CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 has announced a Walk-in Interview for 12 posts of Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, and Senior Project Associate at its Research Centre in Bengaluru (Allalasandra, GKVK Post). The interview is scheduled for 18 September 2026 at 10:00 AM. Candidates with M.Sc. in Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Agronomy, Entomology, and related fields are eligible to apply. This guide covers everything — vacancies, salary, eligibility, how to attend, and what to bring.
CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 (Bengaluru) is offering 12 temporary research positions across Project Associate-I/II and Senior Project Associate posts through a Walk-in Interview on 18 September 2026. Monthly emoluments range from Rs.25,000 to Rs.42,000 + HRA depending on post and qualification. Candidates must report by 9 AM at the CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65 with all original documents.
- Organisation: CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Bengaluru Research Centre
- Advertisement No.: PAT-I/II & SPAT – Sept. 2026
- Total Vacancies: 12 posts (10 positions listed across PAT-I, PAT-II, PAT-I/II, and Senior PAT)
- Post Names: Project Associate-I (PA-I), Project Associate-II (PA-II), Senior Project Associate (Sr. PA)
- Salary Range: Rs.25,000 – Rs.42,000 + HRA per month
- Walk-In Date: 18 September 2026
- Interview Time: 10:00 AM (Reporting by 9:00 AM)
- Venue: CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65
- Age Limit: Max 35 years (Project Associate); Max 40 years (Senior Project Associate)
- Qualification: M.Sc. in relevant life science/agriculture discipline
- Engagement Type: Purely temporary, initially 1 year
- Application Fee: Nil
- What is CSIR-CIMAP Bengaluru?
- Who Should Attend This Walk-In Interview?
- CSIR CIMAP 2026 Vacancy Details – All 10 Posts
- CSIR CIMAP Project Associate Salary 2026
- Eligibility Criteria – Age, Qualification, Experience
- How to Attend the Walk-In Interview – Step-by-Step
- Documents Required for CSIR CIMAP Walk-In 2026
- CSIR CIMAP vs Other Research Associate Jobs 2026
- Pros and Cons of CSIR CIMAP Project Associate Role
- Important Terms and Conditions
- Important Dates
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is CSIR-CIMAP Bengaluru?
CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) is a premier research institute operating under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an autonomous body under India’s Ministry of Science and Technology. Headquartered in Lucknow, CIMAP operates multiple research centres across India, including the key centre at Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65.
CSIR-CIMAP specialises in research and development of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) — covering plant breeding, genetics, molecular biology, essential oil extraction, agronomy, and field surveys. It is one of India’s leading institutes for phytochemistry, biopesticide research, and sustainable agriculture. The institute contributes to national schemes including the Aroma Mission launched by the Government of India to promote essential oil farming among rural communities.
Project Associate positions at CSIR-CIMAP are highly sought after by M.Sc. graduates seeking hands-on research experience before pursuing a PhD or a permanent government scientist role. The Bengaluru centre recruits multiple batches annually through Walk-in Interviews, and the September 2026 notification covers 12 research positions across 10 post codes.
Who Should Attend This Walk-In Interview?
- 🎓 M.Sc. graduates in Botany, Biotechnology, or Microbiology looking for their first research job in a CSIR-funded institute
- 🔬 Life sciences postgraduates with NET/GATE/LS qualification who want higher stipend (Rs.31,000–Rs.42,000 + HRA) and a CSIR research credential
- 🌿 Agriculture or agronomy M.Sc. graduates interested in field-based research on medicinal and aromatic crops
- 🧬 Biochemistry or molecular biology researchers with experience in gene cloning, transcriptomics, or DNA barcoding who want to work on MAP-related projects
- 🌾 Entomology or zoology postgraduates with insect pest management experience looking for lab and field research roles
- 📊 Chemistry M.Sc. holders with Farmers’ Field Survey or essential oil distillation experience aiming for the Senior Project Associate position
- 🏛️ Candidates who have completed an earlier CSIR project tenure and want to re-engage in a new project
- 🎯 MSc freshers (result declared, not awaited) who hold a minimum essential qualification in Botany, Biochemistry, or allied science fields
CSIR CIMAP 2026 Vacancy Details – All 10 Posts
The Advertisement No. PAT-I/II & SPAT – Sept. 2026 covers 10 position codes with a total of 12 vacancies. All positions are under specific research projects and are temporary in nature. The table below provides the complete post-wise details as mentioned in the official notification.
| Sl. No. | Post Name | Vacancies | Essential Qualification | Max Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project Associate-II (PAT-II) | 1 | M.Sc. Botany/Biotechnology + 2 yrs R&D experience | 35 years |
| 2 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology | 35 years |
| 3 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Botany from a recognised university | 35 years |
| 4 | Project Associate-I/II (PAT-I/II) | 1 | M.Sc. Chemistry/Botany (PA-I: no exp; PA-II: 2 yrs exp) | 35 years |
| 5 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. (Agriculture) Entomology / M.Sc. Zoology (Entomology) | 35 years |
| 6 | Project Associate-I/II (PAT-I/II) | 1 | M.Sc. Botany (PA-I: no exp; PA-II: 2 yrs exp) | 35 years |
| 7 | Senior Project Associate (SPAT) | 1 | M.Sc. Botany/Chemistry + 3 yrs R&D experience | 40 years |
| 8 | Project Associate-I/II (PAT-I/II) | 2 | M.Sc. Agronomy/Soil Science/Botany (PA-I: no exp; PA-II: 2 yrs exp) | 35 years |
| 9 | Project Associate-I/II (PAT-I/II) | 1 | M.Sc. Biotechnology/Life Science (PA-I: no exp; PA-II: 2 yrs exp) | 35 years |
| 10 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Botany from a recognised university | 35 years |
Desirable qualifications include experience in gene cloning and protein expression (Posts 1–2), medicinal and aromatic crop research (Post 3), Farmers’ Field surveys and essential oil distillation (Posts 4, 7), insect pest management (Post 5), DNA barcoding and genetic diversity studies (Posts 6, 10), field trials on MAPs with data analysis (Post 8), and transcriptomics and molecular biology (Post 9).
CSIR CIMAP Project Associate Salary 2026
Monthly emoluments for CSIR CIMAP Project Associate posts depend on the post level and whether the candidate has cleared a national eligibility test (NET/GATE/LS). The salary structure as per the official September 2026 notification is given below.
| Post | NET/GATE/LS Qualified | Non-NET/GATE/LS |
|---|---|---|
| Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | Rs.31,000/- + HRA | Rs.25,000/- + HRA |
| Project Associate-II (PAT-II) | Rs.35,000/- + HRA | Rs.28,000/- + HRA |
| Senior Project Associate (SPAT) | Rs.42,000/- + HRA (flat rate) | |
HRA (House Rent Allowance) is paid in addition to the basic monthly emolument as per CSIR norms and the city classification of the posting location. Bengaluru falls under a high-cost city category, which typically translates to a meaningful HRA component. The total take-home for a NET/GATE qualified Senior Project Associate can therefore exceed Rs.50,000/- per month in effective terms. These positions do not carry EPF, Gratuity, or pension benefits as they are project-based, temporary engagements.
If you hold a valid CSIR-UGC NET, ICAR-NET, ICMR-JRF, or GATE qualification in any of the life sciences disciplines, you automatically qualify for the higher stipend slab — which is Rs.6,000–Rs.7,000 more per month compared to non-NET candidates. If you have not yet appeared for NET/GATE, consider appearing in the next cycle to maximize your research stipend at CSIR labs nationwide.
Eligibility Criteria – Age, Qualification, Experience
Before attending the CSIR CIMAP walk-in interview on 18 September 2026, candidates must confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the 10 position codes. The key criteria are:
Educational Qualification
- M.Sc. in Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Agronomy, Soil Science, or Entomology (Agriculture/Zoology specialisation) from a recognised university or equivalent
- For PAT-II and SPAT positions: 2 years (PAT-II) or 3 years (SPAT) of relevant R&D experience in Industrial/Academic/Research Institutions is mandatory in addition to the M.Sc. degree
- Experience is counted from the date of acquiring the minimum essential educational qualification (i.e., date of M.Sc. result)
- Final semester candidates or result-awaited candidates are NOT eligible
Age Limit (as on 18 September 2026)
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Project Associate-I / II (all post codes) | 35 years |
| Senior Project Associate (Post 7) | 40 years |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Women (age relaxation) | As per Government of India rules |
Application Fee
There is no application fee for CSIR CIMAP Walk-in Interview 2026. Candidates from all categories including General/UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwBD can attend free of charge. No TA (Travelling Allowance) will be paid for attending the interview.
How to Attend the Walk-In Interview – Step-by-Step
- Check your eligibility — Confirm your M.Sc. qualification, specialisation, age, and experience (if applicable) against the position codes in the official notification. A single candidate may be eligible for multiple post codes.
- Download the Bio-Data format — Visit the official CSIR-CIMAP website (cimap.res.in) or the Telegram notification link to download the prescribed Bio-Data format. Do NOT use a self-made resume — the prescribed format is mandatory.
- Fill the Bio-Data and get it signed — Complete the Bio-Data form accurately. Ensure your signature is on it before you arrive at the venue.
- Prepare your document set — Gather all original documents and make one complete set of self-attested photocopies of each. See the documents section below for the full checklist.
- Carry one recent passport-size photograph — This is required at the time of registration at the venue. Ensure the photograph is recent (not more than 3 months old).
- Reach the venue by 9:00 AM on 18 September 2026 — The interview starts at 10:00 AM, but candidates must report by 9 AM for document verification and registration. Candidates who report late may not be entertained.
- Attend the walk-in interview at CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65. Phone: 080-28460563, 28565652.
- No online interview requests will be entertained — Physical attendance is mandatory. No exceptions.
Documents Required for CSIR CIMAP Walk-In 2026
Candidates who fail to produce the following documents will not be allowed to appear in the walk-in interview. Carry originals and one complete set of self-attested photocopies of all items listed below:
- ✅ Signed Bio-Data in prescribed format (downloaded from official website)
- ✅ M.Sc. mark sheet and degree certificate (original + photocopy)
- ✅ Bachelor’s degree certificate (original + photocopy)
- ✅ Class 10 and Class 12 certificates (original + photocopy)
- ✅ NET/GATE/LS qualification certificate (if applicable)
- ✅ Experience certificate(s) from all previous organisations (for PAT-II and SPAT applicants)
- ✅ Age proof / Date of Birth proof (Aadhaar, Passport, or 10th certificate)
- ✅ Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) if claiming age relaxation
- ✅ 1 recent passport-size photograph
- ✅ Government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport)
CSIR CIMAP vs Other Research Associate Jobs 2026
How does the CSIR CIMAP Project Associate walk-in compare with other popular research associate opportunities available in 2026?
| Parameter | CSIR CIMAP PA (Bengaluru) | ICAR JRF / SRF | DBT-JRF (Private Institute) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Stipend (NET qualified) | Rs.31,000–Rs.42,000 + HRA | Rs.31,000–Rs.35,000 + HRA | Rs.31,000 + HRA (varies) |
| Selection Mode | Walk-In (no exam) | Written test + Interview | Interview only |
| Tenure | 1 year (extendable, max 6 years) | 2–5 years (project-linked) | Project-linked (varies) |
| Organisation Type | CSIR (Govt. autonomous) | ICAR (Govt. autonomous) | Private/DBT-funded |
| Research Focus | Medicinal & Aromatic Plants | Agriculture (broad) | Biotech/Life Sciences |
| NET/GATE Required? | No (higher pay if qualified) | Yes (for JRF) | Varies by institute |
| Age Limit | 35 years (PA), 40 years (SPA) | 28–35 years | Varies |
| Location (this notification) | Bengaluru (GKVK Campus) | Pan-India | Varies |
| Application Fee | Nil | Nil | Nil/Varies |
| Best For | MSc grads wanting quick CSIR entry | Those targeting PhD at ICAR institutes | Biotech-focused researchers |
For M.Sc. graduates in Botany, Biotechnology, or Chemistry who want to enter a CSIR research environment quickly — without clearing a written exam — the CSIR CIMAP Walk-in Interview 2026 is one of the most accessible routes available this month. The walk-in format means there is no waiting period, no online application, and no exam fee. If you are NET/GATE qualified, the stipend of Rs.31,000–Rs.42,000 + HRA is competitive with ICAR and DBT fellowships. We recommend every eligible M.Sc. candidate in Karnataka and nearby states attend this interview on 18 September 2026.
Pros and Cons of CSIR CIMAP Project Associate Role
Advantages
- ✅ No entrance exam — direct walk-in selection saves months of preparation time
- ✅ CSIR brand value — CSIR lab experience significantly strengthens PhD applications, faculty positions, and industry CVs
- ✅ Competitive stipend — Rs.25,000–Rs.42,000 + HRA is among the highest in India for M.Sc.-level research roles
- ✅ World-class research infrastructure — access to HPLC, GC-MS, molecular biology labs, and field stations
- ✅ Publication opportunities — CSIR-CIMAP researchers regularly publish in indexed journals, boosting academic credentials
- ✅ No application fee — zero cost to apply and attend the interview
Disadvantages
- ❌ Purely temporary — no permanency, no pension, no EPF/Gratuity benefits
- ❌ Project-linked tenure — if the project ends early, the position ends; maximum tenure is 6 years across all projects at CSIR-CIMAP
- ❌ No TA for interview — candidates travelling from outside Bengaluru must bear their own travel expenses
- ❌ Re-engagement requires fresh application — moving from one project to another involves full resignation and re-selection process
Important Terms and Conditions
- Engagement will be initially for a period of one year and may be extended or curtailed depending on project requirements, performance, conduct of the incumbent, and availability of funds
- The tenure of Project Staff shall be co-terminus with the project — under no circumstances will tenure be allowed to exceed six years
- Performance of Project Staff will be reviewed periodically; candidates not performing up to the mark may be terminated
- The position is purely temporary and confers no right (explicit or implicit) to claim any permanent post in CSIR-CIMAP
- Upper age limit is relaxable as per Government of India Rules for reserved categories
- On completion of tenure, candidates wishing to engage in a new project must submit a fresh application along with resignation and a “No Dues Certificate” from the previous project
- Project Staff shall be permitted to avail leave as per CSIR rules
- Experience is counted from the date of acquiring the minimum essential educational qualification
- Final semester / result-awaited candidates will NOT be allowed to appear for the walk-in interview
- No TA will be paid for attending the interview
- No online interview requests will be entertained — physical attendance is mandatory
- No interim enquiry or correspondence will be entertained regarding the interview
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No. | PAT-I/II & SPAT – Sept. 2026 |
| Walk-In Interview Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 9:00 AM |
| Interview Start Time | 10:00 AM |
| Venue | CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65 |
Important Links
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Official CSIR-CIMAP Website | cimap.res.in |
| CSIR Official Portal | csir.res.in |
| Download Notification (Telegram) | t.me/agrijob_in/780 |
| PIB – Aroma Mission Government Update | pib.gov.in |
| NCS – National Career Service Portal | ncs.gov.in |
Conclusion
CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 (Bengaluru) is a time-sensitive opportunity for M.Sc. graduates in life sciences and agricultural disciplines to join one of India’s premier research institutes through a direct Walk-in Interview on 18 September 2026. With 12 vacancies across Project Associate-I/II and Senior Project Associate posts, and a salary range of Rs.25,000 to Rs.42,000 + HRA, this is among the most attractive temporary research positions available in Karnataka this month. Download the official notification via the Telegram link above, prepare your document set, and report to the CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Bengaluru by 9:00 AM on the interview date. Bookmark this page — we update it whenever new CSIR and government research recruitment notifications are announced.
- CSIR CIMAP Bengaluru is conducting a Walk-in Interview for 12 posts on 18 September 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Salary ranges from Rs.25,000 (PAT-I, non-NET) to Rs.42,000 + HRA (Senior Project Associate)
- NET/GATE/LS qualified candidates earn Rs.6,000–Rs.7,000 more per month than non-qualified peers
- M.Sc. candidates in Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Agronomy, Entomology, and Life Science are eligible
- Carry signed Bio-Data (prescribed format), all original certificates, one set of photocopies, and one passport photo — without these, entry will be refused
- Download the official notification at t.me/agrijob_in/780 and verify the latest details before attending
Frequently Asked Questions About CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026
What is the CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview date?
The CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 Walk-in Interview for Project Associate-I/II and Senior Project Associate posts at the Bengaluru Research Centre is scheduled for 18 September 2026 at 10:00 AM. Candidates must report by 9:00 AM for document verification. The venue is CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Allalasandra, GKVK Post, Bengaluru-65.
What is the salary for CSIR CIMAP Project Associate in 2026?
The monthly emoluments for CSIR CIMAP Project Associate posts in 2026 are: Project Associate-I — Rs.31,000 + HRA (NET/GATE/LS qualified) or Rs.25,000 + HRA (non-qualified); Project Associate-II — Rs.35,000 + HRA or Rs.28,000 + HRA respectively; Senior Project Associate — Rs.42,000 + HRA (flat, regardless of NET/GATE status).
How many vacancies are there in CSIR CIMAP Bengaluru September 2026?
CSIR CIMAP Bengaluru has advertised 12 positions across 10 post codes under Advertisement No. PAT-I/II & SPAT – Sept. 2026. These include 1 Senior Project Associate (Post 7, 2 Nos. for Post 8, and 1 each for all other positions). All posts are purely temporary and project-linked.
Is NET/GATE mandatory for CSIR CIMAP Project Associate 2026?
No, NET/GATE is not mandatory to attend the CSIR CIMAP walk-in interview. Candidates without NET/GATE/LS qualification are eligible but will receive the lower stipend slab (Rs.25,000 for PAT-I or Rs.28,000 for PAT-II + HRA). Candidates who hold a valid CSIR-UGC NET, ICAR-NET, ICMR-JRF, or GATE certificate receive the higher slab automatically.
What documents should I carry for the CSIR CIMAP walk-in interview?
Candidates must carry: (1) Signed Bio-Data in prescribed format downloaded from the official website; (2) all original educational certificates (10th, 12th, Bachelor’s, Master’s degree and mark sheets); (3) one complete set of self-attested photocopies; (4) one recent passport-size photograph; (5) experience certificate(s) if applicable; (6) NET/GATE certificate if applicable; (7) valid government-issued photo ID. Missing any of these will result in disqualification at entry itself.
Is the CSIR CIMAP Project Associate post a permanent government job?
No. The CSIR CIMAP Project Associate role is purely temporary and does not confer any right — explicit or implicit — to any permanent post in CSIR-CIMAP. The engagement is co-terminus with the specific research project and cannot exceed six years in total across all CSIR-CIMAP projects. Candidates seeking permanent government employment should also look at regular CSIR recruitment for Scientists (through CSIR Scientist Pool Scheme and direct recruitment notifications).
What is the age limit for CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026?
The maximum age limit for Project Associate-I and Project Associate-II posts is 35 years as on the date of the walk-in interview (18 September 2026). For the Senior Project Associate post (Post No. 7), the maximum age is 40 years. Age relaxation is applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Women candidates as per Government of India rules.
Is there any application fee for CSIR CIMAP Walk-In Interview 2026?
There is no application fee for any category of candidates. Similarly, no Travelling Allowance (TA) will be paid for attending the walk-in interview. Candidates must make their own arrangements for travel and accommodation.
Can I apply for CSIR CIMAP if my M.Sc. result is awaited?
No. As per the official notification, final semester and result-awaited candidates will not be allowed to appear in the walk-in interview. You must have a declared final result and degree certificate (or provisional certificate) from a recognised university at the time of the interview.
Where can I download the CSIR CIMAP September 2026 notification PDF?
The official notification for CSIR CIMAP Bengaluru Walk-in Interview (Advertisement No. PAT-I/II & SPAT – Sept. 2026) can be downloaded from the CSIR-CIMAP official website at cimap.res.in. It is also available on the Agrijob.in Telegram channel at t.me/agrijob_in/780. Always verify the notification directly from the official CSIR portal before attending.
What is CSIR-CIMAP and why is it a good place to work?
CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, one of India’s largest publicly funded R&D organisations. CIMAP is globally recognised for its research on medicinal plant genomics, essential oil chemistry, and agrotech innovations for aromatic crops. Working at CSIR-CIMAP gives researchers access to state-of-the-art lab facilities, international collaborations, and publication opportunities in high-impact journals — making it an excellent launchpad for a career in academic or applied plant science.
Last Updated: September 2026 | This page is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark it for the latest CSIR and government research recruitment notifications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the official CSIR-CIMAP notification (Advertisement No. PAT-I/II & SPAT – Sept. 2026). Candidates are advised to refer to the official CSIR-CIMAP website and the original notification PDF for the most accurate and up-to-date details before attending the walk-in interview. Agrijob.in does not guarantee selection or employment.
