ICFRE HFRI Project Assistant Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) through its regional centre Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, invites applications for the position of Project Assistant. ICFRE is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, engaged in forestry research and education. The Project Assistant role involves supporting ongoing research projects related to forestry, forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, and climate change studies in the Himalayan region. This is a temporary contractual position offering opportunities to work on field and laboratory-based research activities. Selected candidates will assist senior researchers in data collection, analysis, report preparation, and implementation of various forestry research programs across different ecosystems.

Important Dates

Note: Dates are typical/indicative. Candidates must refer to the official notification for exact dates.

Vacancy Distribution (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Exact vacancy numbers will be mentioned in the official notification. Numbers vary by project requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Forestry/Agriculture/Botany/Environmental Science/Life Sciences/Biotechnology/Statistics/Computer Science from a recognized University
• Desirable: Master's degree in relevant discipline, experience in forestry research projects, knowledge of statistical software (SPSS, R), GIS applications, or field survey techniques
• Candidates in final year may apply but appointment will be subject to successful completion of degree

Age Limit

Age Relaxation:

Nationality

• Candidate must be a Citizen of India

How to Apply

1. Download Application Form: Visit the official HFRI website (www.hfri.icfre.gov.in) and download the prescribed application format
2. Fill Application Form: Complete all sections of the application form clearly in your own handwriting or typed format
3. Attach Documents: Affix recent passport-size photograph and attach self-attested copies of all educational certificates, mark sheets, experience certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and age proof
4. Prepare Demand Draft: Pay the application fee through Demand Draft drawn in favour of "Director, HFRI, Shimla" payable at Shimla (if fee applicable)
5. Prepare Envelope: Put the completed application form with all attachments in an envelope. Write "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF PROJECT ASSISTANT" on the top of the envelope
6. Send by Post: Send the application through ordinary/speed post/registered post to the address mentioned in the notification (typically: The Director, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Conifer Campus, Panthaghati, Shimla - 171013, Himachal Pradesh)
7. Note the Deadline: Ensure application reaches the destination before the last date mentioned in the notification

Application Fee

Note: Fee structure may vary; refer to official notification. Some project positions may not require application fee.

Selection Procedure

1. Screening of Applications: All received applications will be screened based on eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, experience, and other requirements mentioned in the notification
2. Written Test/Skill Test (if applicable): Shortlisted candidates may be required to appear for a written test covering subjects related to forestry, environmental science, research methodology, and general aptitude, or practical skill test for computer/laboratory skills
3. Personal Interview: Qualified candidates from written test will be called for personal interview conducted by a duly constituted selection committee. Interview assesses subject knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, and suitability for the project
4. Document Verification: Candidates provisionally selected will undergo document verification where original certificates of educational qualifications, age proof, caste certificate, experience certificates, and other relevant documents will be verified
5. Medical Examination: Finally selected candidates may be required to undergo medical fitness examination as per project requirements
6. Final Merit List: Final selection will be based on combined performance in written test (if conducted) and interview, subject to document verification and medical fitness

Examination Scheme (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Selection is primarily through interview for most Project Assistant positions. Written test may be conducted if large number of applications are received.

Written Test Pattern (if conducted)

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks may be deducted for each wrong answer (if objective type)

Interview

Interview Assessment Areas: Subject knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and overall suitability for the project.

Detailed Syllabus

Forestry & Environmental Science

• Forest ecology and ecosystems
• Silviculture and forest management
• Forest biodiversity and conservation
• Forest mensuration and inventory techniques
• Agroforestry systems
• Non-timber forest products (NTFPs)
• Wildlife management and habitat ecology
• Climate change and forests
• Forest soil science
• Watershed management

Research Methodology & Statistics

• Research design and planning
• Sampling techniques and methods
• Data collection, compilation and analysis
• Statistical measures (mean, median, mode, standard deviation)
• Hypothesis testing
• Correlation and regression analysis
• ANOVA and experimental designs
• Use of statistical software (SPSS, R, Excel)
• Report writing and scientific communication
• Research ethics and publication standards

Botany & Plant Science (if relevant)

• Plant taxonomy and classification
• Plant anatomy and morphology
• Plant physiology and biochemistry
• Plant ecology and phytogeography
• Ethnobotany and medicinal plants
• Plant tissue culture techniques

Computer Applications & GIS

• Basic computer operations and MS Office
• Database management
• Geographic Information System (GIS) basics
• Remote sensing applications in forestry
• GPS technology and field applications
• Data visualization tools

General Awareness

• Indian forest policy and acts
• Environmental laws and regulations
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change initiatives
• National forestry programs
• International conventions (CBD, UNFCCC, etc.)
• Current environmental issues
• Sustainable Development Goals related to forests

Salary & Allowances (Typical / Indicative)

Additional Benefits:

• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Usually not applicable for consolidated positions, may be included in consolidated amount
• Dearness Allowance (DA): Not applicable separately for contractual positions
• Transport Allowance: May be provided as per project norms
• Leave: As per project rules, typically casual leave and medical leave
• Provident Fund: EPF may be applicable as per project terms

Note: Salary is consolidated and varies based on educational qualification (Graduate vs Post-Graduate) and project funding. The position is contractual/temporary for project duration (typically 1-3 years, extendable based on performance and project requirements).

The Project Assistant position is contractual and project-specific with limited hierarchical growth within the same project. However, it provides valuable research experience and exposure to forestry research methodologies. Candidates gain hands-on experience in field research, laboratory techniques, and scientific publication which strengthens their profile for pursuing higher studies (M.Sc., Ph.D.) or applying for regular research positions in ICFRE institutes, state forest departments, or other research organizations. Extension of contract depends on project duration, performance, and availability of funds.

Since this is an offline application process with selection primarily through interview, formal admit cards may not be issued for all stages. Shortlisted candidates will be intimated via email or through the official HFRI website about the interview schedule. Candidates should regularly check their registered email and the official website for updates. Those called for interview should bring the interview call letter (if issued) along with original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies for verification.

The result of the selection process will be declared on the official HFRI website (www.hfri.icfre.gov.in) and the ICFRE main website. Selected candidates will also be informed individually through email or post. The result will contain the list of provisionally selected candidates subject to document verification and medical fitness. Final appointment letters will be issued after successful completion of all formalities. The entire selection process typically takes 2-3 months from the last date of application.

Cutoff marks vary depending on the number of applicants, difficulty level of the test/interview, and category. Typically, candidates scoring 50% or above in the interview are considered for selection. For written test (if conducted), General category candidates need approximately 55-60% marks, while SC/ST candidates need around 45-50% to qualify for interview. Category-wise cutoffs are determined based on reservation policy and availability of suitable candidates. Previous experience in research projects and higher educational qualifications provide competitive advantage.

Examination/Interview Centres

Interviews are typically conducted at:

North India: Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) - HFRI Headquarters, Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Chandigarh, New Delhi

Note: Since this is primarily an interview-based selection, the interview venue is usually at HFRI, Shimla or nearby ICFRE institutes. In case of written test, additional centres may be designated across major cities. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the exact list of examination centres and interview venue.