CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru has released Advertisement No. PAT 13/2026 for engagement of Project Associate-I on a temporary contractual basis. The recruitment is for project MMP035202 titled "PLA and PBAT-based Biodegradable Polymeric Films with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties." The official notification confirms 1 vacancy, an upper age limit of 35 years, and online applications through the institute's PAT Cell portal up to 22 April 2026.
This recruitment is aimed at candidates from specific engineering and science backgrounds, including Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Polymer Science, Food Science and Technology, Chemical Engineering, and Chemistry. The notice also clearly separates the monthly pay based on whether the applicant has qualified national eligibility tests such as CSIR-UGC NET or GATE. That makes the eligibility and salary structure especially important for applicants to check before submitting the form.
This page brings together the confirmed details from the official CSIR-CFTRI notification and recruitment page, including vacancy, qualifications, desirable experience, age relaxation, stipend, project tenure, application process, and the main conditions that can affect eligibility or shortlisting.
Recruitment Overview
CSIR-CFTRI is recruiting 1 Project Associate-I for a temporary project position in Mysuru under project MMP035202. The recruitment is governed by Advertisement No. PAT 13/2026 dated 10 April 2026.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Institute | CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru |
| Post | Project Associate-I |
| Advertisement No. | PAT 13/2026 |
| Post Code | MMP035202-01 |
| Vacancy | 1 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Last Date | 22 April 2026 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification date | 10 April 2026 |
| Last date to submit online application | 22 April 2026 |
| Interview intimation | To be sent later by email to shortlisted candidates |
The official notice does not announce a fixed interview date in advance. Shortlisted candidates will be informed separately through email.
Vacancy and Project Details
The official notification announces 1 vacancy for Project Associate-I. The position is linked to the project titled "PLA and PBAT-based Biodegradable Polymeric Films with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties" under project code MMP035202.
The engagement is temporary and the notification states that it is for a period up to March 2027 at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, Karnataka. The post does not create any claim for regular appointment in CSIR-CFTRI or CSIR.
Eligibility and Essential Qualification
Applicants must already possess the required qualification and their results must have been declared on or before the last date. Candidates whose results are awaited, or who are still in the final semester, are not eligible.
The essential qualification is any one of the following:
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Technology in Material Science, Polymer Science, or equivalent
- B.Tech in Food Science and Technology
- B.Tech in Chemical Engineering
- M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology
- M.Sc. in Chemistry or equivalent
The job requirement mentioned in the notice is to carry out the assigned research and development work.
Desirable Qualification and Experience
The notification gives preference to candidates with specific technical exposure relevant to the project. These preferences are not a substitute for the essential qualification, but they can matter during shortlisting.
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with Diploma from CIPET or equivalent
- Hands-on expertise in film extrusion process
- Working experience in polymer film extrusion
- Experience with twin extruder systems
- Master's Degree in Material Science, Polymer Science, Plastic Technology or equivalent
Applicants with directly relevant project or lab experience should highlight it clearly in the online application and supporting documents.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The upper age limit is 35 years as on 22 April 2026, which is the last date for receiving applications.
The official notification provides age relaxation as follows:
- SC, ST, PwBD and Women candidates: 5 years
- OBC candidates: 3 years
Candidates claiming relaxation should ensure that valid category or disability certificates are uploaded with the application.
Salary and Tenure
The monthly pay depends on whether the candidate has qualified a national eligibility test such as CSIR-UGC NET or GATE.
| Category | Pay |
|---|---|
| Candidates who have qualified National Eligibility Tests such as CSIR-UGC NET or GATE | Rs. 31,000 plus HRA |
| Other eligible candidates | Rs. 25,000 plus HRA |
The engagement is temporary, co-terminus with the project, and cannot continue beyond the project tenure or the CSIR project staff tenure rules. The advertisement notes that the project engagement is up to March 2027.
How to Apply Online
- Read the official notification carefully and confirm that you meet the essential qualification and age conditions.
- Visit the official Project Manpower Portal at https://patcell.cftri.res.in.
- Fill in the online application for Advertisement No. PAT 13/2026 and the relevant post code.
- Upload the required supporting documents for date of birth, caste, qualification and experience, as applicable.
- Submit the application on or before 22 April 2026.
The notification clearly states that no other mode of application will be accepted. Applications received after the due date will not be considered.
Documents Required for Application
The notice requires candidates to upload certificates supporting their eligibility and identity claims. Applicants should keep scanned copies ready before starting the online form.
- Proof of date of birth
- Educational certificates and mark sheets
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Experience certificates, if applicable
- Relevant documents supporting desirable skills or technical exposure
- No Objection Certificate from current PI, if already working in CSIR or CSIR-CFTRI project positions
Make sure the uploaded records are readable and consistent with the details entered in the application form.
Selection Process and Shortlisting
Applicants will first be shortlisted by a designated committee based on the current requirement and the number of applications received. The official notice says the committee may use one or more shortlisting methods such as marks in the essential qualification, higher qualification, desirable experience, or another suitable method.
Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview, and the shortlist will be displayed on the CSIR-CFTRI website. Final selection will be based on interview performance. No TA or DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Important Conditions Before Applying
- Only candidates who already hold the required qualification and whose results are declared are eligible.
- The post is purely temporary and contractual.
- The engagement will not create any right to regular appointment.
- Candidates who have already completed a total of 6 years as project staff in CSIR labs or institutes are not eligible.
- The post is subject to availability of project funds.
- CSIR-CFTRI may increase or decrease the number of vacancies at the time of actual selection.
- Canvassing or attempting to influence the recruitment process will lead to disqualification.
No application fee is mentioned in the official notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 22 April 2026.
How many vacancies are available in this recruitment?
There is 1 vacancy for the post of Project Associate-I.
What is the age limit for the CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-I post?
The upper age limit is 35 years as on 22 April 2026, with relaxation for eligible reserved categories as mentioned in the notification.
What is the salary for Project Associate-I at CSIR-CFTRI?
Selected candidates will get Rs. 31,000 plus HRA if they have qualified eligible national tests such as CSIR-UGC NET or GATE, and Rs. 25,000 plus HRA for other eligible candidates.
What qualifications are accepted for this post?
Eligible qualifications include specified engineering degrees such as Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Polymer Science, Food Science and Technology, Chemical Engineering, or M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology, Chemistry, or equivalent.
How can I apply for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026?
You must apply online only through the official PAT Cell portal at patcell.cftri.res.in and upload the required certificates.
Is this a permanent job at CSIR-CFTRI?
No. This is a temporary contractual project position and does not provide any claim for regular appointment.
Is the interview date announced in the official notification?
No. The notification says shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview date through email later.