CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 – Walk-in for 44 Project Posts
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 has opened 44 temporary project positions for Senior PAT, Project Associate PAT-I, Project Associate PAT-II and Project Assistant-I. The CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur will conduct walk-in interviews from 16 October 2026 to 27 October 2026, depending on the position code.
The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. 17/2026. Unlike a regular online recruitment, candidates must attend the walk-in interview at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, with the prescribed application form and original certificates.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The notification contains 44 vacancies distributed across 30 position codes. Project Associate PAT-I accounts for 38 positions, making it the largest category in this recruitment.
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Senior PAT | 3 |
| Project Associate PAT-I | 38 |
| Project Associate PAT-II | 1 |
| Project Assistant-I (PA-I) | 2 |
| Total | 44 |
These positions are linked to projects covering plant programmed cell death, genome editing for crop improvement, aromatic plants and rural entrepreneurship, Smart Village initiatives, and attitudes toward novel agrotechnologies.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 Walk-in Dates
There is no single application-start or online closing date because this is a position-code-wise walk-in recruitment. Candidates must attend on the date assigned to their position code.
| Position Codes | Walk-in Date | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| 17001–17005 | 16 October 2026 | 5 |
| 17006–17007 | 19 October 2026 | 7 |
| 17008–17012 | 21 October 2026 | 6 |
| 17013–17018 | 22 October 2026 | 7 |
| 17019–17022 | 23 October 2026 | 5 |
| 17023–17026 | 26 October 2026 | 6 |
| 17027–17030 | 27 October 2026 | 8 |
Reporting time: 09:30 AM. Candidates arriving after 10:00 AM will not be allowed to appear for the interview. The venue is CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility differs by position code, with qualifications ranging from 10th plus ITI/SSC to postgraduate degrees and research experience. Candidates whose results are awaited are not eligible for the interview.
| Position Code | Post | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 17001 | Senior PAT | M.Sc. Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Plant Sciences + 3 years R&D, or Ph.D. in the same fields + 2 years |
| 17002 | Project Associate PAT-I | M.Sc. Biotechnology/Molecular Biology/Botany/Biochemistry |
| 17003 | Senior PAT | M.Sc. in relevant fields + 3 years R&D, or Ph.D. + 2 years |
| 17004 | Project Associate PAT-I | M.Pharm Pharmacology or M.Sc. Biochemistry |
| 17005 | Project Associate PAT-I | B.Tech Food Science & Technology / M.Sc. Food Science & Technology / M.Tech Food Technology |
| 17006–17007 | Project Associate PAT-I | Relevant M.Sc. Agriculture, Botany or Horticulture qualifications |
| 17008–17012 | Project Associate PAT-I | Qualifications in Agriculture, Genetics, Botany, Microbiology or specified engineering disciplines |
| 17013 | Project Assistant-I | 10th plus ITI / SSC |
| 17014 | Project Associate PAT-II | M.Sc. Life Sciences (Plant Sciences) + 2 years R&D |
| 17015–17022 | Project Associate PAT-I | Specified M.Sc. Agriculture, Life Sciences, Botany, Zoology, Entomology and related qualifications |
| 17023 | Senior PAT | M.Sc. Chemistry/M.Pharm + 3 years R&D, or Ph.D. Chemical Sciences + 2 years |
| 17024–17029 | Project Associate PAT-I / Project Assistant-I | Specified Chemistry, M.Pharm, MS Pharma or 10th plus ITI/SSC qualifications |
| 17030 | Project Associate PAT-I | B.Tech Chemical Engineering, or specified M.Sc. qualifications |
All degrees must be from a recognized university. For Senior PAT and Project Associate PAT-II positions requiring experience, the source specifies relevant R&D experience in industrial or academic institutions, science and technology organizations, or related scientific activities and services.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
The maximum age depends on the position. Age is counted on the interview date applicable to the candidate’s position code.
| Post | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Senior PAT | 40 years |
| Project Associate PAT-I / PAT-II | 35 years |
| Project Assistant-I | 35 years |
Age relaxation is 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates, subject to the Government of India instructions stated in the notification.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 Salary
The project positions receive a consolidated monthly stipend along with HRA. The amount depends on the post and, for specified Project Associate PAT-I codes, on qualifying national-level examinations.
| Post | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Senior PAT | Rs. 42,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate PAT-II | Rs. 28,000 + HRA |
| Project Associate PAT-I | Rs. 25,000 + HRA |
| Project Assistant-I | Rs. 18,000 + HRA |
For position codes 17002, 17007, 17012, 17016, 17020, 17022 and 17024, candidates qualifying through CSIR-UGC/ICAR/ICMR NET, GATE or specified national-level examinations can receive Rs. 31,000 + HRA.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The Selection Committee may conduct a direct interview or use an objective multiple-choice test followed by an interview on the same day. The final selection decision rests with the Director, CSIR-IHBT.
Online interviews are not permitted. Candidates must attend the designated walk-in venue in Palampur on the date assigned to their position code.
Preparation Tips for CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026
Preparation should match the research project and qualification listed against the selected position code. Candidates applying for plant-science roles should be prepared to discuss areas such as plant biotechnology, molecular biology, crop improvement, plant breeding, plant pathology or medicinal and aromatic plants where those subjects correspond to their position.
Applicants targeting chemistry positions should concentrate on the chemistry or pharmaceutical discipline stated for their code, while Food Science candidates should be ready to explain their academic and practical understanding of food technology. Candidates for the Smart Village and aromatic-plant projects should also understand how their academic background connects with the project subject rather than relying on generic interview answers.
Senior PAT and PAT-II applicants should be particularly prepared to explain their R&D experience because the notification specifically requires relevant research experience for these positions. Keep the explanation evidence-based: describe the research work, responsibilities and outcomes that you can support through your certificates and experience records.
How to Apply for CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026
This recruitment does not use an online application process. Candidates must complete the prescribed form and attend the walk-in interview.
- Identify the position code matching your qualification and age.
- Download the prescribed application form from the CSIR-IHBT website.
- Complete the form and affix a recent coloured passport-size photograph with the required cross-signature.
- Attach self-attested photocopies of age, qualification and experience certificates.
- If applying for more than one position code, prepare a separate application form for each code.
- Reach CSIR-IHBT, Palampur by 09:30 AM on the relevant interview date.
- Carry the original certificates for verification.
- Attend the interview or objective test/interview process as directed by the Selection Committee.
No travelling allowance is paid to candidates attending the recruitment.
Documents Required for CSIR IHBT Walk-in
Because the selection is conducted through a walk-in process, candidates should have both the completed application form and supporting certificates ready before travelling to Palampur.
- Prescribed CSIR-IHBT application form
- Recent coloured passport-size photograph
- Age proof
- Educational qualification certificates
- Relevant marksheets
- Experience certificates, where required
- Original certificates for verification
- Self-attested photocopies of the required documents
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Going on the wrong walk-in date after selecting the wrong position code.
- Reaching after 10:00 AM; late candidates will not be allowed to appear.
- Bringing only photocopies when the notification requires original certificates at the walk-in.
- Using one application form when applying for multiple position codes.
- Assuming an online interview is possible; the notification specifically rejects requests for online interviews.
- Attending without checking whether the final degree result has been declared, since candidates awaiting results are not eligible.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 Important Details
The engagement is purely temporary and co-terminus with the project. It does not create a right or claim to a regular position at CSIR or CSIR-IHBT. Performance is reviewed every six months, and the project end dates mentioned in the source range from 31 March 2027 to 31 March 2029, depending on the project.
The source notification does not mention an application fee, so no fee amount is stated here.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Advertisement No. 17/2026 |
| Official Website | CSIR-IHBT Palampur Portal |
| Query Email | recruitment@ihbt.res.in |
The source lists the official notification and CSIR-IHBT website under its important links.
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 FAQs
How many vacancies are available in CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026?
A total of 44 temporary project positions are advertised across 30 position codes.
What are the CSIR IHBT walk-in interview dates?
The interviews are scheduled on 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 26 and 27 October 2026, depending on the position code.
What is the reporting time for the CSIR IHBT walk-in?
Candidates must report by 09:30 AM. Those arriving after 10:00 AM will not be allowed to appear.
Where will the CSIR IHBT interviews be conducted?
The walk-in interviews will take place at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
Can I apply for more than one position code?
Yes. Candidates can apply for multiple position codes, but they must submit a separate application form for each position code.
Are online interviews available?
No. The notification states that requests for online interviews will not be entertained.
What is the stipend for Project Associate PAT-I?
The standard stipend is Rs. 25,000 + HRA. For specified position codes, candidates with qualifying NET, GATE or specified national-level examination credentials can receive Rs. 31,000 + HRA.
Is the CSIR IHBT recruitment permanent?
No. The engagement is temporary and co-terminus with the project, and it does not provide a claim to a regular CSIR or CSIR-IHBT post.
Conclusion
CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 provides 44 temporary project opportunities across biotechnology, agriculture, plant sciences, chemistry, food technology, engineering and related research areas. The key point for applicants is to identify the correct position code and attend the walk-in interview at Palampur on the corresponding date.
Candidates should arrive before the reporting deadline with the prescribed application form, original certificates and required self-attested copies. The CSIR IHBT Recruitment 2026 process is walk-in based, so applicants should not wait for an online application link.
