Banaras Hindu University has invited applications for one Junior Research Assistant (JRA) position in the Department of Botany, MMV, under a CSTUP-funded research project titled "Development of Indigenous Cyanobacterial-Microalgal Consortia for Sustainable Rice Growth." The post is project-based, temporary, and tied to the duration of the sanctioned research work.
The advertisement is dated 06 April 2026, and the notice says the completed application in the prescribed format has to reach the Principal Investigator within 21 days of publication, up to 26 April 2026 at 5:00 PM. The recruitment is meant for candidates with a relevant Master's degree and first division in both graduation and post-graduation.
For applicants, the useful details are straightforward: there is one vacancy, the age limit is 28 years as on 01 April 2025 with relaxation as per Government of India rules, the compensation is Rs. 25,000 per month for the first two years and Rs. 28,000 per month in the third year, and shortlisted candidates will be called for interview based on merit and project need.
BHU JRA Recruitment 2026 Overview
This recruitment is for one Junior Research Assistant position at the Department of Botany, MMV, Banaras Hindu University. The post is linked to a CSTUP-funded project on indigenous cyanobacterial-microalgal consortia for sustainable rice growth.
The selected candidate will work in the Cyanobacterial Lab at BHU. The appointment is not a permanent university post. It is a project appointment and remains co-terminus with the project.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Research Assistant (JRA) |
| Number of Posts | 1 |
| Department | Department of Botany, MMV, BHU |
| Project Title | Development of Indigenous Cyanobacterial-Microalgal Consortia for Sustainable Rice Growth |
| Project Code | P-26/0157 |
| Funding Agency | Council of Science and Technology, Uttar Pradesh (CSTUP) |
| Job Nature | Temporary and contractual |
Important Dates
The official advertisement gives a clear publication date and a closing deadline. Applicants should not wait for the final day because the notice says the completed form and documents must reach the Principal Investigator by the deadline.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 06 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 26 April 2026 |
| Closing Time | 5:00 PM |
| Interview Date | Not announced in the advertisement; shortlisted candidates will be informed by email |
Vacancy and Project Details
The recruitment is tied to a specific research project rather than a routine departmental vacancy. That matters because the work profile, funding pattern, and tenure all come from the project sanction.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Vacancy | One post |
| Work Location | Cyanobacterial Lab, Department of Botany, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi |
| Sanction Order | CST/Env./D-1244 dated 23 August 2025 |
| Project ID | 5835 |
| Project Duration | Three years, co-terminus with the project |
The official notice also says the initial appointment will be for one year, and continuation after that will depend on performance and project requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility is focused on relevant postgraduate background and strong academic performance. The advertisement specifically asks for first division in both graduation and post-graduation.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Master's in Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioscience, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, or another relevant allied subject |
| Academic Standard | 1st division in both graduate and post-graduate examinations |
| Higher Qualification | Candidates with higher qualifications may also apply |
| Age Limit | 28 years as on 01 April 2025 |
| Age Relaxation | As per Government of India rules for reserved category candidates |
The application form checklist asks candidates to enclose a Uttar Pradesh domicile certificate, and the notes say the applicant preferably should be a resident of Uttar Pradesh. Applicants should therefore read this point carefully before applying.
Preferred Background and Desirable Skills
The post is open to a defined set of academic disciplines, but preference within the shortlisted pool may depend on the candidate's actual research exposure.
- Experience in microbiology
- Experience in algal biology
- Experience in rice plant research and maintenance
- Relevant project or laboratory exposure
- Valid NET or GATE score may be given preference
The notice also says qualifications and experience may be relaxed for exceptional candidates. That does not remove the advertised criteria, but it gives the university some flexibility in special cases.
Salary, Tenure, and Nature of Appointment
The compensation is fixed and linked to the project stage. The post begins at the JRA rate and moves to the Senior Research Assistant stage in the third year if the appointment continues.
| Stage | Compensation |
|---|---|
| First two years | Rs. 25,000 per month consolidated |
| Third year | Rs. 28,000 per month consolidated as Senior Research Assistant (SRA) |
The appointment is purely temporary and on contract basis. The initial appointment is for one year and may be extended up to the duration of the project, with a maximum of three years, based on performance.
How to Apply Offline
Applicants have to use the prescribed format given in Annexure-1 of the advertisement. The completed application along with supporting documents must reach the Principal Investigator within the deadline.
- Download and fill the prescribed application form from the official advertisement.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required certificates and proofs.
- Write on the envelope: "Application for the post of JRA for the CSTUP project."
- Ensure the completed form reaches the Principal Investigator by 26 April 2026, 5:00 PM.
- You may also send a soft copy of the filled and signed application form with supporting documents as a single PDF to the official email address using the same subject line.
Application Address: Dr. Neelam Atri, Professor, Department of Botany, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, Uttar Pradesh.
Email for soft copy: neelam1409@bhu.ac.in
Documents to Attach
The checklist in the application form is important because incomplete submissions can weaken or delay consideration. Applicants should keep the documents in the same order as the form where possible.
- Proof of date of birth
- Mark sheets and certificates of all examinations passed
- Uttar Pradesh domicile certificate
- Category certificate, if applicable
- NET or GATE score card, if available
- Experience certificate, if available
- Recent passport-size photograph
The form also has space for academic qualifications, experience, publications, and any other relevant information. Candidates should fill these sections carefully and consistently.
Selection Process and Interview
The advertisement does not mention a written examination. Instead, it says candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of merit and the needs of the project.
- Shortlisting based on academic record, relevance, and project need
- Shortlisted candidates will be informed by email
- Interview will be the next stage
- Shortlisted candidates should bring an updated CV and original as well as self-attested photocopies of supporting academic documents
- Online interview may be considered on proper justification
- No TA or DA will be paid for appearing in the interview
This means applicants should focus on submitting a complete, accurate form with clear academic and research information rather than expecting a separate exam-style process.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Not
The official notice clearly confirms the vacancy count, project title, pay, basic eligibility, last date, and the application format. It also confirms that shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email for interview.
The notice does not publish a fixed interview date, written test schedule, admit card process, or application fee. It also does not describe a separate exam pattern or syllabus. For this recruitment, the practical focus is the application, shortlisting, and interview stage.
The university further states that it reserves the right to accept or reject applications during the tenure of the project, and that either side may discontinue the association by giving one month's written notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for BHU Junior Research Assistant Recruitment 2026?
The last date mentioned in the advertisement is 26 April 2026 up to 5:00 PM.
How many vacancies are available in BHU JRA Recruitment 2026?
There is one vacancy for the Junior Research Assistant post.
What qualification is required for the BHU Junior Research Assistant post?
Applicants need a Master's degree in Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioscience, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, or a closely allied subject, with 1st division in graduation and post-graduation.
What is the age limit for BHU Junior Research Assistant Recruitment 2026?
The age limit is 28 years as on 01 April 2025, with relaxation for reserved categories as per Government of India rules.
What salary is offered for the BHU Junior Research Assistant post?
The compensation is Rs. 25,000 per month for the first two years and Rs. 28,000 per month in the third year as Senior Research Assistant.
Is Uttar Pradesh domicile required for this BHU JRA post?
The notes say the applicant preferably should be a resident of Uttar Pradesh, and the application checklist asks for a Uttar Pradesh domicile certificate. Applicants should follow the official notice closely on this point.
How will candidates be selected for BHU Junior Research Assistant Recruitment 2026?
Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of merit and project need, and shortlisted applicants will then be called for interview.