Punjab Agricultural University has issued an official notice for one Junior Research Fellow position in the Department of Soil Science at Ludhiana. This is not a regular permanent recruitment. The engagement is on a contractual basis for six months under a specific university scheme focused on nutrient additives, cropping systems and soil health.
If you are checking this recruitment, the most important points are the qualification combination, the application method and the fixed interview schedule. PAU has asked candidates to apply on the prescribed form with attested certificates, and the form itself has to be obtained from the department by submitting a bank draft of Rs. 200 in favour of Comptroller, PAU, Ludhiana.
The eligibility is also more specific than a general postgraduate requirement. The notice asks for B.Sc or B.Sc Agriculture with the minimum marks threshold, along with M.Sc in Soil Science or Botany with the required minimum marks. Candidates with M.Sc must have qualified NET, while those holding a Ph.D. in the required discipline at the master's level are also treated as eligible under the note in the notice.
PAU Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 Overview
This recruitment is for one Junior Research Fellow post in the Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The engagement is contractual and linked to a specific scheme rather than a regular cadre vacancy.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting body | Punjab Agricultural University |
| Department | Department of Soil Science |
| Post | Junior Research Fellow |
| Vacancy | 1 |
| Salary | Rs. 37,000 plus HRA per month |
| Application mode | Offline |
| Last date | 30 April 2026 |
| Interview | 6 May 2026 at 2:30 PM |
Post Details and Scheme Name
The notice states that the Junior Research Fellow will be engaged under the scheme titled Studies on the performance of some nutrient additives on productivity of different cropping system and on soil health Misc-27 (PC-5409).
The appointment is for six months on a fixed contractual basis. Since the role is scheme-based, candidates should read it as a project-linked research position and not as a permanent university post.
Eligibility Criteria and Educational Qualification
PAU has given a two-stage academic requirement in the notice. Candidates should check both the bachelor's and master's criteria carefully.
- B.Sc or B.Sc Agriculture with minimum OCPA 6.00 out of 10.00 or 60% marks.
- M.Sc in Soil Science or Botany with minimum OCPA 6.50 out of 10.00 or 65% marks.
- Candidates having M.Sc degree must have qualified NET.
The notice also says that a candidate who does not possess a master's degree in the relevant subject but has a Ph.D. degree in the discipline required at the master's level will be eligible for the post.
Desirable Experience and Preference
The official notice gives preference to candidates who have previous experience of working under field conditions and in analysing plant and soil samples in the laboratory.
This means your application becomes stronger if you can document practical work related to soil science, agronomy trials, nutrient studies, field experimentation, plant sample analysis or soil sample testing. Such experience is not listed as mandatory, but it is clearly relevant during shortlisting and interview.
Salary, Tenure and Nature of Appointment
The selected candidate will receive Rs. 37,000 plus HRA per month. The notice describes the post as contractual and fixed for a period of six months under the named scheme.
| Component | Official detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly pay | Rs. 37,000 |
| HRA | Payable in addition to fixed pay |
| Appointment type | Contractual |
| Initial tenure | Six months |
The notice does not mention extension terms, continuation conditions or a separate category-wise pay variation.
Application Form, Fee and Offline Submission Process
PAU has not provided this as a direct online application. Candidates have to use the prescribed application form and submit the completed documents offline to the office concerned.
- Obtain the prescribed application form from the office of the Head, Department of Soil Science.
- Submit a bank draft of Rs. 200 in favour of Comptroller, PAU, Ludhiana for the form.
- Fill in your name, address, age, educational qualifications and experience details.
- Attach attested copies of the required certificates and supporting documents.
- Ensure the completed application reaches the office on or before 30 April 2026.
The notice makes it clear that incomplete applications or applications without the required documents will not be entertained.
Important Dates and Interview Schedule
The university has already fixed both the application deadline and the interview date in the notice itself, so candidates should plan accordingly.
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Notice date | 15 April 2026 |
| Last date for receipt of application | 30 April 2026 |
| Interview date | 6 May 2026 |
| Interview time | 2:30 PM |
| Interview venue | Office room of Head, Department of Soil Science, PAU |
The notice also says no separate interview information will be sent, so eligible applicants should keep track of the schedule themselves.
Selection Process and Interview Instructions
The recruitment notice indicates a straightforward offline application and interview process. There is no separate written test, admit card or online screening portal mentioned in the official notice.
- Submission of prescribed offline application with documents.
- Scrutiny of applications and eligibility documents.
- Personal interview before the selection committee on the scheduled date.
Candidates have to appear for the interview at 2:30 PM on 6 May 2026 in the office room of the Head of the Department. The university has clearly stated that no TA or DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Documents You Should Keep Ready
The notice asks for attested copies of certificates along with the application. It is sensible to keep both photocopies and originals ready for verification and interview day.
- Filled prescribed application form
- Bank draft of Rs. 200 for obtaining the form
- Proof of date of birth and age
- B.Sc or B.Sc Agriculture mark sheets and degree certificate
- M.Sc mark sheets and degree certificate
- NET qualification proof, where applicable
- Ph.D. degree proof, if claiming eligibility through the Ph.D. route
- Experience certificates for field work or laboratory analysis, if available
- Identity proof and passport-size photographs
What Is Not Mentioned in the Official Notice
Some details job seekers usually expect are not stated in this specific PAU notice. It is better not to assume such details unless the university publishes a separate update.
- No age limit is mentioned in the notice.
- No reservation breakup is published for the single vacancy.
- No written exam pattern or syllabus is provided.
- No separate admit card process is mentioned.
- No separate final result publication timeline is given.
If PAU issues any later clarification, candidates should treat the university website as the primary source.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
There is 1 post of Junior Research Fellow.
The last date for receipt of applications is 30 April 2026.
The post carries Rs. 37,000 plus HRA per month.
Candidates need B.Sc or B.Sc Agriculture with the required minimum marks, and M.Sc in Soil Science or Botany with the required minimum marks. Candidates with M.Sc must also have qualified NET.
The application is offline and has to be submitted on the prescribed form.
The prescribed form may be obtained by submitting a bank draft of Rs. 200 in favour of Comptroller, PAU, Ludhiana.
The interview is scheduled for 6 May 2026 at 2:30 PM.