CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 for 16 Posts: Apply Online Now

CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Job Details

CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Application Fees

Please check the official notification below for details regarding application fees, if any.

CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Age Limit

Are you curious about the age requirements for these exciting roles? For the CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026, the upper age limit for all posts is 35 years, calculated as of the walk-in interview date (26th November 2026). However, age relaxation is available for specific categories as per Government of India norms. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, Women, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) categories are eligible for a 5-year relaxation, while OBC candidates can avail a 3-year relaxation. It is also important to note that candidates who have already served a total tenure of six years as Project Staff in any CSIR Laboratories or Institutes are not eligible to apply for these positions.

• Upper Age Limit (All Posts): 35 Years (as of 26th November 2026)
• Age Relaxation:
  • SC / ST / Women / PwD: 5 Years
  • OBC Candidates: 3 Years

Please check the official notification for complete details on age relaxation and eligibility criteria.

Educational Qualification

To join CSIR-SERC for the Project Associate roles, a strong academic background in engineering is essential. For Project Associate-II positions, you will typically need a B.E. or B.Tech in Civil or Mechanical Engineering (or an equivalent qualification) along with at least two years of valuable research and development experience in industrial or academic settings, or an M.E./M.Tech/M.S. in Structural Engineering or related fields. Project Associate-I roles generally require a B.E. or B.Tech in various disciplines such as Civil, Mechanical, Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML), or Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI and Data Science). While not mandatory, possessing knowledge of structural analysis software (like STAAD Pro, ANSYS, ABAQUS) and programming languages (MATLAB, Python, or C++) is highly desirable for many projects. Final year or semester students awaiting results are not eligible to apply for these posts.

• Project Associate-II (PAT-II): B.E./B.Tech in Civil or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with 2 years of R and D experience OR M.E./M.Tech/M.S. in Structural Engineering or related fields.
• Project Associate-I (PAT-I): B.E./B.Tech in ECE / EEE / CSE / AI and ML / AI and Data Science / Civil Engineering / Information Technology / Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) from a recognized university or institute.

Note: Detailed post-wise essential and desirable qualifications are available in the official notification. Please refer to it for precise project-specific requirements.

CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details

CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Salary Details

CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

Curious about how CSIR-SERC selects its dynamic team of Project Associates? The selection process is designed to identify highly skilled and motivated individuals. It generally includes:

1. Screening and Shortlisting: If a large number of applicants register, CSIR-SERC may conduct an initial screening based on higher educational qualifications, relevant experience, academic marks, or even a written test to shortlist candidates.
2. Document Verification: All original testimonials and certificates will be meticulously verified on the morning of the interview.
3. Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a personal interview conducted by the Selection Committee to assess their technical knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for the project roles.

Your performance across these stages will be crucial for final selection, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates join the esteemed CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre.

CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 How to Apply

Applying for the CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 involves two crucial steps: an online pre-registration and then a walk-in interview. It is absolutely essential to complete both steps within the specified timelines. No applications sent by post will be considered, so make sure everything is done electronically first.

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Online Pre-Registration (16th November to 25th November 2026):
   • Visit the official CSIR-SERC website at www.serc.res.in and navigate to the ‘CSIR Recruitment’ section.
   • Locate the notification (No. SE-3/2026) for Project Associate-I and II roles and click on the application link.
   • Fill out the online application form with accuracy, providing all your personal, academic, and work experience details.
   • Upload clear scanned copies of your photograph, signature, all educational certificates, mark sheets, proof of date of birth, caste/PwD certificates (if applicable), experience certificates (especially for PAT-II), and your GATE or NET scorecard (if you have one).
   • Submit the form before the deadline of 25th November 2026, 05:00 PM, and print a copy for your records.
2. Attend the Walk-in Interview (26th November 2026):
   • Only candidates who successfully pre-registered online will be permitted.
   • Report in person to CSIR-SERC, CSIR Road, Taramani, Chennai – 600113, between 09:00 AM and 10:30 AM on 26th November 2026. Latecomers will not be allowed.
   • Bring the duly signed printout of your online application form.
   • Carry all your original certificates and mark sheets (10th, 12th, B.E./B.Tech, M.E./M.Tech), your valid GATE or CSIR-UGC NET scorecard (if applicable), experience certificates (mandatory for PAT-II), a valid Photo ID (like Aadhaar Card), and any relevant Caste or PwD certificates.
   • Also, bring one set of self-attested photocopies of all these documents for submission.

Please note that no Travelling Allowance (TA) will be provided for attending the interview.

CSIR SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 Important Links