CSIR NML Recruitment 2026 - Walkin for 34 Group A, Group B and C Posts

Application Fee Details

One of the best parts about the CSIR-NML Walk-in Recruitment is the zero application fee policy. The details are:

• General / OBC / EWS Candidates: Rs. 0/- (No Application Fee).
• SC / ST / PwD / Female Candidates: Rs. 0/- (No Application Fee).
• Note: Since there is no fee involved, candidates only need to bear their own travel and accommodation expenses to attend the Walk-in interview. CSIR will not provide any Travelling Allowance (TA) or Dearness Allowance (DA) for attending the interview.

Age Limit Criteria (As on Date of Interview)

CSIR has set upper age limits for various project positions to ensure a dynamic and energetic research team. The age limits are as follows:

• For Senior Project Associate (Senior-PAT): The maximum age limit is 40 Years.
• For Project Associate I & II: The maximum age limit is 35 Years.
• For Project Assistant (Diploma/B.Sc/ITI): The maximum age limit is 50 Years.
• Age Relaxation Rules: The upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years for candidates belonging to SC / ST / PwBD / Women categories, and by 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, purely in accordance with Government of India and CSIR guidelines. Valid caste/category certificates must be presented during the document verification to claim relaxation.

CSIR NML Project Staff Eligibility Criteria 2026

CSIR-NML has classified the 34 vacancies into different groups based on the technical expertise required. Candidates must carefully check the educational qualifications before attending the walk-in.

• For Group A (Senior Project Associate / Project Scientist): Candidates must possess an M.Tech or M.E. degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering from a recognized university. Candidates with a Ph.D. in Science (Physics/Chemistry) or Engineering are highly preferred. A minimum of 2 to 4 years of hands-on R&D experience in an industrial or academic institution is strictly required.
• For Group B (Project Associate - I & II): A B.Tech / B.E. degree in Metallurgy, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, OR a Master’s Degree (M.Sc) in Chemistry, Physics, or Environmental Science. Candidates who have qualified CSIR-UGC NET (including lectureship) or GATE score will be given preference and a higher salary slab (Rs. 31,000/- to Rs. 35,000/- + HRA).
• For Group C (Project Assistant / Technical Assistant): Candidates should hold a 3-year full-time Diploma in Engineering (Metallurgy, Mechanical, Electrical) OR a B.Sc degree in pure sciences (Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics).
• For ITI Holders (Field Assistant): Minimum 10th standard pass along with an ITI certificate in relevant trades (Fitter, Electrician, Turner, Welder) with basic knowledge of laboratory equipment maintenance.

CSIR NML Selection Process 2026

The selection process for the CSIR-NML Project Staff recruitment is completely transparent and relies on the direct performance of the candidate during the walk-in drive.

1. Initial Screening & Document Verification: As soon as candidates arrive at the venue, their application forms and original documents will be scrutinized. Only candidates who strictly meet the educational and age criteria will be allowed to proceed.
2. Direct Personal Interview: Verified candidates will face a panel of senior scientists and researchers. The interview questions will primarily focus on the candidate's core engineering/science subjects, final year academic projects, prior research experience, and basic practical lab knowledge.
3. Skill Test (Only for ITI/Diploma holders): Depending on the number of candidates, Group C and ITI candidates might be asked to perform a basic technical skill test (like identifying tools, basic circuit wiring, or lab safety protocols) before the interview.
4. Final Merit List: A merit list will be prepared based purely on interview performance. Selected candidates will be informed via email and the official NML website.