CSJMU Project Fellow Recruitment 2026 – Walkin

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, invites applications for Project Fellow positions under various research projects. CSJMU is a state university in Uttar Pradesh offering opportunities for candidates with graduate and postgraduate qualifications to work on research projects. Project Fellows assist principal investigators in research activities, data collection, analysis, and project documentation. This is a temporary contractual position with tenure linked to the project duration, typically ranging from 6 months to 3 years. The recruitment is conducted through walk-in interviews where eligible candidates appear in person with documents for immediate assessment. Project Fellow positions provide valuable research experience and can serve as a stepping stone for candidates aspiring for academic or research careers.

Important Dates

Note: Candidates must check the official CSJMU website regularly for updates on walk-in dates and venues.

Vacancy Details

Typical / Indicative figures

Actual vacancies depend on specific project requirements and funding availability. Multiple projects may recruit simultaneously.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

For Project Fellow:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.Sc./B.Com/BCA/B.Tech) with minimum 55% marks from a recognized university
• OR Master's degree (M.A./M.Sc./M.Com/MCA/M.Tech) with minimum 55% marks
• Relevant subject background as per project requirement
• NET/GATE qualified candidates preferred
• Prior research experience desirable but not mandatory

Relaxation: 5% relaxation in marks for SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwD candidates

Age Limit

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

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Original documents proving Indian citizenship required at interview

Application Process

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

1. Check Notification: Visit official CSJMU website (www.csjmu.ac.in) and download the detailed notification for Project Fellow positions
2. Prepare Documents: Collect all original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies (educational certificates, caste certificate, age proof, experience certificates if any)
3. Fill Application Form: Download and fill the prescribed application form from the notification. Paste recent passport photograph
4. Arrive at Venue: Reach the specified venue (usually CSJMU campus, Kanpur) on the scheduled walk-in date at least 30 minutes before reporting time
5. Document Verification: Submit your application form with documents at the registration desk for initial screening
6. Attend Interview: Appear for the interview before the selection committee as per the schedule given at registration
7. Await Result: Check notice board or official website for selection list within 7-10 days

Application Fees

Most walk-in recruitments do not charge application fees. Candidates only need to bring documents.

Selection Process

1. Document Verification: Initial screening of candidates based on educational qualifications, age eligibility, and completeness of documents. Ineligible candidates are rejected at this stage itself.

1. Written Test/Screening Test (if applicable): For positions with large number of applicants, a short objective or descriptive test may be conducted covering subject knowledge, research aptitude, and general awareness related to the project domain.

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates face an expert committee comprising the Principal Investigator, subject experts, and university representatives. Interview assesses subject knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, and suitability for the project.

1. Final Merit List: Based on interview performance (and written test marks if applicable), final merit list is prepared. Selection is strictly based on merit, with reservation norms applicable as per Government of India guidelines.

1. Document Re-verification & Joining: Selected candidates must submit original documents for final verification before receiving appointment letter and joining the project.

Selection Test Pattern

Typical / Indicative pattern (if written test is conducted)

Screening Test (if applicable)

Negative Marking: Usually no negative marking, but varies by project

Interview Assessment

Note: Many walk-in recruitments conduct only interviews without written tests.

Syllabus

Syllabus varies based on the specific project and domain. Below is a general framework:

Subject-Specific Knowledge

• Core concepts of the candidate's specialization (Science/Arts/Commerce/Engineering)
• Recent developments and research trends in the relevant field
• Methodology and techniques specific to the project domain
• Statistical tools and research software relevant to the discipline

Research Aptitude

• Research methodology basics: quantitative and qualitative approaches
• Data collection methods: surveys, experiments, observations, interviews
• Data analysis techniques and interpretation
• Report writing and academic documentation
• Ethics in research and plagiarism awareness
• Literature review and citation practices

General Awareness (if applicable)

• Current affairs related to research and higher education in India
• Government initiatives in research and innovation (SERB, DST, DBT, ICSSR schemes)
• Basic awareness of UGC, AICTE, and NAAC guidelines
• Scientific temper and critical thinking

Computer Skills

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Basic data analysis tools (SPSS, R, Python as per project)
• Internet research and digital library usage
• Presentation and visualization tools

Communication Skills

• Written communication for academic purposes
• Oral presentation and seminar skills
• Professional email and correspondence
• Interpersonal skills for teamwork

Salary & Benefits

Typical / Indicative figures for Project Fellow positions

Pay Structure Details:

• JRF (NET qualified): ₹31,000 per month + HRA as per project norms
• Project Fellow (PG with NET): ₹25,000 - ₹28,000 per month
• Project Fellow (PG without NET): ₹18,000 - ₹22,000 per month
• Project Assistant (Graduate level): ₹15,000 - ₹18,000 per month

Allowances & Benefits:

• Annual increment: Typically 5-10% on extension (project dependent)
• No DA/TA: Consolidated fellowship covers all allowances
• Medical benefits: As per project guidelines (usually not included)
• Leave: Casual leave as per university norms, typically 1-1.5 days per month
• No PF/Pension: Contractual positions do not include retirement benefits

Project Fellow positions are contractual with limited direct career progression within the university. However, they provide excellent research experience valuable for pursuing Ph.D. programs, applying for permanent research positions in universities and research institutes, or securing faculty positions in colleges. NET/GATE qualified Project Fellows can leverage this experience for JRF/SRF upgradation and CSIR/UGC research fellowships. Many Project Fellows transition to permanent academic positions after completing doctoral studies or move to industry research roles.

Since this is a walk-in recruitment, no admit cards are issued. Candidates must bring a printed copy of the official notification and their filled application form with attached photograph. The notification itself serves as the call letter. Candidates should carry original documents and self-attested photocopies for verification at the walk-in venue. Registration at the venue typically starts 1-2 hours before the interview schedule, and candidates receive a registration slip or token number upon document verification, which serves as their interview call.

Results are usually declared within 7-10 working days after the walk-in interview date. The selection list is published on the official CSJMU website and may also be displayed on the departmental notice board. Selected candidates are informed via email or phone call by the project coordinator. The result includes names of selected candidates in merit order, along with waitlist candidates if applicable. Selected candidates must report within the stipulated timeframe (usually 7-15 days) with original documents for final verification and to collect the appointment letter.

Typical / Indicative cutoff expectations: For Project Fellow positions at CSJMU, the interview cutoff typically ranges from 55-65% of total marks for General category candidates. OBC candidates usually clear with 50-60%, while SC/ST candidates may qualify with 45-55% marks. However, since most walk-in recruitments have limited applicants and multiple positions, the actual cutoff is often lower than competitive exams. NET/GATE qualified candidates have significant advantage and are usually preferred even if interview scores are comparable. Final selection depends on overall candidate quality and project requirements.

Walk-in Interview Centres

Primary Venue:

• Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) Campus, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Other Possible Venues (if specified in notification):

• North: Kanpur, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
• Central: Specific department or project office within CSJMU campus

Most CSJMU walk-in recruitments are conducted exclusively at the university campus in Kanpur. Candidates from all states must travel to the specified venue. Exact venue details (department, room number, building name) are mentioned in the official notification.