CSIR-HRDG Recruitment 2026: 5 Project Staff Vacancies – Walk-In Interview on 30 November 2026

The CSIR-Human Resource Development Group (CSIR-HRDG) has issued Advertisement No. HRDG/JIGYASA/01/2026 dated 11 November 2026 for the engagement of 5 project-based scientific and technical positions under the CSIR Jigyasa Project (HCP002601). The posts are filled through a walk-in interview scheduled on 30 November 2026 at the CSIR Complex, Pusa, New Delhi.

The CSIR Jigyasa Project (HCP002601) is a Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) outreach initiative that connects school students and teachers to CSIR laboratories, scientists, and research infrastructure. CSIR-HRDG is the nodal agency for this project.

Post-Wise Vacancy & Pay Scale

The number of positions may increase or decrease at the discretion of CSIR-HRDG. The upper age limit is calculated as on the date of the interview. Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PWD/Women candidates and 3 years for OBC category candidates.

Eligibility Criteria & Educational Qualification

Project Scientist-II (P.S-II) – 1 Post – Rs. 67,000 + HRA

• Essential Qualification: Doctoral Degree in Science, OR Masters/Integrated Masters in Engineering or Technology from a recognized University or equivalent.
• Experience: 5 years of relevant experience in R&D in Industrial and Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organizations and scientific activities and services.
• Pay Note: Increment of 5% for every 2 years of experience in the same project.
• Key Responsibilities: Coordination of the project from CSIR-HRDG; end-to-end planning, execution and management of activities under the Jigyasa Project.

Project Scientist-I (P.S-I) – 1 Post – Rs. 56,000 + HRA

• Essential Qualification: Doctoral Degree in Science, OR Masters/Integrated Master's in Engineering or Technology from a recognized University or equivalent.
• Experience: 4 years of relevant experience in R&D in Industrial and Academic Institutions or S&T Organizations and scientific activities and services.
• Pay Note: Increment of 5% for every 2 years of experience in the same project.
• Key Responsibilities: Event management, student-based competitions, outreach programmes, coordination of Jigyasa Virtual Lab activities with CSIR laboratories, policy matters.

Principal Project Associate (Principal-PAT) – 1 Post – Rs. 49,000 + HRA

• Qualification Option (i): Masters/Integrated Masters in Natural or Agricultural or Pharmaceutical Sciences / MVSc / Animal Sciences, OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology or Medicine, from a recognized University or equivalent and 6 years relevant experience in R&D in Industrial and Academic Institutions or S&T Organizations.
• Qualification Option (ii): Masters/Integrated Masters in Engineering or Technology from a recognized University, OR Doctoral Degree in Science / Engineering / Technology / Pharma / MD / MS from a recognized University or equivalent and 3 years relevant experience in R&D.
• Key Responsibilities: Preparing Jigyasa project reports and coordination of the Jigyasa Newsletter; data analysis, impact analysis, science communication and policy related activities.

Senior Project Associate (Senior-PAT) – 2 Posts – Rs. 42,000 + HRA

• Qualification Option (i): Masters/Integrated Masters in Natural or Agricultural or Pharmaceutical Sciences / MVSc / Animal Sciences, OR Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology or Medicine, from a recognized University or equivalent and 3 years relevant experience in R&D.
• Qualification Option (ii): Masters/Integrated Masters in Engineering or Technology from a recognized University, OR Doctoral Degree in Science / Pharma / MD / MS from a recognized University or equivalent (no additional experience required).
• Key Responsibilities: Manage IT infrastructure of Jigyasa Virtual Lab; online promotion, newsletter and poster design, data analysis, coordination with CSIR-HRDG.

Desirable Experience (Across All Posts)

• Project management and coordination experience
• Organizing student-focused events and event management
• Working on policy-related matters / Research Development & Innovation (RDI)
• Data analysis, project progress reporting, conference poster and slide design
• Basic programming and IT skills including coding
• Vendor management, graphic designing, science communication and outreach experience

Eligibility Rules

• Where Ph.D. is the essential qualification, candidates with Ph.D. (Submitted) status are not eligible.
• Final semester / result awaited candidates are not eligible.
• Experience is counted from the date after acquiring the essential minimum educational qualification. Thesis/dissertation work during academic period is not counted.
• Time spent in acquiring a minimum higher qualification is not counted as experience.

Selection Process & Screening Clause

1. Document Screening: Candidates must appear at the CSIR-HRDG Reception Desk with the duly filled prescribed application form and original documents.
2. Academic Record Review: Selection is based on (a) academic records and/or (b) direct interview.
3. Direct Walk-In Interview: Candidates will be interviewed at the venue on 30 November 2026. If a large number of candidates attend, the interview process may continue on the following day (31 November 2026), and candidates should make arrangements accordingly.
4. Original Verification: Original certificates and degrees will be verified on the spot and returned the same day.

No Travel Allowance (TA) will be paid for appearing in the interview. No claim for a permanent position will be entertained. Meeting the minimum qualification does not confer any right to selection.

Contract Terms & Job Nature

• All posts are on a contract basis, co-terminus with the project (until 31 March 2031).
• Initial engagement is up to 31 March 2027; extension beyond that is subject to review by a Review Committee.
• Maximum total tenure of six years for candidates who have previously joined any CSIR laboratory under contract R&D projects.
• Engagement may be terminated at any time without assigning reasons by giving one month's notice.
• Staff must arrange their own accommodation. HRA is admissible as per applicable rules of the sponsoring agency.
• Canvassing in any form or political influence is a disqualification.

Required Documents & Instructions for Candidates

• Duly filled application form in the prescribed format (attached with the advertisement) with recent passport-size colour photograph affixed and signed.
• One set of self-attested copies of certificates for educational qualification, age proof, and category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/PWD if applicable).
• One latest passport-size photograph, experience certificate if any, and detailed biodata.
• Original certificates and degrees for verification (returned same day after verification).
• Up to 10 best publications/works (hard copy) and/or audio-video content on pen drive, as asked in the application form.
• Valid Government Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN Card).

The application form collects personal particulars, education from 10th standard onwards, professional qualifications, experience (including CSIR laboratory experience), publications, student-friendly content, graphic designs or animations, popular writing/social media experience, relevant software skills, particulars of close relatives working in CSIR-HRDG/CSIR, and a list of enclosures. It ends with a declaration of truthfulness and non-conviction.

Important Dates at a Glance

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the walk-in interview date for CSIR-HRDG Recruitment 2026?

The walk-in interview for 5 project staff positions under Advertisement No. HRDG/JIGYASA/01/2026 is scheduled for 30 November 2026. Candidates must report between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

2. What is the exact walk-in venue and reporting time?

The interview will be held at CSIR HRDG, CSIR Complex, Library Avenue, PUSA, New Delhi-110012. Reporting time is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. No candidate will be entertained after 11:00 AM. If the number of candidates is large, interviews may continue on the next day.

3. Is there an application fee for CSIR-HRDG Walk-In 2026?

The official notification does not specify any application fee. Candidates only need to bring a duly filled prescribed application form to the walk-in venue.

4. Are these permanent government jobs or contractual positions?

All 5 positions are contractual and temporary, co-terminus with the CSIR Jigyasa Project (HCP002601) that runs till 31 March 2031. Initial engagement is up to 31 March 2027, subject to annual review. These are not permanent government posts and no claim for a permanent position will be entertained.

5. What is the salary structure for the CSIR-HRDG project posts?

Monthly remuneration ranges from Rs. 42,000 (Senior Project Associate) to Rs. 67,000 (Project Scientist-II) per month plus House Rent Allowance (HRA). HRA is admissible as per applicable rules of the sponsoring agency. Project Scientist-II and Project Scientist-I also receive a 5% increment for every 2 years of experience in the same project.

6. What qualifications are required for CSIR-HRDG Project Scientist-II posts?

Candidates need a Doctoral Degree in Science or Masters/Integrated Masters in Engineering or Technology from a recognized University, along with 5 years of relevant R&D experience in Industrial/Academic Institutions or Science & Technology Organizations. Candidates with Ph.D. (Submitted) status are not eligible.