ICMR NIHR Project Research Scientist Recruitment 2026 - Walkin

Eligibility

Education Explained: To be eligible for this role, you must hold a postgraduate degree in one of the specified fields: Clinical Psychology, Cognitive & Neuroscience, Psychology, Public Health, Psychiatric Social Work, Sociology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Epidemiology. There are two pathways to meet the educational requirement:

• Pathway 1: Possess the postgraduate degree and have at least three years of experience gained *after* completing that qualification. This means your experience should be relevant to your postgraduate studies and acquired post-degree.
• Pathway 2: Possess the postgraduate degree and also hold a PhD in a relevant field. If you have a PhD, the three-year post-qualification experience requirement is waived.

It is vital that your qualifications are from institutions or universities recognized by the relevant authorities. The experience certificate you provide should clearly detail the nature of your work and the exact dates of employment. Remember, experience will only be counted from the date you completed your minimum essential educational qualification.

Nationality: The official notification does not explicitly state nationality requirements, but typically, Indian citizenship is a prerequisite for government project positions. Candidates should ensure they meet general government employment standards.

Final Year Candidates: The notification does not mention eligibility for final year students. Given the requirement for a completed postgraduate degree and, in most cases, post-qualification experience, it is highly unlikely that final year candidates would be considered eligible.

Additional Conditions: While not mandatory, having experience in Public Health or Implementation Research, along with publications in peer-reviewed journals, is considered a desirable asset. This means such experience could give you an advantage during the selection process. A critical point to note is that if you have already worked in ICMR Projects or ICMR Institutes for more than three years, you are unfortunately not eligible to apply for this particular walk-in recruitment. This condition is in place to ensure opportunities for a wider pool of candidates.

Age Limit

Age Calculation Cutoff Date: Your age will be calculated based on the date of the walk-in interview / written test, which is 20th July 2026. This means you must be 40 years old or younger on this specific date to be eligible.

Age Relaxation: Age relaxation rules are generally applicable for various categories as per Central Government / DoPT / ICMR instructions. This includes SC / ST / OBC candidates, retrenched Government Employees, Departmental Candidates (including projects), and Ex-servicemen. Additionally, age concession for service rendered in other research projects may be admissible for experienced and skilled persons.

However, it is crucial to understand a specific condition mentioned in the notification: "SC / ST / OBC will be given age relaxation in respect of the project positions reserved for them only and not for UR positions." Since the Project Research Scientist – II (Non-Medical) position is designated as Unreserved (UR), candidates belonging to SC, ST, or OBC categories will not be eligible for age relaxation for this specific post. Only other categories like PwBD, Ex-servicemen, or those with prior project experience (if applicable as per rules) might be considered for relaxation, provided they meet the specific criteria. Always verify the latest instructions from the official notification regarding age relaxation for your specific situation.

Application Fee

Since no application fee is mentioned in the provided document, candidates should assume there is no fee required for submitting the application or appearing for the walk-in interview/written test. However, it is always a good practice to re-check the official website or any updates released by ICMR-NIHR closer to the walk-in date, just in case there are any last-minute changes or clarifications.

Selection Process

Application Verification: On the day of the walk-in, you will first submit your application form along with all required photocopies. Crucially, you must bring all your original certificates for verification. Without these originals, your candidature will not be considered. This initial step ensures that only genuinely eligible candidates proceed further.

Written Test (Conditional): The decision to conduct a written test depends on the number of applicants. If more than 30 eligible candidates report for the walk-in, a written test will be held. This test acts as a preliminary screening. To qualify for the next stage, candidates must achieve minimum marks: 35% for SC/ST categories and 40% for UR/OBC/EWS categories. This stage helps narrow down the pool of candidates to a manageable number for interviews.

Interview: Following the verification and, if applicable, the written test, eligible candidates will proceed to the interview stage. If a written test was conducted, typically the top 05 candidates based on written test scores will be called for the interview. The interview assesses your knowledge, experience, communication skills, and suitability for the project role.

Final Merit List: The ultimate selection is based on a merit list. If a written test was conducted, the final merit list will be prepared by combining the marks obtained in both the written test and the interview. However, if the number of candidates was less than 30 and no written test was held, the merit list will be prepared solely based on your performance in the interview. This ensures a fair evaluation regardless of the initial number of applicants.

Salary

Salary Explained: The selected candidate will receive a consolidated remuneration of Rs. 67,000/- per month. In addition to this, House Rent Allowance (HRA) will also be provided. The term "Consolidated" means that this amount typically includes various components of salary and is a fixed sum, without further breakdown into basic pay, dearness allowance, etc. This structure provides a clear and predictable monthly income.

It's important to note that the emoluments mentioned are project-specific and may vary based on the sanction from the funding agency. The payment of emoluments is also dependent on the availability of funds from the funding agency. While the initial tenure is specified, the position is temporary, and the emoluments are tied to the project's funding. Candidates should be aware that as a temporary project position, benefits like Provident Fund, Leave Travel Concession, or Medical facilities typically available to regular government employees will not be applicable.

Documents Required

Here is a list of documents you should prepare:

• Application Form: A duly filled application form, which candidates can download from the official website.
• Passport Size Photograph: Recent passport-size photographs. It's advisable to carry a few extra copies.
• Identity Proof: A valid government-issued photo identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, etc. (Aadhaar Card is specifically mentioned).
• Educational Certificates: All original certificates and mark sheets from SSC (10th standard) onwards, including your postgraduate degree and PhD (if applicable). Also, bring one set of self-attested photocopies of all these certificates.
• Experience Certificates: Original experience certificates clearly stating the nature of work, duration, and dates of employment. Bring one set of self-attested photocopies. Remember, experience is counted from the date of completion of your minimum essential educational qualification.
• Category Certificate (if applicable): Original SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate if you are claiming any benefits or relaxation (though for this UR post, age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC is not applicable). For EWS candidates, an "Income and Asset Certificate" is mandatory. Bring one set of self-attested photocopies.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If you are currently employed, especially in ICMR Projects or ICMR Institutes, you must bring an original "No Objection Certificate" from your present employer/PI. Without this, you will not be allowed to appear for the interview/written test.
• PwBD Certificate (if applicable): Original Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) certificate for availing age relaxation or other benefits. Bring one set of self-attested photocopies.
• Any Other Relevant Certificates: Any other certificates supporting your desirable qualifications (e.g., publications in peer-reviewed journals, experience in Public Health/Implementation Research).

Ensure all photocopies are self-attested. It is highly recommended to organize your documents neatly in a file for easy access during verification.

How to Apply

1. Download Application Form: First, visit the official ICMR-NIHR website (niirncd.icmr.org.in) to download the prescribed application form. Ensure you download the correct form for this specific recruitment.
2. Fill Application Form: Carefully fill out all sections of the application form with accurate and complete information. Do not leave any mandatory fields blank.
3. Attach Photograph and Signature: Affix a recent passport-size photograph in the designated space on the application form. Sign the form where required.
4. Prepare Document Copies: Gather one complete set of photocopies of all your essential certificates and documents, as listed in the "Documents Required" section. This includes educational qualifications (from SSC onwards), experience certificates, identity proof (Aadhaar Card), category certificates (if applicable), and NOC (if applicable).
5. Self-Attest Copies: Ensure all photocopies are self-attested. Write "Self-Attested" and sign on each copy.
6. Organize Originals: Arrange all your original certificates and documents in a systematic manner. These will be required for verification on the day of the walk-in.
7. Report on Walk-in Date: On 20th July 2026, report to the specified venue, ICMR-NIHR, Jodhpur, between 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This is the only window for reporting and application submission.
8. Submit Application: Submit your duly filled application form along with the set of self-attested photocopies of your documents by hand at the registration desk.
9. Undergo Verification: Present your original certificates for verification. Your candidature will not be considered if you fail to bring the originals.
10. Participate in Selection: After successful verification, you will be allowed to participate in the written test (if conducted) and/or interview.

Remember, latecomers will not be permitted to participate in the walk-in interview/written test. Plan your travel to reach the venue well in advance of the reporting time.

Important Instructions

• Read the Official Notification Thoroughly: Always refer to the complete official notification PDF for the most accurate and detailed information. This article provides guidance, but the notification is the ultimate source of truth.
• Verify Eligibility Carefully: Before attending the walk-in, meticulously check if you meet all essential qualifications, age limits, and experience requirements. Do not assume eligibility.
• Prepare All Documents: Ensure you have all original certificates and one set of self-attested photocopies ready. Missing even one document, especially an original, can lead to disqualification.
• Adhere to Reporting Time: The reporting time for the walk-in is strict (09:00 AM to 10:00 AM on 20th July 2026). Latecomers will not be allowed to participate.
• Bring NOC if Employed: If you are currently working, a "No Objection Certificate" from your employer is mandatory. Without it, you will not be permitted to appear for the interview/written test.
• Experience Calculation: Remember that experience will only be counted from the date of completion of your minimum essential educational qualification. Ensure your experience certificates clearly reflect this.
• Temporary Position: Understand that this is a purely temporary project position. There is no claim for regular appointment at ICMR-NIIRNCD or continuation of services in any other project.
• Emoluments are Project Specific: The salary is consolidated and project-specific, dependent on funding availability. No other benefits like PF, LTC, or Medical will be available.
• Check Website for Updates: Regularly visit the ICMR-NIIRNCD and ICMR websites for any updates, changes in the recruitment process, or changes in the interview/written test date due to administrative reasons.
• Incorrect Information: Submission of incorrect or false information at any stage will lead to disqualification of your candidature. Be honest and accurate in your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Reading the Full Notification: Many candidates skim the notification and miss crucial details like specific eligibility clauses, reporting times, or document requirements. Always read the entire PDF carefully.
• Incomplete Application Form: Leaving fields blank or providing partial information on the application form. Ensure every relevant section is filled accurately and completely.
• Missing Original Documents: Attending the walk-in without all original certificates for verification. This is a common reason for immediate disqualification. Double-check your checklist before leaving.
• Incorrect or Unattested Photocopies: Submitting photocopies that are not self-attested or are unclear. Make sure all copies are legible and properly self-attested.
• Ignoring Age Limit/Relaxation Rules: Miscalculating age or assuming age relaxation applies to a UR post when it doesn't. Pay close attention to the age cutoff date and specific relaxation conditions.
• Not Bringing NOC (if applicable): If currently employed, failing to bring a No Objection Certificate. This is a mandatory requirement for employed candidates.
• Late Reporting: Arriving after the specified reporting time for the walk-in. The gates might close, and you could be denied entry. Plan to arrive early.
• Misunderstanding Experience Calculation: Counting experience from before the completion of the essential educational qualification. Experience is strictly counted post-qualification.
• Assuming Regular Employment: Not fully grasping the temporary nature of the project position and expecting regular government benefits or permanent absorption.
• Not Checking for Updates: Failing to check the official website for any last-minute changes to the interview date or venue. Always verify before you travel.

FAQs

Q1. What is the last date to apply for the ICMR NIHR Project Research Scientist recruitment?

Ans: The last date to apply is 20th July 2026, which is the date of the walk-in interview/written test. Applications will be received by hand on this date.

Q2. How many vacancies are available for the Project Research Scientist – II (Non-Medical) post?

Ans: There is 01 (One) vacancy available for the Project Research Scientist – II (Non-Medical) position, which is designated as Unreserved (UR).

Q3. What is the salary for the Project Research Scientist – II (Non-Medical) position?

Ans: The selected candidate will receive a consolidated remuneration of Rs.67,000/- + HRA per month.

Q4. What are the essential educational qualifications required for this post?

Ans: Candidates need a Postgraduate degree in specific fields (e.g., Clinical Psychology, Public Health, Microbiology, etc.) with 3 years' post-qualification experience OR a Postgraduate degree in the same fields with a PhD.

Q5. What is the age limit for applying to this recruitment?

Ans: The age of the candidate should not exceed 40 years as on the date of the walk-in interview/written test (20th July 2026).

Q6. Is there an application fee for this recruitment?

Ans: As per the official notification, no application fee is mentioned for this recruitment.

Q7. What is the selection process for the Project Research Scientist – II (Non-Medical) post?

Ans: The selection process involves application verification, followed by a written test (if candidates exceed 30) and an interview. A final merit list will be prepared based on performance in these stages.

Q8. Where will the selected candidate be posted?

Ans: The place of work is ICMR-NIHR, Jodhpur, but the selected candidate may be required to work anywhere in India based on project requirements.

Q9. Can candidates working in ICMR projects apply?

Ans: Candidates who have rendered service in ICMR Projects / ICMR Institutes for more than three years are not eligible for this walk-in. Others who are currently employed must submit a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC).

Q10. What is the tenure of this project position?

Ans: The position is initially for a period up to 01.02.2027, extendable as per norms. It is a purely temporary project-based position.

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