CFTRI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

About This Job

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) is hiring 12 Project Associate-I (PAT-I) posts in Mysuru, Karnataka. If you have an M.Sc. in relevant science subjects or B.E./B.Tech in the listed engineering fields, you can attend the walk-in interview. The walk-in dates are 16 June 2026 and 17 June 2026. The stipend is Rs. 25,000 per month plus HRA, and the upper age limit is 35 years.

CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 - 12 Posts

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru has issued Advertisement No. PAT 24/2026 for Project Associate-I posts under the project Sustainable Food Processing for nutritional wellness, safety and food security with project number MLP002608. The engagement is purely temporary and contractual. No written exam is mentioned; candidates have to report for an in-person walk-in interview with original documents.

Project context: The post is linked to food processing research for nutritional wellness, safety, and food security. The vacancy mix covers food science, microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry, computer science with AI&ML, chemistry, and polymer science, so you should attend only on the date matching your qualification group.

Important tenure point: The notice says the present project tenure is around four to five years, but the initial engagement is only up to 31 March 2027 or project co-terminus. It can be extended or curtailed based on conduct, performance, institute requirement, and review committee recommendation.

Vacancy Breakdown by Discipline

• Food Science & Nutrition / Food Technology / Food Science & Technology: 7 posts
• Microbiology / Biotechnology: 2 posts
• Biochemistry / Biotechnology: 1 post
• Computer Science with AI & ML: 1 post
• Chemistry / Polymer Science / Polymer Engineering: 1 post

Note: The notification says the number of positions is tentative and may vary based on project requirements.

Who Can Apply?

Interview on 16 June 2026 at 9:30 AM

• 2 posts: M.Sc. in Microbiology or Biotechnology.
• 1 post: M.Sc. in Biochemistry or Biotechnology.
• 1 post: B.E. in Computer Science with AI & ML.
• 1 post: M.Sc. in Chemistry or Polymer Science, or B.E./B.Tech in Polymer Science.

Interview on 17 June 2026 at 9:30 AM

• 7 posts: M.Sc. in Food Science & Nutrition or Food Technology, or B.E./B.Tech in Food Science & Technology.

Desirable Qualification

• Analytical techniques: Experience in analytical techniques is desirable for these project posts.
• Correct date group: Food Science/Food Technology candidates report on 17 June 2026; the other listed disciplines report on 16 June 2026.

Qualification check: The notification treats age, education, and experience as on the interview date. Bring proof for your degree, specialization, marks/CGPA, category, and experience because missing originals can stop you from attending the interview.

Age Limit

• Maximum age: 35 years.
• Age reference: Age, education, and experience will be checked as on the walk-in interview date.
• Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates, as per Government of India rules.

Salary

• Stipend: Rs. 25,000 per month.
• HRA: HRA will be paid as applicable.
• Tenure: Initial engagement is up to 31 March 2027 or co-terminus with the project, whichever is earlier.

Application Fee

• No application fee is mentioned in the notification.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection will be done through walk-in interview and document verification; the notification does not mention a written exam.

1. Reporting and Document Check: Report at 9:30 AM sharp at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru with originals and self-attested copies.
2. Shortlisting if Needed: If many candidates report, the committee may shortlist by essential qualification marks, higher qualification, desirable experience, or another approved method.
3. Walk-in Interview: The interview will be held in in-person mode only.
4. Original Certificate Rule: The notice says no candidate will be allowed to appear without original certificates.
5. Final Decision: The Director, CSIR-CFTRI will make the final decision on allowing candidates and selection matters.

How to Apply

1. Download or print the application form from Annexure-I of the official notification.
2. Fill the form with your qualification, experience, category, contact details, and project/post details.
3. Carry original certificates, self-attested copies, valid ID proof, and one passport-size photo.
4. If you are pursuing a higher degree under AcSIR or a linked university, bring the required No Objection Certificate.
5. Bring category certificates in the proper format if you want SC/ST/PwBD/OBC/Women age relaxation.
6. Report at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, Karnataka at 9:30 AM on the interview date for your subject group.
7. Do not expect TA/DA; the notification clearly says no travel or daily allowance will be paid.

Important Dates

• Advertisement Date: 05 June 2026
• Walk-in Interview for Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Chemistry and Polymer Science posts: 16 June 2026 at 9:30 AM
• Walk-in Interview for Food Science/Food Technology posts: 17 June 2026 at 9:30 AM
• Initial Engagement Up To: 31 March 2027

• Support research work under the Sustainable Food Processing project at CSIR-CFTRI
• Assist with laboratory experiments, sample preparation, and analytical work
• Maintain project records, data sheets, and experiment observations carefully
• Handle discipline-specific tasks in food science, biotechnology, chemistry, polymer science, or AI and ML as assigned
• Follow laboratory safety rules and quality practices during project work
• Prepare progress inputs and coordinate with scientists and project team members
• Keep original research data and documents ready for internal review when required