CSIR NBRI Recruitment 2026: Walk-in for 18 Project Associate, Scientist & More

CSIR NBRI Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, has officially announced a fresh recruitment drive for the year 2026, inviting applications from qualified and motivated candidates for a total of 18 vacancies across multiple project-based positions. This recruitment notification, bearing Advertisement No. 08/Project/2026, covers posts such as Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, Senior-PAT, Project Scientist-II, Young Professional, and Project Assistant-II. These roles are purely temporary and are tied to specific externally funded research projects being undertaken at the institute.

This is a golden opportunity for candidates holding degrees in life sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, or related disciplines, with relevant research experience. The selection process is based on a walk-in interview, which is scheduled to be conducted from 08 September to 11 September 2026, area-wise, at the CSIR-NBRI campus in Lucknow. Since the positions are project-based, they offer a unique chance to work on cutting-edge research in areas like molecular biology, pharmacognosy, plant ecology, and agrotechnology, under the guidance of renowned scientists.

If you are a passionate researcher looking to contribute to national scientific projects and gain valuable experience in a premier CSIR laboratory, this recruitment is tailor-made for you. Read on to get a complete breakdown of vacancies, eligibility, salary, selection process, and step-by-step application guidance.

CSIR NBRI Notification Highlights 2026

Here are the key highlights of the CSIR NBRI Recruitment 2026 notification that every candidate should know before applying:

• Organization: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow
• Advertisement Number: 08/Project/2026
• Total Vacancies: 18 posts
• Post Names: Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, Senior-PAT, Project Scientist-II, Young Professional, Project Assistant-II
• Nature of Job: Purely temporary, project-based (sponsored/externally funded projects)
• Mode of Selection: Walk-in interview (screening test may be conducted if a large number of candidates apply)
• Job Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Official Website: nbri.res.in
• Interview Dates: 08-09-2026 to 11-09-2026 (area-wise)

The notification clearly states that the number of positions may vary at the time of selection, so candidates should stay flexible. The application process is offline, with candidates required to attend the walk-in interview with a filled application form and necessary documents.

About CSIR & NBRI 2026

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is India's premier R&D organization, known for its significant contributions to science and technology. CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), located in Lucknow, is one of its constituent laboratories, dedicated to research in plant sciences, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1953, NBRI has been at the forefront of botanical research, conservation, and biotechnological innovations.

Working at CSIR-NBRI offers a stimulating environment where scientists and researchers collaborate on projects that have real-world impact, from developing disease-resistant crops to creating eco-friendly products. The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experts, making it an ideal place for career growth in research. For the 2026 recruitment, the institute is seeking dynamic individuals who can contribute to ongoing projects in molecular biology, phytochemistry, ecology, and agrotechnology.

CSIR NBRI Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

The 18 vacancies are distributed across four research areas, each focusing on different scientific domains. Below is a detailed breakdown of posts, project names, and vacancy numbers as per the official notification.

Area-I: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Area-II: Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Product Development

Area-III: Plant Ecology & Environmental Technologies

Area-IV: Botanical Garden, Plants Conservation & Agrotechnologies

Note: The notification clarifies that the number of positions may vary at the time of selection.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for CSIR NBRI 2026

The official notification does not provide a detailed category-wise breakup of vacancies (UR, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, etc.) for these project-based positions. However, as per Government of India norms, reservation policies are generally applicable in CSIR recruitments. Candidates belonging to reserved categories are advised to carry valid caste certificates and claim relaxation as applicable. The final selection will be based on the project requirements and the discretion of the selection committee.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for CSIR NBRI 2026

The educational qualifications vary for each post and project. Below is a detailed summary based on the official notification. Candidates must possess the required degree and relevant experience as on the date of the interview.

Project Associate-I (PAT-I)

Essential Qualification: M.Sc. in relevant life science subjects (e.g., Biotechnology, Botany, Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc.) with a minimum of 55% marks. Candidates with NET/GATE qualification will be given preference. Desirable: Research experience in molecular biology, plant tissue culture, or related fields.

Project Associate-II (PAT-II)

Essential Qualification: M.Sc. in relevant subjects with at least 55% marks and a minimum of 2 years of post-M.Sc. research experience. Candidates with Ph.D. are also eligible. Desirable: Experience in genomics, genome editing, or phytochemistry as per project requirements.

Senior-PAT

Essential Qualification: M.Sc. in relevant subjects with 55% marks and at least 4 years of research experience, or Ph.D. in the relevant field. Desirable: Expertise in molecular biology techniques, CRISPR, or bioinformatics.

Project Scientist-II (PS-II)

Essential Qualification: Ph.D. in relevant life science discipline (submitted or awarded) with at least 2 years of post-Ph.D. research experience. Desirable: Strong publication record and experience in genome editing or plant biotechnology.

Young Professional-I (YP-I)

Essential Qualification: B.Sc. or M.Sc. in relevant science subjects (e.g., Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry) with a minimum of 60% marks. Desirable: Knowledge of microbial culture and biofertilizers.

Young Professional-II (YP-II)

Essential Qualification: M.Sc. in Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related fields with 60% marks. Desirable: Experience in soil analysis, arsenic mitigation, or formulation development.

Project Assistant-II

Essential Qualification: B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany, or related subjects with 55% marks. Desirable: Experience in laboratory analysis, dye extraction, or waste management.

Note: The exact qualifications for each post are detailed in the official notification PDF. Candidates are advised to download and read it carefully.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations

The age limit for CSIR NBRI Recruitment 2026 is not explicitly mentioned in the notification, but as per CSIR norms, the maximum age for Project Associate is typically 35 years, for Senior-PAT and Project Scientist-II it is 40 years, and for Young Professional it is 30 years. Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India rules:

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
• SC/ST: 5 years
• PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 10 years (additional relaxation for SC/ST/OBC as applicable)
• Ex-Servicemen: As per rules

The age is calculated as on the date of the walk-in interview. Candidates must bring proof of age (e.g., birth certificate, 10th marksheet) and category certificate, if applicable.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks

The salary for these project-based positions is fixed as per DST/CSIR norms and varies by post. The approximate monthly emoluments are as follows:

In addition to the basic pay, candidates may be eligible for House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per rules, and other benefits like medical facilities and leave as per project guidelines. However, these are contractual positions and do not guarantee regular employment.

CSIR NBRI Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection process for CSIR NBRI Recruitment 2026 is primarily based on a walk-in interview. However, if the number of candidates is large, a screening test may be conducted to shortlist candidates for the interview. The detailed selection process is as follows:

1. Walk-in Interview: Candidates must appear for a personal interview at the designated venue on the scheduled date. The interview panel will assess the candidate's subject knowledge, research aptitude, and communication skills.
2. Screening Test (if applicable): In case of a high number of applications, a written screening test may be held on the same day to filter candidates. The test will be based on the relevant subject.
3. Document Verification: Candidates must bring all original documents and a set of self-attested photocopies for verification. Failure to produce valid documents will lead to disqualification.
4. Medical Examination: Selected candidates may be required to undergo a medical fitness test as per CSIR norms before joining.

No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.

Application Fee Details

There is no application fee mentioned in the official notification for CSIR NBRI Recruitment 2026. Candidates are not required to pay any fee for applying to these project-based positions. However, they must bear the cost of travel and other expenses for attending the walk-in interview.

Important Dates & Schedule

The walk-in interviews are scheduled area-wise as follows:

Venue: K. N. Kaul Block, CSIR-NBRI, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow - 226001.

Candidates are advised to report at least one hour before the scheduled time for document verification.

Required Documents for CSIR NBRI Application 2026

Candidates must bring the following documents (original and self-attested photocopies) to the walk-in interview:

• Duly filled application form (as per the format in the notification)
• Recent passport-size photographs (2-3 copies)
• Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets (10th onwards)
• Experience certificates, if any
• Proof of age (birth certificate or 10th marksheet)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) in the prescribed format, if applicable
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, or Passport)
• Address proof (Aadhaar, Passport, or Utility Bill)
• Any other relevant documents as mentioned in the notification

Make sure to carry a set of self-attested copies of all documents for submission.

How to Apply Online

Since this is a walk-in recruitment, there is no online application process. Candidates need to follow these steps:

1. Download the official notification PDF from the CSIR-NBRI website (nbri.res.in) or the link provided in the article.
2. Read the notification carefully to understand the eligibility criteria and post-specific requirements.
3. Download the application form from the notification or the official website.
4. Fill in the application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
5. Attach a recent passport-size photograph and affix your signature in the designated space.
6. Prepare a file with all the required documents (original and photocopies).
7. Attend the walk-in interview on the scheduled date and time for your area of interest.
8. Submit the application form and documents to the selection committee at the venue.

Ensure that you reach the venue well before the reporting time to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for CSIR NBRI Applicants

• Candidates must bring the filled application form and all original documents for verification; incomplete applications may be rejected.
• Photograph and signature should be recent and clear; blurry or mismatched photos may lead to rejection.
• Only candidates meeting the eligibility criteria will be allowed to appear for the interview.
• Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the interview venue.
• No TA/DA will be provided for attending the interview.
• The number of vacancies may change at the discretion of the institute.
• Selected candidates will be required to join immediately after the selection process.

Job Location & Posting Details

All the positions under CSIR NBRI Recruitment 2026 are based at the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh - 226001. The selected candidates will be posted at this location for the duration of the project. Since the projects are research-oriented, candidates may also be required to work in field sites or other laboratories as per project requirements.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

CSIR NBRI Recruitment 2026 offers a wonderful opportunity for science graduates and postgraduates to work on prestigious research projects in a leading national institute. With 18 vacancies across various disciplines, the competition is expected to be moderate, but candidates with strong academic records and relevant research experience will have an edge.

Before attending the interview, thoroughly review the official notification and prepare yourself for questions related to your subject area and the specific project you are applying for. Keep all documents ready and reach the venue on time. Since the selection is based on a walk-in interview, your communication skills and confidence will play a crucial role.

We at Sarkari Job Finders wish you all the best for your application. to our website for more updates on government jobs and recruitment notifications.

Senior Government Jobs Editor ✓

Career Content Specialist, SEO Strategist, and Fact-Checking Writer for Sarkari Job Finders

This article has been manually researched, cross-referenced with the official notification, and structured to provide verified, candidate-centric information.

Fact-Checked & Verified