CSIR-SERC Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 16 Project Associate-II and Project Associate-I Posts

The CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC) has released the CSIR-SERC Recruitment 2026 Notification for 16 Project Associate vacancies. The recruitment includes 7 Project Associate-II and 9 Project Associate-I positions for various research projects at CSIR-SERC, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Candidates possessing B.E./B. Tech qualifications in relevant engineering disciplines can apply for these positions, subject to the post-specific eligibility requirements. The online registration process will begin on 16 November 2026 and continue until 25 November 2026.

Eligible and registered candidates must attend the walk-in interview scheduled for 26 November 2026 at the CSIR-SERC campus in Chennai.

Interested candidates should read the complete recruitment details, including educational qualifications, age limit, salary, selection procedure, and application instructions, before applying.

CSIR-SERC Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Vacancy Details

CSIR-SERC has announced a total of 16 vacancies for Project Associate-II and Project Associate-I positions under different research projects.

The vacancies are distributed across research projects involving structural engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, electronics, artificial intelligence, earthquake engineering, and other related areas.

The vacancy count is indicative and provisional and may change during the selection process.

Project Details

The available positions are associated with the following research projects:

1. Development of Indigenous Cement Asphalt Mortar Material for High-Speed Rail Track System.
2. Enhancing Structural Engineering Education through Model-Based Learning.
3. Design and Development of Offshore Wind and Wave Energy Technologies for the Indian Coastline.
4. Assessment and Mitigation Strategy for Geo Hazards in Himalaya (AMOGH).
5. Assessing the Effect of Negative Camber on the Designed Performance of Open Web Girder Bridge.
6. 3D Printed G+1 Concrete Building for Earthquake-Prone Regions.
7. Performance Evaluation of AAR H Coupler and VB Coupler.
8. CSIR Jigyasa.
9. Quasi-static and Dynamic Testing of an Urban Aerial Mobility Aircraft Ground Test Vehicle.
10. Fatigue Life Assessment for Railway Bridges Using Intelligent Sensing and Learning (FABRISENSE).
11. Continuous Health Monitoring of Steel Concrete Composite Girder for Chennai Metro Rail Limited.
12. Seismic-Responsive Elevation System: Adaptive Lift Technology for Buildings during Earthquake Events (S-Elevate).

Candidates should check the official notification for individual post codes, disciplines, and project-wise vacancy details.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for CSIR-SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 must satisfy the educational qualification, experience, and age requirements prescribed for their selected position.

1. Educational Qualification

The required qualifications differ according to the post and research project.

Project Associate-II

Candidates generally require:

• B.E./B.Tech in Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized university or institute.
• Two years of research and development experience in relevant industrial or academic institutions, science and technology organizations, or scientific activities and services for most positions.
• Relevant M.E./M.Tech/M.S. qualifications may be desirable for specific projects.
• GATE qualification and knowledge of relevant engineering software may be desirable for certain positions.

Project Associate-I

Candidates require B.E./B.Tech in the relevant engineering discipline from a recognized university or institute.

Depending on the project, eligible disciplines include:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Computer Science Engineering
• Information Technology
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
• Instrumentation Engineering

Some positions prefer candidates with knowledge of MATLAB, Python, programming, structural analysis, software development, signal processing, and engineering simulation tools.

Important: Educational qualifications are post-specific. Candidates must carefully check the official notification before selecting a position.

Final-year and final-semester students awaiting their results are not eligible.

2. Age Limit

The maximum age limit for CSIR-SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 is 35 years as on the date of the walk-in interview.

Age relaxation is applicable as follows:

Candidates should refer to the official notification for applicable age-relaxation conditions.

Salary

Selected candidates will receive a monthly stipend according to their post and qualifying examination status.

House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be paid in addition to the monthly emoluments.

The positions are temporary and project-based. The engagement will continue up to the specified project period and may be extended depending on project requirements and approval.

Application Fee

Candidates do not need to pay any registration fee for CSIR-SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026.

Application Fee: Nil

Selection Process

The selection of candidates for Project Associate-I and Project Associate-II positions will be conducted through a walk-in interview.

The selection process may include the following stages:

1. Online registration.
2. Verification of educational qualifications and eligibility.
3. Shortlisting, if required.
4. Walk-in interview.
5. Final selection and document verification.

If the number of applicants is high, CSIR-SERC may shortlist candidates based on:

• Higher educational qualifications.
• Relevant research and development experience.
• Academic marks.
• Written test.
• Any other method considered appropriate by the Selection Committee.

Only candidates possessing the prescribed qualifications will be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Walk-in Interview Date and Venue

Eligible candidates who complete online registration must attend the walk-in interview according to the following schedule:

Candidates should reach the interview venue on time. Applicants arriving after 10:30 AM will not be permitted to enter the venue.

Only candidates who have completed online registration will be allowed to attend the interview.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in CSIR-SERC Project Associate Recruitment 2026 can follow the steps below:

1. Visit the official CSIR-SERC website at https://serc.res.in/.
2. Open the recruitment or online application section.
3. Find the CSIR-SERC Recruitment 2026 notification.
4. Read the official advertisement carefully.
5. Select the appropriate Project Associate-I or Project Associate-II position.
6. Complete the online registration form with the required personal and educational details.
7. Upload the necessary certificates and supporting documents.
8. Verify all the information entered in the application form.
9. Submit the online registration before 25 November 2026, 05:00 PM.
10. Download and print the duly completed application form.
11. Attend the walk-in interview on 26 November 2026 with the application form and required documents.

There is no registration fee. Candidates are not required to send a hard copy of the application to the CSIR-SERC office.

Documents Required

Candidates attending the interview should carry the following documents:

1. Duly signed online application form.
2. Aadhaar Card.
3. Educational qualification certificates.
4. All relevant mark sheets.
5. Date of birth proof.
6. Experience certificates, if applicable.
7. GATE scorecard, if applicable.
8. Caste/category certificate, if applicable.
9. Self-attested photocopies of all required certificates.
10. Original documents for verification.

Candidates must bring the original certificates along with self-attested photocopies. Applicants without the required application form and supporting documents may not be allowed to attend the interview.

Documents issued in languages other than Hindi or English must be accompanied by an English transcript attested by a Gazetted Officer or Notary.

Important Dates

Candidates should remember the following important dates:

Last Date to Apply Online: 25 November 2026

Candidates are advised to complete the registration process well before the deadline.

Important Instructions for Candidates

• Online registration is mandatory before attending the walk-in interview.
• Candidates must satisfy the eligibility criteria for their selected post.
• Final-year and final-semester students awaiting results are not eligible.
• No travelling allowance (TA) will be provided for attending the interview.
• All certificates and documents are subject to verification.
• The positions are temporary and do not provide any right to permanent employment at CSIR-SERC.
• Total engagement as project staff across CSIR laboratories and institutes cannot exceed six years.
• Candidates should regularly check the official website for corrigenda and recruitment updates.

Important Links

Candidates should use the official CSIR-SERC website for registration, notification downloads, and the latest recruitment updates.

FAQs – CSIR-SERC Recruitment 2026