Introduction
The CSIR – Central Leather Research Institute has officially released Notification No. 03/2026 for the recruitment of various temporary project-based positions including Project Associate-I, Junior Research Fellow (JRF), Senior Project Associate, and Project Assistant-II.
This recruitment is a great opportunity for candidates from backgrounds like:
- Pharmacy
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Life Sciences
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Leather Technology
The positions are purely temporary and project-based, but they offer excellent exposure in research and development under one of India’s premier scientific institutes.
Important Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | CSIR – Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) |
| Notification No. | 03/2026 |
| Job Type | Temporary Project Positions |
| Location | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Written Test Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Interview Dates | 25 & 26 May 2026 |
| Mode of Selection | Written Test + Interview |
| Salary Range | ₹20,000 – ₹42,000 + HRA |
| Official Category | Research & Project Staff Recruitment |
Available Positions
1. Project Associate-I (PAT-I)
Candidates from multiple educational backgrounds can apply for this post.
Eligible Qualifications
- B.E / B.Tech
- M.Sc
- M.Pharm
- MCA
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- AI & ML
- Environmental Science
- Polymer Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Salary
| Qualification Status | Salary |
|---|---|
| NET/GATE Qualified | ₹31,000 – ₹37,000 + HRA |
| Non-NET/GATE | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 + HRA |
2. Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
Eligible Courses
- M.Sc Chemistry
- M.Pharm
- Biotechnology
- Life Sciences
Important Requirement
Candidates with:
- CSIR-UGC NET
- GATE
- National-level fellowship qualification
will get higher fellowship benefits.
Fellowship
| Category | Salary |
|---|---|
| NET/GATE Qualified | ₹37,000 + HRA |
| Non-NET/GATE | ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 + HRA |
3. Senior Project Associate
Qualification
- M.Pharm / M.Sc Biotechnology / Life Sciences
- OR M.Tech Biotechnology
Experience Required
- Minimum 3–4 years research experience
Salary
| Post | Salary |
|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | ₹42,000 + HRA |
Pharma & Biotechnology Students – Best Opportunities
The notification contains several openings specially suitable for:
- M.Pharm students
- Biotechnology graduates
- Life Science candidates
- Biochemistry students
These posts involve:
- Recombinant protein expression
- Biomaterial fabrication
- Cell culture techniques
- Biophysical characterization
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of two stages.
Stage 1 – Written Test
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | MCQ Based |
| Marks | 50 Marks |
| Topics | Subject Knowledge, Aptitude, General English, General Awareness |
| Date | 21 May 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 09:30 AM |
| Exam Time | 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM |
Stage 2 – Personal Interview
Candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for interview.
| Interview Dates |
|---|
| 25 May 2026 |
| 26 May 2026 |
Important Note
Candidates who already qualified:
- NET
- GATE
- National-level fellowship exams
can directly attend the interview without appearing in the written test.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Project Associate-I | 35 Years |
| JRF | 28 Years |
| Senior Project Associate | 40 Years |
| Project Assistant-II | 35 Years |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/PwBD/Women | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
Required Documents
Candidates must carry:
- Filled application form
- Educational certificates
- Experience certificates
- Aadhaar Card / Government ID
- Passport size photographs
- Original documents for verification
Why This Recruitment is Important
This CSIR-CLRI recruitment provides:
✅ Research exposure
✅ Government research institute experience
✅ Opportunity to work on advanced scientific projects
✅ Strong career value for PhD aspirants
✅ Good monthly fellowship with HRA
✅ Excellent learning environment
Preparation Tips for Written Test
Focus on These Areas
| Section | Preparation Strategy |
|---|---|
| Subject Knowledge | Revise core concepts thoroughly |
| Aptitude | Practice reasoning & quantitative questions |
| English | Focus on grammar & comprehension |
| General Awareness | Read scientific current affairs |
Final Words
The CSIR-CLRI Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for candidates from Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Engineering, and Life Science backgrounds to build a strong research career.
Interested candidates should start preparing immediately for the written examination and interview.
Candidates with NET/GATE qualification will get additional benefits including higher salary and direct interview opportunity.
For serious aspirants aiming for research careers, PhD opportunities, or government scientific positions, this recruitment can become a major career breakthrough.
