National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About NABI Mohali Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

Established in 2010, the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) is a key component of the Agri-Food Cluster in Mohali.⁴ Its mission is to harness biotechnological tools to improve the nutritional quality of crops, develop functional foods, and provide sustainable solutions to India’s nutritional challenges.⁵ The institute is equipped with world-class facilities for genomics, proteomics, and food characterization.+1

Careers at NABI are categorized into Permanent Faculty (Scientists), Technical Staff, and Project-based Research roles. The institute’s strategic location in Punjab—the "Granary of India"—allows it to maintain strong linkages with both the farming community and the food processing industry.⁶ Professionals here work on cutting-edge e-governance and translational science projects that directly impact the National Nutrition Mission.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Scientist (C to G): High-level research roles focused on Agricultural Biotechnology, Computational Biology, and Food Science.⁷ These roles require a PhD and a proven track record of high-impact SCI publications.⁸+1
• Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Senior Research Fellow (SRF): The backbone of NABI’s research projects. JRFs are typically recruited through national-level exams like GATE or NET and often enroll in the institute's PhD program.
• Technical Officer / Senior Technical Assistant: Responsible for the operation and maintenance of sophisticated laboratory equipment such as HPLC, GC-MS, and NMR.
• Research Associate (RA): Post-doctoral positions for experienced researchers to lead specific project modules, often involving metabolic engineering or bioinformatics analysis.⁹
• Field / Lab Worker: Essential support roles for managing experimental fields, greenhouse facilities, and basic laboratory maintenance.¹⁰

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

NABI follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales for regular staff and DST/DBT guidelines for project fellowships.

• Scientist Levels: * Scientist C: Pay Level 11 (₹67,700 - ₹2,08,700).
  • Scientist E: Pay Level 13 (₹1,23,100 - ₹2,15,900).
• Research Fellowships: JRFs receive approx. ₹37,000 + HRA, while RAs receive between ₹58,000 and ₹67,000 + HRA depending on experience.
• Technical/Admin: Entry-level technical roles typically start at Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 - ₹1,12,400).
• Benefits: Regular employees receive DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, and comprehensive medical coverage. Scientists are also eligible for Professional Development Allowances to attend international conferences.

🎯 Selection Process

NABI utilizes a merit-heavy selection process tailored to scientific rigor:

1. Screening: Applications are screened based on academic merit, the impact factor of research publications, and relevance to NABI’s core research areas.
2. Written/Skill Test: For Technical and Administrative posts, a written test followed by a practical skill test (if applicable) is conducted.
3. Interview/Interaction: For Scientist and Project roles (JRF/RA), candidates must appear for a personal interview or a seminar presentation.
4. Walk-in Interviews: Project-based vacancies (JRF/SRF/RA) are often filled via walk-in interviews held at the Mohali campus.¹¹

💡 Expert Tips: How to Crack NABI Exams

• Master National Exams: For JRF/SRF roles, qualifying GATE 2026 or CSIR-UGC NET is virtually mandatory. Focus on the Life Sciences or Biotechnology modules.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): For Scientist roles, HSL requires a 1000-word SOP.¹² Ensure this highlights your expertise in translational research—how your science can lead to a tangible food product.
• Technical Proficiency: For technical assistants, be prepared for hands-on tests on equipment calibration and biochemical assay protocols.