The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai, under the National Agricultural Innovation Fund (NAIF), has released the official notification for the flagship SHITIJ 2.0 Startup Incubation Programme 2026. This Agri-Business Incubation Centre (ABIC) initiative is a pan-India framework designed to identify, nurture, and accelerate high-potential startups and entrepreneurial ideas in the fields of Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology. Selected candidates will undergo an intensive two-month capacity-building training from September to October 2026. Interested innovators and early-stage startups can apply online before the last date on 28 July 2026. For the fastest updates on such government initiatives and upcoming govt jobs, keep visiting the rojgar khabar website. Candidates are strictly advised to read the complete notification brochure before applying.
ICAR CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 Incubation Programme 2026 Details
Important Dates
| Event Category | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Application Begin | 08 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Apply Online | 28 July 2026 |
| Pay Exam / Application Fee Last Date | No Fee Required |
| Selection Committee Meeting | 01 to 07 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Screening Results | 11 August 2026 |
| Final Result Announcement | 20 August 2026 |
| Two-Month Training Programme Date | 01 September 2026 to 31 October 2026 |
Disclaimer: Candidates are advised to confirm exact training schedules from the ICAR-CIRCOT official website.
Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 0/- (Nil) |
| SC / ST / PH | ₹ 0/- (Nil) |
| All Category Female | ₹ 0/- (Nil) |
| Payment Mode | No Application Fee is required for any category. This is a 100% free, government-backed initiative. |
ICAR CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 Recruitment 2026: Age Limit as on 28/07/2026
- Minimum Age: 18 Years.
- Maximum Age: No upper age limit specified for entrepreneurs/innovators.
- Age Relaxation Extra as per ICAR CIRCOT Startup Incubation Rules.
ICAR CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 Vacancy Details & Eligibility Criteria 2026
(Note: Being a National Incubation Programme, there is no fixed number of traditional “vacancies”; multiple eligible startups and innovators will be selected across India to form the incubation cohort).
| Programme Name & Total Seats | Detailed Eligibility Criteria & Requirements |
|---|---|
| SHITIJ 2.0 Startup Incubation Programme (2026-27) Total Seats: Various (Cohort Based) | Who Can Apply: Innovators, early-stage startups, students, and entrepreneurs. Technical Requirement: Must have a Proof-of-Concept (PoC), Prototype, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) specifically in the area of Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology. Focus Areas: • Smart Farming & Controlled Environment • Storage & Infrastructure • Farm Mechanisation • IoT & Digital Agriculture • Precision Farming & Decision Support • Automation & Robotics • Data Analytics & AI Solutions • Processing & Value Addition Commitment: Must be willing to undergo a rigorous two-month training program (01 Sept to 31 Oct 2026) to refine business models and validate technology. |
What is SHITIJ 2.0? Program Details & What You Will Learn
Based on the official brochure, the CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 is a flagship pan-India initiative working on a Hub-and-Spoke model (CIRCOT Mumbai as the Hub, and 7 other ICAR institutes as spokes like CCRI Nagpur, CIAE Bhopal, etc.).
What needs to be done / What participants will experience: Selected applicants will undergo an intensive two-month training and mentoring program designed to refine both technology and business readiness. By joining, you will learn and get support in:
- Refining and validating your innovation or product idea.
- Understanding customer needs, market demand, and real-user requirements.
- Business model development and value proposition design.
- Navigating regulatory frameworks and compliances.
- Financial planning and achieving business sustainability.
- Pitching and communication skills for investor readiness.
Key Benefits Offered:
- One-on-one mentoring support from subject matter experts, scientists, and industry professionals.
- Lab support and field trial validation of products/technologies.
- Advisory on intellectual property (IP) and licensing of technologies.
- Networking, Market Connects, and dedicated Investor Connects upon successful completion.
Mode of Selection Process
The selection process for the ICAR CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 Incubation Programme is merit and innovation-based, comprising the following stages:
- Preliminary Screening (01-07 August 2026): The Selection Committee will review online applications based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and market potential in agriculture.
- Pre-Screening Result (11 August 2026): Shortlisting of potential candidates.
- Technical Evaluation / Result Announcement (20 August 2026): Final list of selected innovators and startups will be declared for the cohort.
- Two-Month Incubation Training (01 Sept – 31 Oct 2026): Selected candidates will participate in the intensive training at ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai (or designated spoke institutes).
ICAR CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026
| Assessment Stage | Evaluation Focus | Marks / Weightage | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Evaluation (No Written Exam) | Innovation, Market Need, Technical Feasibility of Prototype/MVP | Merit Based by Committee | N/A |
| Incubation Training | Business Model, Scalability, Value Proposition, Pitching | Mentorship & Validation | 2 Months |
Note: There is no traditional written syllabus or examination for this incubation programme. Candidates are assessed purely on the viability of their Prototype/MVP and their proposed business model in Farm Mechanization.
How To Apply Online for ICAR CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 Recruitment 2026
Interested candidates who wish to apply for the ICAR CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 Startup Incubation Programme post can submit their application online before 28 July 2026. Use the click here link provided below under important link section to apply directly.
- Step 1: Scroll down to the “Important Links” section of this article and click on the “Apply Online Form” link. Alternatively, you can scan the QR code available in the official notification.
- Step 2: You will be redirected to the official Accubate application portal (
icarcircot.accubate.app/ext/form/23885/1/apply). - Step 3: Register yourself using a valid Email ID and Mobile Number.
- Step 4: Carefully fill out the detailed application form. You must describe your start-up idea, innovation, or agri-business concept, specifically highlighting how it addresses Farm Mechanisation or Post-Harvest Technology.
- Step 5: Provide details about your current stage of business (Proof of Concept, Prototype, or Minimum Viable Product).
- Step 6: Upload any supporting documents, pitch decks, or evidence of your prototype if prompted.
- Step 7: Review all entered details thoroughly. Since the application is entirely free, there is no fee payment step.
- Step 8: Click on the “Submit” button before the deadline on 28/07/2026 and take a printout or screenshot of the final submission page for future reference.
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Important Links
| Important Links | Direct Links |
|---|---|
| Apply Online Form | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification Brochure (PDF) | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Important Question about ICAR CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 Recruitment (FAQ)
Q1: What is the SHITIJ 2.0 Program by ICAR-CIRCOT?
SHITIJ 2.0 is a flagship national startup incubation programme aimed at identifying, nurturing, and accelerating high-potential startups and entrepreneurial ideas specifically in Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology.
Q2: What is the last date to apply for the CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 Programme 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 28 July 2026.
Q3: Who is eligible to apply for this programme?
Indian innovators, early-stage startups, students, and entrepreneurs who have a proof-of-concept (PoC), prototype, or minimum viable product (MVP) in the designated focus areas can apply.
Q4: Is there any application or training fee?
No, the application process and the two-month incubation training programme are completely free of cost, supported by the ICAR National Agricultural Innovation Fund (NAIF).
Q5: What happens after I am selected?
Selected candidates will undergo a rigorous two-month training program (01 September to 31 October 2026). During this period, you will receive one-on-one expert mentoring, lab support, assistance with business model development, IP advisory, and opportunities to connect with investors.
