ISI Project Linked Research Assistant Vacancy 2026

Introduction

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, has announced a recruitment drive for two Project Linked Research Assistant positions within its Population Studies Unit (PSU). This is a purely temporary appointment, offering a consolidated monthly pay of ₹26,000, which may vary based on qualifications. The recruitment process involves an offline interview scheduled for November 3, 2026. Candidates are required to submit their applications and necessary documents via a Google Form and email by October 28, 2026. This opportunity is ideal for individuals with a Master's degree in relevant disciplines such as Population Studies, Public Health, Anthropology, Health Management, or Development Psychology, and who possess strong communication skills in English and Bengali, along with fieldwork experience. The official notification provides comprehensive details regarding eligibility, the application procedure, and interview schedule. It is crucial for all applicants to carefully read the official notification to ensure they meet all requirements before submitting their application.

Recruitment Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is recruiting for 02 posts of Project Linked Research Assistant on a purely temporary basis.

Category-wise vacancy details are not specified in the supplied notification.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

To be considered for the Project Linked Research Assistant position, candidates must meet the following essential and desirable qualifications:

• MA/M.Sc degree in Population Studies, Public Health, Anthropology, Health Management, or related disciplines.

• Ph.D. in Population Studies, Developmental Economics, Psychology, Applied Studies, Public Health, Anthropology, Health Management, Developmental Economics, Psychology, or Applied Psychology, or related disciplines.
• Proficiency in both English and Bengali languages.
• Experience in fieldwork and conducting qualitative interviews.
• Skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection and management.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork.

Please note that merely fulfilling the essential qualification or experience does not guarantee selection.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The maximum age limit for candidates applying for the Project Linked Research Assistant post is 35 years as of 3rd November, 2027.

Usual age relaxations will be provided for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Female categories.

Additionally, age relaxation may be granted to outstanding candidates who possess relevant experience.

Application Fee

The application fee details are not specified in the supplied notification.

Salary and Pay Scale

Selected candidates will receive a consolidated pay of ₹26,000/- per month. The exact amount will depend on the candidate's qualifications.

This is a purely contractual appointment, and the candidate will have no right to claim permanent employment or continuation of service in any other project under ISI, Kolkata.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Project Linked Research Assistant position will be based on an offline interview.

Candidates will be shortlisted based on their applications and then invited for the interview. The Institute reserves the right to reject any candidate or terminate an appointment if sufficient grounds are found.

No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview or for joining the post.

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates must follow these steps to apply:

1. Submit an application letter addressed to the Professor-in-Charge, Social Sciences Division (SSD) of the Indian Statistical Institute. The subject line of the letter must be: "Application for Research Assistant at PSU, ISI, Kolkata".
2. Prepare a softcopy of your current résumé in English, signed, and in a single PDF file. This résumé must include:
   • Name (in block letters)
   • Permanent/present address, Email address, Telephone/Mobile number, Date of birth
   • Academic Qualifications (with percentage of marks obtained from class 10 onwards)
   • List of research publications (if any)
   • Experience certificates (if any)
   • Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's skills based on past experiences.
3. Submit the application letter and the résumé PDF file via the Google Form provided by the institute.
4. Additionally, submit softcopies of a photo identity proof (Aadhaar card/PAN card/Voter ID card with photo) and SC/ST/OBC/PwD certificate (if applicable).

All submissions must be completed by 28th October, 2026, by 5 p.m. IST.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email by 28th October, 2026.

For any specific queries, candidates can email by 26th October, 2026, before 5 p.m. IST, with the subject line "Query- Research Assistant (ISI)".

Required Documents

Candidates are required to submit the following documents:

• Application letter addressed to the Professor-in-Charge, Social Sciences Division (SSD).
• Current résumé (signed, in English, in ONE PDF file) containing:
  • Name (in block letters)
  • Permanent/present address, Email address, Telephone/Mobile number, Date of birth
  • Academic Qualifications (with percentage of marks obtained from class 10 onwards)
  • List of research publications (if any)
  • Experience certificates (if any)
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's skills based on past experiences.
• A photo identity proof issued by the Government of India (Aadhaar card/PAN card/Voter ID card with photo).
• SC/ST/OBC/PwD certificate (if applicable).

If selected, self-attested photocopies of all documents along with their original copies must be furnished at the time of joining for verification.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

• Ensure your application letter and résumé are submitted in the correct format and include all required details. Incomplete applications or those without supporting documents will be rejected.
• Double-check the email address and contact details provided in your application, as shortlisted candidates will be intimated via email.
• Pay close attention to the deadlines for application submission and queries. Late submissions will not be considered.
• The interview is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Candidates are advised to be prepared for an offline interview at the specified location.
• The post is purely contractual, and candidates should not expect permanent employment or continuation of service beyond the contract period.
• The Institute does not provide residential facilities for contractual staff.
• Candidates are advised to regularly check the ISI website for any updates or changes to the recruitment process.

Official Notification and Application Links

FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the Project Linked Research Assistant position at ISI?
A1: The last date to submit your application is 28th October, 2026, by 5 p.m. IST.

Q2: What is the salary for this post?
A2: The salary is ₹26,000/- per month as a consolidated pay, depending on qualifications.

Q3: Is this a permanent job?
A3: No, this is a purely temporary and contractual appointment.

Q4: Where will the interview be held?
A4: The interview will be conducted offline at the Population Studies Unit (PSU), 5th floor, R.A Fisher Bhavan, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), 203 B.T Road, Kolkata.