CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About CSIR-CFTRI Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

Established in 1950, CSIR-CFTRI is one of the 37 constituent laboratories of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.² Its primary mandate is to develop cost-effective technologies for food processing, preserve seasonal surpluses, and ensure food safety. The institute operates out of the historic Cheluvamba Mansion in Mysuru and maintains Resource Centres in Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Mumbai.³+1

Research at CFTRI is divided into specialized departments such as Food Engineering, Microbiology, Fruit & Vegetable Technology, and Molecular Nutrition.⁴ For a career professional, CFTRI represents the pinnacle of food research in India. Employees are governed by CSIR service rules, which provide excellent career advancement under the Assessment Promotion Scheme (APS) and the security of the National Pension System (NPS).⁵+1

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Scientist (Group IV): The premier research role. Candidates typically require a Ph.D. or M.E./M.Tech with a focus on Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or Biotechnology. Responsibilities include leading mission projects and patent filing.
• Technical Assistant (Group III): Responsible for the operation and maintenance of sophisticated pilot plant machinery and analytical equipment. Entry usually requires a B.Sc. or Diploma in Engineering with 60% marks.
• Project Associate / Project Scientist: Contractual roles tied to specific R&D projects funded by agencies like DST, DBT, or ICMR. These serve as excellent gateways for fresh postgraduates to gain research experience.
• Junior Secretariat Assistant (Admin/F&A/S&P): Essential administrative support roles focused on office management, finance, and procurement within the institute.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

Salaries at CSIR-CFTRI follow the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) levels for regular staff and standardized stipends for project personnel.

• Scientist: Starts at Level-11 (Base ₹67,700).⁶
• Technical Assistant: Starts at Level-6 (Base ₹35,400).⁷
• Project Associate - I: ₹31,000 + HRA (for NET/GATE qualified) or ₹25,000 + HRA (for others).⁸
• Project Assistant: Fixed stipend of ₹18,000 - ₹20,000 + HRA.⁹

Standard Perks include:

• Allowances: DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance at Central Government rates.
• Professional Update Allowance: Scientists are eligible for annual grants for professional development.
• Medical Facilities: Access to the CSIR Dispensary and reimbursement of medical expenses under CGHS/CS(MA) rules.
• Accommodation: Beautifully maintained staff quarters in the Mysuru campus (subject to availability).

🎯 Selection Process

CSIR-CFTRI follows a rigorous and multi-staged selection protocol:¹⁰

1. Screening: Applications are screened against essential and "desirable" qualifications.¹¹ For Scientists, the number of publications and impact factors are critical.
2. Trade Test (For Technical Staff): A practical test in the relevant trade (e.g., Mechanical, Food Tech) which is qualifying in nature.¹²
3. Written Examination: Conducted for Technical and Administrative roles.¹³ It usually consists of three papers: Mental Ability, General Awareness/English, and Subject Knowledge.
4. Personal Interview: The final selection stage for Scientist positions and senior technical roles.¹⁴

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack CSIR-CFTRI Exams

• Master the NET/GATE: Since many scientist and project roles prioritize GATE 2026 or CSIR-UGC NET scores, high percentiles are essential for shortlisting.
• Highlight Industrial Experience: CFTRI values "Translational Research."¹⁵ If you have experience in the food industry or pilot plant operations, emphasize this in your application.
• Focus on Food Safety Standards: Administrative and technical candidates should be familiar with FSSAI regulations and ISO standards, as these frequently feature in domain-specific tests.