CDFD Scientist Recruitment 2026: 6 Posts

Introduction

The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), a premier research institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, has announced a significant recruitment drive for its Scientist cadre. This opportunity is aimed at attracting enthusiastic and highly motivated Indian researchers with strong academic records and proven scientific achievements to lead independent research groups in frontier areas of modern biology. Applications are invited for faculty positions at various levels, specifically for Scientist - V, Scientist - IV, and Scientist - III posts. The recruitment process emphasizes the need for candidates with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in relevant scientific disciplines and specified years of post-qualification experience. The application window is now open, with a firm closing date set for December 31, 2026. Interested candidates are strongly advised to carefully review all the details provided in the official notification before proceeding with their online application. The official notification PDF is available for download, providing comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and other essential guidelines. This recruitment drive represents a valuable chance for accomplished researchers to contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements at a leading national institution. All details regarding the application process, eligibility, and important dates are available in the official notification.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of 06 vacancies are available for Scientist positions across different levels. The distribution of vacancies is as follows:

• Scientist - V: 02 Posts (Unreserved - UR)
• Scientist - IV: 02 Posts (01 post reserved for EWS, 01 post reserved for OBC-NCL)
• Scientist - III: 02 Posts (01 post reserved for EWS, 01 post reserved for OBC-NCL)

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

Candidates must possess a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in any discipline of Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Agricultural Sciences, Plant Sciences, or related disciplines. Alternatively, a Ph.D. in Engineering or Technology (such as Chemical/Biomedical/Pharmaceutical engineering) or a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in any branch of medicine, MDS, or MVSc from a recognized University or Institute is also accepted. Specific post-qualification experience requirements are:

• Scientist - V: Minimum five years of post-qualification experience in a responsible higher position in research/teaching at an Institute, University, or industry, with published research of high standards and/or technologies of established utility.
• Scientist - IV: Minimum three years of post-qualification experience in a responsible higher position in research/teaching at an Institute, University, or industry, with published research of high standards and/or technologies of established utility.
• Scientist - III: Essential qualifications are specified, but post-qualification experience is not explicitly detailed in the provided text.

Desirable Experience for all Scientist positions: An outstanding track record as a researcher in life sciences, evidenced by high-quality scientific publications, research grants, and/or supervision of PhD students. The ability to establish an independent, externally funded research program, mentor researchers, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and contribute to teaching and training activities will be highly desirable.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age limits are to be reckoned as on the closing date for receipt of online applications, which is 31 December 2026.

• Scientist - V: Upper age limit not exceeding 45 years.
• Scientist - IV: Upper age limit not exceeding 40 years.
• Scientist - III: Upper age limit not exceeding 35 years.

Age Relaxation:

• Relaxation in upper age limit by 03 years for OBC candidates, applicable only for posts reserved for these categories.
• Upper age limit is relaxable up to 05 years for regular employees working in Government Departments, autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings.
• Age relaxation for reserved category applicants is admissible only in the case of vacancies reserved for such categories.

Application Fee

Candidates are required to remit an application fee of ₹1500/- for Unreserved, EWS, and OBC categories. The fee must be paid through the online payment system via SBI Collect. All Women candidates, candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Ex-servicemen, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are exempted from paying the application fee. These candidates must upload the relevant proof (e.g., SC/ST/PwBD/PPO/Discharge certificates) along with other documents during the online application process.

Candidates applying for more than one post must register separately for each post and pay the fee separately for each application.

Salary and Pay Scale

The selected candidates will be appointed in the Scientist cadre with remuneration based on their level in the Pay Matrix, as per the Government of India norms:

• Scientist - V: Pay Matrix Level 13. Initial Basic Pay: ₹1,23,100/-. Approximate Total Monthly Emoluments: ₹2,45,410/-.
• Scientist - IV: Pay Matrix Level 12. Initial Basic Pay: ₹78,800/-. Approximate Total Monthly Emoluments: ₹1,61,240/-.
• Scientist - III: Pay Matrix Level 11. Initial Basic Pay: ₹67,700/-. Approximate Total Monthly Emoluments: ₹1,40,150/-.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Scientist positions is not specified in the supplied notification. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for further details on the selection methodology.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official CDFD website. The application process involves the following steps:

1. Registration: Visit the CDFD website and click on "New Registration". Create a password and preserve it for future use. Use a valid email address for all correspondence.
2. Fill Application Form: After successful registration, log in using your Registration ID and password to access and complete the application form. Ensure all details are filled accurately.
3. Fee Payment: Remit the application fee through the online payment system (SBI Collect) as per the instructions. All exempted categories must upload their relevant certificates.
4. Acknowledgement: Generate and download the e-receipt or acknowledgement of fee payment, which contains the UTR Number/Transaction Number and transaction date. This information will be required while filling the application.
5. Submission: Submit the completed online application form before the closing date.

Candidates applying for more than one post must register and submit separate applications for each post, accompanied by separate fee payment receipts.

Required Documents

Candidates are required to upload scanned copies of the following documents in PDF format during the online application process:

• Category Certificates (EWS/OBC-NCL/Ex-Service Persons/PwBD) if applicable, ensuring they are within their date of validity.
• For in-service candidates working in Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, and Government-funded research agencies, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annexure-I or an Undertaking as per Annexure-II must be uploaded.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates are strongly advised to read the complete advertisement and all terms and conditions carefully before filling out the online application. It is recommended to apply well in advance of the last date to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Ensure that the same photograph, mobile number, and email ID are used throughout the recruitment process. For reserved category candidates applying under the Unreserved (UR) category, the full application fee must be paid. Candidates must ensure they meet all essential eligibility requirements as on the closing date of the application. Common mistakes to avoid include incomplete application forms, incorrect fee payment details, and uploading invalid or expired certificates. Preserve the e-receipt of fee payment carefully, as the transaction number is crucial for the application.

Official Notification and Application Links

FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the CDFD Scientist recruitment?
A1: The last date for applying online and remitting the application fee is 31 December 2026, by 06:00 PM.

Q2: Are there any application fee exemptions?
A2: Yes, all Women candidates, candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Ex-servicemen, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are exempted from paying the application fee.

Q3: What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A3: A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in relevant Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Engineering, or Medical disciplines is required.

Q4: How should in-service candidates apply?
A4: In-service candidates must apply through the proper channel, submitting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annexure-I or an Undertaking as per Annexure-II.