CSIR CFTRI Recruitment 2026 – Walk-in for Project Assistant I, Project Associate I Posts

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysore, is conducting a walk-in interview in 2026 for the positions of Project Assistant I and Project Associate I. CSIR-CFTRI is a premier research institution under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) dedicated to food science, technology, and processing research. These are temporary project-based positions that support ongoing research projects in various domains of food technology. The selected candidates will work on specific research assignments under senior scientists and contribute to cutting-edge research in food processing, preservation, nutrition, and related fields. This is an excellent opportunity for fresh graduates and postgraduates to gain hands-on research experience in a reputed national laboratory.

Typical / Indicative dates

Note: Exact dates to be confirmed in official notification. Candidates must report on the walk-in date with all original documents.

Typical / Indicative vacancy distribution

Note: Actual vacancies depend on project requirements and sanctioned positions. Numbers may vary by specific project needs.

Educational Qualification

For Project Assistant I:

• B.Sc. in relevant disciplines (Food Science, Food Technology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related fields)
• Minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
• Fresh graduates or candidates with up to 2 years of experience

For Project Associate I:

• M.Sc. in relevant disciplines (Food Science, Food Technology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related fields)
• Minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD candidates)
• NET/GATE qualification preferred but not mandatory

Age Limit

Age calculated as on the date of walk-in interview

Nationality

• Indian citizens only
• Candidates must possess valid Indian citizenship documents

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

Steps to participate:

1. Download the official notification from CSIR-CFTRI website (www.cftri.res.in)
2. Check eligibility criteria carefully for the desired position
3. Prepare application form in prescribed format (available in notification)
4. Arrange all original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies
5. Arrive at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore campus on the specified walk-in date at reporting time (typically 9:00 AM)
6. Submit application form with documents at registration counter
7. Appear for interview as per your turn/allotted time
8. Await result announcement

Application Fees

Walk-in interviews for project positions typically have no application fee. Candidates bear their own travel and accommodation expenses.

1. Document Verification - Original certificates and testimonials are verified at the registration desk. Candidates with incomplete documents are not allowed to proceed.

1. Written Test/Skill Assessment (if applicable) - Some projects may conduct a short written test or practical skill assessment to evaluate technical knowledge and laboratory skills relevant to the project.

1. Personal Interview - Expert panel comprising project investigators and senior scientists conducts detailed interview assessing academic background, research aptitude, technical knowledge, and suitability for project work.

1. Merit List Preparation - Final selection based on performance in interview (and written test if conducted), academic record, relevant experience, and project requirements. Merit list prepared category-wise.

1. Medical Fitness - Selected candidates must submit medical fitness certificate from registered medical practitioner before joining.

Typical Assessment Pattern (when written test is conducted)

Written Test/Skill Assessment

Negative Marking: Typically 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in MCQ section

Interview

Note: Assessment pattern varies by project. Some positions may have interview-only selection without written test. Check specific notification for exact details.

For Project Assistant I

Food Science & Technology:

• Food chemistry and biochemistry
• Food microbiology and safety
• Food processing and preservation techniques
• Nutritional biochemistry
• Quality control and quality assurance
• Food packaging technology

Basic Sciences:

• General chemistry (organic, inorganic, analytical)
• Biochemistry fundamentals
• Microbiology basics
• Instrumentation and analytical techniques

Laboratory Skills:

• Basic laboratory techniques and equipment handling
• Sample preparation and analysis
• Data recording and interpretation
• Safety protocols in food laboratories

For Project Associate I

Advanced Food Technology:

• Advanced food processing technologies
• Novel food preservation methods
• Functional foods and nutraceuticals
• Food engineering principles
• Fermentation technology
• Food additives and ingredients

Research Methodology:

• Experimental design and statistical analysis
• Analytical instrumentation (HPLC, GC-MS, spectroscopy)
• Research ethics and good laboratory practices
• Technical writing and documentation

Specialized Topics (project-specific):

• Cereal science and technology
• Fruit and vegetable technology
• Dairy technology
• Meat, fish and poultry processing
• Food biotechnology
• Sensory evaluation
• Traditional and ethnic foods

General Awareness

• Current developments in food industry
• CSIR and its institutes
• Government food safety regulations (FSSAI)
• Recent research trends in food technology

Typical / Indicative salary structure based on CSIR norms:

Additional Benefits:

• Project-based positions typically receive consolidated monthly fellowship/salary
• No DA or standard government allowances (as these are contractual positions)
• Annual increment may be provided as per project duration and performance
• Accommodation may be available on campus subject to availability (on payment basis)
• Subsidized canteen facility at CSIR-CFTRI campus

Note: Salary depends on qualification, NET/GATE status, and specific project budget. Figures are indicative based on recent CSIR project norms.

Project positions at CSIR-CFTRI provide excellent research exposure and networking opportunities in food science domain. Candidates can enhance their profiles for higher studies (Ph.D. programs), transition to regular CSIR positions through competitive exams (CSIR-NET, GATE), or move to industry R&D roles. Experience gained is valuable for academic careers and research institutions. Some projects may offer extension opportunities based on performance and funding availability.

As this is a walk-in interview process, no admit card is issued. Candidates must bring the completed application form in prescribed format along with all original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies. A valid photo identity proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License) is mandatory for entry to the interview venue. Registration at the venue starts typically at 9:00 AM on the walk-in date specified in the notification.

Results are typically declared within 7-15 days after completion of walk-in interviews. The select list (merit list) is published on the CSIR-CFTRI official website under the recruitment/career section. Selected candidates are contacted via email and/or telephone for joining formalities. Waitlisted candidates may be considered if selected candidates do not join within the stipulated time. No individual communication is sent to non-selected candidates.

Typical / Indicative cutoff trends: For Project Assistant I positions, candidates scoring 60-70% marks in the interview process (combined written test and interview, if applicable) generally have good chances of selection in UR category. For reserved categories, cutoff is typically 5-10% lower. For Project Associate I, candidates with NET/GATE qualification and strong academic records (above 60% in M.Sc.) have higher selection probability. Interview performance, relevant project experience, and specific project requirements significantly influence final selection beyond just cutoff marks.

Walk-in Interview Venue:

Primary Centre:

• CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysore-570020, Karnataka

All candidates must report to the CSIR-CFTRI campus in Mysore for the walk-in interview. The institute is well-connected by road and rail. Mysore has an airport with limited connectivity; Bangalore (170 km away) is the nearest major airport. Candidates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements. No TA/DA is provided for attending the interview.