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CSIR SO/ASO Overview

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CSIR exam conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is a prestigious examination aimed at identifying and selecting eligible candidates for various scientific and research-oriented posts. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research released the CSIR Recruitment 2023 detailed Notification on the 8th of December. The total no. of Vacancies is 444 for the recruitment of  CSIR SO and ASO Exam. To get recruited in CSIR Recruitment for SO ASO Posts candidates have to go through all the stages of the recruitment process i.e. Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 (Interview Test for SO Posts and Computer Proficiency Test for ASO Posts). For comprehensive details about essential qualifications, posts available, selection process, compensation details, exam format and syllabus, please refer to the CSIR comprehensive notification PDF given below.

CSIR SO/ASO Exam Overview 

CSIR Assistant Section Officer/ Section Officer: Important Details 2023
OrganisationCouncil of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Post Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
CSIR Vacancies 2023444
Mode of Application ProcessOnline
Advt.NoE-I/RC/2023/1
CSIR SO/ASO Application Start Dates8th December 2023
CSIR SO/ASO Last Date to Apply12th January 2024
CSIR Exam DateFebruary 2024  (Phase I)
CSIR Selection Process
  • Stage 1
  • Stage 2, 
  • Interview/ Computer Proficiency Test
CSIR salary
  • Section Officer: (Rs. 47,600 –Rs. 1,51,100)
  • Assistant Section Officer: (Rs. 44,900 –1,42,400)
CSIR Official Website https://www.csir.res.in/

CSIR SO/ASO Notification

CSIR Recruitment 2023 Notification PDF has been Released, which is an important opportunity for interested candidates. With a total of 444 posts available for both Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts, the notification provides detailed information on eligibility criteria, application procedures and other important details. This recruitment drive of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research opens doors for individuals seeking influential roles in the scientific and administrative fields. Potential candidates should review the notification carefully to ensure that they meet the specified criteria as they embark on a journey towards contributing to unprecedented advancements in the scientific landscape.

CSIR SO/ASO Important Dates 2023

CSIR EventsImportant Dates
CSIR Recruitment 2023 Notification Release Date08th December 2023
CSIR Recruitment 2023 Apply Online Starts08th December 2023
CSIR Last Date to Apply Online12th January 2024 (05:00 pm)
Last Date for Fee Submission14th January 2024 (05:00 pm)
CSIR Stage I Admit Card 2023Will be Updated
CSIR Stage I Exam 2023Feb 2024
CSIR Stage I Result 2023Will be Updated
CSIR Stage II Exam 2023Will be Updated

CSIR SO/ASO Vacancies 

CSIR Recruitment 2023 has announced an important career opportunity with a total of 444 vacancies for the roles of Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO). Within this allotment, 76 vacancies have been earmarked for Section Officer posts, while a larger number, i.e. 368 vacancies, are available for those interested in becoming an Assistant Section Officer. The distribution of vacancies has given the organization the basis to strengthen its workforce at various administrative levels. Interested candidates are encouraged to carefully review the vacancy details for the Section Officer and Assistant Section Officer posts given in the table below to align their applications with their careers. 

CSIR SO/ASO vacancies 2023
Post Vacancy
CSIR Section Officer (SO)76
CSIR Assistant Section Officer (ASO)368
Total444

CSIR Vacancy 2023 for Section Officer (SO) Posts

Name of the

Post

TotalCategory-wise breakup
SCSTOBCEWSUR
SO (Gen)28427213
SO (F&A)26317213
SO (S&P)22315211
Grand Total761004190637

CSIR Vacancy 2023 for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Posts

Name of the PostTotalCategory-wise breakup
SCSTOBCEWSUR
ASO (Gen)2373517662396
ASO (F&A)8312622835
ASO (S&P)487314420
Grand Total368542610235151

CSIR SO/ASO Eligibility Criteria

CSIR  ASO/SO Education Qualification 2023

Candidates have to complete their university degree recognised University or board to be eligible to apply online for CSIR CASE Recruitment 2023 for SO ASO posts. A university holder

CSIR SO/ASO Age Limit

To apply online for Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts under CSIR Recruitment candidate's maximum age should not be more than 33 years.

CSIR Age Limit 2023
Post NameMaximum Age Limit
Section Officer (SO)33 Year
Assistant Section Officer (ASO)33 Year

CSIR Age Relaxation in the Upper Age Limit 

CategoryAge-relaxation permissible beyond upper age limit
Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST)5 Years
Other Backward Classes (OBC)3 Years
PwBD (Unreserved)10 years
PwBD (SC/ST)15 years
PwBD (OBC)13 years
Ex-Servicemen3 years after deduction of the actual military service rendered from the actual age as on the closing date
CSIR Departmental Candidates05 years
Any other categoryNo age relaxation

CSIR SO/ASO Apply Online 

To start career as Assistant Section Officer (ASO) or Section Officer (SO) in Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), eligible candidates can start the online application process for CSIR ASO/SO 2023. The application portal is available on the official website of CSIR. Candidates should read the online application form carefully, providing accurate information regarding their details, educational qualifications and other requisite information. The application process may also include uploading the required documents and completing the payment of the application fee, if applicable.

Step to Apply Online CSIR SO/ASO Recruitment

  • Go to the CSIR Official website: website i.e. https://www.csir.res.in/
  • Scroll down the homepage and click on the link reading "CSIR – COMBINED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES EXAMINATION – 2023 (CASE – 2023)".
  • A new page appears on the click on Register Now. Enter your valid mobile number and email id and verify by using OTP then click on Proceed.
  • The candidates have to remit the application fee of Rs.500/- through NET Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI.
  • Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Persons with Benchmark Disabilities/Women/Ex-Servicemen/CSIR Employees are exempted from submission of application fee.
  • Candidates are advised in their own interest to submit the online application much before the closing date and not to wait till the last date to avoid the possibility of disconnection/inability or failure to login to the CSIR website on account of heavy load on the website during the closing days.
  • Not more than one application should be submitted by any candidate. In case of multiple applications, only the latest valid (completed) application will be retained and the application fee/ intimation charges paid for the other multiple registration(s) will stand forfeited. Multiple attendance/ appearances in the online examination and/ or interview will be summarily rejected/ candidature cancelled.

CSIR SO/ASO Selection Process 

To secure posts as Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in CSIR Recruitment 2023, candidates are required to go through a three-stage selection process. The preliminary stage consists of Paper 1 and Paper 2 examination, which is the first examination. The second stage involves the Paper 3 examination, which leads to the second examination. The third and final stage of the selection process for Section Officer (SO) posts involves an interview test, while for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) roles, it involves a computer proficiency test. The final selection of the candidates will be determined on the basis of cumulative marks obtained at all stages of the recruitment process.

  • Stage 1 (Paper 1 and Paper 2 Exam)
  • Stage 2 (Paper 3)
  • Interview Exam for Section Officer Posts
  • Computer Proficiency Test for Assistant Section Officer Posts

CSIR SO/ASO Exam Pattern

The CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) exam pattern for the upcoming recruitment provides a structured framework for the candidates preparing for these roles. There are three papers – Paper I (General Awareness and English Language and Comprehension), Paper II (General Intelligence and Mental Ability), and Paper III (English/Hindi Descriptive Paper). 

CSIR Exam Pattern for Section Officer (SO) Posts 2023

  • Candidates who secure the minimum threshold marks in aggregate out of 350 marks (Paper – I and Paper – II) will be called for Paper-III (Descriptive Paper).
  • Candidates who secure the minimum threshold marks in Paper– I, Paper- II and Paper- III in aggregate out of 500 marks will be called for an Interview. The interview carries 100 marks.
  • The total marks for the post of Section Officer (Gen/F&A/S&P) will be 600.
  • Final Select/Wait List will be prepared to keep in view the number of vacancies and total marks obtained by the candidates, subject to securing the minimum threshold marks.
  • There will be a negative marking in Paper 1 and Paper 2, 0.33 marks will be deducted for for each wrong answer.
StagePaperSubjectTotal QuestionsTotal MarksTime Duration
1IGeneral Awareness100100120 minutes
1IEnglish Language and Comprehension5050same as above
1IIGeneral Intelligence, Reasoning, and Mental Ability200200150 minutes
2IIIEnglish/Hindi – Descriptive Paper3150120 minutes
3–Interview Exams–100–

CISR Exam Pattern for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) 2023

  • Candidates who secure the minimum threshold marks in aggregate out of 350 marks (Paper – I and Paper – II) will be called for Paper-III (Descriptive Paper) and Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). CPT is Qualifying in nature and Marks obtained in CPT will not be counted towards final marks.
  • The total marks for the post of Assistant Section Officer (Gen/F&A/S&P) will be 500, excluding CPT.
  • Final Select/Wait List will be prepared to keep in view the number of vacancies and total marks obtained by the candidates, subject to securing the minimum threshold marks and qualifying marks in CPT.
  • There will be a negative marking in Paper 1 and Paper 2, 0.33 marks will be deducted for for each wrong answer.
StagePaperSubjectTotal QuestionsTotal MarksTime Duration
1IGeneral Awareness100100120 minutes
1IEnglish Language and Comprehension5050120 minutes
1IIGeneral Intelligence, Reasoning, and Mental Ability200200150 minutes
2IIIEnglish/Hindi – Descriptive Paper3150120 minutes
3–Computer Proficiency Test–100–

CSIR SO/ASO Syllabus 

Candidates are encouraged to review the syllabus for the CSIR examination to be held in February 2024. The examination consists of three papers: Paper I, which covers General Awareness and English Language and Comprehension; Paper II, which focuses on general intelligence and mental ability; and Paper III, which consists of an English/Hindi descriptive paper.

CSIR ASO and SO Syllabus for Paper 1 Exam

SubjectSub TopicsTopics
General AwarenessHistory of India & Indian National Movement
  • Sources of Indian History, Harappan Civilization
  • The Mauryan, Vedic, Post Mauryan period (200 BC-300 AD), Gupta & Post-Gupta period: Society, Economy & Polity, Chronology of Events in Medieval India
  • North India between 750-1200, The Sultans of Delhi, The Mughal Kings, The Marathas, The Saints of Medieval India
  • India in the Eighteenth Century, Rise of the Regional Powers Economic Impact of The British, Indian Renaissance and Reform Movement, Early Uprisings Against The British, The Revolt of 1857
  • Nature and Causes For The Rise of National Movement, The Rise of Neo-Nationalists or Extremists, The Beginning of the Gandhian Era.
 Constitution of India, Polity, Governance, Social Justice
  • Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
  • Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
  • Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
  • Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
  • Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
  • Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
  • Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity
  • Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
  • Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
  • Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
  • Health, Education, Human Resources
  • Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
  • Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to
  • Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures
  • Issues relating to poverty and hunger
 Current events of National and International importance
  • National - National Issues, Indian Economy, Indian Polity, Judiciary, Environment, Science and Technology, States, Social Schemes, Sports News, Reports, Committee and Commission, Awards and Honours, Accident and calamities, First in India.
  • International -Important Summits & Events, International Awards, First in the world, International leadership, International Reports, International committees and recommendations, Geographical events around the world.
English Language &Comprehension 
  • Comprehension, do as directed (Active-Passive; Direct-Indirect etc.), Prepositions, fill in the blanks, synonyms, antonyms, sentence correction, common errors, punctuation, idioms & phrases etc.

CSIR ASO and SO Syllabus for Paper 2 Exam

SubjectSub TopicsTopics
General Intelligence & Reasoning and Mental AbilityGeneral Intelligence & Reasoning
  • It would include questions of both verbal and non-verbal type. The test will include questions on analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem solving, analysis, judgement, decision making, visual memory, discriminating observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series etc. The test will also include questions designed to test the candidate's abilities to deal with abstract ideas and symbols and their relationship, arithmetical computation and other analytical functions.
 General Mental AbilityAnalogy, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood relations, Direction Sense Test, Logical Venn Diagrams, Alphabet Test, Sitting Arrangements, Mathematical Operations, Arithmetical Reasoning, Inserting the Missing Character, Number, Ranking and Time Sequence Test, Eligibility Test.
Arithmetical and Numerical Ability: Simplification, Decimals, Data Interpretation, Fractions, L.C.M., H.C.F., Ratio and proportion, Percentage, Average, Profit and loss, Discount, Simple and compound Interest, Mensuration, Time and work, Time & Distance, Tables & Graphs etc.
General SciencePhysicsMechanics, heat, magnetism, Electricity, Light, sound, modern physics
 ChemistryNature and composition of substances, atomic structure, radioactivity, isotopic isotope isotronic, chemical bond, Oxidation & Equipment, acid, ash and salt, Valency and Atomic Weight, General properties of gases, Merger, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, inducement, fuel, periodic classification of elements, Latin names and chemical symbols of elements, metallurgical treatment, metals and their compounds, non-metals and their compounds, organic chemistry, Various such as alloy, fertilizer, cement etc.
 BiologyPlant diseases, plant tissue, plant genetics, cell Biology, ecology, Pollution, health and nutrition, human physiology, classification of animal kingdom, branch of zoology, chief biologist.
 Computer/ITBasic knowledge and fundamentals about Computer, Word Processing, Spread sheet, generation of Slides, Email etc.
Economic & Social Development and General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate ChangeEconomic growth and development

Basic concept and definition of economy and economics, uses and transfer of resources, distributive effects, macro and micro economic policy, micro-macro balance, distributive impact of economic policies, development versus growth, determinant of growth and development, concepts such as HPI/MPI, HDI, PQLI, GEM, GDI/GII, TAI, Green index, sustainable development, India's ranking in the various indices.

 

 

 General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
  • Terms like climate change, ecosystem, sustainable development, natural disaster, etc. are regularly featured in the news.
  • Environment topics can be interlinked with core concepts of other subjects like geography, biology, botany, zoology and also the economy.
  • Environment can also overlap with policy and governance since many government schemes are linked towards preserving the natural resources and environment, conservation of flora and fauna, and reducing pollution, etc.
Ethics and Human Interface Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Decision Making and Problem solving Identify the problem, Identify the possible solutions, Select the best solution, Eliminate other solutions, Make the decision.
Management Principles & Practices Principles of management (Planning, organizing, Directing & Control etc.), Job analysis, Job description Job specification, Job design, Job change, Recruitment, Communication, Leadership, Motivation, Negotiations, Financial Management, Delegation, Working & Networking, Project Appraisal, Career Advancement, Procurement, Stores, Inventory Management, Facilities & Infrastructure Management
National Geography Basics of India, Physical features, River systems, Climate, Minerals and Industries, Agriculture, Natural vegetation and fauna, Economic infrastructure, Human Geography
   

CSIR ASO and SO Syllabus for Paper 3 Exam

English / Hindi – Descriptive Paper

  • Essay writing (02 questions)
  • Precis writing (01 question)
  • Letter/Application writing (01 question)

CSIR Syllabus for CPT for ASO posts

Computer Proficiency Test

Computer Proficiency Test – Qualifying in Nature - For the posts of ASOs (Gen/F&A/S&P) only (Total Marks = 100) (Time : 01 Hour)

  • CPT will judge proficiency in Word Processing, Spread Sheet, Generation of Slides etc. Exercises will include Typing of a passage and/or other word processing exercises; preparation of a spreadsheet; preparation of PowerPoint Presentation and related exercises which are required in the normal day-to-day functioning of
  • an Office.
  • CPT will be qualifying only. Candidates are required to obtain the Minimum cut-off marks in CPT.
  • For PwBD candidates, Govt. of India/Staff Selection Commission (SSC) rules on CPT shall be followed.

CSIR SO/ASO Salary 

The salary structure offered through CSIR Recruitment 2023 is particularly attractive. For the Section Officer post, the pay scale is approximately Rs. 47,600 to Rs. 1,51,100, ensuring a competitive compensation package. Similarly, the role of Assistant Section Officer comes with an attractive salary bracket of Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400. A detailed breakdown of the salary levels is given in the table below, providing candidates with a comprehensive overview of the remuneration associated with these coveted positions.

CSIR SO/ ASO Salary Structure 2023
Post NamePay scale Salary
Section Officer Group B (Gazetted)Pay Level – 8Rs. 47,600 –Rs. 1,51,100
Assistant Section Officer Group B (Non-Gazetted)Pay Level – 7Rs. 44,900 –1,42,400

Exam Date

February 2024 (Phase I)

Total Vacancies

444

Pricing Plan

Flexible pricing options for all the aspirants

FAQs

What is the age limit for CSIR SO/ASO 2023? −

The maximum age limits for Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) is 33 years.

When will the CSIR SO/ASO 2023 exam will be conducted? +

The CSIR SO/ASO will be held sometime in February 2024.

When is the last date for online submission? +

CSIR SO/ASO's last date for online submission is 12th January 2024 (05:00 pm).

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