CSIR-CLRI Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About CSIR-CLRI Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

Established in 1948, CSIR-CLRI is a global leader in leather science and technology.⁴ As a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), it functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.⁵ The institute is the backbone of the Indian leather industry, providing cutting-edge research in sustainable leather processing, footwear design, and collagen-based biomaterials.⁶+2

While headquartered in Chennai, CLRI maintains a significant regional presence through its centres in Ahmedabad, Jalandhar, Kanpur, and Kolkata.⁷ This network allows the institute to serve the leather clusters across India effectively. For a career seeker, CLRI offers a unique multidisciplinary environment where biologists, chemists, engineers, and designers collaborate on translational research that reaches the global market.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Scientist (Group IV): Research-oriented roles requiring a Ph.D. or M.E./M.Tech.⁸ Scientists lead high-value projects in areas like green chemistry, environmental engineering, and advanced materials.
• Technical Assistant / Technician: Personnel responsible for operating pilot plants, high-end analytical instruments, and laboratory maintenance. Qualifications usually include B.Sc., Diploma, or ITI in relevant trades.⁹
• Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / Stenographer:¹⁰ Essential administrative staff who manage the institute's procurement, human resources, and official correspondence.
• Project Associate / JRF (Project-based): Temporary but frequent openings for fresh graduates (M.Sc./B.Tech) to work on time-bound research projects, often serving as a stepping stone to permanent CSIR roles.¹¹

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

CLRI employees are governed by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales, offering some of the most competitive benefits in the government sector.

• Scientific Staff: Scientists start at Level-11 (Basic Pay: ₹67,700), while senior positions like Director can reach Level-15.
• Technical Staff: Technical Assistants are placed in Level-6 (Basic Pay: ₹35,400), and Technicians in Level-2.
• Administrative Staff: JSA and MTS positions start at Level-1 and Level-2 (₹18,000 - ₹19,900 basic).

Standard Perks:

• Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) at 'X' city rates (Chennai), and Transport Allowance.
• Research Support: Scientists receive funding for international conferences, professional memberships, and state-of-the-art laboratory access.
• Welfare: Comprehensive medical facilities through CGHS/CSIR empanelled hospitals and staff quarters in the lush Adyar campus.

🎯 Selection Process

The selection pathway depends strictly on the cadre:

1. Scientists: Shortlisting based on academic record/publications followed by a Personal Interview.¹²
2. Technical Posts: A two-stage process featuring a Trade Test (Qualifying) followed by a Competitive Written Examination.
3. Administrative Posts (JSA/Steno): An Objective Type Written Exam and a mandatory Proficiency Test in Computer Typing or Shorthand.¹³
4. Project Staff: Usually selected through a Walk-in Interview or online interview based on project-specific requirements.

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack CSIR-CLRI Exams

• Master the Trade Test: For Technician roles, the Trade Test is the first filter.¹⁴ Ensure your practical skills in your ITI/Diploma trade are sharp, as it is strictly "Go/No-Go."
• CSIR-NET/GATE for Research: If aiming for Project Associate or JRF roles, a valid CSIR-NET or GATE score often allows you to bypass the preliminary written test and head directly to the interview.¹⁵
• General Awareness & Aptitude: For administrative exams, do not neglect the "Mental Ability" and "General Awareness" sections. These often carry significant weightage in the final merit listing for JSA and Stenographer roles.