Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 – Apply Now, 1 Post

Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Division of Genetics, New Delhi, for a DBT-funded rice genetics project. A total of 1 vacancy is open with a fellowship of ₹31,000 + HRA per month (or ₹25,000 + HRA for candidates without NET/GATE/BET). The last date to submit applications is 07 September 2026. This is an excellent sarkari naukri opportunity for Life Sciences and Biotechnology graduates — read on for complete eligibility, fellowship, and how to apply at agrijob.in.

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Table of Contents

Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview

Before diving into the details, here is a quick snapshot of the official notification. This table covers the organisation, post, vacancy, fellowship, age limit, and last date at a glance for the Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 drive.

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Who Should Apply for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026?

This govt job notification is ideal for candidates who match the following profile. Check if you qualify before applying for this agriculture vacancy:

• M.Sc. or M.Tech (including Integrated M.Tech 4+2) holders in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences
• Candidates aged up to 35 years (age relaxation available for SC/ST and women — 5 years; OBC — 3 years)
• Freshers with NET/GATE/BET qualification, or experienced candidates without it
• Candidates with hands-on experience in protein biochemistry, molecular techniques, field phenotyping, and rice crop handling (desirable)
• Life Sciences graduates looking for a research-oriented sarkari naukri in a premier ICAR institute
• Candidates based in or willing to relocate to New Delhi for an online interview and eventual project posting

ICAR-IARI is India’s premier agricultural research institute, and working under its Division of Genetics on a DBT-funded rice project offers valuable exposure to advanced molecular biology, genomics, and crop improvement research. Candidates who have recently completed their M.Sc. or M.Tech and are exploring research career options in agriculture biotechnology will find this opportunity particularly rewarding.

Even if you do not currently hold NET, GATE, or BET qualification, you are still eligible to apply for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026, though the fellowship amount will differ. This makes the notification inclusive for a wider pool of Life Sciences graduates who are keen to gain hands-on laboratory and field research experience at a government-funded institute.

Salary & Fellowship Details for Project Associate-I 2026

One of the most important aspects of the Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 is the fellowship structure, which follows the DST/DBT OM guidelines. Here are the complete pay details for this agriculture vacancy:

• Fellowship (NET/GATE/BET qualified): ₹31,000/- + HRA per month
• Fellowship (without NET/GATE/BET): ₹25,000/- + HRA per month
• Basis: As per DST/DBT OM No. DST/PCPM/Z06/2022 dated 26.06.2022
• Allowances: House Rent Allowance (HRA) as applicable to the project location
• Job Nature: Purely contractual, project-linked, co-terminus with the DBT project

Compared to many private-sector research assistant roles, the Project Associate-I fellowship at ICAR-IARI offers a stable, government-backed pay structure along with HRA, making it a financially secure choice for early-career researchers. The salary is disbursed monthly for the duration of the DBT project, currently sanctioned till 31 March 2027.

While this is a contractual position and does not guarantee permanent absorption into ICAR or IARI, it provides an important stepping stone for candidates aiming to build a strong publication record and research profile before pursuing a Ph.D. or applying for other ICAR scientist-track positions in the future.

Application Fee

The official notification for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 does not mention any application fee. Candidates from all categories can apply by sending their application and documents via email at no cost, which makes this an accessible govt job opportunity for eligible candidates.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 is capped at 35 years, calculated as on the date of the online interview. Reserved category candidates and women applicants get standard age relaxation as per government norms.

Project Associate-I 2026 Vacancy Details

The ICAR-IARI Division of Genetics has released 1 vacancy under this DBT-funded recruitment drive. The post-wise breakdown for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 is given below:

Eligibility / Qualification

Before applying for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026, candidates must fulfil the following eligibility criteria as per the official notification issued by ICAR-IARI Division of Genetics:

• Essential Qualification: M.Sc. or M.Tech (including Integrated M.Tech 4+2) in Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Plant Biochemistry / Life Sciences with a 4/5-year bachelor’s degree
• Alternate Route: Candidates with a 3-year bachelor’s degree must additionally hold NET/GATE qualification
• Desirable Experience: Protein biochemistry, molecular techniques, field phenotyping, and rice crop handling
• Nationality: Indian Citizen
• Required Documents: Certificates from matriculation onwards, date of birth proof, degree certificates (original/provisional), self-attested copies, recent photograph, experience and publication proofs

Candidates should note that only applications meeting the essential qualification criteria will be considered for the online interview. The desirable experience in protein biochemistry, molecular techniques, field phenotyping, and rice crop management is not mandatory, but it will significantly strengthen an applicant’s candidature during the shortlisting stage.

It is important to carefully review the official notification PDF before applying, since concealment of facts or providing false information at any stage — including during document verification — will lead to summary rejection of the candidature. All original documents will be verified at the time of appointment, so applicants should keep hard copies ready alongside their scanned submissions.

Selection Process for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

The updated selection process for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 consists of the following stages, as confirmed in the official notification:

1. Screening of applications received via email
2. Shortlisting of eligible candidates based on essential qualification
3. Intimation of interview date and time via email
4. Online Interview conducted by the Division of Genetics, ICAR-IARI
5. Original document verification at the time of appointment
6. Final selection and joining formalities including medical certificate

Since this is a purely contractual, project-based appointment, there is no written examination in the conventional sense. The entire selection process for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 is centred around screening of applications and a structured online interview, making thorough preparation of your academic and research background essential.

Candidates should also be aware of the declaration requirement: anyone whose near or distant relative is employed at ICAR or IARI must submit a written declaration by 01 September 2026. Failure to disclose this information, if later discovered, will result in disqualification from the interview even if the candidate was otherwise selected.

How to Apply Online for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

Follow these simple steps to complete your application before the last date 07 September 2026. This is an email-based application process, not a portal-based online application:

1. Download the official notification and application proforma from the link below
2. Fill in the application form completely in block letters as per the given format
3. Attach a recent passport-size photograph on the form
4. Self-attest scanned copies of all certificates from matriculation onwards
5. Include degree certificates (original or provisional), date of birth proof, and experience/publication proofs
6. Fill and sign the declaration format regarding relatives employed at ICAR/IARI
7. Fill and sign the general declaration format regarding truthfulness of information
8. Email all scanned documents to [email protected] before the last date
9. Wait for an email or phone call with interview date and time details

Unlike many other agriculture vacancy notifications that use a dedicated online application portal, this recruitment follows a simpler email-based registration process. This makes the online application journey straightforward, but it also means candidates must be extra careful to include every required document in a single, well-organised email submission.

Applicants are strongly advised to double-check the email address before sending — [email protected] — and to retain a copy of the sent email along with all attachments as proof of timely application submission ahead of the closing date.

Important Dates

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions about Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026

What is Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026?

Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 is an official recruitment notification released by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Division of Genetics, New Delhi, for 1 vacancy under a DBT-funded rice genetics project. Eligible candidates can apply via email before 07 September 2026.

What is the fellowship for Project Associate-I 2026?

The fellowship for Project Associate-I 2026 is ₹31,000/- plus HRA per month for NET/GATE/BET qualified candidates, or ₹25,000/- plus HRA per month for candidates without these qualifications, as per DST/DBT norms.

What is the eligibility for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026?

Candidates must hold an M.Sc. or M.Tech degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Plant Biochemistry, or Life Sciences from a recognised university. The maximum age limit is 35 years, with relaxation available for SC/ST and women (5 years) and OBC (3 years).

What is the last date to apply for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026?

The last date to apply for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 is 07 September 2026. Applications along with self-attested documents must reach [email protected] by this date.

How many vacancies are there in Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026?

There is a total of 1 vacancy in Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026 at the ICAR-IARI Division of Genetics, New Delhi, under the DBT-funded rice genetics project.

Is there an application fee for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026?

No, there is no application fee mentioned in the official notification for Project Associate-I Recruitment 2026. Candidates from all categories can apply free of cost via email.

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