The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), functioning under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has officially released a recruitment notice to fill 5 vacancies for the positions of Project Associate-I and Project Assistant. These contractual research positions are under a DBT-funded project at the ICAR-NBPGR headquarters in New Delhi. Highly qualified candidates in life sciences, agricultural studies, or relevant engineering disciplines are invited to submit their applications via email ahead of the upcoming walk-in interview.
This scientific hiring represents an outstanding opportunity for researchers who want to contribute to biological data analysis and crop germplasm conservation. Similar to the scientific and research opportunities available through the ICAR-NBSS&LUP Young Professional-II Recruitment 2026: Walk-in Interview recruitment details, this NBPGR recruitment values hands-on field experience, phenotyping, and analytical chemistry expertise.
NBPGR Recruitment 2026: Primary Overview
Understanding the basic parameters of this recruitment notice helps candidates coordinate their application timelines. The essential details of the notification are summarized in the table below:
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must carefully evaluate the educational and professional requirements of each post before sending their applications. The qualification standards differ significantly between the research associate and assistant levels.
Educational Qualifications
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Project Associate-I: Candidates must possess a Post Graduate degree in Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Food Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, or Genetics and Plant Breeding. Applicants should have hands-on experience in computational analysis and biological data interpretation, particularly Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data, along with programming skills in Python, R, or Perl under Linux/UNIX environments. Preference will be given to those with experience in agricultural research, phenotyping, crop management, statistical analysis, analytical food chemistry, and peer-reviewed high-impact publications.
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Project Assistant: Applicants must hold a B.Sc. in Agriculture or Life Sciences, or a 3-year Diploma in Engineering & Technology, Computer, or Information Technology. Candidates are required to have working experience in field experiments, recording data in germplasm collections, phenotyping, crop management, statistical analysis, and high proficiency in MS Office tools.
Age Limit and Relaxations
The age limit criteria are calculated based on the cutoff date of 05 October 2026. Candidates must fall within the designated age limits specified for each distinct position:
- Project Associate-I: Maximum age must not exceed 35 years.
- Project Assistant: Maximum age must not exceed 50 years.
Government norms grant age relaxations to candidates belonging to reserved categories. The category-wise relaxation parameters are outlined below:
- Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST): 5 Years relaxation
- Women Candidates: 5 Years relaxation
- Other Backward Classes (OBC - Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years relaxation
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwD): 10 Years relaxation
Remuneration & Service Benefits
Selected candidates will receive monthly emoluments based on their qualifications, performance in national eligibility tests, and the designated project guidelines. The pay structure for both temporary positions is defined as follows:
The selected personnel will be appointed on a purely contractual basis. The tenure of employment will be co-terminus with the duration of the DBT-funded scientific research project or subject to satisfactory performance reviews.
Selection Methodology & Interview Process
ICAR-NBPGR will employ a multi-stage selection process to identify the most suitable aspirants. Because there is no written examination for these project vacancies, candidate profiles will undergo intense initial screening.
Stage 1: Screening of Applications
All biological databases, resumes, and academic transcripts received via email will be reviewed by a screening committee. This review focuses on direct academic achievements, bioinformatics capabilities, computer programming skills, and field research experience.
Stage 2: Physical/Online Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process on 12 October 2026. The selection committee may conduct this interview in either a physical or online format, depending on administrative feasibility and candidate preferences. During the interview, candidates will be tested on their subject-matter knowledge, research aptitude, and laboratory skills.
Important Recruitment Dates
Aspirants must strictly adhere to the schedule announced by the NBPGR administration. Applications received after the specified dates will not be reviewed by the screening board.
- Last Date to Submit Application via Email: 05 October 2026
- Official Interview Date: 12 October 2026
Application Fee Structure
There is no application fee for this recruitment drive. Candidates from all categories are exempt from paying any registration or processing charges.
- General / OBC / EWS Candidates: Rs. 0 (Nil)
- SC / ST / PwD / Female Candidates: Rs. 0 (Nil)
Step-by-Step Email Application Guide
Candidates must prepare and submit their applications carefully. Since the initial screening is based entirely on your email submission, please follow these steps to ensure your application is successful:
- Step 1: Access the official ICAR-NBPGR notification link to download the prescribed bio-data/application format.
- Step 2: Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, percentage/CGPA, and details of your previous research experience.
- Step 3: Compile your filled-out application form, self-attested copies of certificates (matriculation onward), marksheets, proof of date of birth, and experience documents into a single PDF file.
- Step 4: Draft a clear email. The subject line must explicitly state the post name you are applying for, such as: "Application for the Post of Project Associate-I under DBT Project".
- Step 5: Send the complete PDF package to the designated official email address listed in the notification before the deadline on 05 October 2026.
- Step 6: Retain a copy of the sent email along with all attachments for your records and verification during the interview.
Urgent Notice for Interview Attendees: On the day of the walk-in interview (12 October 2026), candidates must bring their original academic certificates, experience records, proof of identity, and a set of self-attested photocopies. If the interview is scheduled online, ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a copy of your verified PDF application ready for screen sharing.
Essential Documents Checklist
Candidates must gather the following documents before starting their email application and keep them ready for the verification process:
- Duly filled bio-data/application form in the prescribed format.
- Self-attested copies of all educational certificates (10th, 12th, B.Sc., Graduation, and Post-Graduation degrees).
- Detailed marksheets for all semesters or academic years.
- Valid, verifiable experience certificates from previous research employers, if applicable.
- Valid government-issued photo identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport).
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- National-level exam qualification proof (CSIR-UGC NET/GATE certificate), if applying under the higher salary bracket.
Candidate Advisory & Crucial Precautions
To avoid rejection during the screening phase, applicants should take note of these key guidelines:
- Subject Line Accuracy: Always state the exact post name in the subject line of your email. Failure to do so may lead to your application being overlooked during screening.
- Single PDF File: Avoid sending multiple image attachments or scattered documents. Merge all educational proofs, your bio-data, and ID card into a single, well-organized PDF file.
- Deadline Adherence: Submit your email application well before 05 October 2026 to avoid any server-side delivery issues or technical delays.
- Fact Verification: Ensure all marks, percentages, and experience details entered in the bio-data match your official certificates. Any discrepancy will result in immediate disqualification.
Official Information Links
For more details, access the official portals using the links provided below:
