Recruitment Introduction & Background Context
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata, West Bengal has officially released advertisement number No.PU/507/ADV/921 for hiring dynamic and qualified candidates for scientific research assignments. This recruitment notification invites applications for 1 vacant position of Project Associate-I under a purely contractual arrangement based in Kolkata. Candidates who wish to build a robust career in scientific research and development can explore all latest West Bengal Government Jobs to find matching opportunities across the region.
This opening is ideal for science graduates looking to contribute to advanced institutional studies. Besides this specific notification, candidates can also check check more Post Graduate jobs in West Bengal or review similar openings such as the ISI Project-linked Personnel Walk-in Interview 2026 recruitment details. The appointed candidate will work directly under senior researchers, contributing towards specialized scientific advancements.
Eligibility Criteria & Age Limits
Applicants must ensure they fulfill the strict academic and age benchmarks established by the institute before submitting their candidacy. The required educational qualification specifies an M.Sc. in Agriculture, Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, or any other relevant discipline of Life Sciences from a recognised university/institute. Additionally, candidates with previous research experience in plant nanobiotechnology, plant stress physiology, or plant-microbe/plant-soil interactions will receive preferred consideration.
The age limit mandates a Maximum 35 years as on 16 November 2026. Category-wise age relaxations are fully applicable for SC/ST/OBC/Women/PwD: Usual relaxation as per Government of India rules, ensuring fair representation and opportunities for reserved category applicants.
Remuneration & Contractual Service Terms
The selected candidate will receive a consolidated financial package structured as Rs. 31,000 per month or Rs. 25,000 per month plus HRA. This compensation package supports researchers throughout their tenure at the institute.
The employment nature is strictly contractual, with a contract duration running Initially till 31 March 2027 from the date of joining. This contract is extendable, meaning it May be extended based on performance and fund availability, making it co-terminus with the active project lifecycle.
Selection Methodology & Process Stages
The selection procedure is designed to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical acumen in the relevant scientific domain. The complete multi-stage evaluation comprises the following steps:
- Stage 1: Written Test in Subject Area (if required): Conducted to shortlist deserving applicants when high application volumes are received.
- Stage 2: Interview: Face-to-face or virtual interaction with the selection committee for shortlisted candidates.
- Stage 3: Document Verification & Medical Fitness at joining: Final validation of original certificates and credentials before formal induction.
Note that the notification does not specify marks distribution, duration, or negative marking for the written test if it is implemented.
Important Schedule & Application Fee Guidelines
The online application portal became active on 28 October 2026, and candidates must submit their forms before the hard deadline on 20 November 2026. Applicants must complete their submissions well ahead of time to avoid any technical glitches on the portal.
Regarding financial commitments, there is great relief for all applicants because No application fee is mentioned in the notification. General, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST candidates are fully exempted from paying any charges, and the application mode is completely Online.
Step-by-Step Practical Application Guide
Eligible candidates should follow this systematic procedure to complete their online registration without errors:
- Step 1: Access the official registration portal via the Apply Online Portal.
- Step 2: Register yourself by providing basic credentials and carefully filling out personal, academic, and research experience details.
- Step 3: Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents, passport-size photographs, and academic certificates in the designated formats.
- Step 4: Review all entered data thoroughly before clicking the final submit button.
- Step 5: Save and print a digital or physical copy of the submitted application form for future reference and subsequent communication.
Required Documents Checklist
Candidates must keep the following documents scanned and ready prior to filling out the digital form, and also maintain originals for verification:
- Date of birth proof (Birth certificate or Class 10 passing certificate).
- Bachelor's degree certificates and marksheets.
- Master's degree certificates and marksheets confirming life sciences qualifications.
- Caste certificate, if applicable, issued by competent authorities.
- Government-issued identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Passport).
- Disability certificate, if applicable, for PwD relaxations.
- Experience certificate, if any, detailing relevant laboratory or research tenure.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
Candidate Advisory & Crucial Precautions
Important Warnings:
- Submit only complete applications accompanied by all necessary supporting documents to avoid outright rejection.
- Ensure all original documents are kept safe and ready for verification at the time of final joining.
- Remember that this post is purely contractual and co-terminus with the approved project.
- No TA/DA will be reimbursed or paid for attending interviews or reporting for joining duties.
Regularly monitor the Official Website and your registered email inbox for timely updates regarding shortlisting results and interview schedules.
