CSIR-CECRI invites applications for 05 Junior Research Fellow (GATE) vacancies. Eligibility: BE/B.Tech with valid GATE. Last Date: May 25, 2026. Apply at cecri.res.in.
The CSIR – Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, has released an official notification (No. JRF – 04/2026) inviting applications from eligible Indian citizens for the engagement of 05 Junior Research Fellow (GATE) positions. These fellowships are offered under CSIR’s Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) GATE scheme for pursuing an Integrated Dual Degree PhD Programme (M.Tech – Ph.D) of AcSIR. Interested candidates with a valid GATE score and the prescribed educational qualifications can apply online before May 25, 2026.
Quick Overview
| Organization | CSIR – Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | CSIR – Junior Research Fellow (GATE) |
| Total Vacancies | 05 |
| Application Start Date | 09.05.2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Application Last Date | 25.05.2026 (05:00 PM) |
| Interview Date | 27.05.2026 |
| Stipend | ₹37,000/- plus HRA (₹42,000/- plus HRA from 3rd year) |
| Notification No. | JRF – 04/2026 |
| Official Website | www.cecri.res.in |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Category Breakdown | Stipend (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSIR – Junior Research Fellow (GATE) | 05 | UR – 02, OBC – 02, SC – 01 (PwBD Horizontal) | ₹37,000/- plus HRA (increasable to ₹42,000/- plus HRA from 3rd year) |
PwBD Candidates are encouraged to apply for any of these positions.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- BE/B.Tech. Degree holders in Chemical/Chemical & Electrochemical/Metallurgy/Petrochemical/Nanotechnology/Material Science/Industrial Biotechnology/Industrial Environmental Engineering/Surface Engineering/Polymer Engineering/Chemical Technology/Chemical Plant Engineering/Applied Chemical & Polymer Technology/Polymer Science & Chemical Technology/Chemical Science & Technology with a valid GATE Score. OR
- Candidates with B. Tech in Biotechnology with a valid GATE score and subject to securing a minimum 85% (percentile) in GATE.
- Note: Candidates with M.E./M.Tech. degree or those eligible for direct CSIR-SRF-Direct are NOT eligible to apply for JRF-GATE.
Age Limit
| Category | Maximum Age (as on 27.05.2026) | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General | 28 years | – |
| SC/PwBD/Female | 28 years | Up to 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 28 years | Up to 3 years |
The age limit is calculated as on the date of Interview i.e., 27.05.2026.
Application Fee
The official notification does not specify any application fee details. Candidates are advised to check the online application portal for any fee requirements.
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Date of Commencement of Online Application | 09.05.2026 from 10.00 AM onwards |
| Last date for Submission of Online Application | 25.05.2026 up to 05.00 PM |
| Interview Date & Venue | 27.05.2026 at CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi |
| Reporting Time for Interview | 08.30 A.M. (No entry after 10.00 A.M.) |
Selection Process
- Online Application & Shortlisting: Eligible candidates must submit their online applications along with all necessary certificates by the last date. Incomplete applications or those without required documents will be rejected. Shortlisted candidates will be notified via the official website and email for the interview.
- Interview: The interview will be conducted in Hybrid mode (offline and online). The link and time slot for the online interview will be sent to eligible candidates via email.
- Final Selection: Candidates will be selected based on their performance in the interview and fulfillment of all eligibility criteria. The decision of CSIR-CECRI in regard to the selection process will be final.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the CSIR-CECRI JRF (GATE) Recruitment 2026:
- Visit the official CSIR-CECRI website: www.cecri.res.in.
- Navigate to the ‘Recruitment’ or ‘Notifications’ section and find the advertisement for ‘Engagement of CSIR-JRF(GATE) Notification No. JRF – 04/2026’.
- Read the complete notification carefully to understand all eligibility criteria, terms, and conditions.
- Click on the ‘Apply Online’ link (which will be active from 09.05.2026).
- Fill out the online application form with all required personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Upload scanned copies of necessary certificates/documents in support of your date of birth, caste, educational qualifications, experience (if any), and valid GATE score.
- Review your application form thoroughly before final submission to ensure all details are correct.
- Submit the application form on or before 25.05.2026, 05:00 PM.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form for future reference.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website (CSIR-CECRI) | www.cecri.res.in |
| AcSIR Admission Portal | www.acsir.res.in |
| Download Notification PDF | (Not provided in PDF, will be available on official website) |
Job Profile & Career Scope
As a CSIR Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at CSIR-CECRI, your primary role will be to engage in cutting-edge research under the Integrated Dual Degree PhD Programme (M.Tech – Ph.D) of AcSIR. This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to significant scientific advancements in the field of electrochemistry and related disciplines. Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting experimental and theoretical research as part of your PhD program.
- Assisting senior scientists in ongoing projects and laboratory work.
- Analyzing data, writing research papers, and presenting findings at conferences.
- Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
The career scope after completing a PhD from a prestigious institution like CSIR-CECRI is vast. You can pursue a career in:
- Academia: Post-doctoral research, Assistant Professor positions in universities and research institutes.
- R&D Sector: Research scientist roles in government organizations (DRDO, ISRO, BARC), private industries, and multinational corporations.
- Entrepreneurship: Starting your own venture based on innovative research.
- Consultancy: Providing expert advice to industries.
The fellowship also offers a structured path for professional growth, with the stipend increasing based on research progress, reflecting the value placed on your contributions.
Preparation Tips
To successfully secure the CSIR-JRF position and excel in the PhD program, consider these preparation tips:
For the Interview:
- Revise Core Concepts: Thoroughly review the fundamental concepts of your BE/B.Tech discipline (Chemical, Metallurgy, Nanotechnology, etc.) and related areas mentioned in the eligibility criteria.
- GATE Score Understanding: Be prepared to discuss your GATE performance and the subjects you excelled in.
- Research Aptitude: Demonstrate your interest in research. Read about ongoing research at CSIR-CECRI or general trends in your field. Be ready to discuss a potential research area or problem.
- Communication Skills: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. The interview will assess your ability to communicate complex ideas.
- PhD Motivation: Be clear about your motivation for pursuing a PhD and how this JRF position aligns with your career goals.
- Document Preparation: Keep all your original certificates and their photocopies ready for verification on the interview day.
For the PhD Program:
- Strong Foundation: A solid understanding of your undergraduate subjects is crucial.
- Analytical Thinking: Develop strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Time Management: PhD requires significant dedication and self-discipline. Start practicing effective time management.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Be open to learning new techniques and concepts from related fields, especially given the interdisciplinary nature of electrochemical research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the tenure of the CSIR-JRF (GATE) fellowship?
The total duration of the fellowship is five years, within which the candidate is expected to complete the Ph.D. degree, as per CSIR-HRDG guidelines.
Q2: Can candidates with an M.E./M.Tech. degree apply for this JRF position?
No, candidates with M.E./M.Tech. degrees or those eligible for direct CSIR-SRF-Direct are specifically stated as not eligible to apply for this JRF-GATE position.
Q3: Is a valid GATE score mandatory for this recruitment?
Yes, a valid GATE score is an essential qualification for all specified engineering/science disciplines to be eligible for the CSIR-JRF (GATE) position.
Q4: What happens if I submit an incomplete application?
Incomplete applications or applications not accompanied by the required certificates/documents will be summarily rejected, and no interim inquiries will be entertained.
Q5: Will I receive TA/DA for attending the interview?
No, TA/DA (Travel Allowance/Dearness Allowance) will not be paid for attending the interview, whether offline or online.
Q6: What is the increase in stipend mentioned in the notification?
The initial stipend of ₹37,000/- plus HRA will be increased to ₹42,000/- plus HRA from the 3rd and subsequent year, based on the assessment of the fellow’s research progress/achievements by an expert committee.
Q7: What is the purpose of this JRF fellowship?
The JRF position is specifically for pursuing an Integrated Dual Degree PhD Programme (M.Tech – Ph.D) of AcSIR at CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi.
Q8: How will shortlisted candidates be informed about the interview?
Shortlisted candidates will be notified on the official CSIR-CECRI website, and the link and time slot for the online interview will be sent to them through email.
