CSIR – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR CMERI) Project Staff Notification 2026 has been released on 2026 on the official website https://www.cmeri.res.in. A total of 42 vacancies have been announced through the CSIR CMERI Project Staff Recruitment 2026.
Candidates up to 35–40 years of age (depending on the post) who have Diploma / B.Sc / B.E / B.Tech / M.E / M.Tech / PhD / MBA / MSW or equivalent qualifications in relevant disciplines are eligible to apply for these Project Assistant, Project Associate, Project JRF, Project SRF, Senior Project Associate, Project Scientist and Project Research Scientist vacancies.
The walk-in interview process for CSIR CMERI Recruitment 2026 will be conducted on 16 March 2026 and 17 March 2026. Candidates can download the official notification PDF and attend the walk-in interview through the direct links provided below in this article.
CSIR CMERI Recruitment 2026 Overview – Basic Details
CSIR – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR CMERI), Durgapur has invited applications for temporary project positions under various sponsored research projects.
- Organization: CSIR – Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CSIR CMERI), Durgapur
- Advertisement Number: PRCT/01/2026
- Recruitment Year: 2026
- Total Vacancies: 42 (project staff posts)
- Posts: Project Assistant, Project Associate, Project JRF, Project SRF, Senior Project Associate, Project Scientist, Project Research Scientist and other project personnel
- Mode of Engagement: Walk-in Interview
- Interview Location: CSIR CMERI, Mahatma Gandhi Avenue, Durgapur – 713209, West Bengal
- Job Type: Temporary, project-based, co-terminous with project
The institute works in areas such as intelligent autonomous systems and robotics, digital manufacturing, smart farm machines, electric mobility, clean energy and hydrogen technologies, offering hands-on R&D exposure to young engineers and researchers.
Download CSIR CMERI Recruitment 2026 PDF
CSIR CMERI 2026 Vacancy Details – Check Post-wise Vacancies
Candidates can check the post-wise CSIR CMERI project staff vacancies for 2026 in the table below.
| Post Name | Indicative Post Codes | Total Posts | Project Tenure (Up to) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Assistant-II | P-2609 to P-2615 (various projects) | 42 | 30.06.2026 – 31.03.2028 (project-wise) |
| Project Associate-I | P-2616 to P-2624 and others | Up to 2026–2028 (project-wise) | |
| Project Associate-II | P-2627, P-2636, P-2637, P-2640 etc. | Project-specific (up to 2027–2029) | |
| Project JRF / Project SRF | P-2625, P-2626, P-2629, P-2630 etc. | Project-specific (up to 2027) | |
| Senior Project Associate | P-2628, P-2635, P-2638 to P-2644 etc. | Project-specific (generally up to 2027) | |
| Project Scientist / Project Research Scientist | P-2628, P-2631, P-2632 etc. | Project-specific (generally up to 2026–2027) |
Exact distribution of the 42 vacancies by post code and discipline should be summarised in a detailed table directly mapped from the official advertisement.
CSIR CMERI Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Education, Age Limit and Experience
Educational Qualification
- Project Assistant-II: 3-year Diploma in Engineering/Technology in relevant branches such as Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Agricultural, Manufacturing, Automobile, etc., OR B.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry for specific posts.
- Project Associate-I: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Aerospace, etc.) OR relevant Master’s degree in Physics/Electronics/Computer Science/Data Science as mentioned in the notification.
- Project Associate-II: Same core B.E./B.Tech/M.E./M.Tech eligibility as Project Associate-I with minimum 2 years’ R&D experience in recognised institutions/industry, or higher qualification with required experience.
- Project JRF / Project SRF: Relevant Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Engineering/Technology or Science with qualification in CSIR-UGC NET/GATE or equivalent national level examination; SRF requires at least 2 years of post-qualification research experience.
- Senior Project Associate / Project Scientist / Project Research Scientist: B.E./B.Tech with 3–6 years’ R&D experience, or M.E./M.Tech with 2–4 years, or PhD in relevant engineering disciplines as specified for the concerned post code.
Desirable skills such as CAD/CAE (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA), ANSYS/Abaqus, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, machine learning, robotics, electric vehicles, hydrogen technology, and domain-specific software are highly preferred and can influence shortlisting.
Age Limit
- Project Assistant / Project Associate (I & II) / Project JRF / Project Research Scientist: maximum 35 years.
- Project SRF: maximum 32 years.
- Senior Project Associate / Principal Project Associate / Project Scientist-I: maximum 40 years (some Scientist posts 35 years).
- Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women and 3 years for OBC candidates as per Government of India/CSIR rules.
Experience Requirements
- Fresher-level posts: Many Project Assistant-II and Project Associate-I posts do not require prior experience, though exposure to tools/software is desirable.
- Experienced posts: Project Associate-II, Senior Project Associate, Project Scientist and some Research Scientist posts require 2–6 years of relevant R&D experience in industrial/academic/scientific organisations.
- Project-specific expertise: Experience in mechanical design and analysis, EV and power electronics, robotics, hydrogen systems, CFD, FEA, embedded systems, AI/ML, image/signal processing etc. is preferred as per post code.
CSIR CMERI Selection Process 2026 – Walk-in Interview and Assessment
The CSIR CMERI project staff selection process for 2026 is based on walk-in interviews only; there is no separate written examination.
- Mode of Selection: Walk-in Interview at CSIR CMERI, Durgapur, as per scheduled dates and time.
- Screening: Initial screening based on eligibility, educational qualification, experience and desirable skills mentioned for each post code.
- Interview: Personal interview to assess subject knowledge, technical skills, research aptitude, project fit and communication skills.
- Document Verification: Verification of original certificates, mark sheets, experience certificates, identity and category certificates.
- Final Merit: Final selection based on interview performance and overall suitability; results published on the CSIR CMERI website and/or communicated by email.
Since there is no written exam, there is no negative marking, question paper pattern or online test; candidates should prepare for an in-depth technical and project-oriented interaction.
How to Apply for CSIR CMERI Recruitment 2026 – Application Process and Important Dates
Application Process (Walk-in Mode)
- Visit the official CSIR CMERI website and go to the recruitment or career section.
- Download the prescribed Application Form for engagement of project staff against Advertisement No. PRCT/01/2026.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, experience, and clearly mention the post code(s) and post name you are applying for.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of all required documents – age proof, mark sheets, degree/diploma certificates, experience certificates and category certificates (if applicable).
- Affix a recent passport size colour photograph in the space provided on the application form and carry additional photographs for use during the interview.
- Report at CSIR CMERI, Durgapur, on the scheduled date and time for your post code with the filled-in application form, original documents and one set of self-attested photocopies.
- No separate online application submission is required; there is no TA/DA for attending the walk-in interview.
Important Dates – CSIR CMERI Project Staff 2026
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-in Interview – Day 1 | 16 March 2026 | Interview for selected post codes (e.g., P-2609 to P-2615 and other groups) – reporting time as per official schedule. |
| Walk-in Interview – Day 2 | 17 March 2026 | Interview for remaining post codes in other groups – candidates must check exact reporting time in the notice. |
Candidates are advised to reach the venue well before the reporting time and plan for possible delays, as the interview process can extend till late evening.
CSIR CMERI Salary 2026 – Pay Scale and Job Profile
Monthly Salary / Fellowship
| Post Category | Monthly Salary (Consolidated) |
|---|---|
| Project Assistant-II | Rs. 20,000/- per month with 15% increment after 3 years of experience in the same project |
| Project Associate-I | Rs. 25,000/- per month OR Rs. 31,000/- per month for candidates with NET/GATE or approved national exam |
| Project Associate-II | Rs. 28,000/- per month OR Rs. 35,000/- per month for candidates with NET/GATE or approved national exam |
| Project JRF | Generally in the range of Rs. 31,000–37,000/- per month as per project norms |
| Project SRF | Rs. 42,000/- per month |
| Senior Project Associate | Rs. 42,000/- per month |
| Project Scientist-I / Project Research Scientist-I | Rs. 56,000/- per month (project-based) |
These are consolidated project fellowships and do not correspond to regular CSIR permanent pay scales; the engagement is purely temporary and restricted to the sanctioned project duration and overall CSIR project service limits.
CSIR CMERI Recruitment 2026 – Important Rules and General Conditions
- The engagement is purely temporary and project-based; it does not confer any right to claim permanent CSIR/CMERI appointment.
- The tenure of each position is co-terminous with the respective project or up to the maximum permissible project engagement period in CSIR, whichever is earlier.
- Actual number of positions may increase or decrease on the date of interview depending on project requirements.
- Candidates who have already completed or will complete 6 years of engagement in CSIR projects (as trainee, project assistant, fellow, JRF, SRF, associate, etc.) will not be considered beyond the 6-year limit.
- No TA/DA will be paid for attending the walk-in interview.
- Candidates working in CSIR projects or other organisations must bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their present employer/competent authority.
- The decision of the competent authority of CSIR CMERI in all matters related to eligibility, selection and engagement will be final and binding.
CSIR CMERI Recruitment 2026 - Important Links
| Application Form | Click here |
| Notification | Click here |
| Official Website | Click here |
| Join Arattai Channel | Click Here |
| Sarkari Result | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Download Mobile App | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
