CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate I Recruitment 2026

Overview of CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate I Recruitment 2026

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has officially released the recruitment notification under advertisement number PAT 65/2026 for high-level scientific research. Candidates seeking research opportunities can review similar openings such as the CSIR-NEERI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 recruitment details to compare project requirements. This contractual vacancy is stationed in Mysuru, Karnataka, providing qualified professionals an exceptional environment to contribute to advanced scientific breakthroughs in food science and molecular biology.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

Aspirants who wish to explore all latest Karnataka Government Jobs will find this project-based opportunity ideal for building a long-term research career. Applicants can also check more Post Graduate jobs in Karnataka listed across various state research institutions and scientific laboratories.

Eligibility Criteria and Age Limits

To qualify for the Project Associate I position, applicants must hold a Master's degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, or a related subject from a recognized university. Candidates must note that they must have already acquired the essential qualification and their final semester results must be officially declared by the cutoff date. Result-awaited or final semester appearing candidates are strictly ineligible.

The upper age limit is set at a maximum of 35 years as on 01 November 2026. Category-wise age relaxations are applicable as per government guidelines, granting a 5-year relaxation for SC, ST, PwBD, and Women candidates, and a 3-year relaxation for OBC candidates.

Salary Structure and Contractual Tenure

The remuneration package depends upon the candidate's national-level examination qualifications. Selected individuals who have qualified CSIR/UGC NET, GATE, or equivalent national tests will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 31,000 per month + HRA. All other qualified candidates will receive Rs. 25,000 per month + HRA.

The engagement is strictly contractual, initially valid for up to 6 months. Depending on project performance and operational requirements, the tenure is extendable up to March 2028 or until the project completion, whichever comes earlier.

Selection Process and Methodology

The selection methodology for this notification involves a multi-stage evaluation process managed by a designated screening committee. Eligible applications are scrutinized based on essential educational qualifications and desirable experience. Candidates possessing desirable experience in recombinant DNA techniques, enzyme assays, enzyme purification, and characterization receive preference during shortlisting.

• Stage 1: Initial screening and shortlisting by a designated committee based on essential qualifications and desirable research experience.
• Stage 2: Personal or virtual interview conducted for shortlisted candidates, who will be notified directly via email.
• Stage 3: Thorough document verification of academic certificates, identity proof, and category documents prior to formal engagement.

Important Dates and Schedule Guidance

The online application window opened on 20 October 2026. Candidates must submit their applications well before the closing deadline of 01 November 2026. Since no application fee is specified in the official notification, candidates from all categories are exempt from paying application fees.

Step-by-Step Online Application Walkthrough

Submitting an application requires careful adherence to instructions provided on the official portal. Follow these steps to complete your submission successfully:

• Step 1: Navigate to the official application portal at https://patcell.cftri.res.in.
• Step 2: Review the detailed advertisement and notification PDF to verify your specific eligibility and tenure terms.
• Step 3: Register using a valid email address and mobile number, then fill out the online form with accurate personal, academic, and research experience details.
• Step 4: Upload scanned copies of your educational certificates, recent passport-sized photograph, and signature adhering strictly to the specified dimension and file size guidelines.
• Step 5: Review all entered data carefully before final submission, and retain a printed copy or digital PDF of the submitted confirmation for future reference.

Essential Documents Checklist

Candidates must keep the following documents ready in scanned digital formats before initiating the online form submission:

• Valid Photo ID: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized color photograph with a light background.
• Academic Marksheets: Passing certificates and marksheets for Class 10, Class 12, and Master's Degree.
• Category Certificates: Valid SC, ST, OBC-NCL, or EWS certificate in the prescribed government format, if applicable.
• Signature Proof: Scanned signature image meeting exact pixel and file size specifications.
• Experience & NOC: Experience certificates (if applicable) and a No Objection Certificate from the current Project Investigator for candidates already working within CSIR or CSIR-CFTRI.

Candidate Advisory and Precautions

To prevent technical disqualification or administrative rejection, applicants must pay close attention to the following crucial guidelines:

• Verify that your name, father's name, and date of birth match your 10th Class / Matriculation certificate without any discrepancies.
• Avoid submitting multiple applications for the same post; duplicate submissions can lead to the cancellation of all associated entries.
• Check the dimensions and resolution of scanned photographs and signatures before uploading them to the portal.
• Keep checking your registered email inbox regularly for interview call letters and shortlisting announcements sent by the recruitment cell.