CSIR IHBT Palampur Walk-in Interview 2026: 44 Project Posts, Dates, Eligibility and Stipend
Good news for science, agriculture and pharmacy postgraduates. The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur has released Advertisement No. 17/2026 for 44 temporary project positions through walk-in interviews. The posts are Project Associate-I, Senior Project Associate, Project Assistant-I and Project Associate-II, spread over 30 position codes. The monthly stipend runs from ₹18,000 to ₹42,000 plus HRA. If you are looking for government jobs in Himachal Pradesh with real research work, this is worth a close look.
There is no online form and no posting deadline. You simply report at Palampur on the date fixed for your position code, between 16 and 27 October 2026. Most posts need an M.Sc., M.Pharm or B.Tech, while two Project Assistant-I posts need 10th plus ITI / SSC. Read the code-wise table carefully, because each code has its own subject list and its own interview day. GovtJobsAlert.in has put everything in one place for you.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights at a Glance
CSIR-IHBT is a national laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, located in Palampur, District Kangra. Most of these positions sit under the CSIR Aroma 4.0 mission on aromatic plants, with a few under genome editing, Smart Village and other projects.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur |
| Advertisement No. | 17/2026 |
| Total Positions | 44 (across 30 position codes) |
| Posts | Project Associate-I, Senior Project Associate, Project Assistant-I, Project Associate-II |
| Stipend | ₹18,000 to ₹42,000 per month + HRA (consolidated) |
| Mode | Walk-in interview |
| Walk-in Dates | 16 October 2026 to 27 October 2026 (date depends on position code) |
| Reporting Time | 09:30 AM, no entry after 10:00 AM |
| Venue | CSIR-IHBT, Palampur (H.P.) |
| Nature of Job | Purely temporary, project-based |
How Many Vacancies Are in CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026?
The advertisement does not print a grand total. The figure of 44 is the sum of all 30 position codes listed below.
| Post | Position Codes | Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 24 codes (all codes not listed below) | 38 |
| Senior Project Associate (Senior PAT) | 17001, 17003, 17023 | 3 |
| Project Assistant-I (PA-I) | 17013, 17029 | 2 |
| Project Associate-II (PAT-II) | 17014 | 1 |
| Total | All four posts | 44 |
The notification also says the number of selected candidates may vary from the advertised positions, depending on how candidates perform.
CSIR IHBT Walk-in Interview Schedule 2026: Which Date Is Yours?
This is the most important table in the article. You must go on the date of your position code, not any other day.
| Walk-in Date | Position Codes | Posts on That Day |
|---|---|---|
| 16 October 2026 | 17001 to 17005 | Senior PAT (2), PAT-I (3) |
| 19 October 2026 | 17006 to 17007 | PAT-I (7) |
| 21 October 2026 | 17008 to 17012 | PAT-I (6) |
| 22 October 2026 | 17013 to 17018 | PA-I (1), PAT-II (1), PAT-I (5) |
| 23 October 2026 | 17019 to 17022 | PAT-I (5) |
| 26 October 2026 | 17023 to 17026 | Senior PAT (1), PAT-I (5) |
| 27 October 2026 | 17027 to 17030 | PA-I (1), PAT-I (7) |
Interviews start at 09:30 AM at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur. Candidates reporting after 10:00 AM will not be allowed to appear.
What is the Eligibility for CSIR IHBT Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
Educational Qualification (Code-wise)
Every degree must be from a recognised university. Each code also lists a desirable experience area in the notification PDF, which can help you at the interview.
| Code (Post) | Positions | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 17001 (Senior PAT) | 1 | M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Biochemistry or Plant Sciences + 3 years’ R&D experience, OR Ph.D. in these subjects + 2 years’ R&D experience |
| 17002 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Botany or Biochemistry |
| 17003 (Senior PAT) | 1 | M.Sc. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Botany or Biochemistry + 3 years’ R&D experience, OR Ph.D. in these subjects + 2 years’ R&D experience |
| 17004 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Pharm in Pharmacology or M.Sc. in Biochemistry |
| 17005 (PAT-I) | 1 | B.Tech or M.Sc. in Food Science & Technology, or M.Tech in Food Technology |
| 17006 (PAT-I) | 5 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy, Soil Science, Organic Agriculture, Extension Education or Vegetable Science), M.Sc. Botany, M.Sc. Horticulture (Medicinal & Aromatic Plants), M.Sc. Plant Physiology or Environmental Science |
| 17007 (PAT-I) | 2 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy, Soil Science or Organic Agriculture), M.Sc. Botany or M.Sc. Horticulture (Medicinal & Aromatic Plants) |
| 17008 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Breeding, Genetics and Plant Breeding or Seed Science & Technology), M.Sc. Genetics and Plant Breeding or M.Sc. Botany |
| 17009 (PAT-I) | 2 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy, Soil Science, Genetics and Plant Breeding or Agroforestry) or M.Sc. Botany |
| 17010 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Pathology) or M.Sc. Microbiology, or equivalent |
| 17011 (PAT-I) | 1 | B.E. or B.Tech in Agricultural, Automobile or Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics, OR M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy or Soil Science) |
| 17012 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Breeding, Genetics and Plant Breeding or Seed Science & Technology), M.Sc. Genetics and Plant Breeding or M.Sc. Botany |
| 17013 (PA-I) | 1 | 10th plus ITI / SSC |
| 17014 (PAT-II) | 1 | M.Sc. Life Sciences (Plant Sciences specialisation) + 2 years’ R&D research experience |
| 17015 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Breeding, Genomics, Botany or Seed Science Technology |
| 17016 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy, Soil Science or Agroforestry), M.Sc. Horticulture (Medicinal & Aromatic Plants) or M.Sc. Botany |
| 17017 (PAT-I) | 2 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy, Soil Science or Agroforestry), M.Sc. Horticulture (Medicinal & Aromatic Plants) or M.Sc. Botany |
| 17018 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. in Floriculture, Biotechnology or Botany |
| 17019 (PAT-I) | 2 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy or Plant Physiology) or M.Sc. Botany |
| 17020 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy or Plant Physiology) or M.Sc. Botany |
| 17021 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Zoology or Entomology |
| 17022 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. in Life Sciences, Agriculture, Agriculture Extension, Statistics or Agribusiness Management |
| 17023 (Senior PAT) | 1 | M.Sc. Chemistry or M.Pharma + 3 years’ R&D experience, OR Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences + 2 years’ R&D experience |
| 17024 (PAT-I) | 2 | M.Sc. Chemistry or M.Pharmacy |
| 17025 (PAT-I) | 2 | M.Sc. Chemistry |
| 17026 (PAT-I) | 1 | M.Sc. Chemistry or M.Pharma |
| 17027 (PAT-I) | 2 | M.Sc. Chemistry |
| 17028 (PAT-I) | 2 | M.Sc. Chemistry, M.Pharma or MS Pharma |
| 17029 (PA-I) | 1 | 10th plus ITI / SSC |
| 17030 (PAT-I) | 3 | B.Tech Chemical Engineering, or M.Sc. in Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry or Wood Science & Technology |
Most codes are open to post graduates in a named subject, so match your exact degree title to the code. The experience asked for Senior PAT and PAT-II is R&D experience in industrial or academic institutions or science and technology organisations. Result awaited candidates are not eligible for the interview, so your final marksheet must be in hand when you walk in.
Age Limit
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | 40 years |
| Project Associate-I, Project Associate-II, Project Assistant-I | 35 years |
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC, ST, PwBD and Women | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
🎂 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. →
Age is counted as on the date of interview for your code, so a candidate for code 17030 is measured on 27 October 2026, not 16 October. The relaxation applies as above or as per Government of India instructions issued from time to time.
What is the Salary (Stipend) for CSIR IHBT Project Associate 2026?
All amounts are consolidated per month, plus HRA.
| Post | Codes | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Project Associate | 17001, 17003, 17023 | ₹42,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-I (NET/GATE qualified) | 17002, 17007, 17012, 17016, 17020, 17022, 17024 | ₹31,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-I (others) | All other PAT-I codes | ₹25,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate-II | 17014 | ₹28,000 + HRA |
| Project Assistant-I | 17013, 17029 | ₹18,000 + HRA |
The higher ₹31,000 rate is only for the seven codes named above, and only if you have qualified CSIR-UGC / ICAR / ICMR NET (including lectureship or assistant professorship), GATE, or a national-level exam conducted by central government departments like DBT / DST or equivalent and/or agencies / institutions. Everyone else at those codes gets ₹25,000. For codes 17002 and 17022 the notification specifies 10% HRA.
The stipend is a fixed consolidated amount paid from project funds, not a regular pay-level salary.
Project tenure also differs by code: up to 31 March 2027 for codes 17001, 17002, 17003 and 17022, up to 31 March 2028 for code 17018, and up to 31 March 2029 for the rest.
What is the Selection Process for CSIR IHBT Walk-in 2026?
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Option 1 | Direct interview |
| Option 2 | Objective test (multiple choice questions) followed by interview on the same day |
The Selection Committee decides which option to use on the day, so prepare for both. Revise the core subjects of your degree and the project area of your code. Our preparation strategy guides can help you plan a quick revision. Requests for an online interview will not be entertained under any circumstances.
How to Apply for CSIR IHBT Walk-in Interview 2026?
There is no online submission and nothing to send by post. You carry your application by hand to the interview venue.
- Download the prescribed application format from the CSIR-IHBT website, or use the form attached to the notification PDF (both in Essential Links below).
- Fill it in, write your position code and project number, and affix a recent colour passport-size photo, cross-signed.
- If you want more than one position code, fill a separate application form for each code.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of your age proof, educational qualifications and experience certificates.
- Report in person at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur (H.P.) by 09:30 AM on the date for your code, carrying the form by hand along with your original certificates.
Without your original certificates you will not be allowed to appear, and without self-attested copies your application will not be accepted. Plan your travel early: the nearest railheads are Una (Amb) and Chakki Bank (Pathankot), and the nearest airport is Gaggal (Dharamshala).
Conditions That Can Cost You the Position
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Late reporting | Reporting after 10:00 AM means you will not be allowed to appear |
| Original certificates | Failing to bring them, you will not be allowed to appear for the interview |
| Self-attested copies | Not bringing them means your application will not be accepted |
| Result awaited | Result awaited candidates are not eligible for the interview |
| No regular job | Engagement is temporary and co-terminus with the project or 6 years (whichever is earlier). Directly or indirectly, it gives no right or claim to regularization for a permanent post of CSIR |
| Six-month review | Anyone not found up to the mark may be terminated |
| False information | If any information in your form is found false or incorrect at any time, action may be taken for disqualification of your candidature |
| Travel | No travelling allowance is paid for attending the interview |
| Final decision | The decision of the Director, CSIR-IHBT is final; the Competent Authority may relax any provision on reasonable ground |
Queries go only to the recruitment email given in the notification. In case of any dispute, the English version prevails.
What are the Important Dates for CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First walk-in interview | 16 October 2026 |
| Last walk-in interview | 27 October 2026 |
| Reporting time (every date) | 09:30 AM, no entry after 10:00 AM |
What is the Application Fee for CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All categories | No application fee is mentioned in the notification |
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 Essential Links
- Download CSIR IHBT Advt 17/2026 Notification with Application Form (PDF)
- Visit CSIR IHBT Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
Find your position code first, check your degree against it, and mark the walk-in date in your calendar. The last walk-in is on 27 October 2026, but your own date may be much earlier. Reach Palampur a day before if you are travelling far, because there is no entry after 10:00 AM. For more such openings, browse our other government jobs and keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in. All the best!