CSIR-JRF scholars seek age limit change for scientist positions, demand revision to 40 years

NEW DELHI: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Junior Research Fellowship (CSIR-JRF) scholars have written to the CSIR director general requesting revision of age limit guidelines for scientist positions in CSIR institutions. The All-India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) has brought attention to the issue of the existing upper age limit of 32 years, stating that the restriction has adversely affected many deserving candidates.

“Recently, CSIR institutes advertised positions for scientists, restricting the age limit to 32 years , which has created a significant disparity compared to other government and scientific institutions and universities offering similar positions. This restriction has adversely affected many deserving candidates, and we, on behalf of AIRSA, kindly request immediate revision of this guideline,” the official letter read.

CSIR NET December 2024 exam is scheduled to be held from February 16 to 28 in CBT mode for awarding of the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), hiring of assistant professors and admission to PhD programmes in Indian colleges and universities.

PhD duration impacts eligibility

The AIRSA highlighted several changes caused by the current age limit. Pointing to CSIR-JRF age criteria , the association said that scholars who qualify for the CSIR-JRF exam have an age limit of 30 years with a validity of only two years. This leaves limited time for them to qualify for a scientist position before crossing the 32-year age limit.

It further highlighted that the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme approximately takes five years to complete which further reduces the eligibility to apply for scientist positions under the current age limit for many scholars. The association also pointed out irregularities in the advertisement process, with delays and inconsistencies limiting fair access to vacancies.

Pandemic delays scientist vacancies

Referring to the revision of age limit guidelines in 2011 that reduced the age limit for scientist positions from 35 to 32 years, AIRSA highlighted that the basis for this change remains unclear and appears to contradict the policies of other research institutions.

The association also cited the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact that caused many institutions to cancel or delay advertisements for scientist vacancies. “When these vacancies were re-advertised, many scholars had already crossed the 32- year age limit,” the letter read.

CSIR JRF: Recommendations by AIRSA

In light of the challenges highlighted above, the association requires CSIR to revise the age limit and propose to increase the upper age limit be 40 years, aligning it with policies in other leading research organizations.

It also urged to involve AIRSA members in policy discussions. “We request the inclusion of AIRSA members in discussions regarding revisions to the age criteria, ensuring fair representation of the research community,” it said.