CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026 – Walk-In 18 Sept, 12 Posts
CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) Research Centre, Bengaluru. A total of 12 vacancies are open across Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, and Senior Project Associate posts. The monthly emoluments range from ₹25,000 to ₹42,000 + HRA per month depending on qualification and experience. The Walk-In Interview is scheduled for 18th September 2026 at 10:00 AM — this is a golden sarkari naukri opportunity for MSc Agriculture, Botany, Biotechnology, and Life Science graduates. Read on for complete eligibility criteria, salary details, and step-by-step guide at agrijob.in.

Table of Contents
📋 Table of Contents
CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
Here is a complete at-a-glance summary of the CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026 notification. Candidates should read the official notification PDF before attending the walk-in interview.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Bengaluru |
| Advertisement No. | PAT-I/II & SPAT – Sept. 2026 |
| Post Name | Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, Senior Project Associate |
| Total Vacancies | 12 Posts |
| Salary / Emoluments | ₹25,000 – ₹42,000 + HRA per Month |
| Age Limit | Max. 35 Years (PA-I/II) | Max. 40 Years (Sr. PA) |
| Application Fee | No Fee – Walk-In Interview |
| Interview Date | 18th September 2026 at 10:00 AM |
| Reporting Time | 9:00 AM |
| Apply Mode | Walk-In Interview (No Online Application) |
| Interview Venue | CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65 |
| Official Website | www.cimap.res.in |
This is a purely temporary engagement under various research projects tenable at the CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Bengaluru. Candidates interested in agriculture vacancy and research-based govt jobs must not miss this new vacancy 2026.
Who Should Apply for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
This research-based govt job is best suited for postgraduate science candidates with a passion for medicinal and aromatic plant research. Check if you match the ideal candidate profile before attending the walk-in interview:
- MSc graduates in Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Agronomy, Soil Science, Zoology (Entomology), or Life Sciences
- MSc (Agriculture) in Entomology or MSc (Horticulture) in Entomology candidates for pest management posts
- Candidates with NET / GATE / LS qualification (higher salary tier available)
- Non-NET/GATE candidates with relevant MSc background are also eligible
- Freshers eligible for Project Associate-I posts; 2–3 years of R&D experience required for PA-II and Senior PA
- Candidates with hands-on experience in gene cloning, protein expression, DNA fingerprinting, GC/GC-MS, or field experiments in medicinal and aromatic plants
- Those with experience in farmers’ field surveys, essential oil distillation, or biopesticide screening
- Age up to 35 years for PA-I/II and up to 40 years for Senior Project Associate
- Indian citizens seeking a stable sarkari naukri in the CSIR research network
- Candidates currently in their final semester or awaiting results are NOT eligible
Salary & Pay Details for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate 2026

The monthly emoluments for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026 are competitive and vary by post level and NET/GATE qualification status. Here are the complete pay details as per the official notification:
- Project Associate-I (NET/GATE/LS Qualified): ₹31,000 + HRA per month
- Project Associate-I (Non-NET/GATE/LS): ₹25,000 + HRA per month
- Project Associate-II (NET/GATE/LS Qualified): ₹35,000 + HRA per month
- Project Associate-II (Non-NET/GATE/LS): ₹28,000 + HRA per month
- Senior Project Associate: ₹42,000 + HRA per month (fixed)
- HRA: House Rent Allowance as per CSIR norms (applicable on top of base emoluments)
The salary package for CSIR-CIMAP research posts is significantly better than most private sector agri-research roles. NET/GATE qualified candidates receive a premium of ₹6,000–7,000 per month over non-qualified peers. This makes clearing NET/GATE a high-value investment for MSc graduates pursuing govt jobs in the research sector.
Additionally, the engagement is under CSIR — a premier national research network — which adds strong career value and research exposure, especially for candidates aiming for permanent positions in CSIR institutes or academic careers.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | No Fee |
| SC / ST | No Fee |
| Persons with Disability (PH) | No Fee |
| Female Candidates | No Fee |
There is no application fee for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026. Candidates must simply appear in person for the Walk-In Interview. Note that no TA (Travelling Allowance) will be paid for attending the interview. No online interview requests will be entertained.
Age Limit
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Project Associate-I | 35 Years |
| Project Associate-II | 35 Years |
| Project Associate-I/II (Combined posts) | 35 Years |
| Senior Project Associate | 40 Years |
The upper age limit is reckoned as on the date of the Walk-In Interview (18 September 2026). Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India rules for SC/ST/OBC and other reserved category candidates. Candidates must carry valid age proof documents on the interview day.
CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate 2026 – Vacancy Details (All Posts)
A total of 12 posts are available under the CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026. The posts are distributed across multiple research projects at the Bengaluru Research Centre. Below is the complete post-wise vacancy breakdown:
| Sl. No. | Post Name | No. of Posts | Max. Age | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Associate-II (PAT-II) | 1 | 35 Yrs | M.Sc. Botany/Biotechnology + 2 yrs R&D experience |
| 2 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 | 35 Yrs | M.Sc. Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology |
| 3 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 | 35 Yrs | M.Sc. Botany from recognised University |
| 4 | Project Associate-I/II (PAT-I/II) | 1 | 35 Yrs | M.Sc. Chemistry/Botany (PA-I: fresher; PA-II: 2 yrs exp.) |
| 5 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 | 35 Yrs | M.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture/Zoology (Entomology) |
| 6 | Project Associate-I/II (PAT-I/II) | 1 | 35 Yrs | M.Sc. Botany (PA-I: fresher; PA-II: 2 yrs R&D exp.) |
| 7 | Senior Project Associate (Sr. PAT) | 1 | 40 Yrs | M.Sc. Botany/Chemistry + 3 yrs R&D experience |
| 8 | Project Associate-I/II (PAT-I/II) | 2 | 35 Yrs | M.Sc. Agronomy/Soil Science/Botany (PA-II: 2 yrs exp.) |
| 9 | Project Associate-I/II (PAT-I/II) | 1 | 35 Yrs | M.Sc. Biotechnology/Life Science (PA-II: 2 yrs exp.) |
| 10 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 | 35 Yrs | M.Sc. Botany from recognised University |
| Total | 12 | — | — | |
Each post is linked to a specific research project at CSIR-CIMAP Bengaluru. The engagement is initially for one year and may be extended based on project requirements, performance, and fund availability. The tenure shall not exceed six years under any circumstances.
Eligibility & Qualification for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate 2026
Before appearing for the walk-in interview, candidates must check the detailed eligibility criteria as per the CSIR-CIMAP official notification. The eligibility criteria vary by post number and are outlined below:
- Project Associate-II (Post 1): M.Sc. in Botany/Biotechnology with 2 years relevant R&D experience. Desirable: Gene cloning, protein expression, yeast engineering, fermentation, and GC/GC-MS techniques.
- Project Associate-I (Post 2): M.Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology. Desirable: Experience in gene cloning and expression.
- Project Associate-I (Post 3): M.Sc. in Botany. Desirable: 1+ year in Medicinal and Aromatic Crops/Plants (MAPs), crop improvement, and field experiments.
- Project Associate-I/II (Post 4): M.Sc. Chemistry/Botany (PA-II needs 2 yrs exp.). Desirable: Farmers’ field survey, MAPs data collection, training programs, essential oil distillation.
- Project Associate-I (Post 5): M.Sc. (Agriculture/Horticulture) in Entomology or M.Sc. (Zoology) specialised in Entomology. Desirable: Rearing insect/mite pests; screening biopesticides under lab and field conditions.
- Project Associate-I/II (Post 6): M.Sc. Botany (PA-II needs 2 yrs exp.). Desirable: Field surveys, DNA fingerprinting, marker development, DNA Barcoding, genetic diversity studies.
- Senior Project Associate (Post 7): M.Sc. Botany/Chemistry with 3 years R&D experience. Desirable: Field surveys, MAPs data, training programmes, essential oil distillation.
- Project Associate-I/II (Post 8 – 2 Nos.): M.Sc. Agronomy/Soil Science/Botany (PA-II needs 2 yrs exp.). Desirable: Field trials on medicinal/aromatic plants with data analysis skills.
- Project Associate-I/II (Post 9): M.Sc. Biotechnology/Life Science (PA-II needs 2 yrs exp.). Desirable: Molecular biology, transcriptomics, gene cloning and expression analysis.
- Project Associate-I (Post 10): M.Sc. Botany. Desirable: Classical and Molecular systematics, phylogeny, DNA Barcoding, marker development, genetic diversity studies.
Experience is counted from the date of acquiring minimum educational qualification. Final semester students and candidates awaiting results are strictly NOT eligible. This is a key eligibility criteria to note before attending.
Selection Process for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026
The selection process for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is a straightforward Walk-In Interview — there is no written examination. The updated process for September 2026 is as follows:
- Document Verification: Candidates report at 9:00 AM. Original documents and self-attested photocopies are verified before the interview begins.
- Walk-In Interview: Eligible candidates appear before the selection committee at 10:00 AM on 18 September 2026 at CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Bengaluru.
- Technical Assessment: Questions on domain knowledge, research experience, and desirable skills are assessed by the interview panel.
- Merit List Preparation: Based on interview performance and academic credentials, a merit list is prepared project-wise.
- Final Engagement: Selected candidates are offered temporary engagement under specific projects. No TA is provided for attending the interview.
No interim enquiry or correspondence will be entertained regarding the selection process. The engagement is purely temporary and confers no right to claim any permanent post in CSIR-CIMAP under any circumstances.

How to Attend Walk-In Interview for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate 2026
There is no online application for this recruitment. Follow these steps to successfully attend the Walk-In Interview — 18th September 2026:
- Visit the official CSIR-CIMAP website at www.cimap.res.in and download the prescribed Bio-Data format.
- Fill in the Bio-Data completely and sign it before attending the interview.
- Collect all original educational testimonials: degree certificates, marksheets, experience certificates, NET/GATE/LS certificates, and age proof.
- Make one (1) set of self-attested photocopies of all educational and experience documents.
- Carry one (1) recent passport-size photograph.
- Report at CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65 by 9:00 AM on 18 September 2026.
- Candidates who fail to carry the signed Bio-Data, originals, or photocopies will NOT be permitted to appear in the Walk-In Interview.
- The interview begins at 10:00 AM — ensure you report punctually to avoid disqualification.
- No TA will be paid for attending. No online interview requests will be entertained under any circumstances.
Stay updated on the latest agriculture vacancy notifications by joining the agrijob.in Telegram channel. More research-sector job alerts are listed on agrijob.in Agriculture Jobs.
Important Dates for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | September 2026 |
| Online Application Start | Not Applicable (Walk-In Only) |
| Last Date to Apply | Not Applicable – Walk-In on 18 Sept 2026 |
| Walk-In Interview Date | 18th September 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 9:00 AM |
| Interview Start Time | 10:00 AM |
| Interview Venue | CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65 |
| Result / Selection | To be Announced after Interview |
Mark 18 September 2026 on your calendar right away. This is a closing-soon opportunity — attend in person to secure your chance at this new vacancy 2026 in the CSIR research network. For more latest govt jobs updates, visit agrijob.in Govt Jobs 2026.
Important Links – CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | Download from Telegram |
| Official CSIR-CIMAP Website | www.cimap.res.in |
| CSIR Official Portal | www.csir.res.in |
| India Government Portal (Authority Link) | India Government Portal |
| More Agriculture Jobs | Latest Agriculture Jobs 2026 |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Govt Jobs 2026 |
| Join Telegram for Job Alerts | Join @agrijob_in |
Frequently Asked Questions about CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026
What is CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is an official walk-in interview notification released by the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Research Centre, Bengaluru. A total of 12 temporary posts (Project Associate-I, II, and Senior Project Associate) are available across various research projects, with the interview on 18 September 2026 at 10:00 AM.
What is the salary for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate 2026?
The monthly emoluments range from ₹25,000 to ₹42,000 + HRA. NET/GATE/LS qualified candidates receive: PA-I ₹31,000, PA-II ₹35,000, Senior PA ₹42,000. Non-qualified candidates receive PA-I ₹25,000 and PA-II ₹28,000 + HRA per month.
What is the eligibility for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must hold an M.Sc. degree in Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Agronomy, Soil Science, Entomology, or Life Science from a recognised university. PA-II requires 2 years and Senior PA requires 3 years of relevant R&D experience. Maximum age is 35 years for PA-I/II and 40 years for Senior PA.
What is the interview date for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
The Walk-In Interview for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is scheduled on 18th September 2026 at 10:00 AM. Candidates must report at the CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65 by 9:00 AM with all original documents and a signed Bio-Data form downloaded from the official website.
How many vacancies are there in CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 12 vacancies across Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, and Senior Project Associate posts under various CSIR-funded research projects at CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Bengaluru.
Is there any application fee for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate 2026?
No, there is absolutely no application fee for CSIR-CIMAP Project Associate Recruitment 2026. However, no Travelling Allowance (TA) will be paid to candidates for attending the walk-in interview. Candidates must appear in person on 18 September 2026.
Disclaimer: This Agricultural jobs related information is only for the purpose of providing information to you and for Agricultural career advancement of Agricultural, Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Breeding, Agriculture Marketing, Forestry, Poultry, Fisheries, Agri Business Management Graduates. We are not representing this employer or any Employment Agency nor we guarantee any employment. We do not ask candidates for any fees, Personal Information like (Bank OTP, Credit-Debit Card No, Aadhar Card OTP etc.) Please be Aware And never Share Such Information to any one or In the Name of agrijob.in. Please verify the correctness of the Agri jobs details yourself. We do not offer any guarantee on correctness of any details mentioned here. If a candidate pays any amount to anyone claiming to represent any company then it would be the responsibility of that candidate and he cannot hold us or the concerned employer responsible for such fraudulent activities.






