CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026 has been announced by the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow through Advertisement No. 08/2026. The recruitment includes multiple project-based positions in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics and related fields. The notification includes both online applications and walk-in interviews.
Candidates with qualifications such as M.Pharm, M.S. Pharm, M.Sc., Ph.D. and other relevant degrees can check the position-wise eligibility, stipend, age limit, selection process and application procedure before applying.

Quick Summary
CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026 offers project-based research opportunities at CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow. The recruitment includes online and walk-in positions, with stipends ranging from approximately ₹20,000 to ₹58,000 plus applicable HRA, depending on the post. Online applications start on 7 August 2026, while walk-in interviews are scheduled for 17 and 20 August 2026.
CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow |
| Advertisement No. | 08/2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Project-based Recruitment |
| Application Modes | Online Application & Walk-In Interview |
| Job Location | Lucknow |
| Online Application Start | 07 August 2026, 5:30 PM |
| Online Application Last Date | 20 August 2026 |
| Walk-In Dates | 17 August 2026 & 20 August 2026 |
| Age Limit | Varies by post |
| Stipend | Approximately ₹20,000–₹58,000 + applicable HRA |
The online application is scheduled to start on 7 August 2026 at 5:30 PM, with the last date of submission on 20 August 2026.
CSIR-CDRI Online Recruitment 2026
Under the online recruitment section, the notification includes Project Associate positions.
Project Associate (PAT-I) – 4 Positions
Essential Qualification:
M.Pharm./M.S. (Pharm) with GPAT qualification.
Desirable Experience:
Experience in formulation development, pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacokinetic studies and related areas.
Stipend: ₹31,000 + 20% HRA per month
Maximum Age: 35 years
The position is associated with a CSIR-CDRI ULIP project involving preclinical pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetic studies of candidate drugs, formulations and phytopharmaceuticals.
Project Associate (PAT-I) – 1 Position
Essential Qualification: M.Pharm with GPAT qualification
Desirable Experience: Hands-on experience in HPLC
Stipend: ₹31,000 + 20% HRA per month
Maximum Age: 35 years
CSIR-CDRI Walk-In Recruitment 2026
CSIR-CDRI has also announced a walk-in interview for multiple project positions.
Candidates applying for Position Codes 001 to 010 under the Chemical Sciences & Pharma area are required to attend the walk-in interview on 17 August 2026.
Candidates applying for Position Codes 011 to 026 under the Life Sciences area are required to attend the walk-in interview on 20 August 2026.
Important Pharma-Related Positions
| Position Code | Post | Vacancies | Qualification | Stipend | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Project Associate | 1 | Master’s in Chemical/Pharmaceutical Sciences with prescribed eligibility | ₹31,000 + 20% HRA | 35 years |
| 002 | Project Associate | 1 | Master’s in Chemical/Pharmaceutical Sciences | ₹25,000 + 20% HRA | 35 years |
| 003 | Project Associate | 1 | Master’s/Integrated Master’s in Chemical Sciences/Chemistry | ₹31,000 + 20% HRA | 35 years |
| 004 | Project Associate | 2 | M.Sc. Chemistry or M.Pharm Pharmaceutical Chemistry | ₹31,000 + 20% HRA | 35 years |
| 005 | Project Technical Support-III | 1 | M.Sc. Chemistry or M.Pharm in Chemistry | ₹28,000 + 20% HRA | 35 years |
| 009 | Project Associate | 1 | M.Pharm/M.S. Pharm Pharmacology with GPAT | ₹31,000 + 20% HRA | 35 years |
| 010 | Project Associate-I | 1 | M.Pharm | ₹30,000 + 20% HRA | 50 years |
The position-wise qualifications and desirable experience vary. For example, positions include requirements or experience in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, peptides, HPLC, in-vivo studies and molecular techniques.
Life Sciences Positions
The recruitment also includes multiple positions in Life Sciences and related disciplines, including Project Associate, Senior-PAT, Research Associate-I and Project Technical Support positions.
Areas mentioned in the notification include:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Culture
- Animal Handling
- Bioinformatics
- Metabolomics
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Computational Biology
- Drug Discovery Research
The notification lists positions up to Position Code 026 under the Life Sciences area.
For example:
- Position Code 012: Senior-PAT — ₹42,000 + 20% HRA; maximum age 40 years.
- Position Code 013: Research Associate-I — ₹58,000 + 18% HRA; maximum age 40 years.
CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria differ according to the position code and project.
Candidates may be eligible based on qualifications such as:
- M.Pharm
- M.S. Pharm
- M.Sc.
- Master’s degree in Chemical Sciences
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Master’s degree in Life Sciences
- Ph.D.
- Relevant qualifications in Biotechnology
- Relevant qualifications in Bioinformatics
- Relevant qualifications in Microbiology
Some positions require GPAT, NET, GATE or equivalent qualifications, while other positions may require relevant research or laboratory experience.
Important: Candidates should check the complete eligibility requirements for their specific position code before applying.

CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
The maximum age limit varies according to the post.
Several positions have a maximum age of 35 years, while some positions have higher limits, such as 40 or 50 years.
Candidates should refer to the position-wise requirements for the applicable age limit and any prescribed age relaxation.
CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026 Salary / Stipend
The stipend depends on the position and project.
| Stipend | HRA |
|---|---|
| ₹20,000 | + 20% HRA |
| ₹25,000 | + 20% HRA |
| ₹28,000 | + 20% HRA |
| ₹30,000 | + 20% HRA |
| ₹31,000 | + 20% HRA |
| ₹42,000 | + 20% HRA |
| ₹58,000 | + 18% HRA |
These stipend amounts are mentioned across different positions in the recruitment notification. Candidates should check the exact amount against their position code.
CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process depends on whether the position is advertised through online mode or walk-in mode.
For Online Mode Positions
Candidates are initially screened based on the prescribed essential qualifications and additional criteria determined by the Screening Committee.
Shortlisted candidates are to be notified through the CDRI website, and interview-related details are communicated through email.
For Walk-In Positions
Eligible candidates must report to the specified venue with the required documents.
A written test may also be conducted, depending on the number of candidates and the requirement of the selection process.
CSIR-CDRI Walk-In Interview Date and Venue
Position Codes 001–010
Date: 17 August 2026
Position Codes 011–026
Date: 20 August 2026
Reporting Time: From 9:00 AM onwards
Candidates reporting after 10:00 AM will not be entertained according to the notification.
Walk-In Venue
CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute
Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension
Sitapur Road, Lucknow – 226031
TA/DA: No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
Documents Required for CSIR-CDRI Walk-In Interview
Candidates attending the walk-in interview should carry the required documents, including:
- Duly filled application form
- Original certificates
- Self-attested copies of mark sheets and certificates
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Relevant experience certificates
- Documents supporting eligibility
- Certificates required for age relaxation, wherever applicable
Original documents will be verified during the selection process.
Why Should Pharmacy Candidates Apply?
This recruitment can be particularly relevant for M.Pharm and M.S. Pharm candidates interested in research-oriented careers.
Pharmacy-related positions mentioned in the notification include areas such as:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Formulation Development
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Pharmacokinetic Studies
- HPLC
- Preclinical Research
- Drug Discovery
Candidates with GPAT qualification are specifically eligible for some of the listed M.Pharm/M.S. Pharm positions.
How to Apply for CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026?
For Online Mode Positions
Eligible candidates should:
- Read the official Advertisement No. 08/2026 carefully.
- Check the eligibility requirements for the desired position.
- Complete the online application form.
- Enter educational qualifications and relevant experience correctly.
- Upload or attach the required documents as instructed.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
The notification directs candidates to follow the instructions provided on Pages 7 and 8 for online applications.
For Walk-In Positions
Candidates should download and complete the prescribed application format and appear before the Selection Committee on the applicable date with the required original and self-attested documents.
Important Dates for CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 07 August 2026, 5:30 PM |
| Walk-In – Position Codes 001–010 | 17 August 2026 |
| Walk-In – Position Codes 011–026 | 20 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 20 August 2026 |
Important Instructions for Candidates
Before applying, candidates should remember:
- Applications submitted after the prescribed deadline will not be considered.
- Meeting the minimum qualification does not guarantee an interview.
- The Screening Committee may apply additional shortlisting criteria.
- Relevant qualifications and experience should be correctly mentioned.
- Original documents will be verified during selection.
- The positions are purely temporary and co-terminus with the respective projects.
- Engagement may be extended depending on project duration, performance and availability of funds.
- Project engagement does not provide an automatic right to regular employment in CSIR/CDRI.
- The number of positions may vary according to project requirements.
- Candidates should apply only when they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official CSIR-CDRI Recruitment Page | Add official CSIR-CDRI recruitment URL |
| Advertisement No. 08/2026 PDF | Add official notification PDF URL |
| Online Application | Add official application link |
Note: The exact official URLs are not included in the supplied blog source, so they should be added from the official CSIR-CDRI notification before publishing. This avoids adding an unverified or incorrect link.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026?
CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026 is a project-based recruitment drive by CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, for positions across Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Life Sciences and related disciplines.
2. What is the last date to apply for CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026?
The last date for the online application is 20 August 2026.
3. When are the CSIR-CDRI walk-in interviews scheduled?
Walk-in interviews for Position Codes 001–010 are scheduled for 17 August 2026, while Position Codes 011–026 are scheduled for 20 August 2026.
4. Can M.Pharm candidates apply for CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026?
Yes. Several positions specifically mention M.Pharm/M.S. Pharm as eligible qualifications, although eligibility varies by position code.
5. Is GPAT required for every CSIR-CDRI position?
No. GPAT is specifically mentioned for certain positions, while other positions have different qualification and eligibility requirements. Candidates should check the requirements for their desired position.
6. What is the stipend offered under CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026?
The stipend varies by position and ranges from approximately ₹20,000 to ₹58,000, with applicable HRA depending on the post.
7. Where will the CSIR-CDRI walk-in interview be conducted?
The walk-in interview will be held at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow – 226031.
8. Are CSIR-CDRI project positions permanent jobs?
No. The notification states that the positions are purely temporary and co-terminus with the respective projects. Project engagement does not automatically provide a right to regular employment in CSIR/CDRI.
Conclusion
CSIR-CDRI Recruitment 2026 provides research-oriented opportunities for candidates from Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology and related disciplines. M.Pharm and M.S. Pharm candidates, particularly those with GPAT qualification or relevant experience in pharmaceutical analysis, HPLC, formulation development, pharmacology or research, should check the position-wise requirements carefully.
Since the recruitment includes both online applications and walk-in interviews, candidates should carefully verify the applicable position code, qualification, experience, age limit, interview date and required documents before applying.


