CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026: Walk-in for Project Associate, Project Assistant, Senior Research Fellow & Principal Project Associate
Good news for science and ITI candidates in Himachal and beyond. CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur has announced 12 temporary project positions under Advertisement No. 18/2026. The posts are Project Associate-I and II, Project Assistant, Senior Research Fellow and Principal Project Associate. Pay runs from Rs 18,000 to Rs 49,000 a month. There is no online form and no exam centre to find, because selection happens at a walk-in interview.
The interview date depends on your position code. Codes 18001 to 18005 are on 18 November 2026 and codes 18006 to 18011 are on 19 November 2026, both at 9:30 AM. Read the rules for your own code carefully, because late arrival means no entry. Posts for post graduates are the majority here, and GovtJobsAlert.in has put every code in simple tables below.
What Are the Key Highlights of CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026?
The institute is a CSIR laboratory in Palampur, Distt. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. These jobs are tied to research projects, so they last only as long as the project does. They are not regular CSIR posts.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur |
| Advertisement No. | 18/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 12 (11 position codes) |
| Mode | Walk-in interview, no online application |
| Interview Dates | 18 and 19 November 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 9:30 AM (no entry after 10:00 AM) |
| Venue | CSIR-IHBT, Palampur (H.P.) |
| Nature of Job | Purely temporary, project-based |
How Many Vacancies Are There in CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026?
Your interview date is fixed by your position code, so match your code first.
Interview on 18 November 2026
| Code | Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 18001 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 2 |
| 18002 | Project Assistant-I (PA-I) | 1 |
| 18003 | Project Associate-II (PAT-II) | 1 |
| 18004 | Project Assistant-II (PA-II) | 1 |
| 18005 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 |
Interview on 19 November 2026
| Code | Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| 18006 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 |
| 18007 | Project Assistant | 1 |
| 18008 | Senior Research Fellow | 1 |
| 18009 | Principal Project Associate (Principal-PAT) | 1 |
| 18010 | Project Assistant-I (PA-I) | 1 |
| 18011 | Project Associate-I (PAT-I) | 1 |
The notification gives no grand total, so 12 is the sum of the codes. It also says the number of selected candidates may vary from the advertised positions.
What Is the Eligibility for CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026?
Educational Qualification
Result-awaited candidates are not eligible for the interview. Check the essential qualification for your code.
| Code | Post | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 18001 | PAT-I | Masters in Agri, Biological Sciences, Pharma, Computer Sciences, Tech Management, MBA, Business Development or a related area |
| 18002 | PA-I | SSC / 10th plus ITI |
| 18003 | PAT-II | M.Sc. Zoology or Entomology and 2 years’ R&D experience in industrial, academic or S&T organisations |
| 18004 | PA-II | B.Sc. (Biological Science) |
| 18005 | PAT-I | M.Sc. Zoology or Entomology |
| 18006 | PAT-I | M.Sc. Chemistry |
| 18007 | Project Assistant | B.Sc. in Botany and Biotechnology or Biochemistry, or equivalent |
| 18008 | SRF | M.Sc. in Botany or Plant Physiology |
| 18009 | Principal-PAT | Masters in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Botany or Biochemistry and 6 years’ R&D experience, OR Ph.D in the same subjects and 3 years’ R&D experience |
| 18010 | PA-I | 10th plus ITI / SSC |
| 18011 | PAT-I | M.Sc. Botany, Plant Physiology or Biotechnology |
All degrees must be from a recognised university. The notification also lists desirable skills for each code, such as lab experience, record keeping, molecular biology techniques or tissue culture. These are a bonus, not a must, except for the experience stated above. For code 18008, two years of tissue culture experience shown by a publication with impact factor above 1 is desirable only. Graduates can look at more graduate jobs and ITI holders at ITI government jobs.
Age Limit
Age is counted on the day of your interview: 18.11.2026 for codes 18001 to 18005 and 19.11.2026 for codes 18006 to 18011.
| Codes | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| 18001 to 18007, 18010, 18011 | 35 years |
| 18008 (SRF) and 18009 (Principal-PAT) | 40 years |
Relaxation is 5 years for SC, ST, PwBD and Women 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 for CSIR IHBT Project Posts 2026?
All amounts are consolidated per month, with HRA added at the rate shown for each code. Note that HRA is 10% for most codes but 9% for codes 18007, 18008 and 18010.
| Code | Post | Pay per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 18001 | PAT-I | Rs 25,000 + 10% HRA |
| 18002 | PA-I | Rs 18,000 + 10% HRA |
| 18003 | PAT-II | Rs 28,000 + 10% HRA |
| 18004 | PA-II | Rs 20,000 + 10% HRA |
| 18005 | PAT-I | Rs 31,000 + 10% HRA with NET / GATE or an equivalent national exam; Rs 25,000 + 10% HRA for others |
| 18006 | PAT-I | Rs 31,000 + 10% HRA with NET / GATE or an equivalent national exam; Rs 25,000 + 10% HRA for others |
| 18007 | Project Assistant | Rs 20,000 + 9% HRA |
| 18008 | SRF | Rs 42,000 fellowship + 9% HRA |
| 18009 | Principal-PAT | Rs 49,000 + 10% HRA |
| 18010 | PA-I | Rs 18,000 + 9% HRA |
| 18011 | PAT-I | Rs 25,000 + 10% HRA |
The higher PAT-I rate applies to those who qualified CSIR-UGC, ICAR or ICMR NET (including lectureship or assistant professorship), GATE, or national-level exams of central departments such as DBT or DST. Carry that certificate with you, because the higher figure depends on it. If you have none of these, the lower figure of Rs 25,000 applies to you.
What Is the Tenure of CSIR IHBT Project Posts 2026?
| Code | Project (Number) | Engagement Up To |
|---|---|---|
| 18001 | Technology Transfer Facilitation Centre (GAP-0381) | 31.03.2027 |
| 18002, 18003 | Building Scientific Competency through training in R&D (SSP-0142) | 31.03.2027 |
| 18004, 18005, 18006 | CSIR-JIGYASA outreach project (HCP002601) | 31.03.2031 |
| 18007 | Picrorhiza kurroa stress-response project (GAP-0369) | 07.05.2029 |
| 18008 | Nardostachys jatamansi cold-adaptive signalling project (GAP-0368) | 23.04.2029 |
| 18009 | FPF1 flowering regulation project (FIR020403) | 31.03.2028 |
| 18010 | Best of Waste food-waste bioformulation project (GAP-0350) | 28.03.2028 |
| 18011 | Himalayan bio-resources project (MLP002619) | 31.03.2027 |
Each stay is “up to” the date shown or the completion of the project, whichever is earlier. Engagement is on behalf of the sponsoring agency, lasts at most 6 years, and gives no right to a regular post in CSIR or CSIR-IHBT. Work is reviewed every six months and anyone not up to the mark may be terminated.
What Is the Selection Process for CSIR IHBT Walk-in 2026?
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Walk-in interview | On the date for your position code |
| Objective test (if used) | Multiple-choice test, then interview on the same day |
| Document check | Original certificates checked at the interview |
The Selection Committee may choose either a direct interview or an objective test followed by the interview on the same day. The notification does not say which will be used, so be ready for both. The application format asks for your NET or GATE status, publications and any experience in CSIR labs, so fill those columns honestly. The Director’s decision is final, and a request for an online interview will not be entertained.
How to Apply for the CSIR IHBT Walk-in Interview 2026?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download the notification PDF from Essential Links. The application format is on its last four pages. |
| 2 | Fill the form. Affix a recent colour passport photo and cross-sign it. Write your position code and project number. |
| 3 | Fill a separate form for each position code you want. |
| 4 | Keep self-attested photocopies of your age, qualification and experience certificates. |
| 5 | Keep the original certificates with you. Without them you will not be allowed to appear. |
| 6 | Reach CSIR-IHBT, Palampur by 9:30 AM on your date. Entry after 10:00 AM is not allowed. |
If your self-attested copies of essential certificates are missing, your application will not be accepted. No travelling allowance is paid for attending. Queries go only to the email given in the notification. To reach Palampur, the notice lists Una Amb or Chakki Bank (Pathankot) by train, ISBT Palampur by bus, and Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala) by air from New Delhi. For more local openings see Himachal Pradesh government jobs.
What Are the Important Dates for CSIR IHBT Walk-in 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Walk-in interview, codes 18001 to 18005 | 18 November 2026, 9:30 AM |
| Walk-in interview, codes 18006 to 18011 | 19 November 2026, 9:30 AM |
| Last reporting time | 10:00 AM on the day |
The notification prints no application start or end date, since you apply by walking in. If you qualify for more than one code, you need a separate form for each, and you should check the dates because the two interview days are different.
Which Conditions Can Cost You the CSIR IHBT Interview?
| Condition | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Reporting after 10:00 AM | You will not be allowed to appear |
| No original certificates | You will not be allowed to appear |
| No self-attested copies of essential certificates | Your application will not be accepted |
| Result awaited | You are not eligible for the interview |
| Regular job claim | Engagement gives no right or claim to a permanent CSIR post |
| Wrong or false information in the form | Your candidature can be disqualified for the post |
| Online interview request | Will not be entertained |
| Travelling allowance | None is paid for attending |
Is There an Application Fee for CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026?
The advertisement mentions no application fee.
Essential Links
- Download CSIR-IHBT Advt 18/2026 Notification PDF and Application Format (pages 10 to 13)
- Visit CSIR IHBT Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
The interviews are close, so decide your position code today and get your photocopies and originals ready. Check your age on the interview date, write your code and project number on the form, and reach Palampur well ahead of the 10:00 AM cut-off on 18 or 19 November 2026. For more central research and other government jobs, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in.