VNMKV Recruitment 2026 – Apply Offline for 7 Young Professional, Senior Research Fellow Posts

Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, Maharashtra is a State Agricultural University conducting recruitment for 7 research positions including Young Professional and Senior Research Fellow posts under various research projects. VNMKV is a premier agricultural university focused on agricultural education, research and extension activities in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. These positions are typically project-based contractual appointments under externally funded research schemes (ICAR, DBT, DST, etc.). Selected candidates will work on cutting-edge agricultural research projects in areas like crop improvement, soil science, agricultural economics, or allied fields. The recruitment is conducted through offline application mode with selection based on academic credentials and interview performance. These positions offer valuable research experience and exposure to advanced agricultural research methodologies.

Important Dates

Note: Exact dates to be notified in official advertisement. Check VNMKV official website regularly.

Vacancy Distribution

Typical / Indicative breakdown for 7 posts:

Note: Exact category-wise distribution will be mentioned in official notification as per Maharashtra State Reservation Policy and project requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Young Professional:

• Master's degree in relevant agricultural/allied sciences (Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, etc.) from a recognized university
• Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST candidates) in qualifying degree
• Preference may be given to candidates with NET/GATE qualification

Senior Research Fellow (SRF):

• Master's degree in relevant discipline with minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST)
• Qualified in NET/GATE/equivalent national level examination OR
• Two years research experience as Junior Research Fellow with publications
• Experience in handling laboratory/field research activities preferred

Age Limit

Typical / Indicative age criteria:

Age Relaxation:

Age calculated as on last date of application submission.

Nationality

• Candidate must be a Citizen of India
• Valid Indian citizenship documents required at time of document verification

How to Apply

Application Mode: OFFLINE

1. Visit the official website of VNMKV Parbhani (www.vnmkv.ac.in) and download the official notification and application format
2. Take a printout of the application form or obtain it from the university office
3. Fill the application form completely in BLOCK LETTERS with accurate information
4. Paste a recent passport-size photograph on the designated space and sign across it
5. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents: degree certificates, mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, experience certificates, NET/GATE scorecard
6. Attach demand draft for application fee (if applicable) drawn in favor of "Comptroller, VNMKV, Parbhani" payable at Parbhani
7. Place all documents in an envelope and write on top: "Application for the post of [Post Name] - Advertisement No. [XX/2026]"
8. Send the complete application by registered post/speed post to: The Registrar, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani - 431402, Maharashtra OR submit in person at the university office before the last date
9. Keep acknowledgement receipt and photocopies of all submitted documents for future reference

Application Fee

Typical / Indicative fee structure:

Fee to be paid via Demand Draft only. No other mode accepted. Fee non-refundable.

Selection Procedure

1. Application Screening: Submitted applications are scrutinized for eligibility criteria including educational qualifications, age limit, experience, and NET/GATE qualification. Only eligible candidates are shortlisted for interview.

1. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must appear with original documents for verification including degrees, mark sheets, caste certificates, domicile proof, and experience certificates before the interview.

1. Personal Interview/Presentation: Candidates are assessed through interview conducted by a expert committee comprising scientists and faculty members. Assessment is based on subject knowledge, research aptitude, understanding of project objectives, communication skills, and relevant experience. Candidates may be asked to give a brief presentation on their research work or project proposal.

1. Merit List Preparation: Final selection is based on combined performance in academic credentials (weightage ~30-40%) and interview performance (weightage ~60-70%). Merit list is prepared category-wise.

1. Medical Fitness: Selected candidates must obtain medical fitness certificate from registered medical practitioner or government hospital before joining.

1. Offer of Appointment: Selected candidates receive appointment letters with joining date, fellowship amount, project duration, and terms & conditions of engagement.

Selection Pattern

Note: No written examination is conducted for these research positions. Selection is based on academic credentials and interview.

Interview Assessment Pattern

Academic Credentials Evaluation

Total Selection: Based on combined score of academic credentials and interview performance. Minimum qualifying marks typically 50% (45% for SC/ST).

Interview Topics & Areas

For Young Professional Posts

Core Agricultural Sciences:

• Crop production and management practices
• Soil science and soil fertility management
• Agricultural economics and farm management
• Agricultural extension and rural development
• Crop protection (Plant Pathology, Entomology)
• Seed science and technology

Research Methodology:

• Experimental designs and statistical analysis
• Research problem identification and hypothesis formulation
• Data collection methods and sampling techniques
• Report writing and scientific communication
• Use of statistical software (SPSS, R, etc.)

Project-Specific Areas:

• Objectives and scope of the specific research project
• Recent developments in relevant field
• Laboratory/field techniques related to project
• Literature review of related research work

For Senior Research Fellow Posts

Advanced Subject Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of specialized agricultural discipline
• Recent advances and emerging technologies in the field
• National and international research trends
• Critical analysis of research publications

Research Experience:

• Previous research work and publications
• Laboratory/field techniques and instrumentation
• Data analysis and interpretation skills
• Research proposal development

Project Management:

• Time management and milestone planning
• Budget management and resource utilization
• Team coordination and collaboration
• Documentation and report preparation

Computer & Technical Skills:

• MS Office applications
• Statistical software packages
• Reference management tools
• Basic knowledge of specialized software relevant to discipline

Salary & Fellowship Structure

Typical / Indicative monthly fellowship/salary:

Additional Benefits:

• Contingency grant for research expenses, conference participation, books, and stationery
• No deductions for PF/ESI as these are fellowship positions (not regular employment)
• Medical facilities as per university/project norms
• Leave entitlement as per project guidelines (typically 30 days annually)
• Opportunity to pursue Ph.D. registration while working (for eligible candidates)
• Publications and research output ownership as per university norms

Note: Fellowship amount varies based on funding agency (ICAR/DBT/DST/ICMR etc.) and project type. No DA or other statutory allowances as these are project positions.

These project-based positions offer limited direct career progression as they are contractual in nature with fixed tenure (typically 1-3 years). However, they provide excellent research experience and opportunity to publish papers in national/international journals, which significantly enhances prospects for admission to Ph.D. programs, eligibility for Assistant Professor positions in agricultural universities, or recruitment as scientists in ICAR institutes. Many candidates use this experience as a stepping stone for competitive examinations like ICAR-NET for Assistant Professor posts or ICAR-ASRB exams for Scientist positions.

Since there is no written examination for these research positions, admit cards are not issued. Shortlisted candidates after application scrutiny receive interview call letters via email or post, typically 10-15 days before the scheduled interview date. The call letter mentions the interview date, time, venue (usually at VNMKV campus, Parbhani), required documents to bring, and reporting instructions. Candidates must carry the call letter printout along with original documents for verification at the time of interview.

Interview results are typically declared within 7-15 days after completion of interviews and are published on the official VNMKV website (www.vnmkv.ac.in). The result displays names of selected candidates, their category, and waitlist if any. Selected candidates are individually informed via email or phone call and issued appointment letters specifying joining date, fellowship amount, project details, and terms of engagement. Candidates must join within the stipulated time period mentioned in the appointment letter, failing which the offer may be cancelled and offered to waitlist candidates.

Since selection is through interview and not written examination, there are no numerical cutoffs in traditional sense. However, candidates typically need minimum 50% marks in interview (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) to qualify for selection. The actual selection depends on merit ranking based on combined score of academic performance and interview. Competition level varies by project specialization - specialized technical positions may have lower competition compared to general agricultural positions. Candidates with NET/GATE qualification and research publications have significantly better chances of selection.

Interview Centres

Primary Interview Location:

• Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV) Campus, Parbhani, Maharashtra

All interviews are typically conducted at the main university campus in Parbhani. In exceptional cases, if mentioned in the advertisement, interviews may be conducted at VNMKV regional research centres:

• Badnapur, Jalna
• Palam, Parbhani
• Ambajogai, Beed
• Other research stations under VNMKV jurisdiction

Exact interview venue address and reporting time will be mentioned in the interview call letter.