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 the position of Project Assistant for various research projects in 2026. CSIR-CFTRI, located in Mysuru, Karnataka, is a premier national laboratory under CSIR engaged in research and development in food science and technology. Project Assistants work on specific research projects for a contractual period, gaining valuable research experience in food technology, biotechnology, microbiology, chemistry, and related disciplines. This is a purely temporary appointment linked to project duration and does not lead to regular employment. The position offers an excellent opportunity for fresh graduates and postgraduates to gain hands-on research experience in a prestigious national laboratory.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Exact vacancies depend on ongoing research projects and may vary by notification.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Bachelor's degree (B.Sc./B.Tech) in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related sciences from a recognized university
• Desirable: Master's degree (M.Sc./M.Tech) in relevant disciplines
• Minimum Marks: 55% aggregate marks for General/OBC candidates; 50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates
• Candidates awaiting final year results may apply provisionally

Age Limit

Age calculated as on the last date of application submission

Nationality

• Indian citizens only
• Candidates must possess valid identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport)

How to Apply

1. Visit the official CSIR-CFTRI website at www.cftri.res.in
2. Navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Vacancies' section under 'Career' tab
3. Download the notification PDF and read all instructions carefully
4. Click on the 'Apply Online' link for Project Assistant recruitment
5. Register with valid email ID and mobile number to create login credentials
6. Fill the online application form with personal, educational, and experience details
7. Upload scanned copies of photograph (50 KB), signature (30 KB), and required certificates (100-200 KB each) in prescribed format
8. Pay the application fee through online mode (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI)
9. Submit the application form and save/print the acknowledgment receipt for future reference
10. Keep a copy of the submitted application and payment receipt until final selection

Application Fee

Selection Process

1. Shortlisting: Candidates will be shortlisted based on educational qualifications, marks obtained, and relevant experience as per the project requirements.

1. Written Test/Skill Test: Depending on the project, candidates may be required to undergo a written test covering subject knowledge or practical skill assessment in laboratory techniques.

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview before a selection committee comprising senior scientists and project investigators to assess technical knowledge, research aptitude, and suitability.

1. Document Verification: Selected candidates must produce original certificates for verification including degree certificates, mark sheets, caste certificate, age proof, and experience certificates.

1. Medical Fitness: Final selection is subject to medical fitness as per CSIR norms, with medical examination conducted at designated hospitals.

Selection Test Pattern

Written Test/Technical Assessment (if conducted)

Interview

Negative Marking: Typically 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in written test (if applicable). No negative marking in interview.

Syllabus

Food Technology & Processing

• Food chemistry and biochemistry
• Food microbiology and fermentation technology
• Food preservation and processing techniques
• Food packaging technology
• Quality control and food safety
• Nutritional biochemistry
• Sensory evaluation methods

Biotechnology & Microbiology

• Cell biology and molecular biology fundamentals
• Microbial physiology and genetics
• Enzyme technology and bioprocessing
• Recombinant DNA technology
• Fermentation technology
• Bioanalytical techniques

Analytical Chemistry

• Instrumental methods of analysis (HPLC, GC, UV-Vis spectroscopy)
• Chromatographic techniques
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Laboratory safety protocols
• Sample preparation methods

General Aptitude

• Numerical ability and data interpretation
• Logical reasoning
• Basic statistics
• Research methodology fundamentals
• Laboratory practices and techniques

Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Project Assistants are appointed on consolidated fellowship basis. No DA, TA, or other allowances are typically provided. The salary is fixed for the project duration and subject to income tax deductions as per government rules. Annual increments are generally not applicable for purely project-based positions.

As a Project Assistant, the position is contractual and project-specific with limited career growth within the same role. However, the experience gained provides excellent foundation for pursuing higher research (Ph.D. programmes), applying for regular CSIR scientist positions through CSIR-NET/GATE, or transitioning to industry R&D roles. Some exceptional performers may be considered for extension to other projects or recommended for regular positions when vacancies arise, though this is not guaranteed.

For Project Assistant recruitment, formal admit cards are typically not issued as the selection is usually through walk-in interviews or intimation via email/website. Shortlisted candidates are notified through registered email ID and the official CSIR-CFTRI website with interview date, time, venue, and list of documents to bring. Candidates must bring printed copies of their application, educational certificates, and valid photo ID proof on the interview date.

Results are declared within 15-20 days after completion of the interview process. The final merit list of selected candidates is published on the official CSIR-CFTRI website under the recruitment section. Selected candidates are individually informed via email and must join within the stipulated time period mentioned in the offer letter, usually 15-30 days from the date of issue. Waiting list candidates may be considered if selected candidates do not join.

Cutoff scores vary based on the number of applicants, difficulty level of test/interview, and project requirements. Typically, General category candidates need to score around 60-65% marks in written test and 55-60% in interview for selection. Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC) generally require 5-10% lower cutoff marks. Category-wise cutoffs are determined by the selection committee and are not disclosed publicly in most cases.

Examination/Interview Centres

Interviews and selection tests (if conducted) are typically held at:

South: Mysuru (CSIR-CFTRI Campus - Primary Centre), Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad

North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow (occasionally)

West: Mumbai, Pune (occasionally)

East: Kolkata (occasionally)

Note: Most interviews are conducted at the CSIR-CFTRI campus in Mysuru, Karnataka. Candidates may need to travel at their own expense. Virtual interviews may be conducted in exceptional circumstances.