Zoological Survey of India Recruitment 2026 for Consultant and PA-II Posts

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Recruitment 2026: Consultants & Project Associates

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), an esteemed organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, has announced a significant recruitment drive for experienced professionals. This notification, bearing advertisement number F.N. 223-253/2025-Tech.(DTKWC)//2026 dated 12.10.2026, invites applications for 3 temporary posts of Consultant A, Consultant B, and Project Associate-II (PA-II). These positions offer a valuable opportunity for individuals with a background in science, arts, or related fields to contribute to critical environmental and research projects across India.

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

Detailed Vacancy & Eligibility Breakdown

ZSI plays a vital role in surveying, exploring, and documenting the faunal diversity of India. These contractual roles are integral to various ongoing projects, providing a platform for dedicated professionals to work alongside experts in the field. Interested candidates are encouraged to review the complete details and apply before the deadline of 30 October 2026. For those exploring diverse government career paths, understanding the specific requirements for such specialized roles is as important as reviewing broader opportunities like the LIC HFL Apprentice Syllabus 2026 Out: Exam Pattern, Topics recruitment details.

Vacancy Details: ZSI Consultant & Project Associate-II Posts

A total of 3 temporary positions are open at the Zoological Survey of India for various Consultant and Project Associate-II roles. These positions are critical for enhancing ZSI's research and project execution capabilities.

Eligibility Criteria: Education, Age Limit & Relaxation

Candidates must meet the specific educational qualifications and age limits as on 30 October 2026 to be considered for these positions. Experience is a mandatory requirement across all posts.

Educational Qualifications:

• Consultant A: A Master's degree in Science or Arts from a recognized university, coupled with excellent knowledge of M.S. Office. Candidates must possess more than 3 years and up to 5 years of relevant experience.
• Consultant B: Requires a Master's degree in Science or Arts from a recognized university, with strong proficiency in M.S. Office. A minimum of 5 years and up to 10 years of relevant experience is essential.
• Consultant C: Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Science/Arts or a PhD from a recognized university. This role demands significant experience, specifically more than 10 years and up to 15 years in research, development, design, academic, or government institutions within fields like environment, forestry, archeology, anthropology, or large data analysis.
• Project Associate-II (PA-II): A Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Archeology, History, or other relevant subjects from a recognized institute/university is required. Additionally, candidates must have 2 years of research experience after completing their master's degree.

Age Limit:

• For Consultant A, B, and C posts, the maximum age limit is 65 years.
• For the Project Associate-II (PA-II) post, the maximum age limit is 35 years.

Age Relaxation:

Age relaxation is applicable only for the Project Associate-II (PA-II) post. Candidates belonging to SC/ST, OBC, and PwD categories will receive age relaxation as per the existing Government of India rules. The exact years of relaxation are not specified in the notice; candidates should refer to government guidelines for their respective categories.

Remuneration & Contract Details

The selected candidates for these contractual positions will receive an attractive consolidated monthly salary, varying according to the post's responsibilities and required experience.

• Consultant A: Rs. 60,000 per month consolidated.
• Consultant B: Rs. 80,000 per month consolidated.
• Consultant C: Rs. 1,00,000 per month consolidated.
• Project Associate-II (PA-II): Rs. 35,000 per month plus HRA (House Rent Allowance) as per rules.

These positions are purely contractual, with an initial engagement period of 14 months or until the completion of the project, whichever is earlier. The contract is currently not extendable.

Application Fee

There is no application fee specified in the official notification for any category of candidates (General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, PwD). This means all eligible candidates can apply without any financial cost.

Selection Process

The selection process for ZSI Consultant and PA-II posts is designed to identify candidates with the most relevant qualifications, experience, and domain expertise. It comprises a multi-stage evaluation:

1. Stage 1: Shortlisting based on Qualification and Experience: Candidates will be initially shortlisted based on their academic qualifications, relevant experience, and stated domain expertise as provided in their application forms.
2. Stage 2: Interview (Virtual or Hybrid Mode): Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview. This interview may be conducted virtually (online) or in a hybrid mode, as decided by the selection committee. The interview will assess the candidate's knowledge, skills, and suitability for the specific role.
3. Stage 3: Document Verification: As part of the final selection, candidates will undergo a thorough document verification process. It is crucial to have all original certificates and supporting documents ready.

How to Apply for ZSI Recruitment 2026

The application process for the Consultant and Project Associate-II posts at ZSI involves both email submission and completion of a Google Form. Candidates must complete both steps to ensure their application is successfully registered. Follow these instructions carefully:

1. Download Application Form: Begin by downloading the prescribed application form from the official Zoological Survey of India website (zsi.gov.in).
2. Fill Application Form: Accurately fill in all required details in the downloaded application form. Ensure all information is correct and matches your supporting documents.
3. Attach Photograph & Signature: Paste a recent passport-size photograph in the designated space on the application form and sign it.
4. Obtain NOC (If Applicable): If you are currently employed in any government, semi-government, or autonomous body, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer and attach it with your application.
5. Email Application: Send the completed application form along with all necessary scanned documents (as a single PDF file) to the Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, at the official email address mentioned in the notification. The subject line of your email is critical and must be exactly: 'APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ...' (replace '...' with the specific post name you are applying for, e.g., 'APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF CONSULTANT A').
6. Submit Google Form: In addition to the email submission, it is mandatory to submit the online Google Form available at https://forms.gle/Qo96cjU4vRvP2dyR6 before the last date. This step is crucial for complete registration.
7. Keep Copies: After successful submission, retain copies of your filled application form and all supporting documents for your records and for future reference during the interview and document verification stages.

Essential Documents Required

Candidates must prepare the following documents for their application and subsequent verification. Ensure all documents are accurate and readily available:

• Filled Application Form: The duly completed application form with a recent passport-size photograph affixed and signed.
• Educational Qualification Certificates: Copies of all marksheets and degree/diploma certificates, from matriculation onwards.
• Experience Certificates: Relevant experience certificates from previous employers clearly indicating the duration and nature of work.
• Publications List: A comprehensive list of any research publications.
• Dissertation/Thesis Summary: Title of dissertation/thesis along with a one-page summary (if applicable).
• Caste/Category Certificate: Valid SC/ST/OBC certificate, if applying under a reserved category, issued by the competent authority.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If currently employed, an NOC from the present employer.
• Referees: Names and complete addresses of three professional referees.
• Photo ID Proof: Any government-issued photo identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID).

Important Dates to Remember

Candidates should note the following key dates for the ZSI Consultant and PA-II Recruitment 2026:

• Application Start Date: 12 October 2026
• Last Date to Apply (Email & Google Form): 30 October 2026

Candidate Advisory & Important Warnings

Applicants are strongly advised to take note of the following crucial points to ensure a smooth application process and avoid any disqualification:

• Completeness of Application: Always double-check to ensure your application form is complete in all respects before submission. Incomplete forms will be summarily rejected.
• Subject Line Accuracy: Pay close attention to the exact subject line format specified for the email application ('APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ...'). Deviations may lead to your application being overlooked.
• No Objection Certificate: If currently employed, submitting the No Objection Certificate (NOC) is mandatory. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification.
• No Guarantee of Interview/Selection: Merely being shortlisted does not guarantee an interview or final selection. The selection process is competitive.
• Job Location: Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India, including various field sites, the ZSI Headquarters in Kolkata, and its regional centres.