CSIR-CECRI Recruitment 2026: Walk-in for Senior Project Associate, Project Associate-I & II, Project Assistant-II, Stipend and Eligibility
If you have an M.Sc., B.Sc., B.E./B.Tech, diploma or even a Ph.D and want research experience at a premier central lab, read this one slowly. CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi has called a walk-in interview for 23 temporary project posts: Senior Project Associate, Project Associate-II, Project Associate-I and Project Assistant-II. The stipend runs from ₹20,000 to ₹42,000 per month plus HRA. There is no online form to submit.
The original notice of 24 October 2026 listed 18 positions, and an addendum dated 29 October 2026 added 5 more, so the total is 23. The interview is on 12 and 13 November 2026, and which day is yours depends on your subject. Keep that in mind, because the two days are split by discipline. Browse more Tamil Nadu government jobs on GovtJobsAlert.in too.
What Are the Key Highlights of CSIR-CECRI Recruitment 2026?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | CSIR – Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi |
| Notification | PS-10/2026 dated 24.10.2026, with Addendum dated 29.10.2026 |
| Posts | Senior Project Associate, Project Associate-II, Project Associate-I, Project Assistant-II |
| Total Vacancies | 23 (notice 18, addendum 5) |
| Stipend | ₹20,000 to ₹42,000 per month + HRA |
| Mode | Walk-in interview, strictly offline |
| Interview Dates | 12 and 13 November 2026 |
| Job Location | Karaikudi; one Project Associate-I post at CECRI Mandapam Unit |
| Engagement | Temporary, co-terminus with the project or till the requirement exists, whichever is earlier |
This is a project-based engagement, so it ends with the project or earlier. Think of it as a strong first or second step into research, and a useful line on your CV if you plan a Ph.D or a permanent lab job later. Browse other central government jobs while you prepare.
How Many Vacancies Are There in CSIR-CECRI Recruitment 2026?
| Post | Notice + Addendum | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate (SPA) | 1 + 1 | 2 |
| Project Associate-II (PAT-II) | 5 + 0 | 5 |
| Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 10 + 2 | 12 |
| Project Assistant-II (PA-II) | 2 + 2 | 4 |
| All posts | Notice 18, addendum 5 | 23 |
The notification gives no category-wise breakup of seats. It also says the number of positions is only indicative and may go up or down based on requirement. So do not treat 23 as a fixed figure.
What Is the Eligibility for CSIR-CECRI Project Posts 2026?
Each row is a separate requirement, shown with its project number. Find the row that matches your degree and subject, and apply for that post only, because the form asks you to tick one post.
| Post (Project) | Qualification | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| SPA (MMP085202 WP-II) | M.E./M.Tech in Manufacturing, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, with 2 years R&D experience | 1 |
| SPA (GAP 25/26, addendum) | Ph.D in Chemistry or Chemical Sciences & Technology, with 2 years R&D experience, or M.E./M.Tech in Nanoscience & Technology, with 2 years R&D experience. Desirable: electrochemistry or electrochemical energy experience | 1 |
| PAT-II (SSP-10/2026) | M.Sc. in Chemistry or Material Science, with 2 years R&D experience. Desirable: corrosion assessment of metallic materials; marine corrosion preferred | 1 |
| PAT-II (IHP002604) | M.Sc. in Chemistry, Electrochemistry or Materials Chemistry, with 2 years R&D experience. Desirable: carbon, biomass-derived, Li-ion/Na-ion battery materials or energy storage | 1 |
| PAT-II (HCP002601) | M.Sc. in Chemistry, with 2 years R&D experience | 2 |
| PAT-II (HCP002601) | M.Sc. in Mathematics or Computer Science, with 2 years R&D experience. Desirable: web/graphic design, multimedia and digital content work | 1 |
| PAT-I (GAP-04/25) | M.Sc. in Chemistry | 1 |
| PAT-I (HCP002601) | M.Sc. in Chemistry | 1 |
| PAT-I (MMP085202 WP-II / MMP035201 W4) | M.Sc. in Chemistry | 2 |
| PAT-I (FTT080602) | M.Sc. in Chemistry. Desirable: Li/Na ion battery fabrication | 1 |
| PAT-I (SSP 22/2026) | M.Sc. in Chemistry or Physics. Desirable: lithium ion battery and testing | 1 |
| PAT-I (HCP0024, Mandapam Unit) | M.Sc. in Marine Biology. Desirable: seaweed research and scuba diving | 1 |
| PAT-I (GAP 08/2025) | B.E./B.Tech in Chemical, Mechanical, Biotechnology or Nanotechnology | 2 |
| PAT-I (GAP 08/2025) | M.Sc. in Chemistry or Biotechnology | 1 |
| PAT-I (GAP 25/26, addendum) | B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or M.Sc. in Chemistry | 2 |
| PA-II (MMP085201 / SSP 22/2026) | B.Sc. in Chemistry | 2 |
| PA-II (GAP 25/26, addendum) | 3 years Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering | 2 |
Experience is counted only after you got the minimum required qualification. The qualification, age and experience are all checked as on the date of interview. Do not assume a similar degree will do. If your degree name differs from the one listed, you need the equivalence order mentioned in the conditions table below. Looking for more options? See post graduate government jobs.
What Is the Age Limit for CSIR-CECRI Recruitment 2026?
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | 40 years |
| PAT-II, PAT-I and PA-II | 35 years |
| Relaxation: SC, ST, PwBD and Women | 5 years |
| Relaxation: OBC | 3 years |
The age is counted on the date of interview, not on the day you read this article, so work out your exact age for 12 or 13 November 2026. The notification says relaxation is 5 years for SC, ST, PwBD and Women candidates and 3 years for OBC, or as per Government of India instructions issued from time to time.
🎂 Not sure if you meet the age criteria? Use our free Age Calculator for Government Exams to find your exact age on the cut-off date and instantly check your eligibility — including any age relaxation you qualify for. →
What Is the Salary (Stipend) for CSIR-CECRI Project Posts 2026?
| Post | Stipend per month |
|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | ₹42,000 + HRA |
| PAT-II (HCP002601, M.Sc. Chemistry) | ₹35,000 + HRA with NET/GATE or a similar national-level exam; ₹28,000 + HRA for others |
| PAT-II (all other rows) | ₹28,000 + HRA |
| PAT-I (GAP-04/25) | ₹31,000 + HRA (as per ISRO guidelines) |
| PAT-I (HCP002601) | ₹31,000 + HRA with NET/GATE or a similar national-level exam; ₹25,000 + HRA for others |
| PAT-I (all other rows) | ₹25,000 + HRA |
| Project Assistant-II | ₹20,000 + HRA |
The NET/GATE rate covers CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET (including lectureship or assistant professorship), GATE, or a national-level exam by a Central department like DBT or DST. Always check the stipend row of your own project, because the same post pays differently across projects. Selected candidates get either accommodation in the campus (if available) or HRA as applicable. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview or for joining.
What Is the Selection Process for CSIR-CECRI Walk-in Interview 2026?
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting | Only if a large number turn up: marks in the essential qualification, higher qualification than the minimum, desirable qualification or experience, or any other method the Committee decides |
| Walk-in interview | Strictly offline, at CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi |
| Waitlist | May be prepared for future requirements |
If everything else is equal, SC, ST, OBC and EWS candidates may be given preference over General candidates. Filling the posts is at the sole discretion of the Director, and no claim arises if posts stay unfilled. The Director’s decision is final on eligibility, acceptance or rejection and the mode of selection. In short, do not rely on the posted numbers alone. Carry strong proof of your marks and experience, since a shortlist can be made if too many candidates arrive.
| Date | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 12 November 2026 (Thursday), from 9:00 AM | Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Materials Chemistry, Marine Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics |
| 13 November 2026 (Friday), from 9:00 AM | Physics, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology |
| Addendum posts: 12 November | Chemistry |
| Addendum posts: 13 November | Chemical, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering; Chemical Science & Technology; Nanoscience & Technology |
| Post with two subjects | 12 November | 13 November |
|---|---|---|
| SPA (GAP 25/26, addendum) | Ph.D Chemistry | Ph.D Chemical Sciences & Technology; M.E./M.Tech Nanoscience & Technology |
| PAT-II (SSP-10/2026) | M.Sc. Chemistry | M.Sc. Material Science |
| PAT-I (SSP 22/2026) | M.Sc. Chemistry | M.Sc. Physics |
| PAT-I (GAP 08/2025, M.Sc. row) | M.Sc. Chemistry | M.Sc. Biotechnology |
| PAT-I (GAP 25/26, addendum) | M.Sc. Chemistry | B.E./B.Tech Mechanical or Chemical Engineering |
Both day tables list days by subject, not by post. If your post accepts subjects listed on different days (table above), come on the day of your own degree subject, and check the CECRI website before you travel. The institute also asks candidates to watch its website for any further addendum or corrigendum, so look again a day before you leave.
Reporting time is 8:30 AM. No candidate is allowed to enter the venue after 9:30 AM.
What Are the Important Dates for CSIR-CECRI Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | 24 October 2026 |
| Addendum | 29 October 2026 |
| Reporting time | 8:30 AM |
| Walk-in interview | 12 and 13 November 2026 |
Is There an Application Fee for CSIR-CECRI Recruitment 2026?
The notification, addendum and application form do not mention any application fee.
Conditions That Can Cost You the Post
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Final year students | Final semester or year students who are awaiting results are not eligible |
| 6-year limit | Total time as project staff across all CSIR labs together shall not exceed 6 years in any case, so anyone who has completed 6 years is NOT eligible |
| Already in a CSIR lab | A No Objection Certificate from the competent authority, Project Leader or HOD is mandatory at the interview |
| Equivalent degree | You must show the order or letter (with number and date) recognising the equivalence, failing which the application is liable to be rejected |
| Not eligible | If found at any stage of the process or thereafter not to fulfil the eligibility criteria, your candidature will be cancelled without assigning any reason whatsoever |
| False information | Per the form declaration, if any information is found false or incorrect at any stage, candidature or appointment is liable to be cancelled or terminated summarily without notice |
| Canvassing | Bringing any influence, political or otherwise, is treated as a disqualification |
| Nature of job | Purely temporary; initially for six months, one year or the project duration, and may be extended or curtailed. It gives no right to regular appointment, absorption, continuation or extension |
How to Apply for CSIR-CECRI Walk-in Interview 2026?
- Download the application form from the Essential Links below, or from the Opportunities page of the CECRI website.
- Tick the post you want (SPA, PAT-II, PAT-I or PA-II) and fill in every column, including NET/GATE score, relatives in CSIR, any bond and any past dismissal or debarment.
- Stick one recent passport size photograph on the form.
- Arrange all original certificates plus one set of photocopies for education, age, caste (if you are SC, ST, OBC or EWS) and experience.
- Reach Karaikudi by 8:30 AM on your subject’s day. Latecomers after 9:30 AM are not allowed in.
Keep a CGPA-to-percentage conversion proof if your university gives grades. If you have no degree certificate yet, a provisional certificate with the marksheets is accepted. Queries can go to cecrirecruit@gmail.com.
Essential Links for CSIR-CECRI Recruitment 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF (PS-10/2026, 18 positions)
- Download Addendum dated 29.10.2026 (5 additional positions)
- Download Application Form for the Walk-in Interview
- Visit CSIR-CECRI Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
This is a good chance to get real lab experience at a CSIR institute, and the stipend is decent for a fresher or early-career researcher. Check your own row in the qualification table, pick the right day, and be at the gate before 8:30 AM on 12 or 13 November 2026. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for more such updates, and if you are an engineer, see our engineering government jobs page too.