CSIR-NCL Project Associate-II & PPA Recruitment 2026

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune is hiring for Project Associate-II and Principal Project Associate positions for a sponsored research project in its lab. If you have a science or engineering degree with relevant research experience, you can apply online through the CSIR-NCL project jobs portal. The last date to apply is 14 July 2026. The exact number of posts and eligibility are given in the official advertisement (No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CEPD/FTT030611/765).

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) Project Associate-II and Principal Project Associate Recruitment 2026

CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) is a leading research lab under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It has invited applications to fill Project Associate-II and Principal Project Associate positions for a sponsored project taken up in its Chemical Engineering and Process Development (CEPD) division. These are contract, project-based engagements for candidates who already have some research or laboratory experience and want to work at one of India's top chemistry labs.

Both roles sit at the senior end of project staffing, so this recruitment is a good fit if you have already completed a Master's or a PhD and want to lead or support real, application-driven research. Since applications close on 14 July 2026, keep your experience and qualification proofs ready and apply early.

Positions in This Recruitment

• Project Associate-II: For candidates with a relevant degree and research experience. Stipend is usually around Rs. 35,000 per month plus HRA under CSIR norms.
• Principal Project Associate: A senior project role for candidates with a higher qualification and more experience. Stipend is higher, usually around Rs. 42,000 per month plus HRA under CSIR norms.

The exact number of posts for each position is given in the official advertisement, so check it before you apply.

Who Can Apply?

This recruitment has two different positions with different requirements. Read the official advertisement for the exact subject and experience needed before you apply.

For Project Associate-II

• Qualification: A BE/BTech, ME/MTech or a Master's degree in a relevant science or engineering subject, along with research experience as specified in the advertisement.

For Principal Project Associate

• Qualification: A PhD, or a Master's/engineering degree with several years of relevant research experience, as specified in the advertisement.
• Work location: CSIR-NCL campus, Pune, Maharashtra (applies to both positions).

Age Limit

• Under CSIR norms, the upper age limit is usually around 35 years for Project Associate-II and up to about 40 years for Principal Project Associate, as on the last date. The exact limits are in the advertisement.
• Age relaxation is available for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and women candidates as per Government of India rules.

Salary

• Project Associate-II: Monthly stipend of about Rs. 35,000 per month plus HRA, as per CSIR project norms.
• Principal Project Associate: Higher stipend of about Rs. 42,000 per month plus HRA, as per CSIR project norms.
• The exact stipend for each position is confirmed in the official advertisement.

Application Fee

• CSIR-NCL project positions are normally filled through screening and interview with no application fee. Please confirm this in the official advertisement before you apply.

Selection Process

There is no written exam for these posts. Selection is done in the following steps:

1. Screening of applications against the eligibility set in the advertisement.
2. Interview (in person or online) of shortlisted candidates by a selection committee.
3. Document verification of your qualification, experience, age and category proof.

How to Apply

1. Go to the CSIR-NCL project jobs portal at jobs.ncl.res.in.
2. Complete the New Registration if you are a first-time user.
3. Open the advertisement No. 2026/CSIR-NCL/CEPD/FTT030611/765 for these positions.
4. Choose the position you are eligible for and fill in the online application form.
5. Upload your documents, submit the form before the last date and keep a copy.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: 26 June 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: 14 July 2026
• Interview Date: To be announced on the portal

• Plan and carry out research and process-development experiments for the project.
• Design and run lab-scale trials and record accurate results.
• Analyse data and troubleshoot technical problems during the work.
• Guide junior project staff and coordinate day-to-day project tasks.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations and project documents.
• Operate and maintain equipment safely and follow lab safety rules.