CSKHPKV SRF Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights & Career Scope
CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur, has released official advertisement notification 09/2026 inviting offline applications for 1 Senior Research Fellow (SRF) post. The position is stationed in the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology under the College of Agriculture (COA) at the Palampur campus in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
This research fellowship is strictly contractual and co-terminus with the duration of the research project or availability of funds. Candidates seeking research opportunities in plant sciences and agricultural biotechnology can explore all latest Himachal Pradesh Government Jobs for university engagements. Job seekers interested in technical support roles at the university may also refer to CSKHPKV Field-cum-Lab Helper Recruitment 2026 recruitment details for parallel opportunities.
What Posts Are Available? – Post & Discipline Breakdown
The current recruitment notification is aimed at filling 1 vacancy for the position of Senior Research Fellow (SRF) within the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology. The fellowship offers a focused platform for post-graduate researchers to work on advanced plant biotechnology and genetic transformation projects.
Candidates wishing to check more Post Graduate jobs in Himachal Pradesh should evaluate the research criteria closely, as selection requires a strong academic background combined with documented laboratory expertise.
Who Is Eligible? – Education, Age & Domicile
Eligibility for the Senior Research Fellow position is determined by educational qualification, national test status, and publication-backed research experience. The specific criteria prescribed in advertisement notification 09/2026 include:
- Educational Qualification: M.Sc. degree in Plant Science from a recognized university or institute.
- National Eligibility Test (NET): Candidates with M.Sc. in Plant Science and a valid NET qualification (ICAR-NET, CSIR-UGC NET, or equivalent) qualify for the higher fellowship tier. Candidates without NET are also eligible provided they meet the required research experience criteria.
- Mandatory Research Experience: Hands-on experience in plant transformation is compulsory for all candidates (both NET and non-NET). This practical experience must be explicitly demonstrated through published research papers or academic articles.
- Age Limit: Age requirements and relaxations will be governed as per standard university recruitment norms.
What Is the Salary & Official Benefits?
The fellowship pay structure at CSKHPKV Palampur varies based on whether the selected candidate possesses a valid NET qualification:
- Fellowship for NET-Qualified Candidates: Consolidated pay of Rs. 37,000 + HRA per month for the 1st and 2nd years, which increases to Rs. 42,000 + HRA per month in the 3rd year.
- Fellowship for Non-NET Candidates: Consolidated pay of Rs. 28,000 fixed per month.
- Additional Allowances: House Rent Allowance (HRA) is payable to NET-qualified candidates as per project guidelines and university regulations.
Selection Process & Interview Breakdown
Selection for the Senior Research Fellow position will be conducted directly through a work-specific interaction, eliminating any written examination. The selection timeline follows three sequential steps:
- Stage 1: Application Shortlisting: Initial screening of received offline applications to verify basic eligibility, M.Sc. degree relevance, and documented publication proof in plant transformation.
- Stage 2: Work-Specific Interaction (Interview): Personal interaction scheduled for 19 November 2026 at the department premises to evaluate practical research competency, subject knowledge, and lab skills.
- Stage 3: Document Verification: On-spot verification of original academic marksheets, degree certificates, NET scorecards, publication reprints, category certificates, and bank draft receipt.
Important Dates & Schedule Guidance
Candidates must carefully manage their application submission and travel schedule according to the official timeline published by CSKHPKV Palampur:
- Official Notification Release / Application Start Date: 30 October 2026
- Application Receipt Last Date: 18 November 2026 (up to 05:00 PM)
- Fee Payment Deadline: 18 November 2026 (via Demand Draft)
- Date of Work-Specific Interaction (Interview): 19 November 2026
Important Note: No separate interview call letters or written communications will be issued to individual candidates for the work-specific interaction. Applicants must reach the venue directly on 19 November 2026 along with all original credentials.
What Is the Application Fee & Payment Mode?
Applicants must pay the prescribed non-refundable application fee using the offline payment mode specified by the university:
- General / Unreserved Categories: Rs. 450
- Reserved Categories (SC / ST): Rs. 110
- Payment Method: Fee must be paid exclusively through a Bank Draft drawn in favour of The Comptroller, CSKHPKV, Palampur.
- Inclusion Rule: The original demand draft must be securely attached to the application form; otherwise, the submission will be rejected instantly.
How to Apply? (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
Since the application process is completely offline, candidates must follow these exact instructions to ensure their application arrives before the deadline:
- Visit the official website of CSKHPKV at hillagric.ac.in and download official advertisement 09/2026 along with the application format.
- Draft or complete the application form neatly on plain paper as per the prescribed format, filling in personal details, educational qualifications, and research publications.
- Obtain a Bank Draft for Rs. 450 (General) or Rs. 110 (SC/ST) drawn in favour of The Comptroller, CSKHPKV, Palampur.
- Attach self-attested copies of 10th/12th certificates, M.Sc. degree and marksheets, NET pass certificate (if applicable), publications proving experience in plant transformation, passport photos, and photo ID proof.
- Enclose the form, documents, and original Bank Draft in a sealed envelope superscribed: "Application for the post of Senior Research Fellow (Advt. No. 09/2026)".
- Deliver the envelope by post or hand to: The Head, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, COA, CSKHPKV, Palampur, H.P. – 176062, so that it reaches no later than 18 November 2026 by 05:00 PM.
What Can Get Your Application Rejected?
To avoid disqualification, review the critical rejection conditions stated in the recruitment notice:
- Late Arrival: Applications received after 05:00 PM on 18 November 2026 will not be considered under any circumstances.
- Incorrect Fee Draft: Enclosing a Bank Draft made out to an incorrect beneficiary name or for an incorrect amount.
- Lack of Publication Proof: Applications lacking research paper reprints or documentary evidence verifying practical experience in plant transformation.
- Incomplete Forms: Unsigned application sheets, missing self-attestations, or omitted educational marksheets.
- Failure to Attend Interview: Missing the physical work-specific interaction on 19 November 2026, as no re-interview or alternate dates will be granted.
Editor's Key Advisory for Candidates
Candidates planning to apply for this SRF post should prepare their portfolio carefully. Make sure to bring physical copies and original reprints of your research publications demonstrating plant transformation techniques to the interaction on 19 November 2026.
Because the gap between the application deadline (18 November) and the interaction date (19 November) is only one day, candidates residing outside Palampur or Kangra district should plan their travel to the CSKHPKV campus well in advance.
