ECRICC Subject Matter Specialist Agriculture Recruitment 2026: Apply Offline for Specialist Post

Candidates preparing for competitive exams focused on agricultural roles, especially those with advanced degrees in the field, can now consider a specialized opportunity with the Eastern Coastal Region Integrated Catchment Council (ECRICC).

The ECRICC, operating under the purview of local governance in Odisha, has officially released its notification for the recruitment of a Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) in Agriculture for the year 2026. This esteemed position, vital for grassroots agricultural development and extension services, invites applications from qualified Indian citizens who possess a strong academic background and a passion for rural upliftment. Interested aspirants are encouraged to review the complete details and prepare their offline applications well in advance of the deadline.

Vacancy Snapshot

The Eastern Coastal Region Integrated Catchment Council (ECRICC) is seeking a dedicated and qualified individual to fill a singular, yet impactful, position of Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) in Agriculture. This role is instrumental in implementing various agricultural development programs and providing expert guidance to local farming communities. The application process for this significant opportunity is strictly offline, requiring candidates to submit their forms by post.

Important Dates

Prospective applicants for the ECRICC SMS Agriculture Recruitment 2026 must pay close attention to the defined timeline for submitting their applications. Missing any of these crucial dates could lead to disqualification. Ensure all documents are prepared and dispatched well before the final submission deadline to avoid any last-minute postal delays.

Key Highlights

This recruitment drive by ECRICC presents a unique chance for agricultural professionals to contribute directly to rural development in the coastal region of Odisha. The Subject Matter Specialist role is highly respected and carries significant responsibility, offering a stable career path within the government sector. Candidates should note the offline application mode and the specialized nature of the post.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Subject Matter Specialist (Agriculture) position at ECRICC, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements concerning their educational qualifications, age, and nationality. It is imperative that applicants thoroughly review these criteria before proceeding with their application to ensure they qualify for the role.

Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree (Graduate) or a Master's Degree (Post Graduate) in Agriculture or a relevant allied field (such as Agronomy, Horticulture, Soil Science, Agricultural Extension, etc.) from a University or Institution recognized by the Government of India or the State Government of Odisha. A strong academic record in agricultural sciences is highly preferred.

Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age as of a specified cut-off date (to be confirmed in the official notification) and should not exceed 35 years of age. Age relaxation will be applicable for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), Ex-Servicemen, and Women, as per the rules and regulations of the Government of Odisha.

Experience: While not always mandatory for all specialist roles, a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant field experience in agricultural research, extension, or project implementation is highly desirable and may be given preference during the selection process for this Subject Matter Specialist role.

Nationality: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for this government position.

Selection Process

The selection of the Subject Matter Specialist (Agriculture) will involve a multi-stage process designed to identify the most suitable candidate with the required expertise and aptitude. While the exact stages may vary slightly, the general procedure often includes a preliminary assessment, a comprehensive evaluation of technical knowledge, and a personal interaction.

1. **Application Scrutiny:** All received offline applications will be meticulously reviewed to ensure candidates meet the basic eligibility criteria and have submitted all required documents correctly.
2. **Written Examination:** Eligible candidates may be called for a written test. This examination will likely assess general aptitude, agricultural knowledge, current affairs related to agriculture, and possibly English language proficiency.
3. **Personal Interview:** Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be invited for a personal interview. This stage aims to evaluate communication skills, practical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and overall suitability for the specialist role.
4. **Document Verification:** Provisionally selected candidates will undergo a thorough verification of all original documents, including educational certificates, age proof, caste certificates, and experience letters.
5. **Medical Examination:** A final medical fitness examination will be conducted as per the standards prescribed by the Government of Odisha for government employees to ensure the candidate is fit for duty.

Salary & Pay Scale

The Subject Matter Specialist (Agriculture) position at ECRICC offers an attractive salary package commensurate with government pay scales, ensuring financial stability and competitive benefits. The remuneration structure adheres to the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, including various allowances.

• **Pay Level:** The selected candidate will be placed at Pay Level 7 as per the 7th Central Pay Commission matrix, which is typically adopted by state governments like Odisha.
• **Starting Basic Pay:** The initial basic pay will be approximately Rs. 44,900/- per month.
• **Dearness Allowance (DA):** Applicable as per the prevailing rates announced by the Government of Odisha, revised periodically.
• **House Rent Allowance (HRA):** Provided based on the classification of the job location (e.g., X, Y, or Z category cities/towns in Odisha).
• **Other Allowances:** Includes Transport Allowance (TA), Medical Allowance, and other benefits as per state government norms for its employees.
• **In-hand Salary:** The total in-hand salary, including all allowances, is expected to range from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 75,000 per month initially, subject to deductions and current allowance rates.

Application Fee

Candidates applying for the ECRICC SMS Agriculture Recruitment 2026 are required to pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee structure varies for different categories of applicants, and payment must be made through a specified offline method, typically a Demand Draft.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application process for the ECRICC Subject Matter Specialist (Agriculture) post is entirely offline. Candidates must meticulously follow these steps to ensure their application is complete, correct, and reaches the authorities within the stipulated deadline. Incorrect or incomplete applications are liable for rejection.

1. **Download Official Notification & Form:** Visit the official website ganjam.odisha.gov.in. Navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Notifications' section and locate the detailed advertisement for ECRICC SMS Agriculture Recruitment 2026. Download the official PDF notification, which typically includes the application form at the end.
2. **Print Application Form:** Print the application form clearly on good quality A4 size paper. Ensure all pages are printed correctly and legibly.
3. **Fill Details Accurately:** Fill in all the required personal, educational, contact, and experience details in the application form using a blue or black pen. Ensure there are no errors or overwriting. Double-check all entries.
4. **Affix Photograph & Signature:** Affix a recent passport-sized coloured photograph in the designated space on the application form. Sign the form at all specified places.
5. **Attach Self-Attested Documents:** Prepare self-attested photocopies of all necessary documents. These typically include: educational certificates (from 10th standard onwards), mark sheets, age proof (e.g., 10th pass certificate), caste certificate (if applicable), experience certificates, and any other relevant testimonials.
6. **Prepare Demand Draft:** Obtain a Demand Draft (DD) for the applicable application fee from any nationalized bank. The DD should be drawn in favour of "ECRICC, Ganjam" and payable at Berhampur, Odisha. Remember to write your name, post applied for, and contact number on the backside of the Demand Draft.
7. **Assemble & Enclose:** Place the filled application form, self-attested copies of all documents, and the original Demand Draft inside a sturdy envelope.
8. **Address and Dispatch:** Clearly super-scribe the envelope with "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF SUBJECT MATTER SPECIALIST (AGRICULTURE)" and send it by Registered Post or Speed Post to the following address: "The Director, Eastern Coastal Region Integrated Catchment Council (ECRICC), Integrated Catchment Management Office, Collectorate Road, Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha - 760004." Ensure it is dispatched well before the last date, May 18, 2026.

Important Links

For your convenience, here are the essential links related to the ECRICC SMS Agriculture Recruitment 2026. These links will provide direct access to the official notification, application form, and other crucial resources. We advise candidates to refer to the official website regularly for any updates or announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions aspirants might have regarding the ECRICC Subject Matter Specialist (Agriculture) Recruitment 2026:

Q1. What is the full form and role of ECRICC?
A. ECRICC stands for Eastern Coastal Region Integrated Catchment Council. It is a regional governmental body focused on the integrated management of catchment areas in the eastern coastal belt, particularly in Odisha. Its role involves sustainable resource management, agricultural development, environmental protection, and community engagement in the specified region.

Q2. Can candidates from states other than Odisha apply for this position?
A. Yes, as a government job, this position is generally open to all eligible Indian citizens, regardless of their state of domicile. However, candidates should be aware that local language proficiency (Odia) might be an advantage or, in some cases, a desirable criterion, though typically not a strict mandatory requirement unless explicitly stated.

Q3. Will there be an interview round as part of the selection process?
A. For specialist positions like Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), a personal interview is a standard and crucial part of the selection process. It helps assess a candidate's communication skills, practical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and overall suitability for a role that involves direct interaction with farmers and field work. It usually follows a written examination.

Q4. What specific documents need to be attached with the offline application form?
A. You will need to attach self-attested photocopies of your educational certificates (10th, 12th, Graduate, Post Graduate mark sheets and degree certificates), age proof, caste certificate (if applicable), disability certificate (if applicable), experience certificates, and a copy of the Demand Draft. Ensure two recent passport-sized photographs are also enclosed, one affixed to the form and one extra.

Q5. What is the typical job profile and responsibilities of an SMS (Agriculture) at ECRICC?
A. An SMS (Agriculture) is responsible for providing expert technical guidance to farmers on various aspects of agriculture, including crop production, pest and disease management, soil health, and modern farming techniques. The role involves conducting field demonstrations, organizing training programs, participating in agricultural research, facilitating technology transfer from research institutions to farmers, and assisting in the implementation of government agricultural schemes at the grassroots level within the catchment area.