Corporate Overview & History
The ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle (CIRC) is an autonomous research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of India. Established in 1970 as the National Research Centre on Cattle and renamed CIRC in 1975, the institute was created to address the nation’s need for high‑quality cattle genetics, improved reproductive technologies, and sustainable dairy production. Headquartered in Karnal, Haryana, CIRC operates a network of regional cattle research stations, advanced biotechnology labs, and collaborative projects with state agricultural universities. Its core mission is to generate scientific knowledge and technologies that enhance cattle productivity, health, and welfare, thereby contributing to India’s dairy self‑sufficiency and rural livelihoods.
Core Business Operations & Divisions
- Animal Genetics & Breeding: Development of elite germplasm, artificial insemination (AI) programs, and genomic selection.
- Reproductive Biotechnology: In‑vitro fertilisation (IVF), embryo transfer (ET), and sex‑selection technologies.
- Animal Nutrition & Feed Science: Formulation of balanced rations, feed additive research, and on‑farm nutrition advisory.
- Animal Health & Disease Management: Vaccine development, epidemiological surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship.
- Biotechnology & Molecular Biology: Gene editing, proteomics, and metabolomics for trait improvement.
- Extension & Training: Capacity‑building programmes for dairy farmers, veterinarians, and extension officers.
Technology Hubs & Operational Centres
| Facility | Location | Key Functions |
|---|
| Central Research Laboratory | Karnal, Haryana | Genomics, reproductive biotech, nutrition trials |
| Regional Cattle Research Station – Hisar | Hisar, Haryana | Breed improvement, AI centre, field trials |
| Regional Cattle Research Station – Bikaner | Bikaner, Rajasthan | Heat‑stress genetics, indigenous breed conservation |
| Regional Cattle Research Station – Kalyani | Kalyani, West Bengal | Dairy herd health, disease surveillance |
Career Opportunities & In‑Demand Roles
CIRC recruits talent across a spectrum of scientific, technical, and administrative functions. Typical openings include:
- Freshers (Entry‑Level): Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Research Assistant (RA), Laboratory Technician, Extension Officer.
- Experienced Professionals: Scientist (Junior, Senior, Principal), Senior Research Officer, Project Manager, Bio‑informatics Analyst.
- Engineers & Technicians: Animal Nutrition Engineer, Veterinary Equipment Engineer, Data Analyst (AI & Breeding), ICT & Lab Automation Engineer.
- Support & Administrative Roles: Finance Officer, HR Executive, Procurement Officer, Library & Documentation Specialist.
Hiring & Selection Process
- Online Application: Candidates submit applications through the ICAR recruitment portal (https://icar.org.in) or directly on the CIRC website during advertised windows.
- Eligibility Screening: HR verifies academic qualifications, age limits, and experience criteria.
- Written Examination / Test: For research posts, a subject‑specific test (multiple‑choice & short answer) is conducted. For technical roles, a practical aptitude test may be included.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear for a two‑stage interview – a technical interview with senior scientists and an HR interview assessing communication, teamwork, and alignment with CIRC’s mission.
- Document Verification & Medical: Successful candidates submit original certificates, experience letters, and undergo a standard medical fitness check.
- Final Offer & Joining: An official appointment letter is issued, detailing pay scale, posting location, and probation terms.
Salary Structure, Compensation & Benefits
CIRC follows the Government of India Pay Matrix (Level 10‑14) for scientific and technical staff. Approximate gross salary ranges (including allowances) are:
| Designation | Pay Level | Monthly Gross (INR) | Key Benefits |
|---|
| Junior Research Fellow (JRF) | Level 10 | 31,000 – 35,000 | Stipend, hostel, medical insurance, transport allowance |
| Research Assistant (RA) | Level 11 | 35,000 – 45,000 | Housing allowance, pension (NPS), leave travel concession |
| Scientist (Junior) – Level 12 | Level 12 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 | Performance bonus, research grant support, children education allowance |
| Scientist (Senior) – Level 13 | Level 13 | 78,800 – 2,09,200 | Higher housing quota, international conference travel, sabbatical leave |
| Scientist (Principal) – Level 14 | Level 14 | 1,31,100 – 2,20,900 | Executive housing, full medical coverage for family, retirement benefits |
Additional perks include:
- Comprehensive health & life insurance for employee and dependents.
- Provident Fund (PF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI).
- Annual leave travel concession (ALTC) for domestic travel.
- Professional development – funded Ph.D. programs, workshops, and international collaborations.
- On‑site gym, cafeteria, and a campus environment promoting work‑life balance.
Application Guidelines & Eligibility
Educational Qualifications
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF): M.Sc./M.Tech. (or equivalent) in Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Biotechnology, Genetics, Food Technology, or related fields with a minimum 55% aggregate. NET/SET qualification is preferred.
- Research Assistant (RA): B.Sc. (Hons) or B.V.Sc. (Hons) with 55% aggregate; candidates with a valid NET/SET are given preference.
- Scientist (Junior/Senior/Principal): Ph.D. in relevant discipline with at least 2–5 years of post‑doctoral or industry experience for senior levels.
- Technical & Engineering Roles: B.E./B.Tech. in Agricultural Engineering, Biotechnology, Food Engineering, Computer Science (for bio‑informatics) with 60% aggregate.
Age Limit: Generally 21‑30 years for JRF/RA (relaxable as per government norms for SC/ST/OBC/PH). No upper age limit for Scientist positions.
How to Apply
- Visit the official ICAR recruitment portal or CIRC’s Careers page.
- Register using a valid email ID and create a password.
- Upload scanned copies of academic certificates, photograph, signature, and a detailed CV.
- Select the desired post and preferred posting location (if applicable).
- Pay the nominal application fee (if applicable) and submit the application before the deadline.
After submission, candidates can track application status on the portal and receive notifications for test dates and interview calls.
Job seekers interested in ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle recruitment notifications can review key eligibility criteria, age limits, pay scales, selection procedures, and application deadlines listed in the active vacancies below.