CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 is now open for MSc and BSc candidates in agricultural and biological sciences at the prestigious Research Centre in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. 5 temporary research positions are available under the flagship AROMA MISSION 4.0 project — with monthly stipends of Rs.20,000 to Rs.35,000 + HRA and a Walk-in Interview scheduled for 23 September 2026. This guide is for MSc/BSc graduates in biological and agricultural sciences aged up to 35 years seeking research roles with CSIR. Covered here: post details, salary breakdowns, eligibility, documents needed, and step-by-step attendance instructions.
CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 invites eligible candidates for 5 posts (Project Associate-I/II and Project Assistant-II) under AROMA MISSION 4.0 at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The walk-in interview is on 23 September 2026 (reporting time 9:30–10:30 AM). Salary ranges from Rs.20,000 to Rs.35,000 + HRA per month depending on post and qualification.
- Organisation: CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Pantnagar
- Advertisement No.: CRC PANT/AROMA PAT/SEP. 2026
- Total Posts: 5 (PAT-I: 2, PAT-II: 2, PA-II: 1)
- Salary Range: Rs.20,000 – Rs.35,000 + HRA per month
- Walk-in Date: 23 September 2026
- Reporting Time: 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Venue: CSIR-CIMAP RC, PO Dairy Farm Nagla, Pantnagar, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand
- Age Limit: Maximum 35 years (relaxable as per Govt. of India rules)
- Project: AROMA MISSION 4.0
- Tenure: Initially 1 year, extendable up to 5 years
- Official Website: cimap.res.in
- Notification Download: Download from Telegram
📋 Table of Contents
- What is CSIR CIMAP and the AROMA MISSION 4.0?
- Who Should Apply for CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026?
- CSIR CIMAP 2026 Salary — Post-wise Stipend Breakdown
- Post Details and Vacancy Breakdown
- Eligibility Criteria for CSIR CIMAP Walk-in 2026
- How to Attend the CSIR CIMAP Walk-in Interview 2026
- CSIR CIMAP Project Associate vs Project Assistant — Key Differences
- Pros and Cons of CSIR CIMAP Research Positions
- Important Terms Related to CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026
- Important Dates for CSIR CIMAP Walk-in 2026
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is CSIR CIMAP and the AROMA MISSION 4.0?

CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) is a premier research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India. Headquartered in Lucknow with research centres in Pantnagar, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Purara, CIMAP leads cutting-edge research in medicinal and aromatic plant sciences. The institute is widely recognized for bridging laboratory research with real-world agricultural applications, and directly contributes to India’s pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries.
The AROMA MISSION 4.0 is the latest phase of CSIR’s flagship initiative to transform India’s aroma sector. According to the CSIR Aroma Mission official portal, the mission aims to increase farmers’ income by Rs.30,000 to Rs.60,000 per hectare per year through cultivation of high-value aromatic crops like lemongrass, lavender, vetiver, and palmarosa. The mission targets over 2,000 tonnes of essential oil production annually, worth more than Rs.300 crore, while generating 60 lakh man-days of rural employment across India.
The current CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 notification (Advt. No. CRC PANT/AROMA PAT/SEP. 2026, dated 31 August 2026) invites candidates for purely temporary project-based engagement at the Pantnagar Research Centre under this mission. These roles focus on medicinal and aromatic crop cultivation, quality planting material generation, and field-level research — making them ideal for MSc/BSc graduates with agricultural or biological sciences backgrounds.
Who Should Apply for CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026?
- 🌿 MSc graduates in Botany, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or Plant Science seeking hands-on research experience at a national-level CSIR institute.
- 🧪 MSc holders in Organic Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Chemistry with 2 years of R&D experience who want to work on essential oil research and analysis.
- 🌾 BSc/BSc Ag graduates in Biological or Agricultural Sciences looking for their first government research position with a competitive stipend.
- 📋 NET/GATE/ICAR-qualified candidates who want to maximize their stipend (up to Rs.35,000 + HRA) at a premium CSIR research centre.
- 🏡 Candidates from Uttarakhand and nearby states who can conveniently attend the walk-in interview at Pantnagar on 23 September 2026.
- 🔬 Researchers with experience in medicinal plant cultivation, breeding, or field work who match the desirable qualification profile for Project Associate-II roles.
- 💼 Freshers from MSc who cleared national-level exams wanting a government research career starting point with CSIR before pursuing PhD or permanent roles.
- 🌱 Agricultural science graduates interested in aromatic crop agronomy and quality planting material generation under a prestigious national mission.
CSIR CIMAP 2026 Salary — Post-wise Stipend Breakdown
The monthly stipend for CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 varies by post and qualification category. Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET, ICAR NET, GATE, or equivalent national-level exams receive a higher stipend. All amounts are as per the official CSIR CIMAP notification dated 31 August 2026.
| Post | Qualification Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | NET/GATE/LS qualified or equivalent national exam | Rs.31,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | Others (no qualifying national exam) | Rs.25,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-II (PAT-II) — Biological/Agricultural Sciences | NET/GATE/LS qualified or equivalent national exam | Rs.35,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-II (PAT-II) — Biological/Agricultural Sciences | Others | Rs.28,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-II (PAT-II) — Chemical Sciences | NET/GATE/LS qualified or equivalent national exam | Rs.35,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-II (PAT-II) — Chemical Sciences | Others | Rs.28,000 + HRA |
| Project Assistant-II (PA-II) | All categories | Rs.20,000 + HRA |
HRA (House Rent Allowance) is paid as per CSIR rules or the funding agency’s guidelines. The actual HRA amount depends on the location and applicable government rules for Pantnagar. Tenure begins at one year and may be extended based on project requirements and performance review, up to a maximum of five years.
Post Details and Vacancy Breakdown — CSIR CIMAP 2026
CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 at Pantnagar offers 5 posts across 3 position codes. Each position targets a specific educational background. Here is the complete vacancy breakdown as per the official advertisement:
| Position Code | Post Name | Vacancies | Discipline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 2 | Agricultural/Biological Sciences |
| 01 | Project Associate-II (PAT-II) | 1 | Agricultural/Biological Sciences |
| 02 | Project Associate-II (PAT-II) | 1 | Chemical Sciences |
| 03 | Project Assistant-II (PA-II) | 1 | Agricultural/Biological Sciences |
| Total | 5 | — | |
Note: The number of positions is tentative and subject to change at the time of interview, as per the official notification.
Eligibility Criteria for CSIR CIMAP Walk-in 2026
Before attending the walk-in interview, candidates must verify their eligibility against the official CSIR CIMAP 2026 notification. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
Educational Qualification
- Project Associate-I (PAT-I) — Bio/Ag: M.Sc. in any branch of Agricultural Science OR M.Sc. in Biological Sciences (Botany/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Environmental Science/Microbiology/Plant Science) from a recognized university.
- Project Associate-II (PAT-II) — Bio/Ag: M.Sc. in Agricultural or Biological Sciences (as above) PLUS 2 years of relevant experience in R&D in industrial, academic, or research institutions.
- Project Associate-II (PAT-II) — Chemical: M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Chemistry from a recognized university PLUS 2 years of relevant R&D experience.
- Project Assistant-II (PA-II): B.Sc. or B.Sc. Ag in Biological/Agricultural Science from a recognized university.
Age Limit
Maximum age is 35 years as on the date of the walk-in interview (23 September 2026). Age relaxation is applicable as per the Government of India rules for SC/ST/OBC/PwD and other eligible categories.
Desirable Qualifications
- Knowledge of medicinal and aromatic crop cultivation and quality planting material generation.
- Field work experience in medicinal and aromatic crops — especially for PAT-I and PAT-II (Biological Sciences) positions.
- Plant breeding experience will be preferred for Project Associate roles.
Experience Calculation Rule
As per the official CSIR CIMAP 2026 notification, experience will be counted from the date of acquiring the minimum essential educational qualification. Final semester or result-awaited candidates are not eligible to appear for the walk-in interview.
How to Attend the CSIR CIMAP Walk-in Interview 2026
There is no online application for this recruitment. Candidates must attend in person on 23 September 2026. Follow these steps carefully:
- Download the official notification and application form from the CSIR-CIMAP official website at cimap.res.in or via the Agrijob.in Telegram notification link.
- Fill in the application form completely with your personal, educational, and experience details. Do not leave any mandatory field blank.
- Arrange all original documents: mark sheets, degree certificates, experience certificates, age proof, caste certificate if applicable, and national exam (NET/GATE) scorecard if you have one.
- Make one set of self-attested photocopies of all educational testimonials and supporting documents. Arrange them in the same order as the originals.
- Carry one recent passport-size photograph — this is mandatory for registration at the venue.
- Reach the venue by 10:30 AM on 23 September 2026. Reporting window is 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Late arrivals may not be entertained.
- Venue address: CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, PO- Dairy Farm Nagla, Pantnagar, Dist. Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand – 263149.
- Appear for the walk-in interview. If the number of candidates is high, a written test may be conducted before the interview.
Candidates with NET/GATE/ICAR qualifications should carry their original scorecard and a self-attested copy — this directly determines whether you receive the higher stipend slab (Rs.31,000 or Rs.35,000 + HRA vs. the lower slab). No TA is provided for attending the interview. Online interview requests will not be entertained under any circumstances. Confirm your travel and accommodation arrangements in advance.
CSIR CIMAP Project Associate vs Project Assistant — Key Differences
Candidates often confuse the Project Associate (PAT) and Project Assistant (PA) roles. Here is a clear side-by-side comparison to help you apply for the right position:
| Parameter | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | Project Associate-II (PAT-II) | Project Assistant-II (PA-II) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | M.Sc. (Ag/Bio Sciences) | M.Sc. + 2 years R&D experience | B.Sc./B.Sc. Ag |
| Experience Required | Not mandatory | Mandatory (2 years) | Not mandatory |
| Stipend (NET/GATE) | Rs.31,000 + HRA | Rs.35,000 + HRA | Rs.20,000 + HRA |
| Stipend (Others) | Rs.25,000 + HRA | Rs.28,000 + HRA | Rs.20,000 + HRA |
| Age Limit | Max 35 years | Max 35 years | Max 35 years |
| Vacancies (Sep 2026) | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Research Level | Entry-level research | Mid-level research | Field/support level |
| Best For | Fresh MSc graduates | MSc + experienced researchers | BSc freshers seeking research entry |
For fresh MSc graduates without experience, Project Associate-I (PAT-I) is the best fit — especially if you have cleared CSIR-UGC NET or ICAR NET, as the stipend jumps to Rs.31,000 + HRA. Candidates with 2+ years of R&D experience in botanical or chemical fields should target PAT-II for the maximum Rs.35,000 + HRA stipend. BSc holders should apply for PA-II, which offers a strong research entry at Rs.20,000 + HRA and practical field experience under the AROMA MISSION 4.0.
Pros and Cons of CSIR CIMAP Research Positions 2026
Advantages
- ✅ Prestigious CSIR brand: Working at a CSIR institute is a strong credential for future research, PhD, and government job applications.
- ✅ Competitive stipend: Rs.25,000–Rs.35,000 + HRA is one of the best packages for project-based research roles in India.
- ✅ AROMA MISSION 4.0 exposure: Direct involvement in a national-level agricultural mission with real field and lab work experience.
- ✅ Extensible tenure: Initial one-year engagement can be extended up to 5 years based on performance and project needs.
- ✅ No written exam barrier: Walk-in interview selection means faster access without lengthy application cycles.
- ✅ Leave and dispensary facility: Project staff get leave and in-campus dispensary access as per CSIR rules.
Disadvantages
- ❌ Purely temporary: No right to claim any permanent post in CSIR-CIMAP after completion of tenure.
- ❌ No TA for interview: Candidates must bear their own travel expenses to attend the walk-in at Pantnagar.
- ❌ Co-terminus with project: If AROMA MISSION 4.0 funding ends or is curtailed, the position may be terminated early.
- ❌ No online interview: Outstation candidates who cannot travel to Pantnagar on 23 September 2026 are ineligible.
Important Terms Related to CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026
- CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research): India’s largest government-funded R&D organization with 37 national laboratories. Provides Rs.25,000–Rs.35,000+ monthly stipends for project staff.
- CIMAP (Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants): CSIR’s nodal laboratory for the Aroma Mission, headquartered in Lucknow with research centres across India including Pantnagar.
- AROMA MISSION 4.0: Phase 4 of the CSIR initiative targeting Rs.300 crore+ essential oil production and farmer income enhancement of Rs.30,000–Rs.60,000/hectare/year.
- Project Associate (PAT): A temporary research position under CSIR norms requiring M.Sc. qualification. Higher stipend applies for NET/GATE qualified candidates.
- Project Assistant (PA): A support-level research position typically requiring B.Sc. qualification, supporting field and laboratory activities under project supervision.
- CSIR-UGC NET: National Eligibility Test conducted by CSIR for junior research fellowships and lectureships. Qualifying this test increases CIMAP stipend by Rs.3,000–Rs.7,000/month.
- ICAR NET: National eligibility test conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Equivalent to CSIR-UGC NET for stipend purposes in CSIR institutes.
- HRA (House Rent Allowance): Additional allowance over the base stipend paid as per CSIR rules or funding agency norms, depending on the city/town classification of Pantnagar.
- Co-terminus Tenure: The project staff position automatically ends when the project itself concludes, regardless of how much time remains in the one-year period.
- Essential Oil Research: The primary research focus under AROMA MISSION 4.0 — studying the extraction, quality, and commercialization of aromatic plant oils valued at Rs.10,000+ per litre for premium varieties like lavender oil.
Important Dates — CSIR CIMAP Walk-in 2026
| Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Walk-in Interview Date | 23 September 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Reporting Time | 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM |
| Mode of Selection | Walk-in Interview (Written test if high turnout) |
| Engagement Start | On joining (date communicated at interview) |
| Initial Tenure | 1 year (extendable up to 5 years) |
Important Links — CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official CSIR-CIMAP Website | cimap.res.in |
| CSIR-CIMAP Vacancy Page | cimap.res.in → Vacancy |
| Download Official Notification (Telegram) | Agrijob.in Telegram – Download Now |
| CSIR Official Portal | csir.res.in |
| AROMA MISSION Official Website | aromamission.cimap.res.in |
| ICAR Official Portal (for ICAR NET info) | icar.org.in |
| NCS Government Jobs Portal | ncs.gov.in |
| Agrijob.in – CSIR Research Jobs Guide | agrijob.in |
Conclusion — CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026
CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 offers a rare walk-in opportunity for agricultural and biological sciences graduates to join a prestigious national research mission with a competitive stipend of up to Rs.35,000 + HRA per month. With only 5 positions available and a single walk-in date of 23 September 2026, candidates must act fast — gather documents, verify eligibility, and reach the Pantnagar venue between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Download the official notification from the link above, confirm your qualification category (NET/GATE or Other), and plan your travel to Pantnagar immediately. Bookmark this page for any updates to the notification or schedule.
- CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 offers 5 posts (PAT-I: 2, PAT-II: 2, PA-II: 1) under AROMA MISSION 4.0 at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand.
- Monthly stipend ranges from Rs.20,000 to Rs.35,000 + HRA — NET/GATE qualified candidates earn Rs.6,000–Rs.7,000 more per month.
- Walk-in interview is on 23 September 2026; reporting time is strictly 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM; late candidates will not be entertained.
- MSc in Agricultural/Biological Sciences required for PAT-I; MSc + 2 years R&D experience required for PAT-II; BSc/BSc Ag required for PA-II.
- No TA is paid; no online interview accepted; final semester candidates are not eligible.
- Download the official notification from cimap.res.in or the Agrijob.in Telegram link and attend with all original documents.
Frequently Asked Questions About CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026
What is the walk-in interview date for CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026?
The CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview is scheduled for 23 September 2026. The reporting time is 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, PO- Dairy Farm Nagla, Pantnagar, Dist. Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. Candidates reporting after 10:30 AM may not be allowed to appear.
What is the salary for CSIR CIMAP Project Associate 2026?
The CSIR CIMAP 2026 stipend for Project Associate-I (PAT-I) is Rs.31,000 + HRA for NET/GATE qualified candidates and Rs.25,000 + HRA for others. For Project Associate-II (PAT-II), the stipend is Rs.35,000 + HRA (NET/GATE) or Rs.28,000 + HRA (others). Project Assistant-II (PA-II) receives Rs.20,000 + HRA as per the funding agency norms.
What is the eligibility for CSIR CIMAP Project Associate-I?
For Project Associate-I (PAT-I) under CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026, candidates must hold an M.Sc. in any branch of Agricultural Science, or M.Sc. in Biological Sciences (Botany, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or Plant Science) from a recognized university. The maximum age limit is 35 years. Prior research experience is not mandatory for PAT-I but is desirable.
Is there an application form for CSIR CIMAP Walk-in 2026?
Yes, the complete advertisement and application form for CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 is available on the official CSIR-CIMAP website at cimap.res.in under the “Vacancy” section. You can also download the official notification via the Agrijob.in Telegram notification link. Candidates must fill the form and carry it along with all original documents to the walk-in interview.
Can final semester students apply for CSIR CIMAP 2026?
No. According to the official CSIR CIMAP 2026 notification, final semester and result-awaited candidates will not be allowed to appear for the walk-in interview. Only candidates who have completed their minimum essential educational qualification and received their final degree or marksheet are eligible to attend.
What is the AROMA MISSION 4.0 and what work will I do?
AROMA MISSION 4.0 is the latest phase of CSIR’s national initiative to boost India’s essential oil and aromatic plant sector. The mission aims to increase farmers’ income by Rs.30,000–Rs.60,000/hectare/year through high-value crop cultivation. At CSIR-CIMAP Pantnagar, project staff work on cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops, quality planting material generation, field experiments, and R&D activities related to aromatic plant agronomy and essential oil quality improvement.
Is CSIR CIMAP Project Associate a permanent government job?
No. CSIR CIMAP Project Associate 2026 positions are purely temporary and project-based. The engagement will not confer any right to claim any permanent post in CSIR-CIMAP, either explicitly or implicitly. Tenure is co-terminus with the project and will not exceed five years under any circumstances. However, these roles provide valuable CSIR research experience that strengthens future applications for permanent government or academic positions.
Is TA (Travel Allowance) paid for attending the CSIR CIMAP walk-in interview?
No. As per the official CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 notification, no TA will be paid to candidates for attending the walk-in interview. Candidates must bear all travel and accommodation expenses themselves. Additionally, no request for online interview will be entertained — physical attendance at Pantnagar on 23 September 2026 is mandatory for all applicants.
What documents should I carry for the CSIR CIMAP Walk-in 2026?
Candidates attending the CSIR CIMAP Recruitment 2026 walk-in interview must carry: (1) Filled application form downloaded from cimap.res.in; (2) All original educational testimonials and experience certificates; (3) One set of self-attested photocopies of all documents; (4) One recent passport-size photograph; (5) NET/GATE/ICAR scorecard (if applicable, for higher stipend eligibility); (6) Age proof and caste certificate if claiming age relaxation. Candidates without original documents will not be allowed to appear for the interview.
Where is CSIR CIMAP Research Centre Pantnagar located?
The CSIR-CIMAP Research Centre, Pantnagar is located at PO- Dairy Farm Nagla, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand – 263149. Pantnagar is well connected by road and is close to Pantnagar Airport (PGH). The city is home to G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and is a well-known agricultural research hub in northern India.
⚠️ Disclaimer: The information in this post is based on the official CSIR-CIMAP advertisement No. CRC PANT/AROMA PAT/SEP. 2026 dated 31 August 2026. Always verify details from the official CSIR-CIMAP website at cimap.res.in before attending the walk-in interview. Agrijob.in is an informational platform and is not affiliated with CSIR-CIMAP or the Government of India.






