NIMHANS Recruitment 2026 - Walkin for Project Research Scientist, Project Technical Support Posts

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore is conducting a walk-in recruitment drive in 2026 for Project Research Scientist and Project Technical Support positions. NIMHANS is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, renowned for patient care, academic training and research in mental health and neurosciences. These are project-based contractual positions supporting various research initiatives at the institute. Candidates selected will work on research projects related to mental health, neurosciences, and allied fields. The positions are temporary and co-terminus with the project duration. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers and technical professionals to gain experience at India's premier mental health institution.

Important Dates

Note: Exact dates will be mentioned in the official notification on NIMHANS website.

Vacancy Details

Typical / Indicative

Note: Exact vacancy details vary by project and will be specified in the official notification.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

For Project Research Scientist:

• PhD in relevant discipline (Neurosciences, Psychology, Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences)
• OR Master's degree with 3+ years research experience in relevant field
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals preferred

For Project Technical Support:

• Master's degree in relevant discipline (Psychology, Social Work, Statistics, Computer Science, Life Sciences)
• OR Bachelor's degree with 2+ years relevant experience
• Technical skills relevant to project requirements

Age Limit

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

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Candidates should possess valid Indian government-issued identity proof

Application Process

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

1. Download Notification: Visit the official NIMHANS website (www.nimhans.ac.in) and download the walk-in notification PDF
2. Prepare Application: Fill the prescribed application form (available in notification or website)
3. Gather Documents: Collect all original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies
4. Prepare Bio-data/CV: Prepare detailed CV highlighting research experience, publications, and technical skills
5. Attend Walk-in: Report to the venue mentioned in notification on specified date and time with all documents
6. Registration: Complete on-the-spot registration by submitting application form and documents
7. Interview: Appear for interview/skill test as scheduled by the panel
8. Result: Check result on NIMHANS website or notice board within 7-10 days

Application Fees

Note: Walk-in recruitment for project positions typically does not require application fees.

Selection Process

1. Document Verification: All candidates attending walk-in will undergo thorough verification of original certificates including educational qualifications, experience certificates, age proof, caste certificate (if applicable), and identity proof. Candidates with incomplete or invalid documents will be rejected at this stage.

1. Written Test/Skill Assessment (if applicable): Depending on the project requirements, candidates may be required to undergo a written test or practical skill assessment to evaluate technical competence, subject knowledge, or relevant software/laboratory skills.

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will appear before an expert panel for detailed interview covering research experience, technical knowledge, subject expertise, understanding of project requirements, and suitability for the position. Questions will focus on relevant domain knowledge and research methodology.

1. Final Merit List: Final selection will be based on combined performance in interview/skill test and evaluation of qualifications and experience. A merit list will be prepared and displayed on NIMHANS website.

1. Offer of Appointment: Selected candidates will receive appointment letters subject to verification of documents and medical fitness. Appointment is purely temporary and project-based.

Selection Pattern

Note: NIMHANS walk-in recruitment typically does not involve a formal written examination. Selection is primarily interview-based.

Interview/Skill Assessment Pattern

Negative Marking: Not applicable for interview-based selection

Note: The exact pattern may vary based on project requirements and will be communicated during the walk-in process.

Syllabus/Assessment Areas

For Project Research Scientist

Research Methodology

• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Research design and sampling techniques
• Data collection methods and instruments
• Statistical analysis and interpretation
• Ethics in research
• Literature review and scientific writing

Subject-Specific Knowledge (Based on specialization)

• Neurosciences: Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropsychology, neuroimaging techniques
• Psychology: Clinical psychology, psychopathology, psychological assessment, psychotherapy
• Psychiatry: Mental disorders, psychopharmacology, psychiatric assessment
• Life Sciences: Molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology

Technical Skills

• Laboratory techniques relevant to neuroscience research
• Statistical software (SPSS, R, Python)
• Neuroimaging analysis tools (FSL, SPM, FreeSurfer)
• Data management and documentation

For Project Technical Support

Technical Competencies

• Computer applications (MS Office, data entry, database management)
• Statistical software basics
• Laboratory safety and protocols (if applicable)
• Research documentation and record keeping

Domain Knowledge

• Basic understanding of mental health and neurosciences
• Clinical data collection procedures
• Patient interaction and ethics (if required)
• Questionnaire administration and scoring

Soft Skills

• Communication skills
• Team coordination
• Report writing
• Time management and multitasking

Note: Interview questions will focus on practical application of knowledge relevant to specific project requirements.

Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative)

Project Research Scientist

Project Technical Support

Additional Benefits:

• Leave entitlement as per project norms (typically 1.5-2 days per month)
• Institutional facilities access (library, cafeteria)
• No HRA, DA, or government allowances (consolidated payment)
• No medical reimbursement or pension benefits

Note: These are contractual project positions with consolidated monthly remuneration. The exact amount depends on qualification, experience, and project budget. Payment is subject to satisfactory performance and project continuation.

These are purely temporary project-based positions with limited career progression within the same appointment. However, experience at NIMHANS provides excellent exposure to cutting-edge research in mental health and neurosciences, which enhances career prospects in academia, research institutions, and clinical settings. Project staff may apply for regular faculty/scientist positions at NIMHANS or other institutions when advertised through proper recruitment processes.

Admit cards are not applicable for walk-in recruitment. Candidates should bring the downloaded notification, filled application form, and all original documents along with self-attested photocopies to the walk-in venue. The notification will clearly mention the exact date, time, and venue for the walk-in interview. Candidates are advised to reach the venue 30 minutes before the reporting time mentioned in the notification.

Results of the walk-in interview will be declared within 7-10 working days after completion of the selection process. The final merit list will be displayed on the official NIMHANS website (www.nimhans.ac.in) and on the institute's notice board. Selected candidates will be contacted via email or phone for further joining formalities. No separate communication will be sent to candidates who are not selected.

There is no predetermined cutoff score for walk-in interviews at NIMHANS. Selection is based on overall performance in the interview, quality of research experience, publications (for Research Scientist positions), and suitability for the specific project requirements. Typically, candidates scoring above 60-65% marks in the interview assessment are considered for selection, subject to availability of positions and comparative merit among all interviewed candidates.

Walk-in Interview Venue

Primary Venue:

• NIMHANS Campus, Hosur Road, Bangalore - 560029, Karnataka

Note: Walk-in interviews are conducted exclusively at the NIMHANS campus in Bangalore. Candidates from all states must report to this venue. The specific building/hall will be mentioned in the official notification. No examination centres in other cities are available for walk-in recruitment.