CSIR-NCL Recruitment 2026: Project Associate Posts

CSIR-NCL Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Overview

This recruitment is for project-based temporary positions at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. The posts are connected with archive, museum, digital archive and library-related project work under the Knowledge Resource Center.

Important Dates

Candidates should complete the online application before the last date. Shortlisted candidates will be informed through the official website and the online interview link is expected to be shared with shortlisted candidates by email.

Late applications will not be considered. Candidates should also keep checking the Short List / Selected / Wait List section of the official CSIR-NCL project jobs portal.

Vacancy Details

The two posts are issued under separate advertisement numbers but under the same project code. Candidates should apply for the post for which they meet the qualification and experience conditions.

Project Associate-I Eligibility

The Project Associate-I post is for the Archives and Science Museum project. The minimum qualification is broader than a single degree, but the role is especially relevant for candidates with library, information science, science, engineering or archive-related academic background.

The role involves support for archives and science museum operations, including data curation, data management, physical and digital record handling, photographic collections, cataloguing, scanning and archival content identification.

Senior Project Associate Eligibility

The Senior Project Associate post is for the Digital Archives project. This role has a higher experience requirement and is suitable for candidates with science, engineering, technology, pharmaceutical, medical or doctoral qualifications as prescribed in the notification.

The job requirement includes digital archive development and maintenance, website or platform support, front-end and back-end development, database handling, API integration and use of archive platforms such as DSpace, Omeka or ArchivesSpace where applicable.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age limit differs by post. Candidates should calculate age as per the conditions in the relevant advertisement and should keep category certificates ready if claiming relaxation.

The upper age limit is relaxable up to 5 years for SC, ST, PwD and women candidates, and up to 3 years for OBC candidates, as mentioned in the recruitment notice.

Salary and HRA

The monthly consolidated emoluments depend on the post and, in the case of Project Associate-I, on whether the candidate has qualified prescribed national-level tests.

HRA will be applicable as per the project and institute rules. Candidates should check the notification carefully for the exact emolument condition linked to their qualification.

Selection Process

The selection process includes screening of applications followed by an online interview for shortlisted candidates. Merely having the minimum qualification does not automatically guarantee interview shortlisting.

1. Candidate submits the online application through the CSIR-NCL project jobs portal.
2. The Screening Committee checks eligibility, qualification and relevant experience.
3. If applications are large, the number of candidates called for interview may be restricted based on higher qualification or relevant experience.
4. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be notified on the website on 11 May 2026.
5. The interview is scheduled online on 13 May 2026 through a suitable platform.

No separate interview call letter is expected to be issued. Shortlisted candidates should check email and the official website regularly.

How to Apply Online

Eligible candidates must apply online only through the official CSIR-NCL project jobs portal. Hard copy submission is not required at the application stage.

1. Visit the official CSIR-NCL project jobs portal.
2. Open New Registration if you are using the portal for the first time.
3. Register with a valid email ID and complete email verification.
4. Click Apply against the relevant advertisement number.
5. Select the correct post and fill personal, academic and experience details.
6. Upload required documents, photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
7. Preview the application carefully before final submission.
8. Submit the form before 8 May 2026 and save or print the submitted application for reference.

Once submitted, changes may not be permitted, so candidates should verify advertisement number, post name, academic details and uploaded documents before final submission.

Documents and Upload Instructions

Candidates should keep scanned documents ready before starting the form. The official application guide gives specific file instructions for photograph, signature and academic documents.

• Use a valid email ID and check inbox and spam folder regularly for recruitment updates.
• Photograph and signature must be uploaded in JPG or JPEG format.
• Photograph file size should be within the limit prescribed in the application guide.
• Signature file size should be within the limit prescribed in the application guide.
• Academic documents such as SSC, HSC, graduation, postgraduation, PhD and experience certificates should be kept ready in PDF format where required.
• Candidates should save or print the submitted application form for future reference.
• Original testimonials may be required for verification if the candidate is selected.

Application Fee and Important Conditions

No application fee is clearly mentioned in the available recruitment information for these two temporary project posts. Candidates should still review the final online form and official instructions while applying.

• The posts are purely temporary and linked to the sponsored project.
• The engagement is not a regular CSIR-NCL appointment.
• Selection does not create any right or claim for regular appointment at CSIR-NCL.
• No TA or DA will be paid for appearing in the interview.
• Selected candidates may be required to join immediately after receiving the offer of engagement.
• The engagement is generally coterminous with the project tenure, subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements.

Who Should Apply

This recruitment is suitable for candidates who have the required academic background and can work on archive, museum, library, data curation, digital records or software-linked project tasks. It is not a general permanent government recruitment; it is a project-based appointment.

Candidates with M.Lib.I.Sc, science, engineering, technology, computer science, information technology, doctoral or relevant R&D experience should compare their profile with the post-wise eligibility before applying. Candidates should apply only if they can support the claimed qualification and experience with valid documents.