Comprehensive Overview & Notification Background
The CSIR - Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR CFTRI), a premier constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has officially announced recruitment notification PAT 64/2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill 2 vacancies for the posts of Project Assistant - I (PA-I) and Project Associate - I (PAT-I) purely on a temporary project basis. Candidates seeking an opportunity in scientific research, food technology, and project development can participate in the selection process via a direct Walk-in Interview scheduled for 16 October 2026 at Mysuru, Karnataka.
CSIR-CFTRI is internationally renowned for its research and development contributions in food science, post-harvest processing, and allied technologies. Joining CFTRI as a project staff member offers invaluable practical experience, exposure to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, and mentorship from accomplished scientists. Candidates who meet the requisite educational qualifications and age limits are encouraged to review the details and attend the scheduled interview.
Vacancies Breakdown & Educational Eligibility Criteria
The recruitment process is designed to select suitable research personnel for ongoing research projects. Below is the detailed breakdown of vacancies along with the corresponding educational eligibility criteria required for each position:
| Post Name | No. of Vacancies | Essential Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Project Assistant - I (PA-I) | 01 | B.Sc. or Diploma in relevant discipline/branch from a recognized University or Board with minimum required percentage. |
| Project Associate - I (PAT-I) | 01 | M.Sc. in relevant branch of Science or B.E. / B.Tech in Food Technology / Biotechnology / Chemical Engineering or equivalent from a recognized University. |
Candidates must ensure that they possess the qualifying degree certificates and final mark sheets at the time of attending the interview. Appearing candidates whose final results are awaited on the date of the interview are generally not eligible unless explicitly stated in the detailed official notification.
Age Limit, Age Relaxation Rules, & Reservation Policy
To ensure fair participation across candidate categories, CSIR-CFTRI follows established guidelines for upper age limits and category-based age relaxations:
- Upper Age Limit for Project Assistant - I: Maximum 50 Years as on the date of interview.
- Upper Age Limit for Project Associate - I: Maximum 35 Years as on the date of interview.
- Age Relaxation Rules: Relaxation in upper age limit is permissible for candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, PwD, and female candidates in accordance with standard Government of India / CSIR instructions.
Pay Scale, Salary Structure, Allowance, & Perks
Selected project personnel will receive a consolidated monthly stipend based on their qualification and project sanctions:
- Project Assistant - I: Fixed consolidated stipend of Rs. 20,000/- per month + House Rent Allowance (HRA) as per rules.
- Project Associate - I: Monthly fellowship ranging between Rs. 25,000/- and Rs. 31,000/- + HRA depending on qualification (e.g., qualifying CSIR-UGC NET/GATE or national-level examinations conducted by Central Government Departments/Agencies).
Note: Project positions are purely contractual and tied to the duration of the respective sponsored research projects. They do not confer any right or claim for regular absorption or employment in CSIR-CFTRI.
2>Selection Process (Walk-in Interview)The selection process for Notification PAT 64/2026 involves direct evaluation through a Walk-in Interview. The process includes the following stages:
- Document Screening & Registration: Verification of original documents and application details upon arrival at the venue.
- Personal Interview: Candidates who meet all preliminary eligibility requirements will appear before a Selection Committee to assess their domain knowledge, research aptitude, and suitability for the project.
- Merit List Formulation: A panel of selected and waitlisted candidates will be published based on performance in the interview.
Detailed Interview Schedule & Venue Guidelines
Candidates intending to participate in the walk-in selection drive must adhere strictly to the schedule given below:
- Date of Walk-in Interview: 16 October 2026
- Reporting Time: 09:00 AM (Sharp)
- Venue Address: CSIR-CFTRI, Opp. Railway Museum, Mysuru - 570020, Karnataka.
Candidates arriving late beyond the stipulated reporting time may not be allowed to participate in the registration and screening procedure.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Attend the Walk-in Interview
Follow these practical steps to prepare and present yourself smoothly for the recruitment drive:
- Visit the official CSIR-CFTRI website at cftri.res.in and download the official notification (PAT 64/2026) along with the prescribed application form format (if provided).
- Fill out the application form legibly with accurate personal and academic information.
- Assemble one set of self-attested photocopies of all supportive documents (educational marks sheets, degree certificates, caste/category certificate, experience certificates, and proof of date of birth).
- Attach recent passport-sized photographs to the application form.
- Carry all original certificates for physical verification on the day of the interview.
- Report at the venue (CSIR-CFTRI, Opp. Railway Museum, Mysuru) by 9:00 AM on 16 October 2026.
Important Guidelines & Documents Required for Verification
Candidates must carry the following documents (both original and photocopies) when reporting for document verification and interview:
- Duly completed Application Form (as per prescribed format).
- Proof of Date of Birth (SSLC / 10th Standard Mark Sheet / Birth Certificate).
- All original educational qualification mark sheets and degree certificates (from 10th standard onwards).
- Valid Category / Caste Certificate (OBC-NCL / SC / ST / EWS) if claiming reservation or age relaxation.
- Experience certificates (if applicable).
- A valid Government-issued Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Passport).
- Two recent passport-size photographs.