1. Introduction - A Message for Ex-Servicemen

For most retired soldiers, sailors and airmen, the shift from military life to a civilian government job is not simple. After years of structured service, fixed routines and disciplined hierarchy, finding a stable second career becomes a priority.

The CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) recruitment 2026 is a meaningful opportunity for Ex-Servicemen because:

  • The posts are administrative and support-oriented - well suited to military temperament.
  • Basic educational qualifications are 10th/12th pass - achievable for most veterans.
  • Ex-Servicemen get fee exemption and age relaxation.
  • These are permanent central government jobs with assured salary, promotion and pension compatibility.

If you are nearing retirement or have already retired and want a stable desk-based government role, this notification deserves your attention.

2. Verified Key Details (From Official Notification)

ItemDetails
OrganizationCSIR - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI)
PostsJunior Stenographer, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Multi-Tasking Staff
Total Vacancies13
Qualification10th or 12th pass as per post
Age Limit18-28 years (varies by post)
Ex-Servicemen BenefitAge relaxation + Fee Exemption
Application ModeOnline only
Start Date23 January 2026
Last Date02 March 2026
Selection ProcessWritten Test + Skill Test (for some posts)
Official Websiterecruitment.clri.org

3. Eligibility Explained from an Ex-Servicemen Perspective

Posts Available

  1. Junior Stenographer - 01 Post

    • Qualification: 12th pass + stenography skill

  2. Junior Secretariat Assistant (General / S&P / F&A) - 06 Posts

    • Qualification: 12th pass + basic computer typing knowledge

  3. Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) - 06 Posts

    • Qualification: 10th pass

What This Means for Veterans

  • Most Ex-Servicemen already meet the minimum educational criteria.
  • Typing/computer proficiency requirements are manageable even for older veterans with basic preparation.
  • No technical or specialized degree is demanded - making it highly suitable for jawans, NCOs and JCOs.

Age Relaxation Rule for Ex-Servicemen

The notification clearly states:

“Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of the actual military service rendered from the actual age as on the last date for submission of online application.”

Practical Interpretation:

  • Your military service years are deducted from your real age.
  • After that, an additional 3 years relaxation is added.

Example:

  • Actual age: 45
  • Military service: 20 years
  • Calculated age = 45 - 20 = 25
  • Add 3 years relaxation = 28 years

This means you can still be eligible even at higher real ages.

4. Understanding ESM-Specific Benefits

(a) Application Fee

  • For Ex-Servicemen: FULLY EXEMPTED
  • Others: ₹500

This is a direct financial advantage for veterans.

(b) Pay Fixation

Although detailed pay-fixation rules are not mentioned in the notification, general central government rules apply:

  • Pension from Armed Forces continues normally.
  • Civil salary is drawn separately.
  • Last military rank does not affect eligibility for these posts.
  • No deduction from pension due to joining this job.

(c) Reservation

The notification does not specify dedicated ESM-reserved vacancies. However:

  • Age relaxation is available.
  • Fee exemption is available.
  • Selection is on merit within general category vacancies.

5. How Military Experience Fits These Roles

Multi-Tasking Staff (Best Fit for Most Veterans)

Perfect for:

  • Retired Havildars, Naiks, and equivalent ranks
  • Personnel with experience in clerical support, stores, admin, logistics

Your military skills like:

  • File handling
  • Record keeping
  • Office assistance
  • Discipline and reliability

directly match this role.

Junior Secretariat Assistant

Ideal for Ex-Servicemen who:

  • Worked in unit offices
  • Handled clerical duties
  • Used computers during service
  • Served as clerks, storekeepers, SKTs, writers etc.

Junior Stenographer

Best suited for:

  • Ex-servicemen who worked as stenographers or clerks in headquarters formations.

6. Who Should Apply - and Who Should Not

  • Ex-servicemen below 50 years of actual age
  • Personnel with basic computer knowledge
  • Those seeking stable 9-to-5 government jobs
  • Veterans wanting to remain in organized government environment
  • Retirees looking for stress-free second career
  • You are looking for high-salary private sector packages
  • You expect field-action oriented roles
  • You dislike desk-based routine work
  • You cannot adapt to computer-based exams

7. Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough (Veteran Focused)

Step 1 - Keep These Documents Ready

Before filling the form, keep scanned copies of:

  • Discharge Book
  • PPO (Pension Payment Order)
  • Ex-Servicemen Identity Card
  • Matric / 10th certificate (age proof)
  • 12th certificate (if applying for JSA/Steno)
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Recent photograph & signature

Step 2 - Online Process

  1. Visit: recruitment.clri.org
  2. Register with email and mobile
  3. Select post carefully
  4. Upload documents
  5. Choose “Ex-Servicemen” category
  6. Submit form (No fee payment required)

Important Warning

  • Do NOT send hard copy to CLRI
  • Only online application is valid

8. Common Mistakes Ex-Servicemen Make

Avoid these frequent errors:

  • Uploading unclear discharge book scans
  • Mismatch between name in service records and Aadhaar
  • Forgetting to claim ESM category while applying
  • Entering incorrect service duration
  • Using outdated OBC certificates (if applicable)

9. Salary, Growth & Work-Life Reality

Pay Levels

PostPay LevelApprox Total Emoluments
Junior StenographerLevel-4₹53,628
Junior Secretariat AssistantLevel-2₹36,000 - 39,000
Multi-Tasking StaffLevel-1₹35,973

Ground Reality for Veterans

  • Regular working hours
  • Stable office environment
  • Less stress compared to private jobs
  • Good for post-retirement family life
  • Transfers are limited within CSIR network

This kind of job suits veterans who want peace, dignity and steady income rather than aggressive corporate growth.

10. Preparation Strategy for Ex-Servicemen

Most veterans have been away from academics for years. Follow this plan:

  • Practice basic mathematics and reasoning
  • Improve computer typing speed
  • Revise general English
  • Take online mock tests
  • Focus on time management

For MTS post, preparation of 4-6 weeks is usually enough.

11. Pros and Cons - Honest Assessment

Pros

  • Central government job security
  • Pension continues separately
  • Fee exemption
  • Age relaxation
  • Predictable work routine
  • Respectable post-retirement option

Cons

  • Lower salary compared to private sector
  • Limited career growth
  • Written exam competition with younger candidates

12. Checklist Before Applying

  • Educational certificates available
  • Discharge book scanned
  • PPO copy ready
  • Age relaxation calculated correctly
  • Email and mobile active
  • Typing skill practiced

13. Conclusion - Final Advice

As someone who has guided many veterans into civilian roles, my clear view is this:

If you want a stable, respectful and low-risk second career, CSIR-CLRI posts are an excellent option. They may not make you rich, but they give dignity, routine and peace after years of demanding service.

Do not miss the deadline of 02 March 2026.

Apply early and prepare sincerely.

Frequently Asked Questions - Ex-Servicemen Focused

Q1. Can a pensioner apply?

Yes. Pension continues independently. There is no bar on applying.

Q2. How is age relaxation calculated?

Military service years are deducted from actual age and then 3 extra years are added.

Q3. Does my military rank matter?

No. Eligibility depends only on education and age, not on rank.

Q4. What if my name in discharge book differs from Aadhaar?

Get an affidavit and correction done before applying to avoid rejection.

Q5. Can I use ESM benefits multiple times?

As per government rules, ESM reservation benefits are limited. However, age relaxation can be used as applicable for each recruitment.

Q6. Is there any separate quota for Ex-Servicemen?

Not Available. The notification only provides age relaxation and fee exemption.

Apply Now

Apply Link: https://recruitment.clri.org/