ISI Project-Linked Persons Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Project-Linked Persons Recruitment 2026 invites applications for various project-based positions across its centres in India. ISI is an autonomous institute of national importance under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India. These project-linked positions are contractual appointments for specific research and administrative projects running at ISI centres located in Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Tezpur, and Hyderabad. Selected candidates will work on statistical research, data analysis, computational projects, and administrative support for ongoing Government-funded projects. The positions offer an opportunity to work with premier research faculty and contribute to India's statistical and data science ecosystem. These are temporary appointments with possibility of extension based on project requirements and performance.

Important Dates (Typical / Indicative)

Vacancy Details (Typical / Indicative)

Note: Exact vacancy numbers vary by project requirements and are announced in official notification.

Educational Qualification

Position-wise qualifications (Typical / Indicative):

• Project Scientist/Research Associate: Master's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, or related field with minimum 55% marks. Ph.D. preferred for senior positions.
• Project Technical Personnel: Bachelor's/Master's degree in relevant discipline (Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics) with 55% marks.
• Project Assistant: Graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university with 50% marks.
• Data Entry Operator: 10+2 pass with typing speed of 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi.
• Administrative Assistant: Graduate degree with computer knowledge and relevant experience.

Age Limit

Age as on closing date of application:

Relaxation details:

• OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation
• SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation
• PwBD candidates: 10 years relaxation (15 years for SC/ST-PwBD)
• Ex-Servicemen: Service period + 3 years (max 50 years)

Nationality

Applicant must be a citizen of India. Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, are also eligible with required documentation.

How to Apply Online

1. Visit Official Website: Go to the official ISI website at www.isical.ac.in or the dedicated recruitment portal link provided in the notification.

1. Registration: Click on "New Registration" and provide basic details like name, email ID, and mobile number. Verify through OTP.

1. Fill Application Form: Log in with credentials and complete the application form with personal details, educational qualifications, experience, and category information.

1. Upload Documents: Scan and upload recent passport-size photograph (50 KB, JPG format), signature (20 KB), and required certificates (educational, caste, disability if applicable - each under 200 KB PDF).

1. Pay Application Fee: Make online payment through Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI. Save payment receipt.

1. Review and Submit: Verify all entered information carefully, preview the application form, and click "Final Submit".

1. Download Acknowledgement: After successful submission, download and print the application acknowledgement slip with registration number for future reference.

1. Keep Documents Ready: Prepare original documents and copies for verification during interview/document verification stage.

Application Fee

Fee payment mode: Online only (Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI). No offline payment accepted.

Selection Stages

1. Screening of Applications: All submitted applications are screened based on eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, experience, age limit, and document completeness. Only eligible candidates proceed to next stage.

1. Written Test/Skill Test: Depending on the position, candidates may be required to appear for a written examination testing domain knowledge in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a skill test for technical/data entry positions. Test assesses subject expertise, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills.

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates from written test are called for interview conducted by a subject expert panel. Interview evaluates technical knowledge, research aptitude, communication skills, project understanding, and suitability for the specific project role.

1. Document Verification: Candidates provisionally selected after interview must present original documents for verification including educational certificates, caste certificate, disability certificate, experience certificates, and identity proof.

1. Medical Fitness: Final selected candidates may be required to submit medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner certifying fitness for the position.

1. Final Selection: Merit list is prepared based on combined performance in written test and interview (typical weightage: 40% written, 60% interview). Project requirements and reservation rules are applied for final selection.

Examination Pattern (Typical / Indicative)

Written Test for Technical Positions

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

Skill Test for Data Entry/Technical Staff

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for wrong answers in objective sections. No negative marking in typing test.

Note: Exam pattern varies by position. Some positions may have only interview-based selection without written test.

Detailed Syllabus

Statistics (For Research/Technical Positions)

• Probability Theory: Random variables, distributions, expectations, moment generating functions
• Statistical Inference: Estimation theory, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals
• Sampling Theory: Simple random sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling
• Regression Analysis: Linear regression, multiple regression, correlation
• Design of Experiments: ANOVA, factorial designs, randomized block designs
• Non-parametric Methods: Sign test, rank tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test
• Multivariate Analysis: Principal component analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis
• Time Series Analysis: ARIMA models, forecasting, trend analysis

Mathematics (For Mathematical Statistics Positions)

• Real Analysis: Sequences, series, continuity, differentiation, integration
• Linear Algebra: Vector spaces, matrices, eigenvalues, linear transformations
• Abstract Algebra: Groups, rings, fields, homomorphisms
• Differential Equations: Ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations
• Numerical Methods: Interpolation, numerical integration, solving equations
• Calculus: Multivariable calculus, optimization, Lagrange multipliers

Computer Science (For Computational Positions)

• Programming: C, C++, Python, R programming languages
• Data Structures: Arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, hash tables
• Algorithms: Sorting, searching, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms
• Database Management: SQL, relational databases, normalization
• Machine Learning Basics: Supervised learning, unsupervised learning, neural networks
• Operating Systems: Process management, memory management, file systems
• Computer Networks: TCP/IP, network protocols, internet basics

Research Aptitude & General Awareness

• Research Methodology: Research design, data collection, sampling methods
• Statistical Software: R, Python, SPSS, SAS basics
• Current Affairs: Science and technology developments, statistical applications
• ISI History and Contributions: Major achievements, research areas, notable scientists
• Government Schemes: Data-driven governance, statistical initiatives

Computer Proficiency (For Administrative/DEO Positions)

• MS Office: Word processing, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations
• Email and Internet: Email etiquette, web browsing, online forms
• Data Entry: Speed and accuracy, 10-key typing
• File Management: Organizing folders, file naming conventions
• Basic Troubleshooting: Common computer problems and solutions

Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative)

Additional Benefits:

• Most project positions are on consolidated pay (no separate allowances)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): May be provided as per project norms (10-20% of consolidated pay)
• Medical facilities: Access to ISI dispensary or medical reimbursement as per rules
• Leave: Earned leave, casual leave as per ISI norms
• Professional Development: Access to seminars, workshops, library facilities

Note: Salary is project-dependent and contractual. Regular allowances like DA, TA are generally not applicable to project positions. Some senior research positions may have regular pay scale instead of consolidated pay.

Project-Linked positions at ISI offer valuable research exposure and skill development opportunities. High-performing candidates may get project extensions, movement to other ISI projects, or recommendations for regular ISI positions when advertised. Experience gained at ISI is highly regarded in academia, research institutions, and data science industry, opening pathways to Ph.D. programs, faculty positions, or senior research roles in government/private sectors.

Admit cards for written test/skill test are released approximately 10-15 days before the examination date on the official ISI recruitment portal. Candidates must log in using their registration number and password to download the admit card. The admit card contains candidate details, photograph, exam centre address, reporting time, and important instructions. No admit card is sent by post; candidates must bring printed admit card along with valid photo ID proof to the examination centre.

Results are declared in stages - first for written test/skill test (typically 3-4 weeks after exam), listing candidates shortlisted for interview. Interview results and final merit list are published 2-3 weeks after interviews conclude. All results are available on the official ISI website. Selected candidates are informed via email and must complete document verification within the specified timeline. Waiting lists may be maintained for future vacancies in similar projects.

Cutoff marks vary significantly by position, project requirements, and number of applicants. For technical positions, typical cutoff ranges from 55-65% for General category, 50-60% for OBC, and 45-55% for SC/ST categories in written tests. Interview performance carries substantial weightage (usually 60%) in final selection. Cutoffs are generally lower for administrative positions (45-55% for General) but competition is high due to larger applicant pools.

Examination Centres

North India: Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dehradun, Jammu, Patna, Ranchi

South India: Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore

East India: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Guwahati, Siliguri

West India: Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nagpur, Indore, Bhopal

Northeast India: Guwahati, Tezpur, Shillong, Agartala, Imphal

Note: Main examination centres are located at ISI centres - Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Tezpur, and Hyderabad. Additional centres may be added based on candidate concentration.