CSIR NCL Recruitment 2026 has been announced by CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, Maharashtra, for the engagement of Project Associate-I (PA-I) under a DST-sponsored research project. According to the official notification dated 15 October 2026, there are 2 vacancies available on a purely temporary basis.
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official CSIR-NCL recruitment website. The last date to submit the application form is 26 October 2026. Candidates should check the educational qualifications, age limit, monthly remuneration, research requirements and interview schedule before applying.
CSIR NCL Recruitment 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra – 411008 |
| Notification Date | 15 October 2026 |
| Advertisement Number | 2026/CSIR-NCL/PMC/GAP349426/903 |
| Division | Physical and Materials Chemistry (PMC) |
| Post Name | Project Associate-I (PA-I) |
| Total Vacancies | 2 |
| Project Code | GAP349426 |
| Sponsoring Agency | Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Job Type | Purely temporary project engagement |
| Maximum Age | 35 years, before applicable relaxation |
| Monthly Remuneration | ₹31,000 + HRA or ₹25,000 + HRA |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 October 2026 |
| Interview Date | 29 October 2026 |
| Interview Time | 10:00 AM |
| Official Website | https://www.ncl-india.org/ |
CSIR NCL Vacancy 2026: Post Details
The recruitment notification announces the following position.
| Post Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Project Associate-I (PA-I) | 2 |
| Total | 2 |
The engagement is under a DST-sponsored research project and is co-terminous with the tenure of the project, subject to satisfactory performance or the conditions specified in the notification.
CSIR NCL Project Details
The selected candidates will work under the following research project:
Project Title: Active Ionomer Interface Integrated Ammonia Oxidation and Nitrogen Reduction Electrocatalysts with Process-Friendly Electrode Features Derived through Bottom-up Design Strategies.
The project involves research related to electrochemical techniques, electrocatalysts and ammonia fuel cells.
Job Responsibilities
According to the official notification, selected candidates should be familiar with electrochemical techniques.
The work may include:
- Working as part of a research team.
- Leading or coordinating research activities as required.
- Development, characterization and testing of electrocatalysts.
- Fabrication and testing of direct ammonia fuel cells.
Candidates with relevant research experience should ensure that their qualifications and experience are clearly mentioned in the application.
CSIR NCL Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet the educational qualification requirements specified in the official notification.
Educational Qualifications
The notification lists the following qualification routes:
Route 1: Master’s or Integrated Master’s Qualification
Candidates must possess a Master’s or Integrated Master’s degree in any of the following:
- Natural Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- M.V.Sc.
- Animal Sciences
Route 2: Bachelor’s Qualification
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in the following fields may also apply, subject to the notification’s requirements:
- Engineering
- Technology
- Medicine
The qualification must be from a recognized university or be an equivalent qualification recognized by the concerned authority as per the functional requirement.
Important: The notification lists these qualification categories broadly. Candidates should check the official advertisement to determine whether their specific degree satisfies the requirements.
Desirable Qualification and Experience
The desirable qualification specified in the notification is:
- A Master’s degree in Chemistry.
- Research experience in materials for electrochemical applications, including fuel cells and electrolyzers.
These are desirable qualifications and experience, rather than the minimum educational qualification stated in the notification.
CSIR NCL Age Limit 2026
The maximum age limit for the Project Associate-I post is 35 years.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Age | 35 years |
| SC/ST/PwBD/Women | Relaxation up to 5 years |
| OBC | Relaxation up to 3 years |
| Other Categories | Not specified separately in the supplied notification |
Candidates claiming age relaxation must meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
CSIR NCL Salary 2026
The monthly consolidated remuneration depends on the candidate’s eligibility under the categories mentioned in the notification.
| Candidate Category | Monthly Remuneration |
|---|---|
| Candidates meeting the specified CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET, assistant professorship, GATE or listed national-level examination criteria | ₹31,000 + HRA |
| Other eligible candidates who do not fall under the above category | ₹25,000 + HRA |
The higher remuneration category includes candidates who have qualified the examinations specified in the notification, including CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET, including lectureship or assistant professorship, GATE, or qualifying national-level examinations conducted by central government departments such as DBT/DST or their agencies/institutions, as stated in the advertisement.
Candidates should verify which remuneration category applies to their qualifications before applying.
CSIR NCL Selection Process 2026
The recruitment notification specifies screening and an online interview.
The selection process includes the following stages:
- Online Application: Candidates submit their applications through the official CSIR-NCL website.
- Application Screening: Applications are screened based on the eligibility criteria, qualifications and experience.
- Shortlisting: The Screening Committee may restrict the number of candidates called for an interview when the number of applications is large.
- Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates appear before the Selection Committee through an online interview.
- Engagement Offer: Selected candidates may be required to join immediately after receiving the offer of engagement.
Candidates should note that possessing the minimum educational qualification does not guarantee an interview call.
CSIR NCL Interview Date 2026
The official notification provides the following interview schedule:
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Shortlisted Candidates’ Notice | 27 October 2026 |
| Online Interview | 29 October 2026 |
| Interview Time | 10:00 AM |
| Interview Mode | Online |
| Platforms Mentioned | Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco WebEx or a suitable medium |
The notification states that shortlisted candidates will be notified on the website and divisional notice board. Candidates may also contact Dr. Sreekumar Kurungot using the contact details provided in the notification.
The online interview URL will be provided to shortlisted candidates by email on or before 27 October 2026.
No separate interview call letter will be issued, and no TA/DA will be admissible for appearing in the interview.
How to Apply for CSIR NCL Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates must apply online through the official CSIR-NCL recruitment website.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official CSIR-NCL website: https://www.ncl-india.org/
- Open the Jobs Vacancies section.
- Find the advertisement for Project Associate-I under project code GAP349426.
- Read the complete official notification and application instructions.
- Open the online application link: https://jobs.ncl.res.in/
- Complete the application form with the required personal and educational details.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents in the prescribed format.
- Check all information carefully before submitting the application.
- Submit the application online on or before 26 October 2026.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and supporting documents for future reference.
Documents Required
The notification instructs candidates to keep the following documents ready:
- Photograph in the prescribed format.
- Signature in the prescribed format.
- Matriculation marksheet and certificate.
- Higher secondary marksheet and certificate, if applicable.
- Graduation marksheet and certificate.
- Master’s degree documents, if applicable.
- Ph.D. documents, if applicable.
- Other relevant educational certificates and testimonials.
- Documents supporting applicable category or age relaxation, where required.
The notification specifies that the photograph file must be below 50 KB and the signature file below 25 KB. The prescribed formats for both are JPG/JPEG.
Important Dates for CSIR NCL Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | 15 October 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | Not mentioned in the official notification |
| Last Date to Apply | 26 October 2026 |
| Shortlist Announcement | 27 October 2026 |
| Online Interview | 29 October 2026 at 10:00 AM |
Candidates should submit their applications before the deadline and regularly check the official website for the shortlist and interview instructions.
CSIR NCL Recruitment 2026: Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official CSIR-NCL Website | https://www.ncl-india.org/ |
| Online Application Portal | https://jobs.ncl.res.in/ |
| Jobs Vacancies Section | https://www.ncl-india.org/ |
| Official Notification | Available through the relevant recruitment notice on the official website |
Use only the official website and application portal to check recruitment details and submit your application.
Important Terms and Conditions
Before applying, candidates should note the following conditions stated in the notification:
- The engagement is purely temporary and does not constitute a regular CSIR/NCL appointment.
- The engagement is co-terminous with the tenure of the sponsored project, subject to satisfactory performance and applicable conditions.
- The engagement does not entitle the appointee to claim a right to any CSIR-NCL post or fellowship.
- Merely possessing the minimum prescribed qualifications does not guarantee an interview call.
- Shortlisted candidates must attend the online interview through the provided link.
- Selected candidates are expected to join immediately upon receipt of the offer of engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in CSIR NCL Recruitment 2026?
There are 2 vacancies for Project Associate-I under the DST-sponsored project at CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory, Pune.
2. What is the last date to apply for CSIR NCL Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 26 October 2026.
3. What is the educational qualification for Project Associate-I?
The notification lists Master’s or Integrated Master’s qualifications in specified sciences and related fields, including Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.V.Sc. and Animal Sciences. It also lists bachelor’s qualifications in Engineering, Technology or Medicine, subject to the stated requirements.
4. What is the maximum age limit for CSIR NCL Project Associate-I?
The maximum age limit is 35 years, with relaxation of up to 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/women and 3 years for OBC candidates, as stated in the notification.
5. What is the salary for CSIR NCL Project Associate-I?
The monthly remuneration is ₹31,000 plus HRA for candidates meeting the specified examination or eligibility criteria and ₹25,000 plus HRA for other eligible candidates.
6. What is the selection process for CSIR NCL Recruitment 2026?
The process includes application screening, shortlisting and an online interview. The number of interview candidates may be restricted depending on the applications received.
7. When will the CSIR NCL Project Associate-I interview be conducted?
The online interview is scheduled for 29 October 2026 at 10:00 AM. The shortlist is scheduled to be announced on 27 October 2026.
8. Is the CSIR NCL Project Associate-I position permanent?
No. According to the notification, the engagement is purely temporary and co-terminous with the tenure of the sponsored project. It does not provide a right to regular appointment at CSIR-NCL.
Conclusion
CSIR NCL Recruitment 2026 provides an opportunity for eligible candidates to work as Project Associate-I on a DST-sponsored research project at CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory, Pune. The notification announces 2 vacancies, with monthly remuneration of ₹31,000 plus HRA or ₹25,000 plus HRA, depending on eligibility.
Candidates should carefully check the prescribed qualifications, age limit, desirable research experience and remuneration conditions before applying. The last date to submit the application is 26 October 2026, and the online interview is scheduled for 29 October 2026 at 10:00 AM.
Recommended Products
