CSIR-CLRI 2026 — A Big Walk-in Research Opportunity for Chemistry, Engineering & Lifescience Postgraduates
CSIR – Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai has released Notification No. 03/2026 (dated 30.04.2026) for engagement of 54 project staff on temporary basis — Project Assistant-II, Project Associate-I, Senior Project Associate and Junior Research Fellow. The roles span 21 different specialisations including Chemistry, Polymer Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical/Instrumentation), Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Statistics, Physics, Biomedical Engineering and Leather Technology.
This is a walk-in interview recruitment — there is no online application process. The Written Test is scheduled for 21 May 2026 (reporting by 10:30 AM) at the Triple Helix Auditorium, CSIR-CLRI, Chennai, followed by personal interviews on 25 and 26 May 2026. Stipend ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹42,000 per month plus HRA. Read this complete CSIR-CLRI 2026 guide on GovtJobsAlert.in for vacancy split, eligibility, fees, walk-in process and reporting instructions. Browse more post-graduate government jobs on our portal.
Key Highlights — CSIR-CLRI Project Associate / JRF 2026
CSIR-CLRI is a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India — and the world’s largest leather research institute. The current recruitment is for project-based research positions co-terminus with various sponsored projects.
- Recruiting Body: CSIR – Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai
- Notification Number: 03/2026 dated 30.04.2026
- Total Vacancies: 54 across 21 entries
- Posts: Project Assistant-II (4) | Project Associate-I (41+) | JRF / PAT-I combined (4) | Senior Project Associate (1)
- Stipend Range: ₹20,000 – ₹42,000 per month + HRA
- Job Location: Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
- Mode: Walk-in Written Test + Personal Interview at CSIR-CLRI Chennai
- Walk-in Date: 21 May 2026 (Written Test); 25–26 May 2026 (Interviews)
Vacancy Breakdown — CSIR-CLRI 2026 (Position-wise)
The 54 vacancies are split across four position categories.
| Position | Vacancies | Stipend (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Project Assistant-II (PA-II) | 4 | ₹20,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 41 | ₹25,000 – ₹31,000 + HRA |
| JRF / PAT-I (combined entries) | 4 | ₹25,000 – ₹37,000 + HRA |
| Senior Project Associate | 1 | ₹42,000 + HRA |
| Total | 54 | — |
Disciplines covered include Leather Technology, Chemistry (Organic, Polymer, Material, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical, Nanotechnology), Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Lifesciences, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Polymer Science, Bioinformatics, IT, AI & ML, Fashion / Apparel Technology and Leather Design.
Eligibility Criteria — CSIR-CLRI Project Associate / JRF 2026
Educational Qualification
Educational qualifications are position-specific. Please refer to the official notification PDF for the exact requirement of the post you wish to apply for.
- Project Assistant-II: B.Sc. in Physics or Biomechanics, OR 3-year Diploma in Engineering / Technology (Leather / Textile / Footwear / Mechanical), OR B.Sc. in Fashion Technology / Apparel Technology / Fashion Design / Textile / Leather Design. Minimum 60% marks.
- Project Associate-I (PAT-I): B.E./B.Tech in Leather Technology, Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Computer Science, IT, AI & ML, Biomedical, Polymer Technology, or Biotechnology. OR M.Sc. / M.Pharm in any of the listed science streams. Minimum 60% marks (55% for one Bioinformatics post).
- JRF / PAT-I combined: M.Sc. with NET-LS or GATE qualification draws JRF-level stipend; without NET/GATE, candidates are eligible at PAT-I stipend.
- Senior Project Associate: M.Pharm / M.Sc. (Biotechnology / Lifesciences) / M.Tech (Biotechnology / Lifesciences) with 3 years of research experience.
If you are a post-graduate or engineering graduate, this is an excellent CSIR research entry.
Age Limit
The age limit varies by position and is calculated as on the date of the Written Test / Interview.
| Position | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| JRF | 28 years |
| Project Assistant-II / Project Associate-I | 35 years |
| Senior Project Associate | 40 years |
Standard relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women, 3 years for OBC.
What is the Salary / Stipend for CSIR-CLRI Project Posts in 2026?
Stipend is paid as per CSIR project rules and depends on the position and NET/GATE status of the candidate.
- Project Assistant-II: ₹20,000 + HRA per month
- Project Associate-I (without NET/GATE): ₹25,000 + HRA per month
- Project Associate-I (with NET/GATE in eligible posts): ₹31,000 + HRA per month
- Junior Research Fellow (JRF) with NET/GATE: ₹37,000 + HRA per month
- Senior Project Associate: ₹42,000 + HRA per month
Total in-hand monthly stipend after HRA at CSIR Chennai rates typically works out between ₹23,000 to ₹50,000 depending on position and NET/GATE eligibility.
These positions are purely temporary and co-terminus with the project, currently extending up to 31 March 2027 (extendable as per project tenure). Total CSIR project tenure across all CSIR labs is capped at 6/7 years cumulatively.
What is the Selection Process for CSIR-CLRI 2026?
Selection is a two-stage walk-in process.
- Stage 1 — Written Test (21 May 2026): Qualifying in nature. Multiple Choice Questions covering the relevant subject at Graduation level + General Awareness + General Intelligence + Aptitude + General English. Maximum 50 marks. Cut-off marks fixed by the Competent Authority.
- Stage 2 — Personal Interview (25 & 26 May 2026): Candidates who qualify the Written Test are called for personal interview by the Selection Committee.
Important exemption: Candidates already qualified in NET / GATE or national-level exams conducted by CSIR / DBT / DST / ICMR / IIT / IISc / IISER / UGC / ICAR need not appear for the Written Test. They can directly attend the personal interview.
There is no separate interview call letter — candidates must follow the CSIR-CLRI website for updates. No TA/DA is paid for attending the Written Test or Interview. You can browse more Tamil Nadu government job notifications on our portal.
How to Apply for CSIR-CLRI Project Associate / JRF 2026?
This is an offline walk-in recruitment. There is no online application portal. Eligible candidates must follow these steps.
- Download the official notification PDF (Notification No. 03/2026) from https://clri.org/.
- Take a printout of the prescribed Application Form (Annexure to the notification) and fill it carefully.
- Carry self-attested photocopies of all educational certificates, mark sheets, experience proof, NET/GATE score card (if applicable), category certificate (if applicable) and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN / Driving Licence / Passport).
- Carry the originals of all certificates for verification on the test/interview day.
- Carry two recent passport-size colour photographs.
- Reach the Triple Helix Auditorium, CSIR-CLRI, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai – 600020 on 21 May 2026 for the Written Test. Reporting time: 09:30 AM. No candidate will be allowed entry beyond 10:30 AM.
- Written Test starts at 11:00 AM and ends at 11:45 AM.
- NET/GATE-qualified candidates exempt from Written Test should attend the Personal Interview on 25 or 26 May 2026 as per the schedule announced by CLRI.
Applications by post / speed post / courier will not be accepted. Final-year / final-semester students awaiting results are not eligible.
Important Dates — CSIR-CLRI 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 30 April 2026 |
| Walk-in Written Test | 21 May 2026 (Reporting by 10:30 AM, Test 11:00–11:45 AM) |
| Personal Interview | 25 & 26 May 2026 |
| Reporting Deadline (no entry beyond) | 21 May 2026 — 10:30 AM |
Application Fees — CSIR-CLRI 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | No application fee |
There is no application fee for this walk-in recruitment, as is typical for CSIR project-based engagements.
Essential Links — CSIR-CLRI Project Associate / JRF 2026
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Visit CSIR-CLRI Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram for Tamil Nadu Govt Jobs
If you are an engineering graduate, M.Sc., M.Pharm or M.Tech in any of the listed disciplines, the CSIR-CLRI Project Associate / JRF 2026 walk-in is a strong springboard into central CSIR research with a respected institute brand. Mark 21 May 2026 on your calendar, prepare your documents and reach Chennai by 10:30 AM. For more such updates, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in and our Tamil Nadu government jobs page.