CSIR CFTRI Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) invites applications for Project Assistant positions in 2026. CSIR-CFTRI, located in Mysuru, Karnataka, is a premier national laboratory under CSIR engaged in food science and technology research. Project Assistants work on specific research projects under senior scientists and contribute to laboratory work, data collection, analysis, and research documentation. These positions are purely temporary and project-based, with contract duration depending on project requirements and funding availability. The role offers excellent exposure to cutting-edge food technology research and laboratory practices. Candidates selected will work in various divisions of CFTRI including Food Engineering, Food Microbiology, Biochemistry, and other specialized departments.

Important Dates (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Exact dates will be announced in the official notification on www.cftri.res.in

Vacancy Details (Typical / Indicative)

Actual vacancies depend on project requirements and may vary across different scientific divisions. Positions are project-based and temporary.

Educational Qualification

For Project Assistant:

• Bachelor's degree in Science (B.Sc.) in relevant disciplines such as Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, or related fields from a recognized university
• OR B.Tech/B.E. in Food Technology, Food Processing, Chemical Engineering, or related engineering disciplines
• Minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) in qualifying degree
• Preference may be given to candidates with Master's degree or relevant research experience

Age Limit

Age as on last date of application:

Age Relaxation:

• OBC candidates: 3 years
• SC/ST candidates: 5 years
• PwD candidates: 10 years (15 years for SC/ST-PwD)
• Ex-Servicemen: As per Government of India rules

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Persons of Indian origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) may apply as per CSIR guidelines

How to Apply

1. Visit the official CSIR-CFTRI website at www.cftri.res.in and navigate to the 'Careers' or 'Recruitment' section
2. Read the detailed notification carefully and check your eligibility for the Project Assistant position
3. Click on the 'Apply Online' link for Project Assistant Recruitment 2026
4. Register yourself by providing basic details (name, email ID, mobile number) to generate login credentials
5. Login with the generated User ID and Password
6. Fill the online application form with personal details, educational qualifications, experience details, and contact information
7. Upload scanned copies of required documents:

• Recent passport-size photograph (JPEG format, 10-50 KB)
• Signature (JPEG format, 5-20 KB)
• Educational certificates (PDF format, max 500 KB each)
• Caste/Category certificate if applicable (PDF format)
• Experience certificates if any (PDF format)

1. Pay the application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI)
2. Review all entered information carefully before final submission
3. Submit the application form and take a printout of the completed application for future reference
4. Note down the Registration Number/Application Number for tracking purposes

Application Fees

Payment through online mode only. No fee refund under any circumstances.

Selection Procedure

1. Screening of Applications: All received applications will be screened based on eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, percentage of marks, and relevant experience. Only eligible candidates will be shortlisted for further stages.

1. Written Test/Skill Test: Shortlisted candidates may be required to appear for a written test covering basic concepts in their subject area, general science, analytical ability, and research aptitude. For certain positions, a practical/skill test in laboratory techniques may be conducted.

1. Personal Interview: Candidates who qualify the written test will be called for personal interview before a Selection Committee comprising senior scientists and project investigators. The interview assesses subject knowledge, research orientation, laboratory skills, and overall suitability for the project work.

1. Document Verification: Finally selected candidates must appear for document verification with original certificates including educational degrees, mark sheets, date of birth proof, caste certificate (if applicable), experience certificates, and identity proof.

1. Medical Fitness: Selected candidates may need to submit a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner before joining.

1. Final Selection: Final merit list will be prepared based on combined performance in written test and interview, subject to satisfactory document verification and medical fitness.

Examination Pattern (Typical / Indicative)

Written Test/Screening Test

Marking Scheme:

• Each correct answer: +2 marks
• Each wrong answer: -0.5 marks (negative marking applicable)
• Unanswered questions: 0 marks

Personal Interview

Final Merit Calculation: Written Test (60%) + Interview (40%)

Note: Exact pattern may vary based on project requirements. Some positions may have only interview-based selection.

Syllabus for Project Assistant Examination

Food Science & Technology

• Food chemistry and biochemistry fundamentals
• Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals in food
• Food preservation methods and techniques
• Food processing and engineering principles
• Food packaging and storage
• Food safety and quality assurance
• HACCP and food standards
• Sensory evaluation of food products

Food Microbiology

• Microorganisms in food - bacteria, fungi, viruses
• Food spoilage and foodborne diseases
• Fermentation technology
• Food preservation by microbial control
• Probiotic foods and functional foods
• Microbiological testing and quality control
• Sterilization and sanitation methods

Chemistry/Biochemistry

• Organic chemistry fundamentals
• Analytical chemistry and instrumentation
• Enzymology and protein chemistry
• Metabolism and metabolic pathways
• Spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, IR, NMR, MS)
• Chromatography techniques (HPLC, GC, TLC)
• Chemical analysis and quantitative methods

Biotechnology

• Molecular biology and genetic engineering
• Cell culture techniques
• Protein expression and purification
• Enzyme technology
• Biosensors and bioprocessing
• Microbial biotechnology applications
• Recombinant DNA technology

General Science & Research Aptitude

• Scientific method and research design
• Laboratory safety and good laboratory practices
• Basic statistics and data analysis
• Scientific writing and documentation
• Research ethics and intellectual property
• Current developments in food science
• Environmental science basics
• General awareness of CSIR and national science programs

Instrumentation & Laboratory Techniques

• Basic laboratory equipment and their use
• Spectrophotometry and colorimetry
• Centrifugation and separation techniques
• Microscopy techniques
• pH meters, balances, and measuring instruments
• Sterilization equipment (autoclaves, ovens)
• Computer applications in laboratory

The syllabus may be modified based on specific project requirements and the level of position.

Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative)

Additional Benefits:

• No DA (Dearness Allowance) as it is consolidated pay
• Project Assistants are paid consolidated fellowship/stipend
• Accidental insurance coverage may be provided
• Access to CFTRI facilities including library, cafeteria, sports facilities
• Leave entitlement as per project rules (typically 1.5 days per month)
• No pension, gratuity, or PF benefits as these are temporary positions

Salary varies based on qualifications (B.Sc./M.Sc./B.Tech) and project funding. Amount may be revised as per CSIR norms.

Project Assistant positions at CSIR-CFTRI are contractual and project-specific with no direct career progression or promotion structure. However, these roles provide valuable research experience and exposure to advanced food technology research, which enhances prospects for pursuing higher studies (M.Sc./Ph.D.) or applying for permanent scientific positions in CSIR labs, other research institutions, or food industry R&D departments. Performance in the project may lead to extensions, recommendations, or opportunities in subsequent projects.

Admit cards for the written test/interview will be released approximately 10-15 days before the examination date on the official CSIR-CFTRI website. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging into their application portal using registration number and password. The admit card contains important details including examination venue, reporting time, and instructions. No hard copy will be sent by post; candidates must carry a printed copy along with valid photo ID proof to the examination center.

Results of the written test/screening will be declared within 2-3 weeks of the examination on the CSIR-CFTRI website. Shortlisted candidates for interview will be intimated via email and the list will be published online. Final selection results after interview will be announced within 10-15 days, and selected candidates will be informed through email and phone. Merit lists may be displayed category-wise on the official portal.

Cutoff marks for CSIR-CFTRI Project Assistant positions typically vary based on the number of applicants, difficulty level of the examination, and available vacancies. Generally, candidates scoring 50-60% in the written test (75-90 marks out of 150) are shortlisted for interview in the General category. SC/ST candidates may have cutoffs around 40-50% (60-75 marks). Final selection depends on combined performance in written test and interview, with overall qualifying marks typically around 55-65% of total marks for General category.

Examination Centres (Typical / Indicative)

South India: Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram

North India: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur

West India: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Indore

East India: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna

Northeast India: Guwahati

Most examinations are conducted at the CSIR-CFTRI campus in Mysuru or nearby centers. Preference for exam center may be given based on availability, but final allotment is at the discretion of CSIR-CFTRI.