CSIR-NEERI Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026: Apply Online Now

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Opportunities

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is once again opening its doors to talented engineering professionals through its premier institute, the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI). The institute has released an official notification inviting online applications for the position of Project Associate-II. This recruitment is part of a specialized research project focused on developing a CO2-bio refinery by capturing carbon from flue gas through medium to large-scale microbial biomass production, which will serve as feedstock for biofuels and value-added products. This is a remarkable opportunity for candidates with a background in Chemical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering to contribute to cutting-edge environmental research while advancing their own careers.

The engagement is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project, offering a competitive monthly emolument along with HRA. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is known for its rigorous research environment, and this role provides a unique platform to work on innovative solutions for carbon capture and sustainable energy. Candidates who are passionate about environmental engineering, process design, and renewable energy will find this position particularly rewarding. The selection will be based on an online interview, making it accessible for candidates across the country. With only one vacancy (which may increase to two depending on funds and waiting list), the competition is expected to be high, and early application is strongly advised.

This recruitment is ideal for engineering graduates and postgraduates who have a keen interest in research and development. Whether you are a fresh M.E./M.Tech holder or an experienced B.E./B.Tech professional with two years of R&D experience, this role offers a chance to work with one of India's leading scientific research organizations. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) continues to be a beacon of innovation, and this Project Associate-II position is a stepping stone for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental engineering and sustainable technology.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Notification Highlights 2026

The official notification for the CSIR-NEERI Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026 has been released under Advertisement No. RECRUIT_SD_10A_CRIAD_13102026. This recruitment is being conducted by the CRIAD department of CSIR-NEERI for a specific project titled "To develop a CO2-bio refinery by carbon capture from flue gas through medium large scale microbial biomass production as feedstock for biofuels and value added products - (GAP-3103)". The key highlights of the notification are summarized below for quick reference:

• Organization: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)
• Advertisement No.: RECRUIT_SD_10A_CRIAD_13102026
• Post Name: Project Associate-II (PAT-II)
• Total Vacancies: 01 (Anticipated vacancy may be 02 nos. depending upon funds and waiting list)
• Pay Scale: Rs. 35,000/- + HRA (for NET/GATE or equivalent qualified) or Rs. 28,000/- + HRA (for others)
• Age Limit: 35 years (as on the last date of receipt of applications)
• Application Fee: Nil (No fee for any category)
• Job Location: CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur
• Application Mode: Online
• Last Date to Apply: 20-10-2026
• Selection Process: Shortlisting followed by Online Interview

The notification emphasizes that the engagement is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project. The tenure will not exceed six or seven years as per CSIR guidelines. Candidates are advised to read the full notification carefully before applying to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is committed to transparency and merit-based selection, and this recruitment is no exception.

About Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is India's premier research and development organization, established in 1942. It is an autonomous body under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. CSIR is known for its network of 37 national laboratories and 39 outreach centres across the country, conducting cutting-edge research in diverse fields such as aerospace, agriculture, biotechnology, chemicals, environment, and information technology. The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), based in Nagpur, is one of the constituent laboratories of CSIR and is dedicated to environmental science and engineering research.

CSIR-NEERI focuses on providing sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, including water and wastewater management, air pollution control, waste management, and climate change mitigation. Working at CSIR-NEERI offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and researchers on projects that have a direct impact on society and the environment. The institute provides a stimulating work environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and professional growth. Employees at CSIR-NEERI are part of a legacy of scientific excellence and contribute to nation-building through their research and development efforts. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity and inclusivity in its workforce.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Vacancy Details & Post Breakdown 2026

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has announced a single vacancy for the post of Project Associate-II under the CRIAD department. However, the notification mentions that the anticipated vacancy may be 02 numbers depending upon funds and waiting list. This means that if additional funding becomes available or if a waiting list is prepared, one more candidate might be engaged. The post is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project, and the selected candidate will be required to work on the project titled "To develop a CO2-bio refinery by carbon capture from flue gas through medium large scale microbial biomass production as feedstock for biofuels and value added products - (GAP-3103)". The detailed post breakdown is provided in the table below:

The selected candidate will be engaged initially for a period co-terminus with the project, and the tenure will not exceed six or seven years as per CSIR guidelines. The project staff must arrange their own accommodation, although HRA is admissible as per applicable rules. This vacancy is a great opportunity for engineers who wish to gain research experience in a premier national laboratory.

Category-Wise Vacancy Reservation for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 2026

The official notification for the CSIR-NEERI Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026 does not specify any category-wise reservation details. As per the information provided, the vacancy is a single post, and the engagement is purely temporary and project-based. Typically, such project positions are open to all categories, and reservation rules may not apply in the same manner as regular government posts. However, candidates from all categories are encouraged to apply, and the selection will be based on merit as per the criteria adopted by the Screening Committee. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) follows the Government of India norms for reservation in regular positions, but for temporary project positions, the reservation policy may vary. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for any specific instructions regarding reservation. Since the notification does not provide a breakdown, we have omitted a detailed table here. Applicants should focus on meeting the essential qualifications and experience requirements to maximize their chances of selection.

Educational Qualification & Eligibility Criteria for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 2026

The eligibility criteria for the Project Associate-II position are clearly defined in the notification. Candidates must possess either a B.E./B.Tech degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering or Technology from a recognized university, along with two years of experience in Research and Development in Industrial and Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organizations and Scientific activities and services. Alternatively, candidates with an M.E./M.Tech or Integrated Masters in Chemical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering or Technology from a recognized university are also eligible. It is important to note that the essential qualifications must be fully declared with at least a provisional certificate at the time of application.

Essential Qualification (i)

B.E./B.Tech in Chemical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering or Technology from a recognized University, plus 2 years of experience in Research and Development in Industrial and Academic Institutions or Science and Technology Organizations and Scientific activities and services.

Essential Qualification (OR - ii)

M.E./M.Tech / Integrated Masters in Chemical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering or Technology from a recognized University.

Desirable Knowledge and Job Requirements

Candidates with knowledge of process design and reactor design, algal-based CO2 sequestration, technical report and scientific article writing, and process simulation software like Aspen and DWSIM will be preferred. These skills are highly relevant to the project, and candidates should highlight them in their application and interview.

Age Limit & Category Relaxations for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 2026

The upper age limit for the Project Associate-II post is 35 years, reckoned as on the last date of receipt of applications. This means that candidates must not have completed 35 years of age as on 20-10-2026. The notification does not explicitly mention age relaxation for reserved categories. However, as per Government of India norms, age relaxation is typically provided for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwD (10 years) candidates. Since the notification is silent on this matter, candidates belonging to reserved categories are advised to check the official notification or contact the institute for clarification. It is always better to confirm the age relaxation policy before applying to avoid any last-minute issues. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) generally follows the government's reservation policy for regular posts, but for temporary project positions, the rules may be different. Candidates should ensure they meet the age criteria as on the cutoff date.

Salary Details, Pay Scale & Perks for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 2026

The emoluments for the Project Associate-II position are categorized into two slabs based on the candidate's qualifications. Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC / ICAR / ICMR NET lectureship / Assistant Professorship or GATE, or National level examinations conducted by Central Government departments like DBT/DST or equivalent and/or their Agencies/Institutions will be eligible for a monthly emolument of Rs. 35,000/- plus HRA. Other candidates who do not qualify under this category will receive Rs. 28,000/- plus HRA. The HRA is admissible as per applicable rules, and project staff must arrange their own accommodation. The positions are purely temporary and co-terminus with the project, and the tenure will not exceed six or seven years as per CSIR guidelines.

In addition to the basic emolument and HRA, the selected candidate may be entitled to other benefits as per CSIR rules. However, it is important to note that this is a project-based engagement and does not confer any right for regularization against any CSIR or CSIR-NEERI posts. The salary is competitive and commensurate with the qualifications and experience required for the role. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) offers a stimulating work environment and opportunities for professional development, which are invaluable perks for early-career researchers.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Selection Process & Examination Phases 2026

The selection process for the Project Associate-II position is straightforward and consists of shortlisting of applications followed by an online interview. The Screening Committee will shortlist candidates based on the criteria adopted by them, especially if a large number of applications are received. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview via MS Teams, Skype, or other online platforms. The date of the interview will be notified separately on the official website. There is no written exam or skill test for this recruitment. The interview will assess the candidate's technical knowledge, research aptitude, and suitability for the project. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly on topics related to process design, reactor design, algal-based CO2 sequestration, and process simulation software like Aspen and DWSIM, as these are desirable skills mentioned in the notification. The final selection will be based on the performance in the interview and the candidate's overall eligibility. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is committed to a fair and transparent selection process.

Application Fee Details for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 2026

The best part about this recruitment is that there is no application fee for any category. The notification clearly states that candidates are not required to pay any application fees. This makes it accessible for all eligible candidates, regardless of their financial background. The application process is entirely online, and candidates can submit their forms without any payment. This is a welcome move by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to encourage more applicants to apply for research positions. Since there is no fee, candidates should focus on filling out the application form accurately and completely. There is no need to worry about payment gateways or transaction failures. Simply register, fill in the details, upload the necessary documents, and submit the application before the deadline.

Important Dates & Schedule for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 2026

Candidates must keep track of the important dates to ensure they do not miss the deadline. The last date for submission of the online application form is 20-10-2026. The date of the online interview will be notified separately on the official website. It is advisable to complete the application process well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. The table below summarizes the key dates:

Mark these dates on your calendar and set reminders to ensure you submit your application on time. Late applications will not be accepted, and there is no provision for correction after the deadline.

Required Documents for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Application 2026

Before starting the online application, candidates should keep the following documents ready for upload. The exact specifications for file size and format will be mentioned in the application portal, but generally, scanned copies of the following are required:

• Educational qualification certificates (B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech degree certificates and mark sheets)
• Experience certificates (if applicable) to prove 2 years of R&D experience
• Proof of date of birth (Class 10th certificate or birth certificate)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable
• PwD certificate if applicable
• Recent passport-sized photograph (usually in JPEG format, size 20-50 KB)
• Scanned signature (usually in JPEG format, size 10-20 KB)
• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc.)
• NET/GATE scorecard (if claiming higher emolument)

Ensure that all documents are clear and legible. Any discrepancy in the documents may lead to rejection of the application. Candidates should also keep a copy of the final submitted application for future reference.

How to Apply Online for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 2026

The application process is entirely online and simple. Follow these steps to submit your application successfully:

1. Check Eligibility: Before applying, carefully read the official notification and ensure that you meet all the essential qualifications and experience requirements. Make sure your results are fully declared with at least a provisional certificate.
2. Visit the Official Website: Go to the CSIR-NEERI official website (www.neeri.res.in) or the recruitment portal (recruitment.neeri.res.in) to access the online application form.
3. Register/Login: If you are a new user, register with your basic details to create an account. If you already have an account, log in with your credentials.
4. Fill the Application Form: Enter all required personal, educational, and experience details accurately. Ensure that the information provided is correct and matches your documents.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other necessary documents as per the specified format and size.
6. Review and Submit: Before submitting, review the entire application form to ensure there are no errors. Once submitted, you may not be able to make changes.
7. No Fee Payment: Since there is no application fee, you can skip the payment step.
8. Print Application: After successful submission, take a printout of the final application form for your records.

It is advisable to complete the application process well before the last date to avoid any technical glitches. If you face any issues, contact the helpline mentioned on the website.

Important Instructions & Guidelines for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Applicants

Candidates must adhere to the following important instructions to ensure their application is accepted:

• The engagement is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project. It does not confer any right for regularization against any CSIR or CSIR-NEERI posts.
• The tenure will not exceed six or seven years as per CSIR guidelines.
• Candidates must ensure that their essential qualifications are fully declared with at least a provisional certificate at the time of application.
• The upper age limit is 35 years as on the last date of receipt of applications. Age relaxation may be applicable as per government norms, but candidates should verify from the official notification.
• No application fee is required for any category.
• The selection will be based on shortlisting and online interview. The interview date will be notified separately on the official website.
• Candidates should provide a valid email ID and mobile number for communication. All updates will be sent via email or posted on the website.
• Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected. Candidates are advised to double-check all details before submission.
• Project staff must arrange their own accommodation. HRA is admissible as per applicable rules.
• Candidates should keep visiting the official website for updates regarding the interview and other important announcements.

Job Location & Posting Details for Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) 2026

The job location for the Project Associate-II position is CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur. The selected candidate will be posted at the institute's campus in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The work will involve research activities related to the project on CO2-bio refinery and carbon capture. The application mode is online, and candidates from across the country can apply. There is no provision for offline application. The institute is located in Nagpur, which is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Candidates should be prepared to relocate to Nagpur if selected. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) provides a conducive work environment and state-of-the-art facilities for research. The posting is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project, so candidates should plan accordingly.

Final Summary & Advice for Candidates

The CSIR-NEERI Project Associate-II Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for engineering professionals to work on a groundbreaking project in the field of environmental engineering and sustainable technology. With a competitive salary, no application fee, and a streamlined selection process, this recruitment is ideal for candidates who are passionate about research and development. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a prestigious organization, and working here can significantly boost your career prospects. Candidates should focus on highlighting their relevant skills, such as process design, reactor design, and knowledge of simulation software, in their application and interview. Since the vacancy is limited, early application is crucial. Prepare well for the online interview by revising core engineering concepts and staying updated on recent developments in carbon capture and bio-refinery technologies. We wish all applicants the very best in their endeavor to join the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) family.

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