CSIR-CFTRI Recruitment 2026: 2 Project Associate-II Vacancies – Apply Online by 16 November 2026

About CSIR-CFTRI

CSIR – Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru, is a constituent National Laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research. The institute is engaging Project Associate – II staff on a purely temporary and contractual basis for the research project funded under project number GAP00667.

Post-Wise Vacancy & Pay Scale

Total vacancies: 2. The number of vacancies may increase or decrease at the time of actual selection. No category-wise break-up is printed in the notification.

Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification

• Project Associate – II (PAT-I):
  • M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology / Food Science and Nutrition or equivalent from a recognized university.
  • Minimum 2 years' experience in Research and Development in Industrial and Academic Institutions or Science & Technology Organisations.
  • Desirable: Experience in food analysis techniques and product development.
  • Job Requirement: Product development and analysis.
• Project Associate – II (PAT-II): The notification does not print a separate qualification against PAT-II. Candidates should refer to the official notification PDF for discipline-specific eligibility.

General Eligibility Conditions

• Only candidates who have already acquired the essential qualification and whose results have been declared are eligible. Result-awaited or final-semester candidates are not eligible.
• Experience is counted after the date of acquiring the minimum prescribed educational qualification.
• Applicants who have completed a total of 6 years as Project Staff in any CSIR Lab/Institute are not eligible. This covers service at any level in CSIR projects including NMITLI projects, OLP/MLP, Contract R&D, and non-CSIR funded projects.

Age Relaxation

Employment Tenure & Job Nature

• The engagement is purely temporary and contractual, co-terminus with the project tenure or 6 years, whichever is earlier.
• Initially up to 30 November 2026, extendable up to November 2027, subject to availability of funds and requirement.
• Extension or curtailment may occur based on conduct, performance, and institute requirement. Review Committee recommendation may allow further extension.
• The engagement gives no right or claim to regularization for a permanent post at CSIR-CFTRI/CSIR.
• It also gives no right to register for higher degrees or permanent employment.
• Performance is reviewed periodically and engagement may be terminated at any time by the office without assigning any reason.

Selection Process & Screening Clause

• Applicants are shortlisted by a designated committee according to current project requirements.
• Shortlisted candidates for interview are displayed on the CSIR-CFTRI website and informed by e-mail at the address provided in the online application.
• If a large number of applications are received, the committee may shortlist based on percentage of marks in essential qualification, higher educational qualifications than the minimum, desirable qualification/experience, or any other methodology it deems fit.
• Based on interview performance, the result of selected candidates for each post code is declared and posted on the CFTRI website.
• Selection for engagement, panel of waitlisted candidates, and their validity follow CSIR rules vide OM No. 5-1(342)/2017-PD dated 02.09.2024, amended from time to time.
• No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
• The interview date and venue will be communicated to shortlisted candidates by e-mail.

How to Apply for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026

1. Visit the online application portal at patcell.cftri.res.in.
2. Complete and submit the online application form. No other mode of application is accepted.
3. Attach all supporting certificates for date of birth, caste, qualification, and experience.
4. Submit the application on or before 16 November 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
5. Provide a correct and active e-mail address in the form — shortlisted candidates are informed about the interview date via this e-mail.
6. Check cftri.res.in regularly for any addendum or corrigendum.

No interim enquiry or correspondence will be entertained. If a candidate is already working in CSIR/CSIR-CFTRI, a NOC from the current PI is mandatory for applying. If selected, engagement is made only after submission of a No Dues Certificate and resignation from the previous project.

Required Documents & Instructions for Candidates

• Original Matriculation (10th) Certificate / Birth Certificate as Proof of Date of Birth
• All Degree and Consolidated Mark Sheets (M.Sc. and above) supporting essential qualification
• Experience Certificates on Official Letterhead from R&D institutions (minimum 2 years for PAT-I)
• Valid Category / Caste Certificate in prescribed format (if applicable)
• NET / GATE Score Card or Certificate (if claiming higher stipend under PAT-II)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current PI (if already working in CSIR/CSIR-CFTRI)
• Two recent passport-size photographs & Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN)

Important Instructions

• The posts are provisional and subject to ascertaining the availability of funds under the project before declaration of results and issue of the engagement letter.
• Candidates must ensure they fulfil the essential qualification and experience. Applying without doing so is treated as giving wrong or misleading information; the onus is on the candidate and candidature may be rejected at any stage.
• CSIR-CFTRI may cancel or withdraw the offer of engagement if any discrepancy is found in a candidate's candidature at any stage.
• The Director, CSIR-CFTRI may amend, delete or add terms and conditions, cancel the advertisement without assigning any reason, or decide not to fill the posts.
• Canvassing in any form or bringing political or other influence is treated as a disqualification.
• Other terms and conditions follow CSIR/the funding agency guidelines for project staff, as amended from time to time.

Important Dates

Important Links

• Apply for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II Online Application at patcell.cftri.res.in
• Download CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II Official Notification PDF (PAT 68/2026)
• Visit CSIR-CFTRI Official Website for Addendum and Corrigendum

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date to apply for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026?

The last date to submit the online application for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II posts (PAT 68/2026) is 16 November 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

How to apply for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II vacancies?

Candidates must apply online at the official portal patcell.cftri.res.in. No offline or walk-in application is accepted for this recruitment.

What is the application fee for CSIR-CFTRI Recruitment 2026?

The official notification for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II recruitment (PAT 68/2026) does not specify any application fee.

Is CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II a permanent government job?

No. The engagement is purely temporary and contractual, co-terminus with the project tenure (initially up to 30 November 2026, extendable up to November 2027). It gives no right or claim to regularization for a permanent post at CSIR-CFTRI/CSIR.

What is the salary for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II?

For Project Associate – II (PAT-II), the stipend is Rs. 35,000 per month plus HRA for NET/GATE-qualified candidates, and Rs. 28,000 per month plus HRA for others. The stipend for PAT-I follows CSIR project staff rules.

What are the educational qualifications required for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-II?

For PAT-I, candidates need an M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology / Food Science and Nutrition or equivalent with 2 years' experience in R&D. The notification does not print a separate qualification for PAT-II; refer to the official notification PDF for discipline-specific eligibility.