The ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, announces vacancies for Young Professionals (YP-I & YP-II) and Research Fellows under major national and internationally funded projects. These positions offer exceptional opportunities for researchers, aquaculture specialists, and fisheries scientists to engage in high-impact research on selective breeding, aquatic animal health, feed formulation, and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).
Overview & Key Highlights
| Recruiting Institute | ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) |
| Headquarters & Centers | Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Rahara (West Bengal), Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bathinda (Punjab) |
| Positions Available | Young Professional-II (YP-II), Young Professional-I (YP-I), Junior Research Fellows (JRF) |
| Monthly Emoluments | YP-II: ₹42,000/- per month (Fixed) YP-I: ₹30,000/- per month (Fixed) |
| Thrust Areas | Carp Selective Breeding, Aquatic Animal Health, Aquafeed Technology, Biofloc & RAS |
| Selection Mode | Walk-in Interview & Online Screening (Scheduled for October 2026) |
| Official Portal | cifa.nic.in |
Core Research Domains & Project Scope
ICAR-CIFA is India’s premier national research institution dedicated exclusively to advancing freshwater aquaculture technologies. Appointed candidates will participate in state-of-the-art research programs focused on:
- Fish Genetics & Selective Breeding: Family selection and genomic breeding in Indian major carps (Rohu ‘Jayanti’, Catla, Mrigal) and freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) for disease resistance and improved growth rates.
- Aquatic Animal Health Management: Surveillance of freshwater viral and bacterial diseases, development of autogenous vaccines, probiotics evaluation, and point-of-care rapid molecular diagnostics (PCR/LAMP).
- Fish Nutrition & Aquafeed Development: Precision feed formulation utilizing non-conventional feed ingredients, insect meal, microencapsulated larval feeds, and functional feed additives to enhance immunity.
- Intensive Aquaculture Technologies: Engineering and biological optimization of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Biofloc Technology (BFT), and integrated peri-urban aquaculture systems.
Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy the educational criteria established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
- For Young Professional-II (YP-II):
- Master’s degree (M.F.Sc.) in Aquaculture, Fish Genetics & Breeding, Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology, Aquatic Animal Health Management, or Fishery Science.
OR - M.Sc. / M.Tech in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Zoology (Fisheries specialization), Biochemistry, or Life Sciences with at least 60% marks from an accredited university.
- Desirable: Hands-on experience in fish breeding techniques, molecular biology (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR), histological analysis, or water quality monitoring.
- Master’s degree (M.F.Sc.) in Aquaculture, Fish Genetics & Breeding, Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology, Aquatic Animal Health Management, or Fishery Science.
- For Young Professional-I (YP-I):
- Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science (B.F.Sc.) or Bachelor’s in Zoology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or Chemistry.
- Desirable: Familiarity with aquaculture hatchery operations, basic wet lab protocols, and statistical data entry.
Age Limit & Remuneration
- Age Limit: Minimum 21 years and maximum 45 years on the date of interview (age relaxations applicable for SC/ST/OBC/Women candidates as per GoI regulations).
- Consolidated Emoluments:
- Young Professional-II: ₹42,000/- per month.
- Young Professional-I: ₹30,000/- per month.
- Tenure: 1 year initially, extendable based on project tenure and candidate performance.
Application & Walk-in Interview Guidelines
Interested candidates should follow the prescribed registration process:
- Download the official application biodata format from the ICAR-CIFA recruitment section (cifa.nic.in).
- Prepare self-attested copies of matriculation certificates, degree marksheets, degree completion certificates, caste certificates, and experience documents.
- Candidates reporting in person must report at ICAR-CIFA Kausalyaganga Campus, Bhubaneswar – 751 002, Odisha by 09:30 AM with original documents for verification on the scheduled interview date.
- For projects accepting online submissions, submit the completed application along with scanned documents through the official CIFA online recruitment portal.
For complete details, project-wise vacancies, and downloadable forms, visit the ICAR-CIFA Official Job Opportunities Page.