CCRS Siddha Recruitment 2026: Apply for 14 Research Officer, MLT & Laboratory Posts

CCRS Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, has published its official recruitment notification (Advertisement No. 01/2026) in the Employment News dated 31.01.2026. This direct recruitment drive aims to fill 14 vacancies across four distinct posts, all carrying an All India Service Liability. Interested and eligible candidates with qualifications in Siddha Medicine, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, and Science at the +2 level are invited to apply offline. The selection process involves a written test for all posts, with an additional personal interview specifically for the Research Officer (Siddha) position.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

Candidates must carefully review the post-specific eligibility criteria concerning age, educational qualifications, and required experience before applying. The age limit varies from 25 to 40 years, depending on the post, with the cut-off date being either 01.01.2026 or the closing date of application. A critical requirement is the submission of a Demand Draft (DD) as the application fee, as cash or online payments are not accepted. The entire recruitment process, including the written test, will be conducted at the CCRS headquarters in Chennai. Applicants are strongly advised to adhere to the prescribed format, send applications via Speed Post only, and ensure all supporting documents are self-attested to avoid rejection.

About Important Dates for CCRS Recruitment 2026

The timeline for CCRS Recruitment 2026 is defined by the publication date in the Employment News. Candidates have a strict window of 60 days from 31st January 2026 to ensure their complete application packet reaches the CCRS office in Chennai. It is vital to note the distinction between the "last date for receipt" and the "extended last date," which is a grace period only for candidates from remote areas or abroad as defined by the Government of India. The age cut-off date is not uniform; for most posts, your age as of 1st January 2026 is considered, but for some, it is the closing date of the application. Missing these deadlines, even by a day, leads to automatic rejection. Since notifications for the written test and interview will only be published on the CCRS website, candidates must bookmark it and check regularly post-application to avoid missing crucial updates.

About Application Fee for CCRS Recruitment 2026

The application fee mechanism for CCRS recruitment is strictly offline and traditional. Unlike many modern recruitments, CCRS mandates payment only via a Demand Draft (DD) drawn in favor of "Central Council for Research in Siddha" payable at Chennai. This means you must visit your bank, request a DD for ₹300 (if applicable), and ensure the original DD is physically enclosed with your application. Crucially, you must write your Name, Advertisement Number (01/2026), and the Post Applied for on the back of the DD. Failure to do so may lead to non-credit of your fee. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempt but must still submit all other documents. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, so ensure your eligibility before procuring the DD.

About Vacancy Details for CCRS Recruitment 2026

The vacancy distribution reveals the Council's current staffing needs, with the Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) post having the highest number of openings (09), offering a relatively better chance of selection. The Research Officer (Siddha) and Research Assistant (Chemistry) posts are highly specialized, requiring advanced degrees and, in some cases, research or teaching experience. The Laboratory Attendant, while a single post, requires only a 12th Science qualification, which typically attracts a large applicant pool. Candidates should note the term "provisional," which means the final number of posts may be slightly increased or decreased based on administrative requirements or budgetary approvals at the time of final selection. This is a standard clause in government recruitments.

About Eligibility Criteria for CCRS Recruitment 2026

The eligibility criteria are the first and most critical screening layer. For the Research Officer (Siddha), the mandate for enrolment in the Central/State Register of Indian Medicine is non-negotiable; a PG degree alone is insufficient. For Research Assistant (Chemistry), candidates have two pathways: either a Bachelor's degree with relevant experience or a higher Postgraduate degree without the experience mandate. This flexibility broadens the applicant base. Experience, where required, must be documented with certificates specifying the duration and nature of work. The age limit varies significantly: the Research Officer post allows up to 40 years, recognizing the time needed for PG and registration, while the Laboratory Attendant post has a lower limit of 25 years, aligning with entry-level positions. Misinterpreting the age cut-off date (01.01.2026 vs. Closing Date) is a common mistake that leads to rejection.

About Category Wise Posts in CCRS Recruitment 2026

The reservation roster is applied separately to each post. Notably, the two posts of Research Officer (Siddha) are reserved exclusively for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category, and the two Research Assistant (Chemistry) posts are for the Unreserved (UR) category. This means candidates from other categories cannot apply for these specific posts unless they choose to apply under the UR category (if eligible), foregoing reservation benefits. The MLT post has a diverse distribution across UR, OBC, EWS, and ST, making it accessible to a wider range of candidates. The Laboratory Attendant is an EWS post. It is crucial for reserved category candidates to possess a valid and latest certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. Applying under a reserved category without a valid certificate will lead to your application being considered under the UR category, subject to higher competition.

About Exam Pattern for CCRS Recruitment 2026

The selection process is a two-stage filtration for Research Officers and a single-stage for others. The written test is common for all, designed to assess domain knowledge, aptitude, and possibly general awareness relevant to a research council. Since the notification does not specify a detailed syllabus, preparation should be based on the essential qualifications mentioned for the post. For instance, a Research Assistant (Chemistry) should focus on core chemistry topics at the Bachelor's/Master's level. The inclusion of a Personal Interview for the Research Officer post signifies the Council's emphasis on communication skills, research aptitude, and personality for this senior role. The final merit list is prepared solely on the basis of marks, emphasizing the importance of scoring high in the written exam (and interview, if applicable). The exam is centralized in Chennai, so candidates from other states must plan for travel and accommodation.

About Physical Eligibility Criteria for CCRS Recruitment 2026

For the posts advertised under this CCRS notification, there is no requirement for meeting specific physical standards (like height, chest measurements) or undergoing a physical efficiency test. These are primarily research, technical, and laboratory support roles where physical prowess is not a job requirement. However, this does not imply that selected candidates are exempt from general standards of fitness for employment. It is a standard practice for government appointments that a candidate must be in good mental and bodily health. While not mentioned in this advertisement, a basic medical examination may be part of the document verification or appointment formalities post-selection to ensure the candidate is fit to perform the duties of the post. Candidates with specific disabilities should refer to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act for applicable reservations and role suitability.

About Salary for CCRS Recruitment 2026

The salary is structured according to the 7th Central Pay Commission, offering financial stability and periodic increments. The Research Officer (Siddha) post at Level-10 is the most senior, with a corresponding higher starting basic pay. The Level-06 posts (Research Assistant and MLT) offer a standard pay scale for technical entry-level/senior technical positions within government research bodies. The Laboratory Attendant post is in Level-02, which is the pay matrix for semi-skilled support staff. The real financial benefit comes from the allowances: Dearness Allowance (revised quarterly), House Rent Allowance (city-dependent), and Transport Allowance, which significantly increase the in-hand salary. These positions also come with the benefits of Central Government employment, such as pension (under NPS), medical facilities, and leave travel concessions.

The CCRS notification includes several strict clauses that candidates must heed to avoid disqualification:

• Application Rejection Grounds: Applications will be rejected if received after the closing date, not in the prescribed format, unsigned, sent via email, without photograph, without DD (if applicable), without supporting documents, if over-aged, or if from government employees not applying through proper channel.
• False Information: Any false information detected at any stage will lead to disqualification and may result in legal action.
• Canvassing: Any form of canvassing or influence will result in immediate disqualification.
• Jurisdiction: All disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of courts in Chennai only.
• No TA/DA: No travel or daily allowance will be paid for attending the written test or interview.
• All India Liability: Selected candidates can be posted anywhere in India as per the Council's requirements.

1. What is the exact last date to apply for CCRS Recruitment 2026?

The last date is 60 days from 31st January 2026. Calculate precisely from the publication date. For candidates from remote areas/abroad, an extra 7 working days are provided after the normal closing date.

2. Can I pay the application fee online or by cash?

No. The only accepted mode is a Demand Draft (DD) drawn in favor of "Central Council for Research in Siddha" payable at Chennai. Cash, cheque, or online payments will lead to rejection.

3. I have an MD in Siddha but my college was recognized by CCIM. Am I eligible for Research Officer?

Yes. The notification accepts degrees from institutions recognized by the NCISM (erstwhile CCIM). Your MD degree is valid, provided you also have mandatory enrolment in the Central/State Register of Indian Medicine.

4. Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories?

The notification does not specify age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC. However, as per standard Central Government norms, age relaxation is usually applicable. Candidates should refer to the official website for a corrigendum if published, or apply as per the mentioned age limit.

5. Where will the written exam be conducted?

The written examination will be conducted only at the CCRS Headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. No other exam centers are mentioned in the notification.

6. Can I send my application by registered post or courier?

The notification specifically instructs to send the application by "Speed Post only." Using registered post or private couriers may be considered non-compliance, risking rejection. Stick to Speed Post for certainty.

7. What is the syllabus for the written test?

The official notification does not prescribe a detailed syllabus. Candidates should prepare based on the core subjects of their essential qualification for the post (e.g., Siddha medicine for Research Officer, Chemistry for Research Assistant).

8. As a government employee, how should I apply?

You must apply through the proper channel. This means submitting your application via your current department, which should forward it with a No Objection Certificate (NOC), vigilance clearance, and APARs of the last 5 years.

9. Is there an interview for the Medical Laboratory Technologist post?

No. According to the exam pattern, only the Research Officer (Siddha) post has a Personal Interview stage. Selection for MLT, Research Assistant, and Lab Attendant is based solely on the written test marks.

10. What does "All India Service Liability" mean?

It means that if selected, you can be posted to any office, institute, or unit of the Central Council for Research in Siddha located anywhere in India. You must be willing to relocate as per administrative orders.

11. What if I make a mistake in the application form?

Since it's an offline process, corrections are not allowed once submitted. You must fill the form carefully. Using CAPITAL LETTERS, as instructed, minimizes errors. Consider filling a draft copy first.

12. Will I get a call letter by post for the exam?

No. The admit card/call letter for the written test/interview will be hosted on the CCRS website only. Notifications will also be sent via Speed Post and Email, but the primary mode is the website.

13. Can I apply for more than one post?

Yes, but you must submit separate application forms, separate Demand Drafts (if applicable), and separate sets of documents for each post in separate envelopes.

14. My experience certificate is on plain paper with a stamp. Is it valid?

It is risky. Experience certificates should ideally be on the organization's official letterhead, with clear dates, designation, and nature of work. Certificates on plain paper may be accepted only if properly stamped and signed, but those on letterhead carry more authenticity.

15. What is the career growth path in CCRS?

As a Central Government Autonomous Body, CCRS follows prescribed promotion policies. Promotions are based on seniority, vacancy, and performance through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPC). For example, a Research Assistant can be promoted to higher scientific grades over time.