CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate Recruitment 2026

CSIR-CFTRI is hiring 3 Project Associates across Food Science and Technology, Computer Science/AI & ML, and Food Technology disciplines at its Mysuru campus. If you have a B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc., or MCA in a relevant field, you can apply online through the CFTRI PAT Cell portal. The last date to apply is 12 August 2026. You should be under 35 years of age. Salary ranges from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 28,000 per month plus HRA.

CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) Project Associate Recruitment 2026 - 3 Posts

CSIR-CFTRI, a premier food research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has opened 3 Project Associate positions under advertisement group FBR020402 through its PAT Cell (Project Allocation & Training Cell) portal. These are project-based, temporary research roles tied to ongoing CFTRI research work in food science, computer applications, and food technology. All three posts share the same application deadline of 12 August 2026 and are open to fresh graduates and postgraduates who meet the post-specific qualification.

CFTRI is one of India's oldest and most respected food research laboratories, working under CSIR since the 1950s on food processing, preservation, packaging, and safety technologies used across the Indian food industry. Working here as a Project Associate gives you direct exposure to applied research labs, modern instrumentation, and experienced scientists — valuable experience whether you plan to pursue a PhD later or move into an industry R&D role.

CFTRI has also recently changed how it hires project staff. From 1 January 2026, CFTRI no longer picks candidates from old subject panels — you must submit a fresh application for each individual post code you want to be considered for. If you are serious about a research career in food technology, computer science, or applied chemistry, this is a good entry point since these roles offer hands-on project experience at a top CSIR institute.

Vacancy Details

The 3 posts fall under one advertisement group (FBR020402) but need separate applications since each has a different qualification requirement and stipend. Pick the post code that matches your degree before you start your application.

Who Can Apply?

Each of the 3 posts needs a different educational background, so read the qualification for your target post code carefully before applying.

Project Associate - I (Food Science and Technology) - Rs. 25,000/month:

• Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology in Food Science & Technology, OR M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from a recognised university
• Experience: Not required — freshers can apply

Project Associate - I (Computer Science/AI & ML) - Rs. 25,000/month:

• Qualification: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Information Science/Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning/Data Science Engineering, OR Master of Computer Applications, OR M.Sc. in Computer Science
• Experience: Not required — freshers can apply

Project Associate - II (Food Technology) - Rs. 28,000/month:

• Qualification: M.Tech in Food Technology/Food Processing Technology/Food Safety and Quality Management, OR M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology/Food Science/Food Technology/Food Science and Nutrition/Food Processing Technology, with 2 years of experience in Research & Development in industrial, academic, or scientific organisations
• Experience: 2 years of R&D experience is mandatory for this post

Age Limit

• You should be under 35 years old as on the closing date of the online application (12 August 2026) for all three posts.
• This age limit applies uniformly across Project Associate - I and Project Associate - II posts in this recruitment cycle.

Salary

• Both Project Associate - I posts carry a consolidated stipend of Rs. 25,000 per month plus HRA.
• The Project Associate - II post carries a consolidated stipend of Rs. 28,000 per month plus HRA, reflecting the extra 2 years of R&D experience required.
• These are fixed project stipends and do not follow a standard government pay matrix, since Project Associate roles are funded through specific research projects rather than regular institute budgets.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-CFTRI PAT Cell portal at patcell.cftri.res.in.
2. Click on Register and create your applicant account with a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Select the specific post code (FBR020402-01, FBR020402-02, or FBR020402-03) that matches your qualification.
4. Fill in your educational and personal details in the online application form.
5. Upload your documents — degree certificates, mark sheets, and a recent photograph — and photograph.
6. Submit your application before 12 August 2026.

Note: You must apply separately for each post code. CFTRI no longer considers candidates from old subject panels, so even if you had applied earlier, you need to submit a fresh application for this specific advertisement.

Important Dates

• Last Date to Apply (FBR020402-01, Food Science & Technology): 12 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply (FBR020402-02, Computer Science/AI & ML): 12 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply (FBR020402-03, Food Technology): 12 August 2026

• Support ongoing CFTRI research projects in food science, computer applications, or food technology as per your assigned post
• Collect, record, and analyse experimental or technical data accurately
• Assist senior scientists and project investigators in day-to-day research activities
• Prepare technical notes, reports, and documentation for project milestones
• Maintain laboratory equipment, software tools, or datasets used in the project
• Follow institute safety, quality, and data-handling protocols
• Coordinate with cross-functional project teams for smooth execution of work