NCERT Senior Research Associate & JPF Recruitment 2026

NCERT's DEPFE (Department of Education in Psychology, Foundations of Education) is hiring 3 candidates — 2 Senior Research Associates (SRA) and 1 Junior Project Fellow (JPF) — for the Manodarpan project on student mental health. If you have a postgraduate degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Development, or Education, you can attend the walk-in interview on 25 August 2026. Salary ranges from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month depending on the post and your NET/PhD qualification.

National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) SRA & JPF Recruitment 2026 - 3 Posts

NCERT's Manodarpan Cell at DEPFE has released a notification for 3 posts — 2 Senior Research Associates and 1 Junior Project Fellow — under the project "Providing Psychosocial Support for Mental Health and Well-being of Students during COVID-19 Outbreak and Beyond", approved for the year 2026-27. These are purely temporary, contractual positions valid up to 31 March 2027. There is no written exam — candidates are selected only through a walk-in interview. If you have a background in psychology, counselling, or education, this is a chance to work on a nationally significant student mental health initiative at NCERT.

Vacancy Breakdown

• Senior Research Associate (SRA): 2 posts — Rs. 42,000/month (NET/PhD) or Rs. 40,000/month (Non-NET)
• Junior Project Fellow (JPF): 1 post — Rs. 37,000/month (NET/PhD) or Rs. 35,000/month (Non-NET)

Who Can Apply?

For Senior Research Associate (SRA - Rs. 40,000-42,000/month):

• You need Post Graduation with minimum 55% marks in Psychology, Social Work, Human Development, or Education (General Category).
• You need 2 years of experience in the relevant field.
• Preferred: Basic computer knowledge, MS Office proficiency, data processing skills, and experience in Mental Health/Guidance and Counselling.

For Junior Project Fellow (JPF - Rs. 35,000-37,000/month):

• You need Post Graduation with minimum 55% marks in Psychology, Social Work, Human Development, or Education (General Category).
• Preferred: Basic computer knowledge, MS Office proficiency, and good communication skills.

Note: SC/ST/PwBD candidates need only 50% marks in their relevant master's degree.

Age Limit

• For SRA: You should be below 45 years (as per UGC guidelines; relaxation as per Government of India norms).
• For JPF: You should be below 40 years (as per UGC guidelines; relaxation as per Government of India norms).

Salary

• Senior Research Associate (SRA): Rs. 42,000/month if NET/PhD qualified, or Rs. 40,000/month if Non-NET.
• Junior Project Fellow (JPF): Rs. 37,000/month if NET/PhD qualified, or Rs. 35,000/month if Non-NET.

Selection Process (No Written Exam)

Selection is through a walk-in interview only:

1. Walk-in Interview: Attend on the scheduled date with your resume/bio-data, original certificates, and self-attested photocopies of all documents. No TA/DA will be paid for attending.

Note: If you claim experience for a post with consolidated pay of Rs. 40,000 or above, bring a salary slip, bank statement, or ITR as proof at the interview. Candidates already employed should apply through their employer or bring a No Objection Certificate.

How to Apply

1. Check that you meet the eligibility criteria for the SRA or JPF post as listed above.
2. Prepare your resume/bio-data along with original certificates and self-attested photocopies.
3. Report for registration between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM at G.B. Pant Block, 5th floor, Room No. 518, NCERT, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi.
4. Attend the interview at G.B. Pant Block, 5th floor, Room No. 505. Candidates arriving after 11:00 AM will not be entertained.
5. If you are already employed, apply through your employer or bring a No Objection Certificate.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 13 August 2026
• Walk-in Interview Date: 25 August 2026 (Registration: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
• Contract Validity: Up to 31 March 2027

• Provide psychosocial support and counselling inputs for the Manodarpan project
• Assist in developing mental health and well-being resources for students
• Collect and analyze data related to student mental health and guidance activities
• Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation for the project
• Coordinate with schools and stakeholders on project activities
• Support content development related to school education and psychosocial care
• Maintain records and correspondence related to the project