CSIR-IICT Project Associate Recruitment 2026 — 48 Vacancies

CSIR-IICT is hiring 48 Project Associates, Senior Project Associates, Research Associates and a Project Scientist across 37 different research projects at its Hyderabad campus. If you have an M.Sc., B.E./B.Tech, M.Tech or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology or a related science subject, you can simply walk in for an interview — there is no online application form. The walk-in interviews are held on 15, 16 and 17 July 2026, depending on your Position Code. Stipends range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 58,000 per month plus HRA.

CSIR – Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) Walk-In Interview Recruitment 2026 - 48 Posts

CSIR – Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, has released Notification No. PS/06/2026 to fill 48 temporary research positions spread across 37 sponsored projects. The work covers a wide range of areas — hydrogen energy and electrolyzers, catalysis, nanomaterials, drug discovery, antimicrobial resistance, battery materials and more. The posts on offer are Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, Senior Project Associate, Research Associate and Project Scientist-I, and each is tied to a specific sponsored project. There is no written exam for any of these posts — everything is decided through a walk-in interview, which means you could get selected on the same day you turn up. These openings suit both fresh postgraduates looking for their first research job and experienced researchers with a Ph.D. who want a senior role.

Vacancy Breakdown by Post

Each of the 37 individual research projects has its own exact subject requirement, stipend slab and Position Code (1 to 37). Check the official notification to match your qualification with the right Position Code before you attend.

Who Can Apply?

Project Associate-I (PAT-I) — Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 37,000/month:

• You need an M.Sc. or B.E./B.Tech in Chemistry, Physics, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering or a related subject. The exact subject depends on the project and Position Code you choose.

Project Associate-II (PAT-II) — Rs. 28,000 to Rs. 35,000/month:

• You need a Master's degree (M.Sc./M.Pharm) along with at least 2 years of R&D experience in the relevant subject.

Senior Project Associate (Senior-PAT) — Rs. 42,000/month:

• You need an M.E./M.Tech or a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related subject, with 2 to 3 years of experience.

Research Associate (RA) — Rs. 58,000/month:

• You need a Ph.D. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, or an M.Tech with a Ph.D., along with relevant research experience.

Project Scientist-I — Rs. 56,000/month:

• You need a Master's in Engineering/Technology in Chemical Engineering, or a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering/Bio/Chemical Sciences, plus 4 years of R&D experience in industry or academia.

If you have already worked at CSIR-IICT or any other CSIR lab as a Project Assistant, Project Fellow, JRF, SRF or Research Associate for a combined 6 years or more, you are not eligible to apply for these posts. Candidates who have served less than 6 years can apply only for the remaining period.

Age Limit

• Upper age limit is 35 years for most Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II and Project Scientist-I posts, and 40 years for Senior Project Associate posts, counted as on the date of your walk-in interview.
• Age Relaxation: Statutory groups (SC/ST/OBC/Women) and PwBD candidates get age relaxation as per Government of India and CSIR rules.

Salary

• Stipends range from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 58,000 per month, depending on the post and project, plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) of 24% to 30%.
• Several Project Associate-I and Project Associate-II posts pay a higher stipend slab if you are NET/GATE qualified.
• Research Associate posts pay Rs. 58,000 + HRA, and the Project Scientist-I post pays Rs. 56,000 + HRA per month.

Selection Process

There is no written exam for any of these posts. Selection happens directly at the walk-in:

1. Document Screening: Bring your filled application form (download from the CSIR-IICT website) and one set of attested photocopies of all certificates — Class 10 onwards, NET/GATE (if applicable), experience, date of birth and category/caste proof.
2. Walk-in Interview: A selection panel reviews your qualifications and experience for the specific project and Position Code you are applying for.
3. Skill Test: Conducted for suitable posts only, where applicable.

You must register between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM on your allotted interview date. Registration closes strictly at 9:30 AM — candidates arriving after that will not be registered. No TA/DA (travel allowance) is paid for attending the interview.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the CSIR-IICT website (iict.res.in).
2. Check the official notification and pick the Position Code that matches your qualification and interest.
3. Fill in the form and gather one set of attested photocopies of your certificates.
4. Reach the CSIR-IICT campus in Hyderabad on the date allotted to your Position Code.
5. Register between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, then appear for the interview (and skill test, if applicable) with your original certificates for verification.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 06 July 2026
• Walk-in Interview (Position Code 1-14): 15 July 2026 (Wednesday)
• Walk-in Interview (Position Code 15-27): 16 July 2026 (Thursday)
• Walk-in Interview (Position Code 28-37): 17 July 2026 (Friday)

• Carry out lab experiments, synthesis or data collection as assigned under the sponsored research project
• Record, analyze and maintain accurate research data and lab notebooks
• Operate and maintain lab instruments such as spectrometers, chromatography or microscopy equipment
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and project documentation for the Principal Investigator
• Support characterization, modeling or simulation work specific to the assigned project
• Follow lab safety protocols and CSIR-IICT institutional guidelines
• Coordinate with senior scientists and Research Associates on project timelines and milestones
• Assist in drafting research papers or patent documentation where required