CSIR SO/ASO Answer Key out: The written examination for CSIR CASE ASO SO was conducted in various time slots from February 5 to February 20, 2024. CSIR released the answer key for CASE ASO SO on February 23, 2024. If you have participated in the CSIR CASE 2023 examination, you have the opportunity to raise concerns or objections from February 24 to February 28, 2024, through the website csir01.cbtexamportal.in.
CSIR SO/ASO 2024 Answer Key Out (Active Link)
Great news for aspiring candidates! The CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) admit cards are now out! The arrival of admit cards signals a step closer to the examination day, bringing with it a sense of readiness and anticipation. It’s time for candidates to secure their admit cards and prepare for the next phase of their academic journey. Let the countdown to the CSIR examination begin!
Download CSIR SO/ASO 2024 Admit Card- Click Here
CSIR SO/ASO Notification 2024: The official website of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) now released the notification PDF. This notification aims to fill 444 posts for Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) roles within the organisation. This notification reflects CSIR’s commitment to promoting its workforce, especially in the roles of Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO). 444 vacancies provide an attractive opportunity for the candidates to join a dynamic scientific and industrial organization. The online application link for CSIR Recruitment 2023 has been activated on the official portal of CSIR for candidates willing to apply for CSIR SO and ASO posts, for complete information regarding the eligibility, selection process, salary, and other details refer to the article.
CSIR SO/ASO 2024 Sample Paper
CSIR SO/ASO Mock Test Challenge 2023
CSIR Exam Overview 2023
| CSIR Assistant Section Officer/ Section Officer: Important Details | |
| Organisation | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) |
| Post | Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| CSIR Vacancies 2023 | 444 |
| Mode of Application Process | Online |
| Advt.No | E-I/RC/2023/1 |
| Application Start Dates | 8th December 2023 |
| Last Date to Apply | 13th January 2024 ( Extended) |
| Exam Date | February 5, 2024-February 20, 2024 |
| 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 Important Dates 2023
| CSIR Events | Important Dates |
| CSIR Recruitment 2023 Notification Release Date | 08th December 2023 |
| CSIR Recruitment 2023 Apply Online Starts | 08th December 2023 |
| CSIR SO/ASO Last Date to Apply Online | 13th January 2024 (05:00 pm) (Extended) |
| Last Date for Fee Submission | 14th January 2024 (05:00 pm) |
| CSIR Stage I Admit Card 2023 | Will be Updated |
| CSIR Stage I Exam 2023 | February 5, 2024-February 20, 2024 |
| CSIR Stage I Result 2023 | Will be Updated |
| CSIR Stage II Exam 2023 | Will be Updated |
CSIR SO/ASO Official Notification PDF Out 2023
CSIR has released the Important notification PDF for CSIR SO/ASO Recruitment 2023 under Advt. No. E-I/RC/2023/1, available on the official website https://www.csir.res.in/. Aspirants of Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts should read the notification PDF carefully for detailed information about the recruitment process. Prospective candidates are required to meet the eligibility criteria for SO ASO Posts to facilitate their online application for CSIR Case Recruitment 2023. For the convenience of the candidates, a direct link to download the CSIR Notification 2023 PDF is given here.
CSIR Vacancies 2023
CSIR has released 444 vacancies for Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) roles in CSIR SO ASO Recruitment 2023. Of these, 76 posts are designated for CSIR Section Officer (SO) posts, while the remaining 368 posts are. Vacancies have been allotted for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts. Comprehensive details of vacancy distribution based on posts are given in the table below.
| CSIR SO/ASO vacancies 2023 | |
| Post | Vacancy |
| Section Officer (SO) | 76 |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | 368 |
| Total | 444 |
CSIR Vacancy 2023 for Section Officer (SO) Posts
| Name of the Post | Total | Category-wise breakup | ||||
| SC | ST | OBC | EWS | UR | ||
| SO (Gen) | 28 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 13 |
| SO (F&A) | 26 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 2 | 13 |
| SO (S&P) | 22 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 11 |
| Grand Total | 76 | 10 | 04 | 19 | 06 | 37 |
CSIR Vacancy 2023 for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) Posts
| Name of the Post | Total | Category-wise breakup | ||||
| SC | ST | OBC | EWS | UR | ||
| ASO (Gen) | 237 | 35 | 17 | 66 | 23 | 96 |
| ASO (F&A) | 83 | 12 | 6 | 22 | 8 | 35 |
| ASO (S&P) | 48 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 4 | 20 |
| Grand Total | 368 | 54 | 26 | 102 | 35 | 151 |
CSIR Eligibility Criteria 2023
Before proceeding with the application for the Combined Administrative Services Examination – 2023 (CASE – 2023), it is mandatory for the candidates to carefully review the notification PDF and verify their eligibility for the respective posts. The eligibility criteria including educational qualification and age limit for CSIR Section Officer and Assistant Section Officer roles are detailed here, which are in line with the specifications mentioned in the official CSIR notification PDF.
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 ASO/AO Age Limit 2023
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 Name | Maximum Age Limit |
| Section Officer (SO) | 33 Year |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | 33 Year |
CSIR Age Relaxation in the Upper Age Limit 2023
| Category | Age-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-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of the actual military service rendered from the actual age as on the closing date |
| CSIR Departmental Candidates | 05 years |
| Any other category | No age relaxation |
To start the CSIR Recruitment journey, candidates have to access the official CSIR website. The application form, an important document in this process, is usually made available on the website. Understanding the application process is the first step. Candidates need to visit the dedicated recruitment section to locate and access the application form. candidates can click on the below CSIR CASE Recruitment 2023 Apply Online Link and start submitting their application before the last registration dates.
Step to Apply Online CSIR SO ASO Recruitment 2023
- 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 application fee 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 Application Fees 2023
Candidates must have to pay a fixed amount of the application fee as mentioned in the CSIR notification PDF. Candidates belonging to Unserved (UR), OBC, and EWS categories have to pay Rs. 500/- Women/SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/CSIR Departmental Candidate(s), are exempted from paying the online application fee. The payment can be made by using Debit Cards (RuPay/Visa/MasterCard/Maestro), Credit Cards, Internet Banking, UPI. The online application fee must be paid through the payment gateway integrated with the online application system. Payment of online application fee by any other mode is not acceptable and payments made through other modes will NOT be returned or refunded to the candidate(s).
| Unreserved (UR), OBC and EWS Categories | 500/- |
| Women/SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen/CSIR Departmental Candidates | NIL |
CSIR Exam Pattern 2023
Potential applicants willing to apply for CSIR Recruitment 2023 should be familiar with the examination structure, marking scheme and subjects included in the Combined Administrative Services Examination – 2023 (CASE – 2023) for Section Officer (SO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts. Needed , It is important that candidates align their preparation with the CSIR Exam Pattern 2023. Below, we have provided insights into the CSIR exam pattern specifically for Section Officer and Assistant Section Officer roles.
CISR 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.
| Stage | Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Time Duration |
| 1 | I | General Awareness | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes |
| 1 | I | English Language and Comprehension | 50 | 50 | same as above |
| 1 | II | General Intelligence, Reasoning, and Mental Ability | 200 | 200 | 150 minutes |
| 2 | III | English/Hindi – Descriptive Paper | 3 | 150 | 120 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.
| Stage | Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Time Duration |
| 1 | I | General Awareness | 100 | 100 | 120 minutes |
| 1 | I | English Language and Comprehension | 50 | 50 | 120 minutes |
| 1 | II | General Intelligence, Reasoning, and Mental Ability | 200 | 200 | 150 minutes |
| 2 | III | English/Hindi – Descriptive Paper | 3 | 150 | 120 minutes |
| 3 | – | Computer Proficiency Test | – | 100 | – |
CSIR ASO and SO Syllabus 2023
CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) ASO (Assistant Section Officer) and SO (Section Officer) Syllabus 2023 provides a comprehensive outline of the topics that candidates need to cover for the exam. In this article, we have discussed the detailed exam syllabus for Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3. Check the table given below and start preparation as per CSIR syllabus.
CSIR ASO and SO Syllabus for Paper 1 Exam
| Subject | Sub Topics | Topics |
| General Awareness | History of India & Indian National Movement | Sources of Indian History, Harappan CivilizationThe Mauryan, Vedic, Post Mauryan period (200 BC-300 AD), Gupta & Post-Gupta period: Society, Economy & Polity, Chronology of Events in Medieval IndiaNorth India between 750-1200, The Sultans of Delhi, The Mughal Kings, The Marathas, The Saints of Medieval IndiaIndia 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 1857Nature 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 structureFunctions 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 thereinComparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countriesSeparation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutionsParliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of theseAppointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional BodiesStructure, 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 PolityGovernment policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementationStatutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodiesWelfare 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 sectionsHealth, Education, Human ResourcesDevelopment processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholdersIssues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating toImportant aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measuresIssues 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
| Subject | Sub Topics | Topics |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning and Mental Ability | General 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 Ability | Analogy, 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 Science | Physics | Mechanics, heat, magnetism, Electricity, Light, sound, modern physics |
| Chemistry | Nature 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. | |
| Biology | Plant diseases, plant tissue, plant genetics, cell Biology, ecology, Pollution, health and nutrition, human physiology, classification of animal kingdom, branch of zoology, chief biologist. | |
| Computer/IT | Basic 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 Change | Economic 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 spreadsheet; preparation of Power Point 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 Salary 2023
Candidates appointed to the post of Section Officer can expect a salary ranging from Rs. 47,600/- to Rs. 1,51,100/-. Those selected for the role of Assistant Section Officer will get a salary within Rs. 44,900/- to Rs. Rs.1,42,400/-. Apart from the basic salary, candidates will enjoy various allowances including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA) and other allowances. The benefit package includes medical expenses, leave travel concession, house building advance etc. Check Post wise Salary structure from the below table.
| CSIR SO/ ASO Salary Structure 2023 | ||
| Post Name | Pay scale | Salary |
| Section Officer Group B (Gazetted) | Pay Level – 8 | Rs. 47,600 –Rs. 1,51,100 |
| Assistant Section Officer Group B (Non-Gazetted) | Pay Level – 7 | Rs. 44,900 –1,42,400 |
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