CSIR NAL Walk-in Recruitment 2026 for 9 Project Associate Posts

Recruitment overview

CSIR-NAL has invited eligible Indian nationals to attend a walk-in interview for engagement as Project Associate staff under project-based assignments. The official advertisement is dated 22 April 2026 and is issued under Advt. No. 10/2026/PS.

The recruitment is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project. It does not create any claim for regular appointment, continuation, or absorption in CSIR. The selection is meant for project work within the laboratory and the positions may also vary depending on project requirements.

Interview dates, reporting time and venue

The walk-in interviews will be held on 28 April 2026 and 29 April 2026. Candidates must report at the venue between 9:00 AM and 9:45 AM for registration and document verification. The notice clearly says that no candidate will be allowed to register after 9:45 AM.

The venue is CSIR-NAL, RAB Meeting Complex, National Aerospace Laboratories, adjacent to SBI, NAL Branch, Kodihalli, Bengaluru - 560017. Candidates should plan travel in advance and arrive early because late reporting can result in being denied entry to the registration process.

Post-wise vacancy breakup

The advertisement also notes that the number of positions may vary depending on project requirements. CSIR-NAL may also create a panel of waitlisted candidates, and that panel can remain valid for one year from the date of result notification or until the project is completed, whichever is earlier.

Eligibility and qualification requirements

For Project Associate-I, the essential qualification is a bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized university. The notice also allows an equivalent qualification if it is recognized by the concerned authority as per the functional requirement of the project and is recorded in writing by the Project Investigator and Director.

For Project Associate-II, candidates must either have a bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology with two years of experience in research and development in industrial or academic institutions, science and technology organizations, or scientific activities and services, or they must hold a Master's or Integrated Master's degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized university.

The qualification and age are determined as on the date of the walk-in interview. Candidates whose results are still awaited are not eligible to attend the interview.

Age limit and relaxation

The age limit for all nine positions in this advertisement is 35 years. This applies to both Project Associate-I and Project Associate-II posts.

CSIR-NAL has stated that age relaxation will be available as per Government of India instructions. The notice mentions 5 years of relaxation for SC, ST, PwBD, and women candidates, and 3 years for OBC candidates. Candidates claiming age relaxation should bring documentary proof in the proper format, otherwise the claim will not be entertained.

Salary and post category details

The official notice for this recruitment mentions only these pay levels for the advertised posts. Candidates should read the role carefully and not assume that all CSIR project associate advertisements follow the same pay pattern, because some other notices may include NET or GATE-linked higher emolument bands. This particular advertisement lists the above rates for the notified positions.

Role-wise work profile and useful skills

The 28 April Project Associate-I post is focused on data processing, analysis, testing, and Python code development. The 28 April Project Associate-II post requires work related to installation of sensors, cabling, LabVIEW programming, and data acquisition during testing.

The 29 April Project Associate-I posts are linked to engineering production drawings, preparation of route books, CAD-related work, maintaining registers and forms, fuel system drawings, support in airworthiness certification, and structural or systems design work in civil aircraft projects. Knowledge of tools such as AutoCAD, Draftsight, Catia V5, MSC Nastran, Patran, and HyperWorks is desirable.

The 29 April Project Associate-II posts are aligned with meshing, rotor dynamics, stress analysis of turbomachines using ANSYS, CAD modelling and drafting using SolidWorks, FEA using ANSYS Mechanical Workbench, and CFD analysis using ANSYS Fluent.

How to attend the walk-in correctly

1. Download and fill the prescribed application form from the CSIR-NAL website.
2. Match your specialization with the correct date and post before leaving for the venue.
3. Reach the RAB Meeting Complex between 9:00 AM and 9:45 AM on the specified date.
4. Carry the filled application form, a latest passport size photograph, and a copy of Aadhaar card or any government-issued photo ID.
5. Bring original educational certificates, mark sheets, experience certificates if applicable, caste certificate if applicable, and one full set of photocopies.
6. If you want to apply for more than one position, submit a separate application for each position.

The notice specifically says candidates should not send applications by post, speed post, or email. The process is strictly walk-in based.

Selection process and shortlisting rules

The official selection method is based on performance in the interview or any other criteria adopted by the selection committee. CSIR-NAL has also made it clear that possessing the minimum qualification does not automatically entitle a candidate to be interviewed.

If a large number of candidates report for the walk-in, the screening committee may shortlist candidates through a written examination or any other criteria it considers suitable. This means candidates should carry clear supporting documents and be ready for a screening step before the final interaction.

After selection, a panel of suitable candidates may be created, and empanelment does not guarantee automatic engagement. Utilization depends on project requirements during the validity period of the panel.

General conditions that candidates should not miss

• The engagement is purely temporary and project-linked.
• The maximum duration across one or more projects in CSIR-NAL or other CSIR labs together cannot exceed six years.
• If the candidate is already working in CSIR-NAL or any other CSIR lab, a No Objection Certificate from the Project Leader or HOD is mandatory at the time of interview.
• No TA or DA will be paid for attending the walk-in interview.
• Selected candidates will have to produce original documents before joining.
• After selection, candidates are expected to contact Recruitment-2 Section with documents for reporting within 15 days.
• Canvassing or bringing influence in any form will lead to disqualification.

These conditions are important because many candidates focus only on qualification and venue, but miss compliance points such as NOC, original documents, and reporting timelines after selection.