1. Introduction

If you are a first-generation graduate from Assam or the North-East, you already know this reality: permanent government jobs are few, competition is high, and waiting periods are long. In that context, the Spices Board Spices Extension Trainee (SET) Recruitment 2026 is not a “big vacancy” - but it is a meaningful, domain-specific opportunity for a very narrow group of candidates.

This recruitment matters mainly for SC/ST science and agriculture graduates who want:

  • Central Government exposure
  • Field-level technical experience
  • A stipend-backed role without written-exam uncertainty
  • Shortlisting that is not dominated by all-India mass applicants

For Assam and nearby North-East states, the relevance increases because one trainee position is under the Guwahati region (Field Office Kohima), which is logistically and culturally closer than South or West India postings.

Be clear from the beginning: this is a trainee role, not a permanent job. Apply only if you understand and accept that reality.

2. Key Details Table (Verified from Official Notification)

ParticularDetails
OrganisationSpices Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
Post NameSpices Extension Trainee (SET)
Total Vacancies08 (Exclusively for SC/ST candidates)
Training LocationsGangtok (3), Sakleshpur (4), Guwahati Region - F.O. Kohima (1)
QualificationBachelor’s Degree in Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry / Botany / Microbiology / Biotechnology
Computer KnowledgeWorking knowledge required
Age LimitNot exceeding 35 years as on date of walk-in
Selection ModeWalk-in Written Test + Computer Proficiency Test
Walk-in Date03 February 2026
Reporting Time11:00 AM
Stipend₹20,000 per month
Training Duration1 year (extendable up to 1 more year)
Application FeeNot mentioned in official notification
RegularisationNot allowed at any stage

3. Post-Wise Eligibility - Ground Reality Explained

Educational Qualification

  • This role is not suitable for general B.Sc graduates.
  • Your degree must be directly relevant to agriculture, plant science, forestry, or life sciences.
  • Candidates from Agriculture and Horticulture backgrounds have a natural advantage, especially in field-based questions.

Caste Category

  • This recruitment is strictly for SC/ST candidates only.
  • OBC, MOBC, EWS, or General candidates should not apply - attendance will be a waste of time and expense.

Computer Knowledge

  • Do not underestimate this.
  • Expect basic MS Office, data entry, and simple operational questions.
  • Many otherwise-qualified Assam candidates fail here due to overconfidence.

Who is realistically suitable

  • SC/ST graduates below 35 years
  • Comfortable with fieldwork in rural and semi-remote areas
  • Willing to work outside Assam if selected (posting is not Assam-only)

4. How to Apply - Assam-Focused Walk-in Guidance

This is a walk-in recruitment, not online shortlisting.

Step-by-step

  1. Download and print the application form (Annexure-II) from the official notification.
  2. Fill it by hand, clearly, without overwriting.
  3. Arrange documents in this order:
    • Passport-size photograph
    • Original + self-attested copies of:
      • Identity proof
      • Proof of age
      • SC/ST caste certificate
      • Degree certificate and mark sheets
  4. Reach the allotted centre before 11:00 AM on 03-02-2026.

Common Assam-specific mistakes

  • Bringing caste certificates not in prescribed government format
  • Name mismatch between Aadhaar, degree, and caste certificate
  • Forgetting “one and same certificate” when names differ
  • Assuming PRC or Assam domicile gives preference (it does NOT)

5. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook

Stipend Reality

  • ₹20,000 per month is decent for a trainee role, especially for freshers.
  • No HRA, no DA, no pension.

Work Nature

  • Field extension work
  • Farmer interaction
  • Data collection, reporting, and computer-based documentation

Career Value

  • This role does not convert to permanent service
  • However, it adds strong weight to:
    • Future central government contractual roles
    • PSU agriculture projects
    • State agriculture missions and NGOs

Think of this as a career accelerator, not a destination.

6. Preparation Plan & Study Strategy (Short Timeline)

You do not have months. Prepare smartly for 10-15 days.

Written Test Focus

  • Basics of agriculture / botany / forestry (depending on degree)
  • Extension concepts
  • Simple current agriculture practices

Computer Test

  • MS Word, Excel basics
  • Typing and data handling
  • File management

Assam/North-East Candidates

  • Do not expect Assam GK questions - this is a central board test
  • Focus on technical clarity, not state-specific trivia

7. Pros & Cons (Be Honest)

Pros

  • Central Government exposure
  • Low vacancy, low applicant volume (category-restricted)
  • Clear, same-day selection process
  • Practical field experience

Cons

  • No job security
  • No Assam-only posting guarantee
  • Travel and relocation cost borne by candidate
  • Highly limited seats (only 8 nationwide)

8. Applicant Checklist (Before You Travel)

  • SC/ST certificate in correct format
  • Degree certificate (final, provisional not accepted if result pending)
  • Computer basics practiced
  • Willingness to relocate outside Assam
  • Clear understanding: no permanent job

9. Conclusion - Should You Apply?

Apply if:

  • You are an SC/ST agriculture or life-science graduate
  • You want central exposure and field experience
  • You accept trainee-level uncertainty

Skip if:

  • You are seeking permanent Assam government service
  • You cannot relocate or manage trainee income
  • You are preparing exclusively for APSC/ADRE and do not want diversion

This opportunity is small but serious. Treat it with clarity, not emotion.

10. FAQ - Real Assam Aspirant Doubts

Q. Is Assam domicile required?
No. There is no domicile or PRC requirement.

Q. Will Assamese language knowledge help?
Not mentioned in official notification. Selection is not language-based.

Q. Is age relaxation available for SC/ST?
Upper age limit is stated as 35 years. No additional relaxation mentioned.

Q. Is this a permanent central government job?
No. It is a trainee engagement only and cannot be regularised.