NAL Recruitment 2026 – Walk in for 48 Project Assistant, Project Associate Posts

CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru has invited applications for 48 Project Staff positions (Advt. No. 12/2026/PS dated 16 June 2026) across Aerospace, Electrical/Electronics, and Chemistry/Materials disciplines. There is no online application - eligible candidates must attend a walk-in interview on one of four dates between 19 June and 29 June 2026 at CSIR-NAL, Kodihalli, Bengaluru, carrying the prescribed application form and original documents.

CSIR-NAL Project Staff Recruitment 2026 - Overview

Interview Schedule by Discipline

Candidates wondering which date applies to their field should know that CSIR-NAL has grouped interviews by subject area rather than holding a single combined interview. Each date covers a distinct set of disciplines, so candidates must report only on the date relevant to their qualification.

Candidates applying for more than one position must submit a separate application for each post, even if multiple posts fall on the same interview date.

Position-Wise Vacancy Breakdown (48 Posts)

Candidates checking how many openings exist per post and specialization can refer to the table below, which consolidates all 48 positions across the four interview dates. The largest single group is Project Associate-I (Aerospace/Aeronautical/Mechanical) with 15 posts on 29 June, followed by Project Assistant-II (Aerospace/Aeronautical/Mechanical) with 11 posts on 24 June.

CSIR-NAL has clearly stated that positions may vary as per actual project requirements, and a waitlist panel will be formed to fill future vacancies as projects demand.

Eligibility Criteria for Each Post

Eligibility for CSIR-NAL Project Staff depends primarily on the position level (PA-II, PAT-I, or PAT-II) rather than a single uniform standard, since each grade has its own qualification and experience benchmark. The summary below explains what is required at each level.

Project Assistant-II (PA-II) - Rs. 20,000/- + HRA

This is the entry-level diploma post, requiring only a Diploma in Engineering/Technology in the relevant discipline (Electronics or Aerospace/Aeronautical/Mechanical), with no prior work experience mandated.

Project Associate-I (PAT-I) - Rs. 25,000/- to Rs. 31,000/- + HRA

This level requires a Master's/Integrated Master's degree from a recognized University, OR a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology, OR an equivalent qualification recognized in writing by the Project Investigator and Director. Candidates holding a valid NET/GATE score are eligible for the higher PAT-I (NET/GATE) emolument of Rs. 31,000/- in the Chemistry/Materials category.

Project Associate-II (PAT-II) - Rs. 28,000/- to Rs. 35,000/- + HRA

This is the most experience-intensive grade, requiring a Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Technology with 2 years of R&D experience in industrial, academic, or scientific organizations, OR a Master's/Integrated Master's degree in Engineering/Technology without the experience requirement. Candidates with a valid NET/GATE score qualify for the enhanced Rs. 35,000/- emoluments under the Aerospace/Aeronautical category.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age limit for all 48 posts is 35 years, calculated as on the date of the respective Walk-in-Interview, not a fixed cut-off date. Age relaxation of 5 years applies to SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates, and 3 years to OBC candidates, or as per prevailing Government of India instructions; candidates must attach documentary proof of category to claim this relaxation, failing which they will not be permitted to appear for the interview.

Application Fee and Cost to Apply

Candidates asking about the application fee for this recruitment can note that CSIR-NAL has not prescribed any application fee for Project Staff walk-in interviews. The only cost candidates bear is their own travel and stay, since no TA/DA (Travelling/Dearness Allowance) is paid for attending the interview, regardless of distance travelled or selection outcome.

Selection Process: How CSIR-NAL Shortlists Candidates

Selection for these posts happens primarily through a walk-in interview, but CSIR-NAL has built in flexibility for high-turnout scenarios. The process below outlines what candidates can expect from registration to final empanelment.

1. Registration and Document Verification - Candidates report between 9:00 AM and 9:45 AM on their respective interview date; no registration is allowed after 9:45 AM.
2. Screening (if required) - If a large number of candidates appear, the Selection/Screening Committee may shortlist candidates through a written exam or other criteria before the interview.
3. Interview - Candidates are assessed based on educational qualification, relevant experience, and specialization fit for the specific project requirement, with preference given to those having desirable skills and teamwork ability.
4. Possible Multi-Day Continuation - If the interview cannot be completed on the scheduled day, candidates may be called back the next day, so they should come prepared accordingly.
5. Panel Formation - A panel of suitable candidates is created post-interview, valid for a maximum of one year; empanelment does not guarantee automatic engagement, as utilization depends on actual project vacancies.
6. Result Declaration - Selected candidates and the waitlist panel will be notified on https://www.nal.res.in.

How to Apply: Walk-In Interview Steps

Since CSIR-NAL accepts applications only in person, candidates must prepare their documents in advance and report physically on the correct date. Below is the complete process to follow.

1. Download the prescribed application form from the CSIR-NAL website (https://www.nal.res.in).
2. Fill in the form completely, mentioning all qualifications and relevant experience beyond the minimum prescribed requirement.
3. Reach CSIR-NAL, RAB Meeting Complex, Kodihalli, Bengaluru - 560017 on the interview date applicable to your post and discipline.
4. Report for registration and document verification between 9:00 AM and 9:45 AM.
5. Carry the filled application form, a latest passport-size photograph, original certificates with one set of photocopies, Aadhaar Card or any Government photo ID, and category certificate (if applicable).
6. Submit a separate application for each post if applying for more than one position.
7. Attend the interview; be prepared to return the next day if the process is not completed on the scheduled date.

Candidates are explicitly instructed NOT to send applications by post, speed post, or email - only in-person walk-in applications are accepted.

Salary and Emoluments Structure

Candidates comparing pay across posts can note that CSIR-NAL's Project Staff emoluments scale upward with qualification level and specialization, ranging from Rs. 20,000/- to Rs. 35,000/- per month, all plus HRA.

This engagement is purely temporary and contract-based, co-terminus with the specific project, and does not confer any right to continuation, absorption, or regularization in CSIR. The contract can be terminated by either side with one month's notice or one month's stipend in lieu of notice.

Documents Required at the Interview

Candidates preparing for their walk-in interview should arrange a complete document set in advance, since missing documents can lead to summary rejection of the application. CSIR-NAL has listed these as mandatory requirements.

• Duly filled application form (downloaded from the official website).
• Aadhaar Card or any Government-issued photo ID card.
• Latest passport-size photograph.
• Original educational qualification certificates with all mark sheets, plus one set of photocopies.
• Experience certificates, where applicable to the post.
• Caste/Category Certificate, if claiming SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD reservation, in the proper format issued by the appropriate authority.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Project Leader/HOD, mandatory only if the candidate is currently working in CSIR-NAL or another CSIR lab.
• CSIR-UGC NET/GATE score card, if applicable, to claim the higher emolument slabs.

Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid

Many candidates miss out on selection due to avoidable preparation errors rather than lack of qualification. Reviewing these common pitfalls beforehand can help candidates attend the interview without complications.

• Reporting after 9:45 AM: CSIR-NAL strictly disallows registration after this cutoff, so arriving late means missing the interview entirely regardless of qualification.
• Attending the wrong date for your discipline: Since interviews are split by subject area across four dates, checking the discipline-to-date mapping beforehand avoids wasted travel.
• Submitting one application for multiple posts: Candidates applying for more than one position must fill a separate form for each post; combining them in one application risks rejection.
• Skipping documentary proof of category for age relaxation: Without valid proof, candidates will not be permitted to claim age relaxation or attend the interview under the reserved category.
• Attending with results awaited: Candidates whose qualifying exam results are still pending are not eligible; only those who have already completed the required degree should attend.
• Forgetting the NOC for currently employed candidates: Those already working in CSIR-NAL or other CSIR labs must carry a No Objection Certificate from their Project Leader/HOD, or risk disqualification at the venue.

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