Visva-Bharati has released a recruitment notice for the position of Research Assistant in an ICSSR-sponsored research project for 2025-26. The post is available in the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology at Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal. The recruitment is for one temporary Research Assistant position and the appointment will remain linked to the project duration.
The project is titled "Purusa, Prakriti, and the Temple Body: Ontological Analysis of Silpa Texts in Early Medieval Odisha". Candidates with a postgraduate background in Ancient History, History or Archaeology, along with NET, M.Phil or Ph.D., should review the official advertisement carefully before applying.
Although the topic is commonly searched as apply online, the official advertisement asks candidates to apply by email. The application must be sent as a single PDF file with the required documents, and only shortlisted candidates will be informed by email and called for the interview.
Recruitment Overview
Visva-Bharati is accepting applications for one Research Assistant position in an ICSSR-sponsored research project. The project is based in the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology at Santiniketan.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | Visva-Bharati |
| Post | Research Assistant |
| Total Vacancy | 1 |
| Department | Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology |
| Funding Agency | Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) |
| Application Mode | |
| Official Website | visvabharati.ac.in |
Important Dates
Candidates should submit the application well before the deadline because the notice requires documents to be sent by email as a single PDF file.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Career Notice Published on University Website | 17 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply by Email | 8 May 2026 |
| Interview Date | To be informed to shortlisted candidates by email |
Vacancy and Project Details
The recruitment is for one Research Assistant post under an ICSSR-sponsored research project. The role is project-based and does not indicate a permanent university appointment.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Temporary Post | Research Assistant |
| Number of Posts | One |
| Project Title | Purusa, Prakriti, and the Temple Body: Ontological Analysis of Silpa Texts in Early Medieval Odisha |
| Project Funding | Indian Council of Social Science Research |
| Place of Work | Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should check whether their academic background matches the official eligibility requirements before sending the application. The advertisement specifies both educational qualification and research-related skill requirements.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Essential Qualification | Postgraduate degree in Ancient History, History or Archaeology with minimum 55% marks |
| Additional Academic Requirement | NET, M.Phil or Ph.D. |
| Mandatory Skills | Good communication and academic research writing skills in English |
| Computer Knowledge | Knowledge of MS Office |
Candidates should include clear proof of qualifications, marks and research experience in the single PDF application file.
Desirable Experience and Skills
The official notice mentions several desirable areas that may strengthen a candidate's application. These are not listed as mandatory conditions, but they are relevant to the nature of the project.
- Prior experience in field surveys
- Knowledge of Sanskrit
- Familiarity with photography
- Experience or familiarity with museum-based research
- Understanding of sustainability initiatives
- Exposure to social impact studies
Candidates who have any of these skills should mention them clearly in the CV and cover letter, with supporting details where available.
Fellowship and Appointment Nature
The consolidated monthly fellowship for the Research Assistant post is Rs. 26,250 per month as per ICSSR rules.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | Rs. 26,250 |
| Appointment Type | Purely temporary |
| Project Linkage | Co-terminus with the project |
| TA/DA | No TA/DA will be given for attending the interview or joining the post |
The advertisement states that the appointment may be ended before the project period if the work is not satisfactory or if the project is completed. Candidates should treat the post as a temporary project appointment.
Job Responsibilities
The Research Assistant is expected to support both desk-based research and field-related work under the project. The listed duties are closely connected with historical, textual and field research.
- Thorough examination of literature
- Archiving and analysis of data
- Support for field visits
- Photography-related documentation where required
- Research paper writing
- Report writing for the project
Candidates should prepare to explain their research writing ability, fieldwork exposure and familiarity with historical or archaeological sources during the interview stage.
How to Apply
There is no separate online application portal mentioned for this post. Candidates must apply by email as instructed in the official advertisement.
- Prepare an updated CV mentioning educational background, desirable skills and research experience, if any.
- Write a cover letter for the Research Assistant position.
- Collect self-attested copies of mark sheets and degree certificates.
- Combine all required documents into a single PDF file.
- Send the application by email to sujata.rakshit@visva-bharati.ac.in.
- Use the subject line: Application for the post of Research Assistant for ICSSR Project.
- Send the email on or before 8 May 2026.
Candidates should make sure the attached PDF opens properly and contains all required pages before sending the email.
Documents Required
The application must be sent as a single PDF file. The official notice specifically asks for the following documents.
- Updated CV mentioning educational background, desirable skills and research experience, if any
- Cover letter
- Self-attested copies of mark sheets
- Self-attested copies of degree certificates
- Copies of testimonials related to educational qualification and work experience, where applicable
Shortlisted candidates must bring all original certificates for verification during the interview.
Selection Process
The selection process will begin with review of the submitted CVs and documents. Suitable candidates will be shortlisted after this screening stage.
- Submission of application by email
- Review of CV and supporting documents
- Shortlisting of suitable candidates
- Interview call by email
- Original certificate verification during interview
Only shortlisted candidates will be informed by email and called for the interview. Candidates should keep checking the email address used for application.
Important Instructions
- The post is purely temporary and linked to the ICSSR project.
- The application must be sent to sujata.rakshit@visva-bharati.ac.in.
- The email subject line should be exactly: Application for the post of Research Assistant for ICSSR Project.
- The required documents should be submitted as a single PDF file.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
- Original certificates must be produced during the interview for verification.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or joining the post.
- Candidates should rely on the official Visva-Bharati notice for any correction or update.
Official Links
Frequently Asked Questions
The last date to apply by email is 8 May 2026.
There is 1 Research Assistant post.
Candidates need a postgraduate degree in Ancient History, History or Archaeology with at least 55% marks, along with NET, M.Phil or Ph.D.
The consolidated monthly fellowship is Rs. 26,250 as per ICSSR rules.
Candidates must send a single PDF application file by email to sujata.rakshit@visva-bharati.ac.in.
The subject line should be: Application for the post of Research Assistant for ICSSR Project.
No. The post is purely temporary and co-terminus with the ICSSR project.
No. Only shortlisted candidates will be informed by email and called for the interview.