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 walk-in interviews for Project Research Scientist and Project Technical Support positions in 2026. NIMHANS is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and a premier medical institution for mental health and neurosciences. These positions are purely temporary project-based roles funded under specific research grants. Candidates selected will work on ongoing research projects at NIMHANS, contributing to cutting-edge neuroscience and mental health research. The walk-in interview format allows eligible candidates to appear directly with required documents without a prior written examination. These contractual positions offer excellent exposure to research methodologies and clinical studies in a nationally recognized institution.

Important Dates

Note: Exact dates will be published on the official NIMHANS website (www.nimhans.ac.in). Candidates must check the official notification for specific walk-in date and venue details.

Vacancy Details (Indicative)

Note: The exact number of vacancies varies by project and funding availability. Multiple positions across different research projects may be filled. Vacancies are subject to change based on project requirements and may be filled entirely or partially at the institution's discretion.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

For Project Research Scientist:

• Ph.D. in Life Sciences/Neurosciences/Psychology/Biotechnology/Biochemistry or related disciplines from a recognized university
• OR Master's degree (M.Sc./M.Tech) with 2-3 years of research experience in relevant field
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals preferred
• Experience in neuroscience research, clinical trials, or laboratory techniques is desirable

For Project Technical Support:

• Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Life Sciences/Psychology/Biotechnology/Medical Laboratory Technology or related field
• OR Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology with relevant experience
• Basic knowledge of laboratory equipment and research methodologies
• Computer literacy and data management skills required

Age Limit

Age Relaxation (as on date of walk-in):

Nationality

• Candidate must be a citizen of India
• Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees eligible as per Government of India rules

Application Process

This is a Walk-in Interview process. No online application required.

Steps to Participate:

1. Download the official notification from NIMHANS website (www.nimhans.ac.in) under Recruitment/Career section
2. Prepare application form as per the prescribed format given in the notification (bio-data/CV)
3. Gather required documents:

• Recent passport-size photographs (3-4 copies)
• Educational certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation, Post-Graduation, Ph.D.) - originals and self-attested copies
• Experience certificates (if any) - originals and self-attested copies
• Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates) - original and copy
• EWS certificate (if applicable) - original and copy
• PwBD certificate (if applicable) - original and copy
• Proof of age (birth certificate/10th certificate)
• Any other relevant documents mentioned in notification

1. Arrive at the venue on the specified walk-in date during the reporting time (usually 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
2. Submit documents for verification at the registration desk
3. Appear for interview as per the schedule announced on the day
4. Await results which will be displayed on the notice board and/or official website

Application Fees

Note: Walk-in interviews for project positions at NIMHANS typically do not require any application fee. Candidates should verify from the official notification.

Selection Process

The selection for these project-based positions involves the following stages:

1. Document Verification: All candidates must present original certificates along with self-attested copies for verification. Candidates with incomplete documents or not meeting eligibility criteria will not be allowed to proceed to the interview.

1. Written Test/Skill Test (if applicable): For certain technical positions, a brief written test or practical skill assessment may be conducted to evaluate domain knowledge, laboratory skills, or computer proficiency. This is typically a short test conducted on the same day.

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will appear before an expert committee comprising principal investigators, project coordinators, and subject matter experts. The interview assesses academic knowledge, research aptitude, relevant experience, communication skills, and suitability for the specific project role. Candidates may be asked technical questions related to their field and the project requirements.

1. Final Selection: Based on performance in the interview (and written test if conducted), a merit list will be prepared. Selected candidates will be informed through email/phone or notice on the website.

1. Offer and Joining: Selected candidates will receive an appointment letter specifying terms of engagement, salary, project duration, and joining date. Candidates must join within the stipulated time with all original documents for verification.

Note: The selection is entirely at the discretion of the selection committee based on project requirements. No TA/DA is provided for attending the walk-in interview.

Selection Test Pattern

Note: The selection is primarily through walk-in interview. However, for certain positions, a written test or skill assessment may be conducted.

Written Test/Skill Assessment (If Applicable)

Negative Marking: Typically not applicable for project recruitment tests.

Interview

Total Interview Marks: Typically 100 marks or qualitative assessment

Note: The exact pattern varies by project. Some positions may have only interview-based selection while others may include practical demonstrations or presentations. Minimum qualifying marks are usually 50% for General category and 45% for reserved categories.

Syllabus/Topics for Assessment

The assessment content varies based on the position applied for. Below are indicative topics:

For Project Research Scientist (Neurosciences/Life Sciences)

Neuroscience & Neurobiology:

• Neuroanatomy and neurophysiology
• Cellular and molecular neuroscience
• Synaptic transmission and neural circuits
• Neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity
• Neurodegenerative disorders and mechanisms

Research Methodology:

• Experimental design and statistical analysis
• Laboratory techniques (PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, cell culture)
• Imaging techniques (MRI, fMRI, PET scans)
• Data collection and analysis methods
• Ethics in research and clinical trials

Psychology & Mental Health:

• Psychopathology and psychiatric disorders
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Behavioral assessment techniques
• Psychopharmacology basics
• Diagnostic criteria (DSM-5/ICD-11)

Biotechnology & Biochemistry:

• Molecular biology techniques
• Protein and nucleic acid biochemistry
• Genomics and proteomics
• Bioinformatics tools and databases
• Biostatistics and research ethics

For Project Technical Support

Basic Sciences:

• General biology, anatomy, physiology
• Basic chemistry and biochemistry
• Fundamentals of psychology
• Medical terminology

Laboratory Techniques:

• Sample collection and processing
• Basic laboratory equipment operation
• Safety protocols and waste disposal
• Quality control in laboratory
• Record maintenance and documentation

Computer & Data Management:

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Data entry and database management
• Basic statistical software (SPSS basics)
• Internet and email communication

General Awareness:

• Current developments in neuroscience and mental health
• NIMHANS initiatives and programs
• Research ethics and good laboratory practices

Note: Interview questions will focus on the candidate's specific research background, project-related technical knowledge, and ability to contribute to ongoing research activities.

Salary and Remuneration (Indicative - Typical for project positions)

Project Research Scientist

Project Technical Support

Additional Benefits:

• These are purely temporary, project-based positions with consolidated pay
• No DA, HRA, or other regular government allowances applicable
• Salary is paid from project funds and may vary based on qualifications, experience, and project budget
• Duration of engagement is co-terminus with the project (typically 1-3 years)
• No benefits like PF, gratuity, leave encashment, or pension for project staff
• Medical facilities may be available at NIMHANS hospital as per institutional norms
• Research exposure, training opportunities, and publication credits are valuable non-monetary benefits

Note: Exact salary is determined by the project PI and funding agency guidelines. Candidates with Ph.D. and prior research experience may be offered higher compensation within the project budget.

Project positions at NIMHANS offer excellent research exposure and opportunities to work with leading experts in neuroscience and mental health. While these are temporary contractual roles with no direct promotion path, successful project staff often secure extensions on the same or new projects, transition to regular NIMHANS positions through open recruitment, or leverage their experience for higher studies (Ph.D./post-doctoral positions) and research careers in academia, pharmaceutical industry, or government research institutions. Publications and research contributions during project tenure significantly enhance career prospects in the scientific community.

Since this is a walk-in interview process, no formal admit card is issued. Candidates are required to bring a printed copy of the official notification, their completed application/bio-data, and all original certificates along with self-attested copies to the venue on the specified walk-in date. A registration slip or token may be provided on the day of interview after document verification, which will serve as entry pass for the interview. Candidates should regularly check the NIMHANS official website for any updates or changes in the walk-in schedule or venue.

Results of the walk-in interview are typically declared within 7-15 days and may be displayed on the NIMHANS notice board and/or official website under the Recruitment/Career section. Selected candidates are usually contacted directly via email or phone by the concerned project investigator or HR department. A merit list may be published for transparency. Candidates should keep their contact details active and regularly check their email and the official website for result updates and further joining instructions.

As this is a walk-in interview process for project positions, there is no predetermined cutoff marks system like in competitive examinations. Selection is based on the discretion of the interview panel considering the candidate's qualifications, research experience, performance in interview, and suitability for the specific project requirements. Generally, candidates scoring above 50% marks in the interview (if marks-based assessment is used) for General category and 45% for reserved categories are considered eligible. However, final selection depends on the number of vacancies, quality of candidates, and project needs.

Walk-in Interview Venue

Primary Venue:

• National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Karnataka
• Specific venue/hall details will be mentioned in the official notification

Note: The walk-in interview is conducted exclusively at NIMHANS campus in Bangalore. Candidates from all parts of India are expected to attend the interview at this location on the specified date. No TA/DA is provided for attending the walk-in interview.

Accessible from major cities:

• South: Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, Mysore, Mangalore
• West: Mumbai, Pune, Goa
• North: Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur
• East: Kolkata, Bhubaneswar
• Northeast: Guwahati, Shillong

Bangalore is well-connected by air, rail, and road from all major Indian cities.