About the Recruitment
The CSIR-NATIONAL METALLURGICAL LABORATORY (CSIR-NML), an esteemed institute operating under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), has issued an advertisement for the engagement of Project Staff on a purely temporary basis. This recruitment drive, identified by Advertisement No. T/PS/03/2026, aims to fill 10 vacancies across various project-based positions, including Project Assistant-II (PA-II), Project Associate-I (PAT-I), Project Associate-II (PAT-II), Project-JRF, and Project-SRF. These positions are time-bound and linked to specific projects undertaken at the Jamshedpur laboratory. Interested Indian nationals who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to participate in a walk-in interview process scheduled for 09 July 2026 and 10 July 2026. The engagement offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects in the fields of metallurgical engineering, materials science, and chemistry, contributing to the nation's scientific and industrial advancements.
Post-wise and Category-wise Vacancy Details
A total of 10 temporary positions for Project Staff are available under this recruitment notification. These vacancies are distributed across different project roles and specific research projects within CSIR-NML. The breakdown of positions is as follows:
- Project-JRF: 1 vacancy
- Project Associate-I (PAT-I): 6 vacancies
- Project Associate-II (PAT-II): 3 vacancies
The specific project numbers associated with these vacancies are detailed in the official notification, outlining the diverse research areas where these roles will contribute. Candidates are advised to review the project titles to understand the nature of work involved for each position.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy specific educational qualifications and, in some cases, experience requirements to be eligible for these Project Staff positions. The cut-off date for determining eligibility, including educational qualifications and age limit, will be the scheduled date of the interview.
Project-JRF (Project No. 01)
Applicants for the Project-JRF position must hold a B.E. or B. Tech degree in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science & Engineering from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification. Furthermore, candidates must have been selected through a National Eligibility Test, such as CSIR-UGC NET (including lectureship/Assistant Professorship) and GATE, or through national-level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments and their agencies or institutions like DST, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISC, IISER, NISER, among others.
Project Associate-I (PAT-I)
This category includes positions for Project Numbers 03, 05, 09, 10, and 11, each with distinct qualification requirements:
- Project No. 03: Requires a B.E. or B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from a recognized university or an equivalent degree. A valid GATE Score and knowledge of lab-scale heat treatment, mechanical testing, and characterization are desirable.
- Project No. 05: Candidates should possess a B.E. or B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent, OR an M.Sc. in Chemistry from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Project No. 09: Eligibility includes a B. Tech in Chemical or Electrochemical Engineering or Technology from a recognized university or equivalent, OR an M.Sc. in Chemistry, Physics, or Material Sciences from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Project No. 10: Applicants need a B. Tech in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent, OR an M.Sc. in Chemistry, Physics, or Material Science from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Project No. 11: A B. Tech in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent, OR an M.Sc. in Chemistry or Metallurgy from a recognized university or equivalent is required.
Project Associate-II (PAT-II)
Positions under Project Numbers 02, 04, and 14 fall into this category, with specific eligibility criteria:
- Project No. 02: Candidates must have an M.E. or M. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science from a recognized university or equivalent. Selection must be through National Eligibility Tests (CSIR-UGC NET including lectureship/Assistant Professorship and GATE) OR national-level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments/Agencies/Institutions (DST, DAE, DOS, DRDO, MoE, ICAR, ICMR, IIT, IISC, IISER, NISER etc.).
- Project No. 04: Requires an M. Tech or M.E. in Metallurgical, Materials, Metallurgical and Materials, or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent. Alternatively, a B. Tech or B.E. in Metallurgical, Materials, Metallurgical and Materials, or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent with two years of experience in R&D within industrial and academic institutions or S&T organizations and scientific activities and services is acceptable. A valid GATE Score and working experience or knowledge in alloy development, electrical steels, physical metallurgy of metallic alloys, thermo-mechanical processing, or crystallographic texture are desirable.
- Project No. 14: Applicants should have a B.E. or B. Tech in Metallurgy, Chemical, or Material Science and Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent, OR an M.Sc. in Inorganic Chemistry from a recognized university or equivalent.
Project Assistant-II (PA-II)
This category covers positions for Project Numbers 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17, primarily requiring diploma or science degrees:
- Project No. 12: A 3-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent is necessary.
- Project No. 13: Candidates must possess a 3-year Diploma in Chemical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent, OR a B.Sc. in Chemistry from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Project No. 15: Eligibility includes a 3-year Diploma in Chemical or Metallurgical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent, OR a B.Sc. in Chemistry from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Project No. 16: A 3-year Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent, OR a B.Sc. in Chemistry from a recognized university or equivalent is required.
- Project No. 17: Applicants need a 3-year Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering from a recognized university or equivalent, OR a B.Sc. in Chemistry from a recognized university or equivalent.
It is important to note that candidates who have previously been engaged as Project Staff in CSIR-NML or any other CSIR Lab/Institute for a period of six years or more are not eligible for these engagements. Those with less than six years of engagement, if selected, will have their tenure automatically end upon completing six years. Final semester or year students awaiting results are not eligible to attend the interview.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The upper age limit for various Project Staff positions, as on the date of the walk-in interview, is specified as follows:
- Project-JRF: 28 years
- Project-SRF: 32 years
- Project Assistant-II (PA-II): 35 years
- Project Associate-I (PAT-I): 35 years
- Project Associate-II (PAT-II): 35 years
Age relaxation provisions are available for candidates belonging to reserved categories and specific groups. The upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for candidates from SC/ST categories, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Women candidates. Additionally, candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category are eligible for a 3-year relaxation in the upper age limit. These relaxations are applied as per government norms.
Application Fee and Payment Method
There is no application fee specified for candidates applying for these Project Staff positions at CSIR-NML. This walk-in interview process does not require any payment for participation.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Project Staff positions at CSIR-NML involves a walk-in interview, potentially preceded by a screening test. The stages are designed to assess the suitability of candidates for the temporary project roles.
- Walk-in Interview/Test: Eligible candidates must report directly for the interview on the specified dates. If the number of applicants is very high, a screening committee may conduct a written test or apply other criteria to shortlist candidates before the interview. Only shortlisted candidates will be allowed to appear for the final interview.
- Document Verification: On the day of the walk-in interview, candidates are required to bring all their original certificates and testimonials for verification. Self-attested copies of these documents must also be submitted along with the application form.
- Final Selection: The final selection will be based on the candidate's performance in the interview (and any preceding screening test) and their fulfillment of all prescribed eligibility criteria. The decision of CSIR-NML regarding the selection process will be final and binding.
The engagement is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project duration. It does not confer any right for continuation, absorption, or regularization in CSIR/CSIR-NML.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Since the selection process primarily involves a walk-in interview, there is no formal written exam pattern or syllabus provided in the notification. However, if a screening test is conducted due to a high number of applicants, its pattern and syllabus would likely be related to the technical domain of the respective project and the essential qualifications required. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their academic background, project experience, and technical knowledge relevant to metallurgical engineering, materials science, or chemistry, depending on the position applied for.
Pay Scale and Benefits
The emoluments for the selected Project Staff will vary based on the position level and whether the candidate has qualified specific national-level examinations. The gross monthly salaries, along with House Rent Allowance (HRA), are as follows:
- Project Assistant-II (PA-II): Rs. 20,000/- + HRA
- Project Associate-I (PAT-I):
- For candidates who have not qualified CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET (including lectureship/Assistant Professorship) or GATE: Rs. 25,000/- + HRA
- For candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET (including lectureship/Assistant Professorship) or GATE: Rs. 31,000/- + HRA
- Project Associate-II (PAT-II):
- For candidates who have not qualified National level examinations: Rs. 28,000/- + HRA
- For candidates who have qualified National level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments like DBT/DST or equivalent and/or their Agencies/Institutions: Rs. 35,000/- + HRA
- Project-JRF: Rs. 37,000/- + HRA
- Project-SRF: Rs. 42,000/- + HRA
These emoluments are subject to the availability of funds from the respective funding agency for each project. The engagement is purely contractual, and the benefits are limited to the specified monthly emoluments and HRA.
How to Apply — Step by Step
The application process for CSIR-NML Project Staff positions is through a walk-in interview. Candidates must follow these steps:
- Download Application Form: Obtain the prescribed application proforma from the official CSIR-NML website or the last pages of the official notification PDF.
- Fill Application Form: Duly fill out the application form with all required personal, educational, and experience details. Ensure accuracy as any false information may lead to disqualification.
- Affix Photograph: Paste a recent color passport-sized photograph on the designated space on the application form.
- Self-Attest Documents: Prepare self-attested copies of all relevant testimonials and certificates, including educational qualifications (from 10th standard onwards), experience certificates, community certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), Aadhaar Card, and PAN Card.
- Attend Walk-in Interview: Report to the interview venue on the specified date and time for your respective group.
- Group A & B: 09 July 2026 (Thursday)
- Group C & D: 10 July 2026 (Friday)
- Reporting Time: 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM on both days.
- Venue: CSIR-NML, Burmamines, Jamshedpur-831007, Jharkhand.
- Bring Originals: Carry all original certificates and testimonials for verification on the day of the interview.
- Submit Application: Submit the filled application form along with self-attested copies of documents at the registration desk. No other mode of application will be entertained.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the CSIR-NML website for any updates or changes related to this engagement process.
Documents Required
Candidates attending the walk-in interview must bring the following documents:
- Duly filled application form in the prescribed proforma.
- Recent color passport-sized photograph (pasted on the application form).
- Original certificates and testimonials for verification (to be returned after verification).
- Self-attested photocopies of all relevant testimonials/certificates, including:
- Educational qualification certificates (from 10th standard/SSC/SSLC onwards).
- Experience certificates (if applicable).
- Community certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applying under a reserved category.
- Aadhaar Card.
- PAN Card.
- Any other relevant documents mentioned in the application form (e.g., NET/GATE scorecards, PwBD certificate).
It is crucial to ensure all documents are in order to avoid any issues during the verification process.
Important Dates
The key dates for the CSIR-NML Project Staff recruitment 2026 are as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Advertisement Release Date | 24 June 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview (Group A & B) | 09 July 2026 (Thursday) |
| Walk-in Interview (Group C & D) | 10 July 2026 (Friday) |
| Reporting Time for Walk-in Interview | 09:00 AM to 11:00 AM on interview dates |
Candidates must adhere strictly to these dates and times for participation in the walk-in interview.
Important Links
Candidates are strongly advised to visit the official website regularly for any further announcements, corrigendum, or updates regarding this recruitment.
