The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is considering increasing the upper age limit for entry-level Scientist C positions from 32 to 35 years, following recommendations from an expert committee reviewing recruitment policies. While researchers have welcomed this potential change, many continue to demand a further increase to 40 years or the removal of the age limit entirely, citing delays in completing PhDs.
The proposal to revise the age limit will be presented to CSIR’s General Body for approval in its upcoming meeting, the council stated in a post on X. CSIR emphasized that the revision aims to align its recruitment criteria with other scientific organizations and address concerns raised by research scholars.
Researchers Seek Further Reforms
Despite the proposed increase, many researchers argue that it is still insufficient. The All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA), which has been advocating for policy changes since December 2024, insists that the age cap should be extended to 40 years.
“While we commend this decision, AIRSA strongly reiterates its longstanding demand for raising the upper age limit to 40 years. Such a reform is essential to provide greater opportunities for researchers and foster a more inclusive academic environment,” said Dr. Lal Chandra Vishwakarma, AIRSA president.
Many scientists have expressed frustration over the irregular recruitment process at CSIR, which they say results in missed opportunities for eligible candidates. Bipin Tiwari, a 36-year-old researcher at AIIMS, New Delhi, said, “CSIR does not advertise Scientist C posts regularly and often cancels recruitment notices, making many candidates ineligible. The upper age limit should be 40 years.”
Background and Policy Changes Over the Years
CSIR, an autonomous research organization under the Ministry of Science and Technology, was established in 1942. It oversees 37 research institutes and employs around 3,500 scientists.
In 2001, CSIR set the upper age limit for Scientist C recruitment at 35 years. However, in 2011, it was reduced to 32 years to attract younger professionals with high qualifications. Some scientists support maintaining a lower age limit, arguing that integrated master’s-PhD programs now allow students to complete their research earlier than before.
“I completed my PhD at 31,” said a senior scientist from CSIR’s National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram. “Many students now enter PhD programs directly after their master’s, making them eligible for scientist roles at a younger age.”
However, researchers like Dr. Prafulla Tiwari, 38, who completed his PhD from King George Medical University in 2023, believe the current rules exclude experienced scientists. “I am eligible for many roles based on educational qualifications, but the age limit makes me ineligible,” he said.
Future Implications
CSIR’s decision on the proposed revision will significantly impact research careers across India. While the move to raise the age limit to 35 is a step forward, continued demands for a higher limit indicate that the debate is far from over. The research community now awaits CSIR’s final decision, hoping for a more inclusive policy that accommodates experienced scientists in the recruitment process.
Sources By Agencies
