CSIC Research Assistant Examinations 2026: More Positions Than Published in Three Areas

Key data

If you are preparing for the CSIC Research Assistant Scale examinations, there is a fact that changes your planning: the original call from December 2025 failed to mention that in three specialty areas there are more positions offered than vacancies announced. The Under-Secretariat for Science, Innovation and Universities published the correction on November 9, 2026, with immediate effect.

The error affects basis 2.9 of the call, which precisely regulates how positions are allocated among those who pass. Knowing the real number of available positions is key to ordering preferences with criteria.

What does this correction establish?

The Resolution of October 30, 2026 rectifies a material error in the original call (Resolution of December 22, 2025). The error consisted of the omission of the fact that in three specialty areas of CSIC, the number of positions offered exceeds the number of vacancies announced.

The corrected table is as follows:

This situation—more positions than vacancies—is possible because basis 2.9 of the call allows the same job to appear as a possible position in several areas or for more locations to be offered than will ultimately be filled by those who pass. What is relevant for the candidate is that they have a wider range of positions from which to choose when ordering their preferences.

Operational impact for candidates

Although this correction does not modify the number of vacancies announced or access requirements, it has direct practical consequences in the position allocation phase:

• More real position options: In the three affected areas, those who pass will be able to choose from more locations than appeared in the original call.
• Preference strategy: Anyone who has prepared their preference list based on the original call should update it to include the additional positions.
• Less pressure on specific positions: With more positions available than vacancies to fill, competition for specific locations can be redistributed.
• Basis 2.9 as reference: This basis regulates the allocation procedure; the correction updates the data on which this basis operates, without modifying the procedure itself.

Who does it affect?

• Candidates applying for the CSIC Research Assistant Scale through the open access system.
• Candidates competing through the internal promotion system.
• Applicants who opted for one of the three affected areas: Humanities and Social Sciences, Animal and plant experimentation and Environment and natural heritage.
• Advisors and exam preparation specialists who guide candidates in planning position preferences.
• HR managers of public research organizations who manage the incorporation of new staff.

Practical example

Imagine you are a candidate for the Animal and plant experimentation area. With the original call, you knew that 39 vacancies were announced, but you did not know the exact number of positions available to choose from once you passed. With the correction published on November 9, 2026, you now know that there are 46 positions from which you can order your preferences.

This means that although only 39 people will obtain a position, there will be 7 additional positions beyond those that will be filled: greater geographic or institutional variety from which to choose. If one of your preferred positions was highly sought after, the existence of 7 additional positions can reduce pressure on it and increase your chances of obtaining it.

The same applies to Humanities and Social Sciences (13 vacancies, 17 positions: 4 extra positions) and Environment and natural heritage (15 vacancies, 19 positions: 4 extra positions).

What should candidates do now?

1. Review the corrected call: Access the Resolution of October 30, 2026 published in the BOE on November 9, 2026 to learn the updated official data on positions.
2. Update your position preference list: If you have already prepared a preference order, incorporate the additional positions in your area so you don't miss options.
3. Consult basis 2.9 of the call: This basis regulates how positions are allocated; understanding it is key to ordering preferences strategically.
4. Verify your application area: Confirm whether your area is one of the three affected (Humanities and Social Sciences, Animal and plant experimentation, Environment and natural heritage) to know if this correction directly impacts you.
5. Consult with your preparation advisor: If you work with an exam preparation specialist, share this correction so they can update guidance on position preferences.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-23418