If you are searching for the confirmed details of MP IDSA Research Analyst Recruitment 2026, the main points are clear from the official advertisement. Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses has announced 5 Research Analyst vacancies in New Delhi. The posts are distributed across UR, OBC, and EWS categories, and the application has to be submitted through the prescribed Google Form within the deadline mentioned by the institute.
This recruitment is meant for candidates with a strong academic background in Social Sciences and allied areas connected to policy, international affairs, strategy, and development. The institute is looking for candidates who can support research work, help with databases, prepare analytical outputs, assist with events and projects, and work under research deadlines. Since shortlisting may be stricter than the minimum eligibility, applicants should pay close attention to academic record, writing samples, references, and subject relevance before applying.
The position is contractual for two years, including an initial six-month probation period, and does not create any right to permanent appointment. Candidates who meet the essential qualification and age conditions should review the category-wise vacancies, document list, interview conditions, and practical instructions before submitting the form.
Recruitment Overview
MP-IDSA has advertised 5 Research Analyst positions under Job Number MP-IDSA/273/2026. These are full-time research posts based in New Delhi and are intended for candidates with a postgraduate academic background in policy, international affairs, strategic studies, development studies, or closely related areas.
The recruitment is not for a permanent appointment. The official notice makes it clear that the position is contractual, initially for a two-year term, and further extension, if any, depends on institute assessment and fresh approval. Applicants should read this as a research-track contractual role rather than a regular civil post.
Important Dates
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Application mode | Through prescribed Google Form |
| Last date and time | 22 April 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Interview call | Only shortlisted candidates will be invited |
| Interview venue | MP-IDSA, Delhi |
Candidates should submit the form well before the closing time because the institute has stated that it will not be responsible for technical issues related to internet submission.
Vacancy Details
| Category | Posts |
|---|---|
| UR | 3 |
| OBC | 1 |
| EWS | 1 |
| Total | 5 |
The advertisement also states that the institute reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of positions category-wise, or to fill or not fill any advertised position depending on its requirements.
The notice further mentions that candidates who had already applied against Advertisement No. MP-IDSA/0271/2025 published in November 2025 do not need to apply again.
Eligibility Criteria
The essential educational qualification is a Master's Degree with First Division in Social Sciences and allied fields such as public policy, international relations, strategic affairs, and development studies.
The advertisement also says preference will be given to candidates who have background in the relevant fields and have completed M.Phil. or Ph.D. in the desired area.
This means the minimum academic threshold is postgraduate level, but stronger subject alignment and higher research qualification can improve the chances of shortlisting.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The upper age limit is not more than 35 years as on the last date of application. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved category candidates as per Government of India norms.
The official instructions also clarify that PwD candidates applying against unreserved vacancies are eligible only for the age relaxation applicable to UR PwD candidates. OBC candidates must belong to the Central List and satisfy the non-creamy layer condition to claim reservation benefits. EWS candidates must produce a valid Income and Asset Certificate from the competent authority.
Salary, Allowances and Contract Terms
The pay for the Research Analyst post is Rs. 35,400 fixed, stated as equivalent to the current Basic Pay at Level 6 of the 7th CPC, along with applicable allowances.
Residential accommodation is available on campus. If accommodation is not provided, HRA will be permissible as per the terms mentioned by the institute.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay | Rs. 35,400 fixed |
| Pay basis | Equivalent to current Basic Pay Level 6 of 7th CPC plus applicable allowances |
| Accommodation | On-campus accommodation available |
| HRA | Permissible if accommodation is not provided |
| Contract period | Two years |
| Probation | Initial six months |
The notice also makes it clear that even if a fresh term is granted later, it will not confer any right of permanence.
Role and Work Profile
The Research Analyst will be attached to a nominated centre within MP-IDSA and is expected to contribute to research methods, project work, and centre-level outputs in consultation with the Centre Coordinator.
- Preparing databases
- Writing book reviews or web commentaries for the MP-IDSA website
- Preparing at least one issue brief per year
- Contributing to research papers or journal articles
- Providing research support through data mining, bibliography support, and source tracking
- Writing event reports for seminars, workshops, and roundtables
- Helping organise conferences and institute events
- Supporting projects and preparing monthly activity reports
This is a research-support and writing-intensive role, so candidates should be comfortable with analytical reading, structured writing, deadlines, and institutional coordination.
Desirable Profile and Preferred Experience
MP-IDSA has indicated that candidates with extensive research experience, advanced qualifications, strong peer-reviewed publications, and significant work or research experience in think tanks, research institutes, or universities will be preferred.
The desired skill set listed in the official notice includes a keen interest in current national and international affairs, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to work under strict deadlines, and teamwork.
Applicants who only meet the basic qualification but do not have relevant writing samples, research exposure, or subject familiarity should assess their profile carefully before applying.
Documents Required
The official advertisement asks candidates to submit the following documents along with the prescribed application form through the Google Form process:
- Prescribed application form
- Covering letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose of about 1,000 words
- Two letters of reference, with at least one from an academic supervisor
- Two published writing samples
- EWS certificate, if applying under EWS category
- PwD certificate, if applicable
- Recent OBC non-creamy layer certificate from competent authority, if applying under OBC category
Shortlisted candidates will have to produce original certificates in support of age, education, and category claim at the time of interview.
How to Apply and Selection Process
- Open the official advertisement page and access the prescribed Google Form.
- Fill in the required personal, academic, and category details carefully.
- Prepare the covering letter, CV, Statement of Purpose, references, and writing samples in advance.
- Upload or submit all required supporting documents as instructed in the form.
- Submit the application before 5:00 PM on 22 April 2026.
After submission, the institute will shortlist candidates and invite selected applicants for interview at MP-IDSA, Delhi. Mere possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview call, and the institute may restrict the number of candidates by applying higher standards based on qualifications, experience, academic achievements, or past work profile.
Shortlisted outstation candidates will be paid AC III tier rail fare on production of tickets by the shortest route.
Important Instructions Before You Apply
- The institute reserves the right to increase, decrease, fill, or not fill any post.
- The institute may offer a higher or lower position based on suitability, requirement, vacancy, and candidate consent.
- The recruitment can be cancelled at any stage without assigning reasons.
- The prescribed essential qualifications are minimum requirements only.
- Educational qualification will be calculated as on the last date of submission.
- Selected candidates will be governed by rules applicable to MP-IDSA scholars and staff.
- Those who join the institute will need written permission before applying elsewhere for any full-time or part-time position or course.
In practical terms, applicants should treat the recruitment as highly profile-based. A complete, carefully prepared application is more useful than a last-minute form submission with weak supporting material.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are 5 Research Analyst posts in total.
The application must be submitted by 5:00 PM on 22 April 2026.
The essential qualification is a Master's Degree with First Division in Social Sciences or allied fields such as public policy, international relations, strategic affairs, or development studies.
The age limit is not more than 35 years as on the last date of application, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms.
The pay is Rs. 35,400 fixed, equivalent to current Basic Pay Level 6 of the 7th CPC, plus applicable allowances.
No. The post is contractual for two years, including an initial six-month probation period, and does not confer any right to permanence.
Candidates need the prescribed form, covering letter, CV, Statement of Purpose, two reference letters, two published writing samples, and category certificates where applicable.