Centre for Development Studies (CDS) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

Apply for CDS Recruitment 2026. Comprehensive guide to Faculty, Research, and Admin roles at Thiruvananthapuram. Check Level-10+ pay scales and eligibility.

Last updated on: Jan 28, 2026 | Data sourced from official notifications
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The Centre for Development Studies (CDS), a premier social science research institute supported by the ICSSR and the Government of Kerala, offers prestigious career paths for social scientists and researchers in 2026. Eligibility typically centers on a Ph.D. in Economics or related disciplines for academic faculty, while administrative roles require specialized postgraduate degrees with high academic standing. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong publication record and research aptitude aligned with development themes.

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About Centre for Development Studies

Centre for Development Studies Logo

The Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Trivandrum, Kerala is a premier social science research institution. Over the years it has established a tradition of interdisciplinary research on development problems in India. Its main objective is to promote research, teaching, and training in disciplines relevant to development. Today, it is considered to be one of the foremost development economics research centers in the country.

CDS is located in Prashanth Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram city.

Centre for Development studies recruitment offers great career opportunities for several posts such as Assistant Professor.

Interested candidates can pursue courses in Ph.D. (awarded/submitted) in Economics or any other social science discipline for a great career at CDS.


Official Address
Centre for Development Studies Prasanth Nagar,Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram. 695 011, Kerala, India.
Kerala, India
Contact Information

This organization has released 2 recruitment notifications in the last 3 years.


Organization Overview

Founded in 1970 by Professor K.N. Raj, the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) is an autonomous research institution renowned for its contribution to applied economics and development studies. Located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, it is affiliated with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for its academic programs. CDS is globally recognized for the 'Kerala Model' of development and remains a critical hub for high-level policy research and doctoral training.

About CDS Careers

DetailsInformation
Institution TypeAutonomous Research Institute (ICSSR & Govt of Kerala)
HeadquartersThiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Entry GatewaysDirect Recruitment, Research Excellence, UGC NET/JRF
Salary RangeLevel-6 (₹35,400) to Level-14 (₹1,44,200+)
Focus AreaApplied Economics, Population Studies, Social Science

Key Job Profiles

CDS offers a structured career path for those dedicated to academic excellence and institutional management:

  • Faculty Positions: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor roles focused on teaching and independent research (Level-10 to Level-14).
  • Research Associates: Project-based roles for post-doctoral and doctoral candidates (Consolidated Pay or Level-7).
  • Library Professionals: Managing one of South India's richest collections in economics (Level-10 for Librarians).
  • Administrative Officers: Managing the institutional finance, registrar office, and campus facilities.

Salary & Benefits

Employees at CDS are entitled to salaries based on the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. Faculty members generally start at Level-10 or Level-11 with attractive academic grade pays. Benefits include institutional housing in a scenic campus, research grants, sabbatical leave for senior faculty, and health insurance schemes. Being an ICSSR-funded body, the retirement benefits and allowances are highly stable.

Selection Process

The selection at CDS is highly competitive, emphasizing qualitative output over quantitative metrics:

  • Shortlisting: Based on the quality of research publications, citations, and academic background.
  • Seminar Presentation: Faculty candidates must present their research findings to the academic community.
  • Expert Interview: A comprehensive interview by a selection committee comprising eminent social scientists.
  • Probationary Review: Initial appointments are typically scrutinized through a structured performance review.

How to Crack CDS Exams

  • Build a Publication Portfolio: Focus on publishing in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals (ABDC or Scopus indexed) early in your career.
  • Research Statement: Craft a compelling research proposal that aligns with CDS’s focus on development, labor, or international trade.
  • Quantitative Proficiency: For Economics roles, a strong grip on Econometrics and software like STATA, R, or Python is highly valued.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: While Economics is core, demonstrating an understanding of sociology or demography can be a distinct advantage.


Mandatory Disclaimer: All details are sourced from official notifications. MySarkariNaukri.com provides informational guidance only and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Verification Source: Official CDS Website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, CDS generally follows the 7th Pay Commission scales for both faculty and non-teaching staff, similar to Central Universities.

Yes, for Assistant Professor roles, qualifying UGC NET is a standard requirement along with a Ph.D. as per UGC regulations.

The upper age limit is usually 35-40 years, though relaxations apply for SC/ST/OBC and women candidates as per government norms.

Project-based roles are temporary. However, experience at CDS is highly regarded for permanent faculty openings within the institute or other universities.

There is typically no financial bond, but faculty may be required to serve a minimum period before being eligible for sabbatical or study leave.

No, CDS is a standalone institute in Thiruvananthapuram, so jobs are non-transferable, providing a stable geographic career.

The seminar presentation is critical; it assesses a candidate's ability to communicate complex research and handle peer scrutiny.

As an ICSSR-supported national-level institute, recruitment is generally open on an all-India basis, though state-level norms may apply to specific categories.