BSI Recruitment 2026 – 6 Junior Research Fellow Posts
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has announced the recruitment of 6 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) for its regional centres across India. Candidates holding an M.Sc. in Botany with a minimum of 55% marks are eligible to apply for these research positions. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of ₹37,000, which increases to ₹42,000 from the third year. The final date to submit applications is 09 August 2026.
| Organisation | Botanical Survey of India (BSI) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Fellow (JRF) |
| Total Vacancies | 6 |
| Last Date | |
| Qualification | M.Sc. in Botany with at least 55% aggregate marks from a UGC-recognized university. |
| Salary / Pay Scale | ₹37,000/month (first 2 years), ₹42,000/month (from 3rd year) |
| Category | Central Government Jobs |
| District | All Districts |
BSI Junior Research Fellow Vacancy Details
The Botanical Survey of India is recruiting 6 Junior Research Fellows (JRF) to be stationed at various regional centres across the country. These positions are open to qualified candidates with a background in Botany. While the vacancies are not categorized by specific regional centres, selected candidates will be posted based on the organizational requirements of the BSI. Potential work locations include Howrah, Kolkata, Itanagar, Shillong, Gangtok, Prayagraj, Noida, Dehradun, Jodhpur, Pune, Hyderabad, Vijaya Puram, Coimbatore, and Solan.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Botany from a UGC-recognized university with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks. Preference will be given to candidates with an M.Sc. in Botany specializing in Plant Taxonomy or Plant Systematics. Additionally, proficiency in computer applications, strong analytical skills, and technical writing abilities are highly desirable. Candidates who have qualified for the CSIR-JRF NET are exempt from the written examination but must still participate in the interview process.
Age Limit & Relaxation
The upper age limit for applicants is 28 years as of 09 August 2026. Age relaxation is provided as per government norms: up to 5 years for SC, ST, Physically Handicapped (PH), and female candidates, and up to 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) applicants.
Application Fee
Candidates must pay the non-refundable application fee via the Bharatkosh portal (bharatkosh.gov.in) using the ‘Quick Pay’ option. The fee structure is as follows:
- General: ₹400
- OBC: ₹200
- SC/ST/PH: ₹100
Salary & Pay Scale
Selected JRFs will receive a consolidated monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 for the first two years. Upon successful performance assessment, the fellowship increases to ₹42,000 per month from the third year onwards. House Rent Allowance (HRA) is provided as per central government rules.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of a written examination followed by an interview. The written test will be an offline MCQ-based paper conducted at various BSI regional centres. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an online interview. CSIR-JRF NET qualified candidates are exempted from the written test.
About Botanical Survey of India
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI), established in 1890, serves as the apex research organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. Headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, the BSI is tasked with the primary mission of exploring, surveying, and documenting the plant resources of the country. Its extensive mandate includes the identification of plant species, the study of plant diversity, and the conservation of threatened flora. The organization operates through a vast network of regional centres spread across diverse ecological zones, including the Eastern Regional Centre in Shillong, the Central National Herbarium in Howrah, and various other offices in cities like Pune, Dehradun, and Coimbatore.
Beyond its core research activities, the BSI plays a pivotal role in advising the government on policies related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. It maintains the national herbarium, which houses millions of plant specimens, serving as a vital repository for botanical research and taxonomic studies. For aspiring researchers, a career at the BSI offers unparalleled opportunities to contribute to national scientific goals while working alongside eminent botanists and taxonomists. The organization provides a robust platform for academic growth, particularly for those specializing in Plant Taxonomy and Systematics. By engaging in field surveys and laboratory analysis, Junior Research Fellows gain hands-on experience that is essential for a successful career in environmental science and academia. The BSI remains committed to fostering scientific excellence and ensuring that India’s rich botanical heritage is preserved for future generations. As a central government entity, it offers a structured career path for scholars, emphasizing rigorous research standards and professional development within the scientific community. Whether through the discovery of new species or the monitoring of ecological health, the BSI continues to be a cornerstone of India’s environmental research infrastructure.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications in three formats: a hard copy, a soft copy via email, and an online Google Form. Ensure all documents, including the Bharatkosh payment receipt, are attached. Applications must be submitted on or before 09 August 2026.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Submission | 09-Aug-2026 |
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Botanical Survey of India JRF 2026?
Candidates holding an M.Sc. in Botany with at least 55% aggregate marks from a UGC-recognized university are eligible to apply. Applicants must also meet the age criteria of 28 years or less, with applicable relaxations for reserved categories.
What is the salary for JRF at BSI?
The selected Junior Research Fellows will receive a monthly fellowship of ₹37,000 for the first two years. This amount is increased to ₹42,000 per month from the third year onwards, subject to performance assessment.
What is the selection process for BSI JRF 2026?
The selection process involves a written examination followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates. Candidates who have already qualified for the CSIR-JRF NET are exempted from the written test stage.
Is BSI a Central or State Government organisation?
The Botanical Survey of India is a Central Government organization operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is the apex research institution in India for botanical studies and plant taxonomy.