PAU Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) invites applications for the position of Senior Research Fellow (SRF) under various research projects. PAU is a premier agricultural university in India, known for its contributions to the Green Revolution. Senior Research Fellows work on cutting-edge agricultural research projects under the guidance of principal investigators. This position offers an excellent opportunity for candidates pursuing or planning to pursue doctoral studies in agricultural sciences and related fields. The recruitment is project-based and positions are typically contractual for the project duration. Selected candidates will receive a competitive fellowship along with contingency grants for research work.

Typical / Indicative

Note: Exact vacancy numbers will be specified in the official notification for each project.

Educational Qualification

• Essential: Master's degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology, Life Sciences, or related disciplines from a recognized university
• Minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates) in the qualifying degree
• NET/GATE qualification is desirable and may be given preference
• Candidates enrolled in or having completed Ph.D. may be preferred for certain projects
• Specific project requirements may demand specialization in particular subjects (to be mentioned in individual project notifications)

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative

Age Relaxation:

Age calculated as on the last date of application submission.

Nationality

• Indian citizens only
• Candidates must possess valid Indian citizenship documents

1. Download Application Form: Visit the official PAU website (www.pau.edu) and navigate to the Recruitment/Careers section to download the prescribed application form for Senior Research Fellow position

1. Fill Application Form: Complete the application form with accurate personal, educational, and professional details in clear handwriting or typed format

1. Attach Documents: Attach self-attested copies of all relevant documents including degree certificates, mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), age proof, experience certificates, and NET/GATE scorecard

1. Affix Photograph: Paste recent passport-size photographs at designated places on the application form

1. Prepare Envelope: Place the completed application form with all attachments in an envelope and clearly mention the post name and project code (if specified) on the envelope

1. Submit Application: Send the application by registered post/speed post to the address mentioned in the notification (typically to the Principal Investigator of the respective project or the Registrar, PAU, Ludhiana - 141004)

1. Keep Receipt: Retain the postal receipt as proof of application submission

Application Fees

Typical / Indicative

Fee payment mode: Demand Draft in favour of "Comptroller, Punjab Agricultural University" payable at Ludhiana (exact details in notification)

1. Application Screening: All received applications are scrutinized by the selection committee to verify eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, age limit, and document completeness. Only eligible candidates are shortlisted for the next stage.

1. Written Test/Presentation (if applicable): For certain projects, shortlisted candidates may be required to appear for a written test or give a presentation on their research interests and relevant topics. This assesses subject knowledge and research aptitude.

1. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview before an expert committee comprising the Principal Investigator and subject experts. The interview evaluates technical knowledge, research methodology understanding, communication skills, and suitability for the research project.

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

1. Medical Examination: Selected candidates may need to undergo medical examination at designated medical centers to ensure fitness for the position.

1. Final Selection: Based on performance in interview and document verification, the final merit list is prepared and appointment letters are issued to selected candidates.

Selection Pattern (Interview-Based)

PAU Senior Research Fellow recruitment is primarily interview-based without a formal written examination. However, some projects may conduct assessments:

Written Test (If Conducted)

Negative Marking: Typically 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in MCQ-based tests.

Interview/Viva-Voce

Final selection is based on performance in interview. Written test, if conducted, is for shortlisting purposes.

The syllabus varies based on the specific research project and discipline. Below is a general framework:

Agricultural Sciences (General)

• Crop Production & Management
• Soil Science & Fertility Management
• Plant Breeding & Genetics
• Seed Science & Technology
• Agricultural Meteorology & Climate Change
• Integrated Pest Management
• Crop Physiology & Biochemistry
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Biotechnology & Molecular Biology

• Recombinant DNA Technology
• Plant Tissue Culture
• Genetic Engineering & GMOs
• Molecular Markers & Gene Mapping
• Bioinformatics & Genomics
• Enzyme Technology
• Microbial Biotechnology

Agronomy & Soil Science

• Soil Formation, Classification & Survey
• Soil Fertility & Nutrient Management
• Cropping Systems & Patterns
• Water Management & Irrigation
• Organic Farming & Sustainable Practices
• Soil Microbiology
• Fertilizers & Manures

Plant Pathology & Entomology

• Disease & Pest Identification
• Plant Disease Management
• Biological Control Methods
• Pesticide Chemistry & Application
• Integrated Disease Management (IDM)
• Insect Taxonomy & Ecology
• Post-Harvest Pathology

Horticulture

• Fruit & Vegetable Production
• Ornamental Horticulture
• Post-Harvest Technology
• Protected Cultivation
• Nursery Management
• Plant Propagation Techniques
• Landscape Gardening

Research Methodology

• Experimental Design & Analysis
• Statistical Methods in Agriculture
• Research Ethics & Scientific Writing
• Data Collection & Interpretation
• Literature Review Techniques
• Laboratory Safety & Practices

Candidates should refer to the specific project notification for detailed syllabus relevant to their area of research.

Typical / Indicative (as per DST/ICAR norms)

Additional Benefits:

• Contingency Grant: ₹10,000 - ₹15,000 per annum for research expenses, books, and stationery
• Annual Fellowship Enhancement: Fellowship may be increased after completion of 2 years (subject to satisfactory performance)
• Leave Entitlement: 30 days of casual leave per year
• Maternity Leave: As per university norms for female candidates
• Research Facilities: Access to university laboratories, library, and research infrastructure
• Accident Insurance: Coverage under university insurance scheme

Note: SRF positions are contractual and co-terminus with the project duration. Fellows do not receive DA, PF, or pension benefits as regular employees.

Senior Research Fellows working at PAU gain valuable research experience and can progress to higher positions. Upon completion of Ph.D., fellows may apply for positions such as Research Associates, Assistant Professors in universities, Scientists in ICAR institutes, or pursue post-doctoral opportunities. Many SRFs transition to faculty positions at agricultural universities or research positions in national/international agricultural research organizations. The research publications and project work experience significantly enhance career prospects in academia and research institutions.

PAU Senior Research Fellow recruitment follows an offline application process and typically does not issue formal admit cards for interviews. Shortlisted candidates are informed about the interview date, time, and venue through email or registered post approximately 7-10 days before the scheduled interview. Candidates must bring the interview call letter (if provided) along with original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies to the interview venue. Details are also published on the official PAU website under the recruitment section.

The final selection results are declared within 15-20 days after completion of the interview process. Results are published on the official PAU website (www.pau.edu) under the Recruitment/Results section. Selected candidates receive appointment letters via registered post or email to their registered addresses. The result notification includes names/roll numbers of selected candidates and waitlisted candidates (if any). Candidates can also contact the respective Principal Investigator or the Establishment Branch of PAU for result inquiries.

Typical / Indicative: Since selection is primarily interview-based, cutoff marks in the interview typically range from 50-60 out of 100 for general category candidates. SC/ST candidates usually have a relaxed cutoff of 45-50 marks. The cutoff varies depending on the number of applicants, complexity of the research project, and performance of candidates. For projects requiring written tests, shortlisting cutoffs are generally set at 40-50% of total marks for general category and 35-40% for reserved categories. Final selection depends on overall performance and available positions.

Interview Centres:

Interviews for PAU Senior Research Fellow positions are typically conducted at:

Punjab Region: Ludhiana (Main Campus - PAU), Bathinda (KVK), Amritsar (Regional Research Station), Faridkot (Research Station), Gurdaspur (Regional Station)

North India: Occasionally, for multi-institutional collaborative projects, interviews may be held at partner institutions in Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana (Hisar, Karnal)

Primary interview centre is PAU Main Campus, Ludhiana. Candidates are typically required to appear at the venue specified in their interview call letter. No choice of centre is generally provided.