CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate - I Recruitment 2026 - Walkin for 12 Posts

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysore, is conducting a walk-in recruitment drive for 12 Project Associate-I positions across various scientific projects. CSIR-CFTRI is one of India's premier food research institutions under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology. Project Associate-I positions are contractual research positions offered for specific time-bound projects in food technology, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, and related fields. Selected candidates will work under principal investigators on ongoing research projects and contribute to scientific publications, technology development, and laboratory research. This is an excellent opportunity for young researchers to gain hands-on experience in a nationally recognized research institution. The positions are temporary and co-terminus with the project duration, typically ranging from 1-3 years with possible extensions based on project requirements and performance.

Important Dates (Indicative)

Note: Candidates must check the official CSIR-CFTRI website (www.cftri.res.in) for exact walk-in dates and venue details closer to the recruitment drive.

Vacancy Distribution (Indicative - Total 12 Posts)

Note: Exact category-wise distribution may vary based on project requirements and reservation norms. Some positions may be unreserved depending on project specifications.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Essential:

• Master's Degree in Food Science & Technology / Food Technology / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Biotechnology / Chemistry / Life Sciences / Agricultural Sciences or related disciplines from a recognized university
• OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/Technology (B.Tech/B.E.) in Food Technology / Biotechnology / Chemical Engineering or related fields
• Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) in qualifying degree

Desirable:

• Research experience in food science laboratories
• NET/GATE qualification
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Knowledge of analytical techniques and instrumentation

Age Limit

Age Relaxation:

Age Calculation Date: Age will be calculated as on the date of walk-in interview or as specified in the detailed advertisement.

Nationality

• Indian citizens only
• Candidates must possess valid Indian citizenship documents
• OCI/PIO card holders are not eligible unless specifically mentioned

Application Process

This is a WALK-IN INTERVIEW. No online application required.

Steps to Apply:

1. Download Advertisement: Visit official CSIR-CFTRI website (www.cftri.res.in) and download the detailed advertisement PDF containing walk-in date, venue, and position details

1. Prepare Application Form: Fill the prescribed application format (available in advertisement) with complete details including personal information, educational qualifications, experience, and contact details

1. Arrange Documents: Prepare all original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies including:

• Date of birth certificate (10th marksheet)
• All educational qualification certificates and marksheets
• Experience certificates (if any)
• Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates)
• EWS certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (if applicable)
• Recent passport size photographs (3-4 copies)
• Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Driving License)

1. Attend Walk-in Interview: Report to the specified venue on the announced date during the reporting time window (typically 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM)

1. Document Verification: Submit all documents for verification at the registration desk

1. Written Test/Interview: Appear for the selection process (may include written test, practical test, presentation, or interview based on project requirements)

1. Await Results: Results will be displayed on the notice board and/or official website within 7-15 days

Application Fees

Note: CSIR typically does not charge application fees for walk-in interviews. However, candidates bear their own travel and accommodation expenses.

Selection Process

The selection for Project Associate-I positions follows a walk-in based evaluation process:

1. Document Verification (Stage 1): All original certificates and testimonials are verified for authenticity and eligibility criteria. Candidates with incomplete documentation or not meeting eligibility criteria are rejected at this stage itself.

1. Written Test / Screening Test (Stage 2 - if applicable): For positions with large number of candidates, a short screening test may be conducted covering basic concepts from the relevant subject area, general aptitude, and technical knowledge related to the project requirements. Duration typically 1-2 hours.

1. Presentation / Practical Test (Stage 3 - if required): Candidates may be asked to make a brief presentation on their previous research work, Master's dissertation, or a given topic. Alternatively, practical assessment of laboratory skills and techniques may be conducted for technical positions.

1. Personal Interview (Stage 4): A panel of scientists and project investigators conducts detailed interview assessing candidate's subject knowledge, research aptitude, laboratory skills, understanding of the project area, communication skills, and overall suitability for the position. Typically 15-30 minutes per candidate.

1. Merit List Preparation (Stage 5): Final selection is based on combined performance in all stages. Merit list is prepared category-wise and displayed on the notice board. Selected candidates are informed via email/phone.

1. Medical Examination (Stage 6 - if required): Selected candidates may need to undergo medical fitness examination as per CSIR norms before joining.

Note: The selection process may be completed on the same day of walk-in or may extend based on the number of candidates.

Selection Test Pattern (If Conducted)

Screening Test (Indicative)

Negative Marking: Typically 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in objective type questions.

Interview Assessment (Indicative Weightage)

Note: The actual pattern varies by project requirements. Some walk-ins may have only interview without written test, while others may include practical laboratory assessments. The interview panel has discretion to modify the evaluation pattern based on the nature of the project and number of candidates.

Syllabus for Project Associate-I Positions

The syllabus varies based on the specific project and discipline. Below is an indicative syllabus covering major areas:

Food Science & Technology

• Food chemistry and biochemistry: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals
• Food microbiology: spoilage organisms, food pathogens, fermentation technology, food preservation
• Food processing and engineering: unit operations, thermal processing, novel processing technologies
• Food analysis: proximate analysis, instrumental methods, chromatography, spectroscopy
• Food safety and quality: HACCP, GMP, food standards, quality assurance systems
• Nutrition and dietetics: macro and micronutrients, nutritional disorders, functional foods
• Post-harvest technology: storage, packaging, shelf-life studies

Biotechnology

• Molecular biology: DNA, RNA, proteins, gene expression, recombinant DNA technology
• Cell biology: cell structure, cell cycle, cell signaling, cell culture techniques
• Genetic engineering: cloning vectors, transformation, gene editing, CRISPR technology
• Bioprocess technology: fermentation, bioreactors, downstream processing
• Enzymology: enzyme kinetics, enzyme production, immobilization, applications
• Immunology and immunotechnology: antigens, antibodies, immunoassays, vaccines
• Bioinformatics: sequence analysis, protein structure prediction, databases

Microbiology

• General microbiology: bacterial, fungal, viral characteristics, microbial growth
• Industrial microbiology: strain improvement, fermentation technology, microbial products
• Medical microbiology: pathogenic microorganisms, antimicrobial agents, resistance mechanisms
• Environmental microbiology: biodegradation, bioremediation, waste treatment
• Food microbiology: fermented foods, probiotics, foodborne diseases
• Microbial genetics: mutation, recombination, plasmids, transposons
• Immunology: immune system, antigen-antibody reactions, vaccines

Biochemistry

• Biomolecules: structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids
• Metabolism: glycolysis, TCA cycle, electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation
• Enzymes: classification, kinetics, regulation, mechanisms, industrial applications
• Molecular biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation
• Clinical biochemistry: liver function tests, kidney function tests, lipid profile
• Analytical biochemistry: chromatography, electrophoresis, spectroscopy, immunoassays
• Biophysical chemistry: thermodynamics, protein folding, molecular interactions

Chemistry (Food/Analytical)

• Organic chemistry: reactions, mechanisms, heterocyclic chemistry, natural products
• Analytical chemistry: volumetric, gravimetric, instrumental methods of analysis
• Physical chemistry: thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, spectroscopy
• Inorganic chemistry: coordination chemistry, organometallics, bioinorganic chemistry
• Instrumentation: HPLC, GC, MS, NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy
• Food analysis: proximate analysis, contaminants, additives, authenticity testing
• Quality control: standardization, validation, statistical quality control

Research Methodology

• Scientific method: hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data collection
• Statistical analysis: descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, ANOVA, regression
• Laboratory techniques: safety, good laboratory practices, equipment handling
• Scientific writing: research papers, reports, thesis writing, citation methods
• Literature review: databases, reference management, critical analysis
• Ethics in research: plagiarism, data integrity, animal ethics, human subject research

General Awareness (Science & Technology)

• Recent developments in food science, biotechnology, and related fields
• Nobel prizes in science (recent years)
• Major scientific organizations in India: CSIR, ICAR, DBT, DST
• Science and technology policies of Government of India
• Current issues in food security, nutrition, and public health

Salary and Allowances (Typical/Indicative)

Additional Benefits:

• Leave: Casual leave and medical leave as per CSIR norms (typically 8-12 days casual leave per year)
• Medical Facilities: Access to CSIR-CFTRI medical facilities and tie-up hospitals
• Accommodation: Institutional guest house may be available on payment basis subject to availability
• Library & Research Facilities: Access to state-of-the-art laboratories, library, and research infrastructure
• Training: Opportunities for skill development, workshops, and conferences
• Publication Support: Support for publishing research papers in journals

Note: Project Associates receive consolidated fellowship/salary without standard government pay scale benefits like DA, pension, or gratuity. EPF/GPF may be applicable as per project terms. The exact amount varies by funding agency (CSIR/DST/DBT/other) and project budget. Some projects may offer higher amounts (₹31,000-35,000) for candidates with NET/GATE qualification or relevant experience.

Career growth for Project Associate-I positions at CSIR-CFTRI includes progression to Project Associate-II and Senior Project Associate roles based on performance, experience, and project requirements, with salary increments of ₹5,000-10,000 at each level. Candidates gain valuable research experience, publications, and technical skills that enhance prospects for pursuing PhD programs, clearing CSIR-NET/GATE, or securing permanent scientific positions in CSIR labs, ICAR institutes, universities, or R&D roles in food/pharmaceutical industries. Many former project associates have successfully transitioned to Scientist positions in CSIR through direct recruitment or to faculty positions in universities.

Since this is a walk-in interview process, no formal admit card is issued. Candidates must bring a printout of the official advertisement notification along with all original certificates and self-attested photocopies for document verification. The advertisement itself serves as the call letter, and candidates should report directly to the venue specified in the notification during the designated reporting time. It is advisable to check the CSIR-CFTRI official website 2-3 days before the walk-in date for any last-minute updates, venue changes, or additional instructions.

Results for the Project Associate-I walk-in recruitment are typically declared within 7-15 days after the interview date. The selected candidates' list is displayed on the official CSIR-CFTRI notice board and uploaded on the institute website (www.cftri.res.in). Selected candidates are individually informed via email or telephone and are required to join within the stipulated timeframe (usually 15-30 days). A waiting list may also be prepared for future vacancies in similar projects. Candidates should regularly check their email and the official website for result updates.

Since selection is primarily based on interview performance and project requirements, there is no fixed numerical cutoff. However, typically candidates scoring above 60-65% in written tests (if conducted) and securing 50-60 marks out of 100 in interviews have reasonable chances of selection. Category-wise expectations indicate that general category candidates need 55-60% overall score, while OBC candidates may need 50-55% and SC/ST candidates around 45-50%. Actual selection depends on the number of positions, candidate pool strength, and the interview panel's assessment of suitability for specific project requirements.

Walk-in Interview Venue

Primary Venue:

• CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru, Karnataka

Address: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru - 570020, Karnataka

Note: All walk-in interviews are conducted at the CSIR-CFTRI campus in Mysuru only. Candidates from all states must travel to Mysuru for attending the walk-in interview. No interviews are conducted at regional centers. Candidates should plan their travel accordingly and may need to arrange accommodation if traveling from distant locations.

Accessibility: Mysuru is well-connected by rail (Mysuru Junction) and road (approximately 140 km from Bengaluru). The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (170 km from CFTRI campus).