IICA Recruitment 2026: Senior Research Associate, Chief Program Executive, Project Assistant & Research Associate – Eligibility, Pay and Two Deadlines
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), an autonomous institute set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has released two vacancy circulars for its Centre for Excellence in CSR & Corporate Citizenship. Together they fill 5 contractual posts: Senior Research Associate, Chief Program Executive, Project Assistant and two Research Associate posts, at a consolidated ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 a month. If you have a CSR, sustainability or research background, this is a good central government-linked opening to look at.
Please notice that the two circulars have different last dates. The two Research Associate posts close on 6 November 2026, so time is short. Senior Research Associate, Chief Program Executive and Project Assistant close on 21 November 2026. Every post has its own Google Form. Read this guide fully before you apply, and keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for more updates like this.
Key Highlights of IICA CSR Centre Recruitment 2026
IICA runs five Schools and eleven Centres covering CSR, corporate governance, insolvency, competition law and more. It also acts as a government think tank on corporate laws and policy. These five posts sit in its Centre for Excellence in CSR & Corporate Citizenship, three of them under the WNS Project and two under IICA’s own work.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) |
| Division | Centre for Excellence in CSR & Corporate Citizenship |
| Posts | Senior Research Associate, Chief Program Executive, Project Assistant, Research Associate (2 posts) |
| Total Vacancies | 5 (one post each) |
| Nature of Job | Purely contractual, initially for one year |
| Circular Date | 30 October 2026 (both circulars) |
| Institute Address | Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana |
| Last Date | 6 November 2026 (Research Associate) / 21 November 2026 (other three posts) |
How Many Vacancies Are There in IICA Recruitment 2026?
Each post has exactly one seat. The two Research Associate posts are separate jobs with different pay, so apply to the one that suits you.
| Post | Circular and Project | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Research Associate | Circular 1, IICA | 1 |
| Chief Program Executive | Circular 1, WNS Project | 1 |
| Project Assistant | Circular 1, WNS Project | 1 |
| Research Associate (Sl. No. 1) | Circular 2, IICA | 1 |
| Research Associate (Sl. No. 2) | Circular 2, WNS Project | 1 |
What is the Eligibility for IICA Recruitment 2026?
Only Indian citizens can apply. Read the row for your own post carefully, because the experience asked ranges from articleship to 15 years.
Educational Qualification and Experience
| Post | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Senior Research Associate (IICA) | Full-time postgraduate degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, or a qualification related to CSR and sustainability, needs assessment, SROI, baseline surveys or impact evaluation (Ph.D. preferred). Minimum 3-5 years of general experience in CSR and sustainability, with proven research and report-writing skills for need and impact assessment |
| Chief Program Executive (WNS Project) | Master’s degree in management, commerce, economics, finance, social sciences, environmental studies or a related field from a recognised university (Ph.D. or CSR/sustainability certification is an advantage). Minimum 10-15 years of relevant experience in CSR, sustainability, ESG or corporate citizenship roles in corporate, academic, research or consulting institutions |
| Project Assistant (WNS Project) | Articleship of CA, CS or ICWA, or related disciplines, with exposure to CSR, sustainability or related fields. 1-3 years of experience (internships, research assistantships, articleship) in research or data analysis is a plus, and completed CA/CS/ICWA articleship counts as one year of experience |
| Research Associate (IICA) | Postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences or Social Work, with exposure to CSR, sustainability or related fields. 1-3 years of experience (internships, research assistantships) in research or data analysis is a plus |
| Research Associate (WNS Project) | Same as Research Associate (IICA): postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences or Social Work, with CSR or sustainability exposure; 1-3 years of research or data-analysis experience is a plus |
The Chief Program Executive post also needs working knowledge of Indian CSR rules (Companies Act 2013, Schedule VII and the NBFC CSR rules), the SDGs, UNGC and ISO 26000. For Project Assistant and both Research Associate posts, Excel is a must, and the circular also says travel across India for data collection and meetings is a must. The Project Assistant should also be proficient in MS Office and Canva. Only desirable, not compulsory, are SPSS, R or similar tools, infographics software, and experience with files, eProcurement and development-sector tenders. Holding the minimum qualification does not guarantee a call for presentation or interview. Also start collecting your experience certificates early: they must show the duration of employment, your pay and the nature of your duties.
If you hold a postgraduate degree in social sciences or social work, the Research Associate posts are your closest fit. Candidates with CA, CS or ICWA articleship should look at Project Assistant.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| All posts | Up to 63 years on the closing date of the circular |
| Exceptional candidate | Condition may be relaxed |
🎂 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 check whether you are within the age limit. →
The age is counted on the last date of your circular: 6 November 2026 for Research Associate and 21 November 2026 for the other three posts. The circulars name no category-wise relaxation for OBC, SC, ST or PwBD candidates, only a general line that the condition may be relaxed for an exceptional candidate. Your date of birth is accepted only as recorded in your Matriculation, Higher Secondary or equivalent certificate.
What is the Salary for IICA CSR Centre Posts 2026?
| Post | Monthly Consolidated Pay |
|---|---|
| Chief Program Executive | ₹1,00,000 |
| Senior Research Associate | ₹75,000 |
| Research Associate (WNS Project) | ₹60,000 |
| Research Associate (IICA) | ₹40,000 |
| Project Assistant | ₹40,000 |
This is a consolidated amount. The circulars say no Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, House Rent Allowance, LTC, medical facilities or other benefits are admissible. Leave is as per the Institute’s policy and increments are as per its policy too. One note: the first page of circular 2 prints the Research Associate (IICA) pay as “Rs. 4,0000”, but its own post-wise Annexure gives ₹40,000, so treat ₹40,000 as the figure.
What You Will Be Doing
| Post | Main Work |
|---|---|
| Senior Research Associate | CSR and sustainability research, needs and impact assessments, baseline studies, SROI, questionnaires, field surveys and CSR data support |
| Chief Program Executive | The circular lists skills rather than tasks: report writing, research methods and data analysis, project management with budgeting and timelines, and multi-stakeholder coordination |
| Project Assistant | Office files and records, tenders and opportunity reviews, finance follow-up on invoices and advances, Learning Management System and Centre logistics |
| Research Associate (both) | Assisting senior researchers with literature reviews, data collection and analysis, report contributions, records and coordination with Finance and Administration |
What is the Selection Process for IICA Posts 2026?
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Screening | Applications received by the due date are screened against the minimum qualification and experience for the post |
| Presentation and/or Interview | Only shortlisted candidates are called, before the selection committee, at the IICA campus in Manesar or by video conference |
IICA reserves the right to set its own shortlisting criteria, so adding extra qualifications and experience beyond the minimum in your form can help. The date and time of the presentation or interview will be communicated separately, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Institute’s decision on eligibility, screening and selection is final and binding. Keep your preparation for the interview on track with these preparation tips.
Important Conditions That Can Cost You the Post
| Condition | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Late applications | Applications received after the last date or time are not entertained and are summarily rejected. IICA is not responsible for non-receipt or delay |
| Wrong or false details | Your candidature stands cancelled if you do not meet the criteria, give false information or documents, or hide a material fact |
| Altered documents | Do not submit any certificate or attested copy with a correction, alteration or tampering. If two or more of your documents are inconsistent, submit an explanation |
| Documents | Self-attested copies of age proof, degree or certificates, and experience certificates (on letterhead, duly stamped, with duration and duties) are to be attached |
| Marksheets alone | Marksheets without the degree or diploma certificate are not accepted, and provisional claims are not accepted |
| Missing copies | If copies of the certificates are not received with the application, it will be rejected and no appeal will be entertained |
| Original documents | Do not send originals with the application; produce them at the presentation or interview |
| Equivalent degree | If your qualification is treated as equivalent, quote the authority, with number and date, under which it is treated so |
| Interview costs | No TA/DA is payable for attending the interview |
| Health | Candidates must be of sound health and may have to pass a medical examination if selected |
| Working terms | The job is full time, and you may have to attend the office on holidays if required |
| Contract exit | Either side can end the contract with two months’ notice or two months’ consolidated pay in lieu |
| Applying elsewhere | While your contract is valid, or for 2 years from joining if the contract can be extended after the first year (whichever is later), you cannot apply for any other position in IICA or outside. To apply for another IICA post, you must first end the present contract |
| WNS Project posts | The stay is initially one year and can be extended up to the project’s duration |
| Joining | Selected candidates must sign a contract with IICA and join duties immediately. The engagement period may be extended or curtailed by the Competent Authority depending on performance and requirement |
| Canvassing | Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidate |
| No follow-up | IICA does not entertain interim queries or explain non-selection |
Is There an Application Fee for IICA Recruitment 2026?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All candidates | Not mentioned in either circular |
Neither circular asks for any application fee. Check the Google Form for your post, and do not pay money to anyone claiming to arrange these jobs for you.
What are the Important Dates for IICA Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Circulars issued | 30 October 2026 |
| Last date, Research Associate (IICA and WNS Project) | 6 November 2026 |
| Last date, Senior Research Associate, Chief Program Executive and Project Assistant | 21 November 2026 |
| Presentation or interview | To be communicated separately to shortlisted candidates |
The circulars give only the date and print no closing time, so submit your form well before the evening of your last date. The start date for applications is not stated.
How to Apply for IICA Recruitment 2026 Online?
Keep your age proof, degree and marksheets, and experience certificates ready as self-attested copies before you open the form.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pick your post and check its qualification, experience and last date in the table above |
| 2 | Open the Google Form for that post from the Essential Links section below |
| 3 | Fill in every detail correctly, and list all your qualifications and experience, even those above the minimum |
| 4 | Attach the self-attested documents the circular asks for |
| 5 | Submit the form on or before your last date, 6 November 2026 or 21 November 2026 |
The circulars speak of the "post/(s)" you apply for, so if you want to try for two, fill each post’s own form separately.
IICA Recruitment 2026 Essential Links
- Download IICA Vacancy Circular 1 PDF – 3 posts (Senior Research Associate, Chief Program Executive, Project Assistant), last date 21.11.2026
- Download IICA Vacancy Circular 2 PDF – 2 Research Associate posts, last date 06.11.2026
- Apply Online for IICA Senior Research Associate 2026 (Circular 1, last date 21 Nov)
- Apply Online for IICA Chief Program Executive 2026 (Circular 1, last date 21 Nov)
- Apply Online for IICA Project Assistant 2026 (Circular 1, last date 21 Nov)
- Apply Online for IICA Research Associate, Sl. No. 1 – IICA (Circular 2, last date 6 Nov)
- Apply Online for IICA Research Associate, Sl. No. 2 – WNS Project (Circular 2, last date 6 Nov)
- Visit IICA Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
If your profile matches, do not wait. The Research Associate forms close on 6 November 2026, and the other three posts on 21 November 2026. Read your circular once more, keep your certificates ready and send a clean, complete form. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for the latest government job updates.