NCERT DESM SRA & JPF Recruitment 2026

NCERT's Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM) is hiring 7 Senior Research Associates (SRAs) and 1 Junior Project Fellow (JPF) for its PAC-approved programmes. If you have a Post Graduate degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biology or a related science subject with at least 55% marks, you can attend the walk-in interview. Interviews are held between 3 and 7 August 2026 at DESM, New Delhi, depending on your programme. Pay ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month (consolidated) based on your post and NET/Ph.D. status.

National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) DESM Project Staff Recruitment 2026 - 8 Posts

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is India's apex body for school curriculum, textbook and teacher-training research. Through its Department of Education in Science and Mathematics (DESM), NCERT has invited candidates for a walk-in interview to fill 8 project staff positions under 5 different PAC-approved programmes. These programmes cover work such as developing science laboratory manuals, syllabi, textbooks, teachers' handbooks, Braille scripting of science models, and learning material on environment topics for Grades 6 to 12. The engagement is purely contractual and runs up to 31 March 2027. Candidates from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Life Science and Biotechnology backgrounds can apply depending on the programme.

Vacancy Breakdown by Programme

Programme 6.10 focuses on updating the science laboratory manual used in Classes 9 and 10 so that hands-on experiments match the latest curriculum. Programme 6.13 develops a dedicated Physics lab manual aligned with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023. Programme 6.14 is the largest, with 3 posts covering syllabi, textbooks and teacher handbooks for Classes 9 to 12. Programme 6.16 is a specialised assignment to create Braille versions of science models and tactile devices for visually impaired students in Classes 6 to 10. Programme 6.17, the JPF post, develops learning material on environment-related topics for middle and secondary classes.

Who Can Apply?

For Senior Research Associate (SRA) posts:

• You need a Post Graduate degree with 55% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Botany, Zoology, Life Science, Bio Technology or Bio-Science (subject requirement varies by programme — see table above).
• You need 2 years of experience in research, teaching, content development or a related field.
• Desirable: Ph.D. or NET in the relevant discipline (this decides your pay level).

For Junior Project Fellow (JPF) post:

• You need a Post Graduate degree with minimum 55% marks (General) in Botany, Zoology, Life Science, Bio-technology or Bio-Science.
• Desirable: Basic computer knowledge, proficiency in MS Office, and experience with data processing and report preparation.

Only candidates who already hold the prescribed minimum qualification on or before their interview date are eligible — you cannot apply if your result is still awaited. If you are currently employed elsewhere, you must bring a No Objection Certificate to the interview.

Age Limit

• SRA posts: you should not be more than 45 years old.
• JPF post: you should not be more than 40 years old.
• Age Relaxation: As per Government of India norms for reserved categories.

Salary

• SRA (NET/Ph.D. qualified): Rs. 42,000 per month (consolidated)
• SRA (Non-NET): Rs. 40,000 per month (consolidated)
• JPF (NET/Ph.D. qualified): Rs. 37,000 per month (consolidated)
• JPF (Non-NET): Rs. 35,000 per month (consolidated)
• No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview or for joining.

Selection Process

The selection is done through:

1. Walk-in Interview: Held on the date fixed for your programme. The Selection Committee may offer you a JPF position instead of SRA depending on your qualifications, experience and performance.
2. Document Verification: You must bring original certificates, mark sheets, ID proof, a recent photograph and self-attested photocopies. Candidates claiming experience must also bring supporting proof such as a salary slip, bank statement or ITR — without this, you will not be allowed to appear for the interview.

Time spent pursuing an M.Phil. or Ph.D. is not counted towards your teaching or research experience for eligibility.

How to Apply

1. Download and fill the application form given in the official notification.
2. Gather your original certificates, ID proof, recent photograph and self-attested photocopies.
3. Reach the Board Room, DESM, 1st Floor, Janaki Ammal Block (Science Building), NCERT, New Delhi – 110016 on your programme's interview date.
4. Complete registration between 09:30 AM and 10:30 AM only — no one is registered after 10:30 AM.
5. Appear for the walk-in interview with all your documents for verification.

Candidates already working elsewhere must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of interview. No request for photocopying of documents is entertained at DESM, so bring your own copies.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 21 July 2026
• Walk-in Interview (PAC 6.10, 2 SRA): 3 August 2026
• Walk-in Interview (PAC 6.13, 1 SRA): 4 August 2026
• Walk-in Interview (PAC 6.14, 3 SRA): 5 August 2026
• Walk-in Interview (PAC 6.16, 1 SRA): 6 August 2026
• Walk-in Interview (PAC 6.17, 1 JPF): 7 August 2026

• Carry out research and content development work for the assigned DESM programme
• Develop laboratory manuals, syllabi, textbooks and teaching-learning materials as required
• Collect, analyse and document data related to the project
• Assist in drafting reports, publications and presentations
• Coordinate with the Project Investigator and other team members on deliverables
• Maintain proper records of project activities and outcomes
• Follow NCERT's academic and administrative guidelines throughout the tenure