CURAJ Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for Junior Research Fellow / Project Associate I Posts

The Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ) invites applications for Junior Research Fellow (JRF) and Project Associate I positions under various research projects across departments. CURAJ is a central university established in 2009, located in Kishangarh, Ajmer district, Rajasthan. These positions are purely temporary, project-based appointments for research work in science, humanities, social sciences and interdisciplinary areas. Selected candidates will work under principal investigators on funded research projects from agencies like UGC, ICSSR, DST, CSIR, and others. The appointments are co-terminus with the project duration and offer excellent research exposure for candidates pursuing or planning to pursue doctoral studies. CURAJ provides a vibrant academic environment with modern research facilities and mentorship from experienced faculty members.

Typical / Indicative dates based on CURAJ recruitment cycles:

Typical / Indicative vacancy distribution:

Educational Qualification

For Junior Research Fellow (JRF):

• Master's degree in relevant subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Persons with Disability)
• Valid NET/GATE/SLET qualification OR
• Master's degree with exceptional academic record as per UGC/CSIR norms
• Specific subject requirements vary by project (Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Management, etc.)

For Project Associate I:

• Master's degree in relevant discipline with 55% marks (50% for reserved categories)
• Research experience desirable
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals preferred

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative age limits:

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

• Indian nationals only
• Candidates must be citizens of India as per Government of India norms

1. Visit the official CURAJ website at www.curaj.ac.in
2. Navigate to the 'Recruitment' or 'Opportunities' section under 'Careers'
3. Locate the specific JRF/Project Associate I notification and read carefully
4. Download the prescribed application format (usually PDF available on notification page)
5. Fill the application form completely with accurate personal, educational and experience details
6. Prepare self-attested copies of all certificates (educational, caste, age proof, experience)
7. Arrange DD/online payment proof for application fee
8. Send the complete application by registered/speed post to the address mentioned in notification OR submit online if portal is available
9. Keep acknowledgement receipt and copies of all submitted documents for future reference
10. Wait for shortlist/interview call which will be published on university website

Application Fees

Typical / Indicative fee structure:

Payment Mode: Demand Draft in favour of 'Registrar, Central University of Rajasthan' payable at Ajmer OR online payment gateway if available.

1. Application Screening: Initial shortlisting based on educational qualifications, research experience, publications, and eligibility criteria mentioned in the project notification. Only candidates meeting minimum requirements proceed to next stage.

1. Written Test (if applicable): Some projects may conduct written examination testing subject knowledge, research methodology, analytical abilities and general aptitude relevant to the research area.

1. Interview/Presentation: Shortlisted candidates called for personal interview before a selection committee comprising Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators and subject experts. Candidates may need to present research proposal or discuss their understanding of the project.

1. Document Verification: Original certificates verified for educational qualifications, age proof, category certificates, experience letters, and publications. Any discrepancy leads to disqualification.

1. Final Selection: Merit list prepared based on interview performance, academic record, research aptitude and suitability for the project. Selected candidates receive appointment letters with joining instructions.

Note: CURAJ recruitment for JRF/Project Associate positions typically does NOT involve a standardized written examination. Selection is primarily through interview and document verification. However, some specific projects may conduct written tests.

Written Test Pattern (If Conducted)

Negative Marking: Typically 0.25 marks deduction for each wrong answer, if written test is conducted.

Interview Pattern

Final Merit: Based on interview performance and academic credentials.

General Research Methodology

• Research design and methods (Qualitative, Quantitative, Mixed methods)
• Sampling techniques and survey methods
• Data collection instruments and tools
• Statistical analysis basics (Descriptive and Inferential statistics)
• Research ethics and integrity
• Literature review and citation methods
• Report writing and academic writing standards

Subject-Specific Areas (Varies by Project)

For Science Projects:

• Core concepts in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science (as applicable)
• Laboratory techniques and instrumentation
• Experimental design and analysis
• Recent developments in the field

For Social Sciences/Humanities:

• Theoretical frameworks in Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, History (as relevant)
• Qualitative research methods
• Survey and fieldwork techniques
• Data interpretation and analysis

For Management/Commerce:

• Organizational behavior and management theories
• Financial analysis and accounting principles
• Marketing research methods
• Business statistics and econometrics

General Aptitude

• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Quantitative aptitude (basic mathematics)
• Data interpretation (tables, graphs, charts)
• Comprehension and communication skills
• Current affairs in science and academia

Computer Skills

• MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python basics)
• Reference management tools (Mendeley, Zotero)
• Internet research and database searching

Typical / Indicative salary structure as per UGC/CSIR/DST norms:

Major Allowances: HRA varies based on city classification (X=24%, Y=16%, Z=8% of basic). Annual contingency grant for research expenses, travel, books and conference participation. Medical benefits as per project norms. No DA component as these are fellowship positions.

JRF position holders can upgrade to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) after 2 years subject to satisfactory performance and project duration, with fellowship increasing to ₹35,000 per month. Project Associate I may progress to Project Associate II positions at ₹54,000 per month. These positions provide excellent research experience for pursuing PhD programs and building academic careers, with opportunities to publish research papers, attend conferences, and develop specialized expertise in chosen fields. Many fellows transition to faculty positions, research organizations, or pursue higher studies abroad.

CURAJ typically does not issue formal admit cards for JRF/Project Associate interviews as there is usually no written examination. Shortlisted candidates receive interview call letters via email and official website notification approximately 7-10 days before the interview date. Candidates must download the interview schedule from the university website and bring printout along with original documents, one set of self-attested photocopies, and a valid photo ID proof on the interview day. The interview letter contains reporting time, venue details, and list of documents to be carried.

Final selection results are declared within 2-3 weeks after completion of interviews. The merit list is published on the official CURAJ website under the Recruitment/Announcements section. Selected candidates are contacted individually via email and phone for document verification and issuance of appointment letters. A waitlist may be prepared for future vacancies arising due to candidates not joining or project extensions. Candidates can check their selection status using application number or registration details on the university portal.

Typical / Indicative cutoffs: Since selection is primarily interview-based, there is no standard numerical cutoff. However, candidates generally need to score at least 50-55 marks out of 100 in the interview to be considered for selection in General category, while reserved category candidates may have 5-7 marks relaxation. Academic performance (minimum 55% in qualifying degree for General, 50% for reserved categories) serves as eligibility cutoff. Competition varies significantly by project, discipline and number of applicants, with popular science projects having higher competition ratios of 1:20 to 1:50.

Interview Centres: Interviews are typically conducted at the CURAJ campus in Kishangarh, Ajmer, Rajasthan. In some cases, for projects with multi-institutional collaboration, interviews may be conducted at:

North: Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chandigarh, Lucknow

South: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai

East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Patna

West: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad

Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong

Note: Most candidates will need to appear at CURAJ Ajmer campus. No TA/DA provided for attending interview.