CSIR-CECRI Recruitment 2026 – Walkin for 5 Project Associate, Project Assistant and More Posts

CSIR-CECRI (Central Electrochemical Research Institute) is a premier national laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), located in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu. The institute is conducting a walk-in interview in 2026 for recruitment to 5 posts including Project Associate, Project Assistant, and related technical positions. These are project-based temporary positions for candidates with qualifications ranging from diploma to postgraduate degrees in science and engineering disciplines. The selected candidates will work on various research projects related to electrochemical sciences, energy storage, corrosion, and materials science. These positions offer excellent research exposure and opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology in a prestigious CSIR laboratory. The recruitment is open to candidates from across India.

Important Dates

Note: Exact dates will be mentioned in the official notification on CSIR-CECRI website.

Typical / Indicative

Vacancy Distribution

Note: Actual distribution may vary based on project requirements. CSIR follows Government of India reservation policy.

Educational Qualification

For Project Associate:

• Master's degree (M.Sc/M.Tech/M.E) in Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines
• First Class with minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA
• NET/GATE qualified candidates preferred

For Project Assistant:

• Bachelor's degree (B.Sc/B.Tech/B.E) in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines
• Diploma in Engineering/Technology for technical positions
• Minimum 55% marks or equivalent CGPA

For Other Posts:

• Qualifications as specified in individual position requirements
• Relevant work experience may be required for senior positions

Age Limit

Age relaxation:

Age calculation date: As on the date of walk-in interview

Nationality

• Indian citizens only
• Candidates must be citizens of India as per Constitution of India
• OCI/PIO cardholders may apply for specific positions as per government norms

How to Apply

This is a Walk-in Interview process. No online application required.

1. Download Application Form: Visit official CSIR-CECRI website (www.cecri.res.in) and download the prescribed application format from recruitment/career section

1. Fill Application Form: Complete the application form with all required details including personal information, educational qualifications, and experience details

1. Arrange Documents: Prepare sets of self-attested photocopies of all certificates including educational qualifications, experience certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and age proof

1. Prepare Original Documents: Bring all original certificates for verification during walk-in interview

1. Recent Photographs: Affix recent passport-size photographs on application form as specified

1. Attend Walk-in Interview: Report at the specified venue (CSIR-CECRI campus, Karaikudi) on the scheduled date and time mentioned in notification with completed application form and all documents

1. Registration: Complete registration process at the venue before interview timing

Application Fee

Note: Walk-in interviews for CSIR project positions typically do not require any application fee.

Selection Procedure

1. Document Verification: Initial screening where candidates' original certificates and eligibility criteria are verified. Only eligible candidates are allowed to proceed for interview. Candidates must bring all original documents along with self-attested copies.

1. Written Test/Skill Test (if applicable): For certain technical positions, a written test or practical skill assessment may be conducted to evaluate domain knowledge and technical competencies in the relevant field.

1. Personal Interview: Candidates will face an expert panel comprising senior scientists and project investigators. The interview assesses technical knowledge, research aptitude, subject expertise, and suitability for the project work. Duration typically 15-30 minutes per candidate.

1. Final Merit List: Based on performance in interview (and written test if applicable), a merit list is prepared. Selection is made strictly on merit basis while ensuring reservation policy compliance.

1. Medical Fitness: Selected candidates may need to undergo medical examination to ensure fitness for the position as per organizational norms.

1. Document Re-verification and Joining: Finally selected candidates must submit all required documents in original for verification before issuance of appointment letter and joining formalities.

Selection Pattern

As this is a Walk-in Interview based recruitment, there is typically no formal written examination. However, some positions may have assessment components:

Written Test (If Conducted)

Negative Marking: Typically no negative marking, but specifics will be mentioned if written test is conducted.

Interview Assessment

Note: Final selection is primarily based on interview performance. Minimum qualifying marks is typically 50% for General category and 45% for reserved categories.

Syllabus Topics

For Chemistry/Electrochemistry Positions

• Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, quantum chemistry, electrochemistry fundamentals, surface chemistry, spectroscopy
• Inorganic Chemistry: Coordination chemistry, organometallics, bioinorganic chemistry, solid state chemistry, materials chemistry
• Organic Chemistry: Reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, organic synthesis, polymers, natural products
• Analytical Chemistry: Instrumental methods, chromatography, spectroscopic techniques, electroanalytical methods
• Electrochemistry: Electrode kinetics, corrosion science, batteries and fuel cells, electrodeposition, electroanalysis

For Materials Science/Engineering Positions

• Materials Characterization: XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, spectroscopic techniques, thermal analysis
• Nanomaterials: Synthesis methods, properties, applications in energy and electronics
• Corrosion Science: Types of corrosion, corrosion prevention, coating technologies
• Energy Materials: Battery materials, supercapacitors, solar cells, fuel cell materials
• Polymers and Composites: Synthesis, properties, applications, processing techniques

For Chemical Engineering Positions

• Chemical Process Technology: Unit operations, mass transfer, heat transfer, reaction engineering
• Electrochemical Engineering: Electrochemical reactors, industrial electrochemistry, electrode design
• Process Control: Instrumentation, automation, process optimization
• Environmental Engineering: Waste treatment, pollution control, green technologies

General Topics (Common for All)

• Research Methodology: Literature review, experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing
• Laboratory Safety: Chemical handling, safety protocols, waste disposal, emergency procedures
• Instrumentation: Operation and maintenance of research equipment, troubleshooting
• Computer Skills: MS Office, data analysis software, presentation tools, literature databases
• Current Developments: Recent advances in electrochemical sciences, energy storage, and materials research

Typical / Indicative (As per CSIR norms for project positions)

Salary Structure

Additional Benefits:

• HRA: Applicable as per city classification (if not provided campus accommodation)
• Leave Entitlement: Casual and medical leave as per project duration
• Accidental Insurance: Coverage as per CSIR norms
• No DA/Transport Allowance: Being consolidated fellowship positions

Note: These are project-based temporary positions with consolidated monthly fellowship. Annual increments and other regular government employee benefits like DA, GPF, pension are not applicable. Salary depends on qualification level and project funding.

CSIR-CECRI project positions offer valuable research experience and exposure to cutting-edge electrochemical technologies. While these are temporary project-based positions without assured career progression, successful candidates can enhance their research profile, publish papers, and gain skills that significantly improve prospects for permanent positions in CSIR labs, academic institutions, or R&D sectors. Many project staff successfully transition to permanent CSIR scientist positions through competitive examinations or secure positions in premier research organizations and industries.

Since this is a Walk-in Interview process, no admit card is issued. Candidates must directly report to the CSIR-CECRI campus in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu on the specified walk-in date mentioned in the official notification. Candidates should bring a printed copy of the notification, completed application form, and all required original documents along with self-attested photocopies for verification at the registration desk.

The interview result and final selection list will be published on the official CSIR-CECRI website (www.cecri.res.in) typically within 2-3 weeks after completion of walk-in interviews. Selected candidates will be intimated individually via email or telephone regarding joining formalities. The result will display roll numbers or application reference numbers of successful candidates, and the decision of the selection committee will be final and binding.

For CSIR-CECRI project positions, selection is primarily merit-based through interview performance. Typical qualifying criteria: General/OBC/EWS candidates must score minimum 50% marks in interview, while SC/ST candidates need 45%. The actual cutoff depends on number of candidates, performance quality, and project requirements. Since these are project-specific recruitments, cutoff varies significantly across different walk-in drives and is not published separately. Selection is based on absolute merit within available vacancies.

Walk-in Interview Venue

Primary Venue:

• CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi - 630003, Tamil Nadu

Note: All walk-in interviews are typically conducted at the CSIR-CECRI main campus in Karaikudi only. Candidates from across India must report to this venue on the specified date. The exact reporting location (specific hall/building) will be mentioned in the detailed notification.

Regional Representation: Candidates from all states can apply:

• South: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry
• North: Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand
• West: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
• East: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha
• Northeast: Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim