming systems.

Why This Research Direction Matters

India’s thermal power sector generates enormous volumes of fly ash annually, and converting a portion of this waste into a safe, heavy-metal-immobilized bio-fertilizer could meaningfully reduce disposal burden while supporting sustainable soil fertility management. For Young Professionals and Field Assistants joining this project, the work offers hands-on exposure to bio-transformation techniques, heavy metal immobilization methods, and applied agricultural microbiology — a distinctive and increasingly relevant research area combining environmental remediation with agronomy.

About ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute

ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, Odisha, is India’s premier institute dedicated to rice research, encompassing agronomy, soil science, and environmental sustainability in rice-based cropping systems. CRRI regularly recruits Young Professionals and Field-level staff across its numerous externally-aided projects, offering valuable applied research experience to agricultural science graduates and diploma holders.

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Understanding Heavy Metal Immobilization in Fly Ash

Fly ash can contain trace heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium that pose environmental risks if the material is not properly treated before agricultural use. Biological immobilization techniques — often using specific microbial strains or organic amendments — work by binding these metals into stable, less bioavailable forms within the ash matrix, reducing the risk of metal uptake by crops while still allowing the treated material to contribute nutrients as a bio-fertilizer.

Career Relevance for Selected Candidates

Candidates joining this project gain direct experience in an emerging niche at the intersection of environmental remediation and applied agricultural science, skills increasingly relevant as India seeks sustainable solutions for its large thermal power fly ash stockpiles. This research experience is valuable for those pursuing further studies or careers in soil science, environmental biotechnology, or agricultural waste management.

Final Word

This ICAR-CRRI EAP-474 recruitment offers 2 project positions — Young Professional-I and Field Assistant — for candidates interested in fly ash bio-transformation and soil fertility research. Eligible candidates should prepare their documents and Biodata form and report for the walk-in interview at ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack, on the respective dates: 15 September (YP-I) and 16 September 2026 (Field Assistant).

Important Links

• Notification PDF: Download Official Notification
• Official Website: crri.icar.gov.in
• NaukriPatra App: Download the NaukriPatra App
• WhatsApp Channel: Join our WhatsApp Channel
• Telegram Channel: Join our Telegram Channel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What posts are being recruited under this ICAR-CRRI EAP-474 project?

Young Professional-I (1 post) and Field Assistant (1 post).

2. When is the walk-in interview for Young Professional-I?

15 September 2026, 10:00 AM.

3. When is the walk-in interview for Field Assistant?

16 September 2026, 10:00 AM.

4. What is the salary for Young Professional-I?

Rs 30,000 per month.

5. What is the salary for Field Assistant?

Rs 18,000 per month.

6. What is the project about?

Bio-transformation of fly ash into safe bio-fertilizer through biological heavy metal immobilization.

7. What is the duration of this engagement?

Up to 31 March 2027 or completion of the project, whichever is earlier.

8. What is the age limit for Young Professional-I?

21-45 years, with relaxation as per rule.

9. What is the age limit for Field Assistant?

18-50 years, with relaxation as per rule.

10. Is this the same as other ICAR-CRRI EAP projects (EAP-473/EAP-486)?

No, this is a separate, distinct project (EAP-474) focused on fly ash bio-fertilizer transformation, different from other ICAR-CRRI projects on phosphogypsum or heavy metal bio-stabilization.

11. Is TA/DA paid for the interview?

No, TA/DA is not admissible.

12. Is NOC required for currently employed candidates?

Yes, an NOC must be furnished at the time of the interview.