The Central University of Tamil Nadu has invited applications for two project-based positions under an ICSSR-sponsored research project hosted by the Department of Library and Information Science, School of Communication. The vacancies are for one Research Assistant and one Field Investigator, and both posts are temporary and tied to the duration of the project rather than regular university service.
This notification is useful mainly for candidates from Social Science backgrounds who are comfortable with fieldwork and research support. The project itself focuses on preservation of indigenous knowledge systems through decolonized digital archiving, with special reference to the Irular community of Tamil Nadu. That means the recruitment is not just qualification-based on paper; candidates also need to be prepared for field engagement, documentation work and research coordination.
For most applicants, the key questions are simple: what qualification is needed, how much the posts pay, whether there is an online form, what the age limit is, and how selection will happen. The official notice answers those points clearly. There is no separate exam mentioned. Shortlisting is based on merit, and shortlisted candidates will be called for an in-person interview at CUTN, Thiruvarur.
Recruitment overview
The Central University of Tamil Nadu has released an advertisement for two temporary project positions under an ICSSR research project. The project is hosted by the Department of Library and Information Science, School of Communication, at CUTN, Thiruvarur.
The recruitment is for one Research Assistant and one Field Investigator. These are project-based posts, not permanent university appointments. Candidates who are selected will work only for the approved project period and the tenure can end based on project requirements and performance.
Posts, duration and monthly remuneration
The official advertisement clearly separates the two posts by duration and monthly payment.
| Post | Number of Posts | Duration | Monthly Remuneration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Assistant | 1 | 18 months | Rs. 37,000 |
| Field Investigator | 1 | 7 months | Rs. 20,000 |
The notice states that remuneration and emoluments will be as per ICSSR guidelines. Candidates should view these as fixed project payments rather than pay-matrix university salary posts.
Project details and work focus
The positions are attached to the ICSSR-sponsored research project titled "Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems through Decolonized Digital Archiving: A Community-Based Framework for PVTGs in Tamil Nadu, with Special Reference to the Irular Community of Tamil Nadu."
This matters because the job fit is not only academic. Applicants should be comfortable with research documentation, community-linked fieldwork and working in a project setting that may involve travel to tribal hamlets for data collection. Candidates who are applying should make sure their background genuinely aligns with research and field-based work rather than assuming this is a routine campus-based assistantship.
Eligibility for the Research Assistant post
The Research Assistant post has a postgraduate-level eligibility requirement.
- Postgraduate degree in any Social Science discipline
- Minimum 55% marks
- Preference for candidates with NET, M.Phil or Ph.D.
This means a candidate who has only a bachelor degree is not eligible for the Research Assistant post. If you are applying specifically for this post, your postgraduate qualification should be clearly reflected in your CV and supporting documents.
Eligibility for the Field Investigator post
The Field Investigator post has a graduate-level eligibility requirement.
- Graduate in any Social Science discipline
- Minimum 55% marks
- Preference for candidates with a four-year graduation programme
This is the minimum educational level across the two posts. Candidates should still check whether their degree documents and marksheets clearly establish the Social Science discipline requirement before applying.
Age limit, preferred skills and language requirement
The upper age limit is not more than 35 years as on the date of interview. The notice also states that age can be relaxed by up to 5 years for statutory groups and women.
In addition to the educational qualification, the university has mentioned a few practical preferences that can matter during shortlisting:
- Strong command of both Tamil and English
- Willingness to undertake fieldwork involving data collection in tribal hamlets
- Desirable knowledge of data analysis using SPSS and R
- Preference for additional qualifications and relevant research or field experience
These preferences are especially important because the project work is community-based and may require both communication and data handling.
How to apply
There is no separate online application portal mentioned for this project recruitment. Eligible candidates need to send their application materials either in soft copy or hard copy.
- Prepare an updated CV.
- Write a covering letter mentioning the post you are applying for.
- Attach self-attested copies of documents from Class 10 onwards.
- Send the application within 15 days from the date of publication of the advertisement.
The application is to be sent to Dr. S. Ravikumar, Project Director, ICSSR-PVTG Project, Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Neelakudi Campus, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu - 610005.
Email submissions can be sent to ravikumar@acad.cutn.ac.in and ravikumar@cutn.ac.in.
Last date and interview schedule
The advertisement asks candidates to apply within 15 days from the date of publication of the notice. The careers listing shows the advertisement date as 21 April 2026. Based on that published date, the likely application deadline falls around 6 May 2026, unless the university clarifies otherwise through a separate update.
The interview date is not announced in the notice itself. Instead, shortlisted candidates will be informed later by phone or email after the last date of application.
The interview will be conducted at the Department of Library and Information Science, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur. The notice clearly says that no online interview will be entertained.
Selection process and what to expect
The selection process in the notification is straightforward. Candidates will first be shortlisted based on merit, and only shortlisted candidates will be informed by email or phone for the interview.
- No written exam is mentioned
- No online interview option is available
- Mere fulfillment of minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview call
- The decision of the selection committee is final
Because the university is explicitly using shortlisting, candidates should make sure their application clearly shows marks, discipline, language ability, fieldwork readiness and any relevant research experience. Those factors are likely to influence whether a candidate gets called.
Documents required and important conditions
Candidates should send self-attested documents with the application and later carry original documents if shortlisted for interview.
- Updated CV
- Covering letter
- Self-attested documents from Class 10 onwards
- Degree certificates and marksheets
- Date of birth proof
- Experience certificates, if any
- Publications, awards or recommendation letters, if any
Shortlisted candidates must appear in person with originals and one set of Xerox copies. No TA or DA is admissible for attending the interview. The positions are purely temporary for the project period only, and the tenure may be terminated depending on performance without prior notice.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 2 posts in total: 1 Research Assistant and 1 Field Investigator.
The Research Assistant post requires a postgraduate degree in any Social Science discipline with at least 55% marks. Candidates with NET, M.Phil or Ph.D are given preference.
The Field Investigator post requires a graduate degree in any Social Science discipline with at least 55% marks. Preference is given to candidates with a four-year graduation programme.
The Research Assistant post carries Rs. 37,000 per month and the Field Investigator post carries Rs. 20,000 per month.
The upper age limit is not more than 35 years as on the date of interview, with relaxation up to 5 years for statutory groups and women.
Candidates need to send their CV, covering letter and self-attested documents either by email or hard copy to the project director within 15 days of the advertisement publication.
No. The notice clearly states that no online interview will be entertained.