Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) Recruitment 2026: Career Guide & Vacancy Details

About TNAU Careers

🏛️ Organization Overview

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) is a globally recognized center for excellence in agriculture and allied sciences. Headquartered in Coimbatore, it governs 15 constituent colleges, 36 research stations, and 28 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across Tamil Nadu. The university is a leader in developing climate-resilient crop varieties and digital farming technologies.

Working at TNAU means being part of a robust academic ecosystem that collaborates with international bodies like the World Bank and ICAR. Career roles are often located in specialized centers like the Centre for Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (CPMB&B) or the Centre for Agricultural & Rural Development Studies (CARDS). Employees benefit from the stability of a state government institution while engaging in cutting-edge field-based learning and technological dissemination to the farming community.

💼 Key Job Profiles (Evergreen Roles)

• Assistant Professor: The primary academic entry point. Requires a Master’s degree (55%) in the relevant subject with ICAR/UGC NET or a Ph.D. as per UGC/ICAR 2018 regulations.
• Senior Research Fellow (SRF) / Junior Research Fellow (JRF): Purely project-based roles funded by state, central, or international agencies. These are excellent for early-career researchers looking to build an academic profile.
• Junior Assistant cum Typist: Manages university administration, student records, and clerical duties. Requires 10+2 with computer knowledge and typing proficiency in English/Tamil.
• Technical Assistant / Field Assistant: Crucial roles for maintaining research plots, conducting field trials, and managing laboratory operations. Typically requires a Diploma in Agriculture or Horticulture.

💰 Salary & Employee Benefits

TNAU follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales as adopted by the Government of Tamil Nadu for its regular employees.

• Assistant Professor: Academic Level-10 (₹57,700 - ₹1,82,400).
• Research Associate (Ph.D.): Consolidated pay up to ₹67,000 per month (with NET).
• Senior Research Fellow (SRF): Consolidated pay of ₹31,000 - ₹37,000 (with/without NET).
• Junior Assistant: Standard State Pay Scale (approx. ₹19,500 - ₹62,000).
• Perks: Regular employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and are covered under the National Pension System (NPS).

🎯 Selection Process

TNAU ensures a merit-based and transparent recruitment cycle:

1. Teaching Faculty: Candidates are shortlisted based on their Academic Performance Indicator (API) score and research publications. This is followed by a Teaching Skill Test and a Personal Interview before a Selection Committee.
2. Project Staff (SRF/RA): Primarily recruited through Walk-in-Interviews held at various campuses (Coimbatore, Madurai, Killikulam, etc.). Selection is based on academic merit and interview performance.
3. Non-Teaching Staff: Involves a Written Examination (covering general knowledge and subject-specific aptitude) followed by a Skill Test (typing/practical).
4. Certificate Verification: Final selection is subject to the rigorous verification of original academic transcripts and community certificates.

💡 Expert Tips (How to Crack TNAU Exams)

Master the ICAR-NET Syllabus

For faculty roles, the ICAR-NET qualification is non-negotiable for those without a Ph.D. Focus your preparation on the specific ASRB syllabus for your discipline (e.g., Agronomy, Entomology, or Plant Pathology).

Prepare for Walk-in Efficiency

Since many research roles are filled via Walk-in-Interviews, keep a standard "Interview Kit" ready with multiple copies of your CV, original degrees, and a 2-minute summary of your previous research project. Arriving 30 minutes before the reporting time is crucial as late entry is strictly prohibited.

Focus on Local Context

During interviews, show knowledge of Tamil Nadu's agro-climatic zones and the specific challenges faced by local farmers. Mentioning recent TNAU-developed varieties or the TNAU Agri-Tech Portal can significantly impress the selection panel.