CSIR CFTRI Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for Project Associate Posts
CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru has issued Advertisement No. PAT 48/2026 (dated 28 July 2026) to engage three Project Associates — two at PAT-I level and one at PAT-II — on a purely temporary contractual basis. Online applications close on 12 August 2026.
All three posts sit on one project: “A Foundational AI-Driven Approach for Iron Quantification in Fortified Foods (AI-quantFE)”, project number FBR020402. That mix is unusual — it pairs food technology roles with a pure computer-science role on the same advertisement.
Recruitment at a Glance
| Employer | CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru |
| Advertisement No. | PAT 48/2026, dated 28 July 2026 |
| Posts | Project Associate-I (2), Project Associate-II (1) |
| Total Vacancies | 03 |
| Project | AI-quantFE (FBR020402) |
| Stipend | ₹25,000 (PAT-I) / ₹28,000 (PAT-II), plus HRA |
| Age Limit | 35 years as on 12 August 2026 |
| Duration | Initially 6 months, extendable, or till end of project |
| Selection | Shortlisting followed by interview |
| Last Date | 12 August 2026 |
| Location | CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru, Karnataka |
Post-Wise Details
| Post Code | Level | Posts | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBR020402-01 | Project Associate-I | 01 | ₹25,000 + HRA |
| FBR020402-02 | Project Associate-I | 01 | ₹25,000 + HRA |
| FBR020402-03 | Project Associate-II | 01 | ₹28,000 + HRA |
FBR020402-01 — Project Associate-I (Food Science)
Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology in Food Science & Technology, or M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from a recognised university.
Work: R&D activities aligned with project objectives — experiments and computer simulations, data collection, compilation and analysis, and research report writing.
Desirable: hands-on experience conducting experiments related to food grains and powders.
FBR020402-02 — Project Associate-I (Computer Science / AI)
Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, or Data Science Engineering or Technology; or Master of Computer Applications; or M.Sc. in Computer Science from a recognised university.
Work: R&D activities, data collection, annotation, development of AI models, and research paper and report writing.
Desirable: knowledge of computer vision, and hands-on experience developing and deploying AI models.
FBR020402-03 — Project Associate-II (Food Technology, experienced)
Essential: M.Tech in Food Technology, Food Processing Technology, or Food Safety and Quality Management; or M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology, Food Science, Food Technology, Food Science and Nutrition, or Food Processing Technology — and 2 years of experience in Research and Development in industrial or academic institutions, or in science and technology organisations and scientific activities and services.
Work: R&D activities, experiments, data collection, compilation and analysis, research report writing.
Desirable: hands-on experience with food grain milling and product development.
Age Limit and Relaxation
Candidates must not have exceeded 35 years as on 12 August 2026. Relaxation is 5 years for SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates, and 3 years for OBC candidates.
Two Eligibility Rules That Disqualify People
1. Results must already be declared. Only candidates who have already acquired the essential qualification with results declared are eligible. Candidates awaiting results, or who have appeared or are appearing in the final semester, are not eligible for any post.
2. The six-year CSIR ceiling. Under CSIR OM No. 5-1(342)/2017-PD dated 02.09.2024, total engagement as project staff across all CSIR labs and institutes taken together cannot exceed six years. Anyone who has already completed six years as project staff in any CSIR lab — including NMITLI, OLP/MLP, contract R&D and non-CSIR funded projects — is not eligible to apply.
Experience is counted only from the date you acquired the minimum prescribed qualification for the post.
Selection Process
Applications are shortlisted by a designated committee according to current requirement, and the shortlist is displayed on the CFTRI website. Shortlisted candidates are informed of the interview date by email to the address given in the application form. No TA/DA is paid for attending the interview.
If applications are numerous, the committee may shortlist using any one or more of: percentage of marks in the essential qualification; higher educational qualifications than the minimum prescribed; the desirable qualification or experience; or any other methodology it considers fit.
Final results are declared on the CFTRI website based on interview performance against the posts available for each post code.
Terms of Engagement — Read Before Applying
- Engagement is co-terminus with the project, or six years, whichever is earlier.
- It confers no right or claim to regularisation against any permanent post at CSIR-CFTRI or CSIR.
- It does not confer any right to register for higher degrees at CSIR-CFTRI or CSIR.
- Performance is reviewed periodically and the engagement may be terminated at any time without assigning reasons.
- Posts are provisional and subject to the availability of funds before results are declared and engagement letters issued.
- Candidates already working in CSIR or CSIR-CFTRI need a NOC from their current Principal Investigator. If selected, engagement follows only after submitting a No Dues Certificate and resigning from the previous project.
- Canvassing in any form, or bringing political or other influence, is treated as a disqualification.
The onus of meeting the essential qualification rests on the candidate. Applying without meeting it is treated as giving misleading information, and candidature can be rejected at any stage — including after selection.
How to Apply
- Apply online only at patcell.cftri.res.in.
- Attach certificates supporting date of birth, caste, qualification and experience.
- Submit on or before 12 August 2026. No other mode of application is accepted, and applications received after the due date will not be considered.
- Keep checking cftri.res.in for any addendum or corrigendum.
No interim enquiry or correspondence will be entertained.
Related Recruitment
Research and science candidates should also see the TMC Scientific Assistant walk-in on 11 August 2026. Computer science applicants for post code 02 may also want the ISRO Scientist/Engineer Recruitment 2026, which closes 17 August.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for CSIR-CFTRI Project Associate Recruitment 2026?
12 August 2026, online only at patcell.cftri.res.in.
How many posts are there?
Three — two Project Associate-I and one Project Associate-II, all on the AI-quantFE project.
What is the stipend?
₹25,000 plus HRA for Project Associate-I and ₹28,000 plus HRA for Project Associate-II.
Can I apply if my final semester result is awaited?
No. Only candidates whose results have already been declared are eligible. Final-semester appeared or appearing candidates cannot apply for any post.
Can a computer science graduate apply?
Yes, for post code FBR020402-02, which is open to Computer Science, Information Science, AI & ML or Data Science graduates, MCA holders, and M.Sc. Computer Science holders.
What is the age limit?
35 years as on 12 August 2026, with 5 years’ relaxation for SC/ST/PwBD/women and 3 years for OBC candidates.
Will this lead to a permanent CSIR job?
No. The engagement is temporary and co-terminus with the project, and confers no right or claim to regularisation.
Is there an interview fee or travel allowance?
No TA or DA is paid for attending the interview.