CSIR-NEERI Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 Overview
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and its premier constituent laboratory, CSIR-NEERI located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has released an official notification inviting qualified candidates for temporary research positions. The current opening invites applications for 1 vacant post of Project Associate-I under Advertisement No. RECRUIT_SD_3A_EIAAPD_15102026. For candidates tracking similar scientific openings within the same institute, additional information can be reviewed via the CSIR-NEERI Project Scientist-II Recruitment 2026 recruitment details portal.
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown
This contractual engagement offers young researchers and postgraduates an exceptional platform to contribute to national environmental research initiatives. Aspirants must review all mandated criteria carefully before submitting their online applications through the official portal at https://www.neeri.res.in.
Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Project Associate-I position, applicants must hold an M.Sc. in Zoology / Freshwater Ecology / Aquatic Biology / Biodiversity / Aquatic Environment Management from a recognized University. Candidates must have already acquired the essential qualification and the final result must be declared by the last date of application. A provisional certificate is acceptable, but final semester/result-awaited and Ph.D. submitted candidates are strictly not eligible.
The upper age limit is set at Up to 35 years as on the last date of receipt of applications (22 October 2026). Category-wise age relaxations for SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen are applicable in accordance with standard CSIR and central government recruitment guidelines.
Remuneration & Contractual Terms
Selected candidates for the Project Associate-I post will receive competitive monthly emoluments depending on their academic credentials and national-level test qualifications. The structured salary breakdown is as follows:
- Rs. 31,000/- + HRA: Applicable for candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET (Lectureship/Assistant Professorship), GATE, or equivalent national-level eligibility tests.
- Rs. 25,000/- + HRA: Applicable for other eligible candidates who do not possess a national-level test qualification.
The nature of employment is contractual and purely temporary, running co-terminus with the project duration without any provisions for regular absorption or extension beyond project requirements.
Selection Process & Interview Details
The selection methodology for this notification does not involve any written examination. Instead, the evaluation is structured around a multi-stage screening process managed by a constituted Screening Committee.
- Stage 1: Screening/Shortlisting: Applications are scrutinized based on academic records, fulfillment of eligibility criteria, and alignment with project requirements.
- Stage 2: Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview conducted through platforms like MS Teams, Skype, or similar digital tools.
- Stage 3: Document Verification: Final appointment depends on successful verification of original academic certificates, identity proofs, and category documents.
Important Schedule & Application Fee
The online application process commenced on 15 October 2026 and will conclude on 22 October 2026. Candidates must ensure that their forms are successfully submitted by the final deadline.
No application fee is required for any category. The fee is 0 for General, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST candidates, making the application process completely fee-exempted across all segments.
Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
Eligible and interested candidates should follow these exact steps to complete their online submission successfully:
- Navigate to the official website at https://www.neeri.res.in.
- Access the recruitment section and locate Advertisement No. RECRUIT_SD_3A_EIAAPD_15102026.
- Read the notification thoroughly to verify that your M.Sc. degree matches the specified disciplines and your results are formally declared.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, photographs, and signatures adhering to the specified format limits.
- Submit the application form before 22 October 2026 and print or save a digital copy for future reference.
Essential Documents Checklist
Candidates must keep the following documents ready in digital and physical formats for smooth verification during the recruitment stages:
- Valid Photo Identity Card (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Driving License).
- Recent passport-sized color photographs with a light background.
- Educational qualification certificates and marksheets covering 10th, 12th, and M.Sc. degree levels.
- Caste or Category certificate (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, or EWS) in the prescribed format, if applicable.
- Scanned signature file adhering to the designated pixel and file size specifications.
Candidate Advisories & Precautions
Important Advisory: Ensure that your name, father's name, and date of birth entered in the online application form match EXACTLY with your 10th Class Matriculation certificate. Avoid submitting multiple applications for the same post, as duplicate submissions can result in outright rejection by the screening authority.
Verify all scanned attachments, including your photograph and signature dimensions, before final submission to prevent technical invalidation. Incomplete submissions or applications submitted after the deadline of 22 October 2026 will not be entertained under any circumstances.
