CAREER OPPORTUNITIES...

Upon graduating or post-graduating in a discipline of Agriculture and allied sciences, the options and opportunities of a career in teaching, research and transfer-of-technology streams in SAU, state Department of Agriculture, Non Government Organization or Industry are many. Even banks advancing credit and loans for agri-based projects employ agricultural specialists in house. The avenues are really multifaceted depending entirely on competence.

AT THE ICAR...

The ICAR is one of the largest employers of scientific manpower in the country - more than 6,500 research scientists work directly in the Council's research establishments and about 5,000 scientists in the SAUs in projects funded directly by the Council. Recruitment to these positions are made each year by the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) in 61 disciplines through a nation-wide competitive examination followed by a personal interview. These 61 disciplines apart from agricultural science, animal science and fisheries science include Basic and Fundamental Sciences, Social Sciences, Home Science and Engineering.

Though the maximum qualification is a Master's degree in the subject, many of those writing the entrance examination have already earned their doctoral degree.

Scientific placements are classified into; Scientists, Scientists Selection Grade, Senior Scientists and Principal Scientists. Nearly 1,000 of them occupy management placements as Heads of Divisions, Project Coordinators, Project Directors, Directors of Institutes, Assistant Directors-General and Deputy Directors-General. Promotion from Scientist to the level of a Senior Scientist is through performance assessment of work done and length of service in the previous grade. Subsequently, Principal Scientists and research management placements are filled through international advertisement and selection. Lateral entry into these positions is open to scientists from other organizations and the SAUs.

IN SERVICE ADVANCEMENT...

ICAR enters into a large number of bilateral and collaborative arrangements with national and international institutions. Therefore, also while in service, there is ample opportunity for training, skill upgradation and active participation in research both within the country and abroad.

Opportunities are also available for obtaining advance degrees as in-service candidates with study-leave benefits.